Idaho is what we’d call semi-warm to gambling entertainment. They haven’t outlawed it 100%, but they haven’t allowed for much of a selection either. While many forms of gambling are prohibited, there are however certain exceptions. Poker unfortunately is not one of those exceptions. In fact, Idaho gambling law specifically mentions poker as a form of prohibited gambling. Under Idaho law, gambling refers to the risking of money, deposit, credit or anything of value for gain contingent wholly or partly upon chance, lot, the occurrence or result of an event including a sports event, the operation of a gambling device or casino gambling including but not limited to craps, blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat or keno.
Chapter 4, Title 67, Idaho Code, is hereby amended by the addition thereto of a NEW SECTION, to be known and designated as Section 67-429C, Idaho Code, and to read as follows: 67-429C. AMENDMENT OF STATE-TRIBAL GAMING COMPACTS. Additionally, any person knowingly conducting a raffle in violation of any provision of this chapter or rule of the state lottery commission may be charged under the gambling laws of the state contained in chapter 38, title 18, Idaho Code, and may be assessed a civil penalty by the lottery not in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation.
- Sports Betting In Idaho. Surprisingly, Idaho has a decent amount of legal gambling entertainment available. The state allows tribal casinos, a state lottery, charitable gaming and pari-mutuel wagering. Like every other state that has not enacted sports betting laws since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was repealed, Idaho does not offer any type of state-based sportsbook gambling opportunities.
- The gambling age in Idaho is 18+. Those 18 years of age and older can participate in the state and national lotteries, tribal casino games, charity bingo, as well as pari-mutuel racing bets. The legal drinking age in the state is 21 years of age but was once 19.
- For a state that imposes so many restrictions on the facilitation of gambling, Idaho is one of the more generous in the union when it comes to the issue of the legal gambling age. In order to enjoy the tribal casinos, play the lottery, or even place wagers online, Idaho gambling laws say residents need only be 18 years of age or older.
Other Idaho Gambling Pages
Idaho Law Concerning Online Gambling
There is no direct reference to the internet or online gambling but Idaho constitution prohibits the use of any electronic or electromechanical stimulation or imitation of casino gambling. It is currently not legal to operate an online gambling site within the state of Idaho. This being the case, players are wise to limit their participation in online gambling to sites which are legally licensed and regulated outside of the US within governing jurisdictions that have specifically legalized online gambling. There are multiple legally licensed and regulated gambling sites which welcome players from Idaho, and they are often referred to as Idaho online gambling options though they are not based in Idaho. These options include Idaho online casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks accepting Idaho players.
Compared to other states, Idaho gambling law has fewer penalties for operating an illegal gambling business. Engaging as a player in an illegal gambling activity is a misdemeanor offense. Idaho gambling law provides an exception for certain forms of social gambling but social poker games are not included in the exception.
Idaho Poker Gambling Laws
Home poker games are illegal in Idaho even if the host does not charge a fee or rake the pot. Online poker is not addressed by Idaho gambling law. In fact there is no law that specifically prohibits or permits online poker. Clearly the state is not very gambling friendly, which is why many poker players opt for legal Idaho online poker sites for playing poker. You will find a few of these sites listed in our guide. The poker rooms which are listed on this site have been through an extensive review process to ensure that they are legally licensed and compliance certified by a respected governing jurisdiction which has legalized online poker in their respective territories. We also verify the site’s security profile, and quality regarding a consistent, reliable and safe user interface performance. A safe and reliable gambling environment is critical if you intend to play poker online.
History Of Idaho Gambling Laws
Gambling was not always illegal in the state. Way back in 1890 when Idaho became a state, the law permitted gambling as long as it was approved by the locals. Many communities at that time approved gambling. During the late 1800s and the early 1900s there were many towns in Idaho that offered various gambling options. The state had many casinos. Some of them attracted famous celebrities and businessmen. However things changed in 1949 when gambling was made illegal in the state. Slot machines and some other forms of gambling continued to be legal until 1953 when the voters in the state voted to outlaw them.
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races were legalized in 1963. This was later followed by the legalization of charitable gambling by non-profit organizations. The Idaho lottery was established in 1986. However it was challenged in the Supreme Court and the lottery was closed down. Two years later the voters in the state voted to re-establish the lottery and by 1989 the lottery was once again running. The 1990s saw the creation of Indian casinos. However these weren’t full fledged casinos like in other states. These were essentially high stake bingo halls. The state refused to negotiate with the Indian tribes. In protest one of the tribes, the Coeur d’Alene tribe started a telephone and online national lottery. They had to subsequently stop the lottery as it did not make a profit and also because they faced numerous lawsuits. But their efforts did not go in vain. The Indian tribes were allowed to install electronic pull-tab on the basis that they are similar to the lottery. The legal age for gambling in Idaho is 18.
Idaho Gambling Laws Concerning Bingo and Charitable Gambling
Bingo and raffles are legal as part of charitable gambling. The organization conducting the event must obtain a license to conduct the event. These are restrictions on the prizes, participation or entry gee and age of participants. Idaho bingo fans do have the option of participating in legal Idaho bingo halls that are licensed, regulated and located outside of the US within jurisdictions which have specifically legalized online bingo gaming.
Land Based Idaho Gambling Laws
Today there are seven casinos in the state along with nine horse tracks. None of these casinos offer poker or card rooms. Casinos operating in Idaho must comply with the state restrictions on the games that can be offered. One can play video poker, slots and other casino games at these casinos. Off track horse betting and other forms of wagering are also offered by these casinos. Indian casinos are exempt from the law that makes it a crime to possess a slot machine in Idaho, unless it’s from before 1950 and non-electronic. The legal age for gambling in Idaho is 18.
Federal Laws Which Affect Idaho Players
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 does not apply to those who engage in online gambling or poker as mere players. It does not make online gambling or poker illegal. Rather it prohibits the processing of payments received from an online gambling activity. In 2011 when the Department of Justice ruled that the Federal Wire Act applies only to sports betting and not online gambling or online poker, the state lottery director went on record saying that land based gambling was the first priority for the state and there were no plans of regulating online poker.
Idaho Gambling Laws
For those who prefer to review the laws and statutes for Idaho in their original context and language, you can visit the State of Idaho Legislature where you will have access to the law of the state in their entirety.
**For those who are looking for a professional legal interpretation of any law or statute, we recommend that you contact a licensed attorney. This page is intended to serve as informational only and is not intended to substitute for or provide any type of legal services or advise of any kind. We are not lawyers and are not qualified to provide professional legal interpretations or legal services of any nature.
Idaho Gambling Laws FAQS
Where does Idaho stand on gambling?
While there isn’t much a selection within the state of Idaho, they also haven’t gone out of their way to outlaw it totally like in some states. Most traditional gambling practices are still forbidden but there are horse and dog tracks throughout the state that practice a form of gambling that is widely legal throughout the United States with only few exceptions.
What is Pari-Mutual gambling and does Idaho allow it?
Pari-Mutuel gambling is legal within the state of Idaho and is the most popular form of gambling at horse and dog tracks. This form of gambling has all of the gamblers make their bets to a pot where the facility only takes a small fee. All of the bettors who placed bets on the first three winners of the race split the pot according to the stakes of the race and the bets that they placed. All of the patrons are placing bets against other patrons and not the establishment itself.
What is social gambling and does Idaho allow it?
Social gambling is one of the other forms of gambling within most states in the US that is typically allowed. In Idaho, it is not legal. A social gambling game isn’t just a simple game of poker between friends in a private dwelling. The card game itself is totally legal until there are real bets and real money being wagered. That is the point where it becomes illegal.
What are the penalties for gambling in the state of Idaho?
If you are caught practicing any of the illegal forms of gambling in Idaho you will be given a “simple gambling charge” which is a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor in the state of Idaho can lead to a jail sentence that does not exceed 6 months and a fine of up to 1000 dollars. If you are caught multiple times for simple gambling the charge goes to a “aggravated gambling” charge and those penalties can double.
Has Idaho always been primarily against gambling?
No, in fact, when Idaho became a state most state residents approved of gambling. There was numerous casinos and gambling facilities in the towns all over the state until the mid-1900’s when gambling was outlawed. Pari-mutuel gambling came back in the 60’s and there was a lottery that made its way back into Idaho culture in the 80’s.
Are there any gambling establishments that are still open in the state?
There are horse and dog tracks all over the states and currently there are 7 casinos although none of them can offer poker or card rooms. They do have options available for slots, video poker, and various other casino games that fall in suit with the legal code of the state. There is also a unique law in Idaho where slots can be purchased under some legal compromises if the slot is from before 1950 and is non-electric creating an interesting old school vibe to some of the slot machines you can find in the state.
What’s the gambling age in Idaho?
The legal age to gamble in Idaho is 18.
Gambling in Idaho can be one of the most exciting things to do in the state especially if you’re of the legal age to partake in the festivities. On this page you will find everything you need to know about the legal gambling age in Idaho as well as what place in the state to gamble at. After reading this article bettors should be aware of identifying potential red flags in fraudulent gambling sites as well as knowing the best places to gamble in the state. Idaho does not have any laws preventing residents from participating in online gambling and online sports betting. Furthermore, Idaho does have some tribal casinos, charitable gambling/gaming, and a state lottery but there is no state-based sportsbooks. Every recommendation we give on this page has been thoroughly researched by us to ensure that the gambling operators value customer service and are putting out a quality product.
Idaho Ages For Gambling | |
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Legal Sports Betting Age in Idaho | 21 |
Legal Casino Age in Idaho | 18 |
Legal Poker Age in Idaho | 18 |
Legal Lottery Age in Idaho | 18 |
Legal Horse Betting Age in Idaho | 18 |
Legal DFS Age in Idaho | n/a |
Legal Bingo Age in Idaho | 18 |
What Is The Legal Gambling Age At Casinos In Idaho?
The Legal gambling age at casinos in Idaho is 18. If you are not of the legal age (18) and try to enter a casino in Idaho you could be prosecuted by the local or state authorities as well as receiving a lifetime ban from the casino. Legal Online Casinos For Idaho ResidentsThere are few brick-and-mortar casinos in Idaho and if one is not close to you there are numerous online casinos to choose from. However, there is not state-sponsored online casino for resident to gamble at. Picking the right online casino can be tricky and you should always make sure you select a sites that is regulated by some government or gambling commission.
Slots.lv - Giving Idaho Residents A Chance To Win Big
Slots.lv is one of the top online casinos in the industry with a wide offering of games and an easy to use website design that make everything just a click away. The bonuses and promotions are also one of the biggest draws to slots.lv. Currently the site is running double up special that will match 100% of bettors deposits up to $100. Not only does this site have slots but it features a live dealer, video poker, and table games for bettors to play on.
Lucky Red - 400% Sign Up Bonus
Lucky Red is one of the few online casinos that provide players that are 18 the ability to get into the games. Lucky Red will let you deposit with a variety of different methods, though debit cards are the easiest to use. Their actual deposit bonus is a 400% match to $4,000, which comes before the remaining 3 deposit bonuses that finalize this great welcome package. As one of the RTG casinos, Lucky Red is amongst the safest gaming centers online.
Legal Idaho Online Casinos
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Idaho Sports Betting Sites
Since there are no state based online sportsbooks in Idaho, many bettors that live in the state turn to offshore sites to still gamble on sports if they are of the legal age. Many of the offshore sportsbooks available to residents of Idaho are licensed and regulated. Since their companies are based outside of the United States they are outside of the jurisdiction of the US law enforcement which means these sites are free to be used by anyone in Idaho whether a resident or tourist.
What Is The Legal Sports Betting Age In Idaho?
Although many of the other gambling options in the state of Idaho require bettors to be 18, to legally bet on sports in the state you must be 21 years or older.
Legal Sports Betting Sites For Idaho Residents
There are no state backed legal sports betting sites for Idaho residents but that doesn’t mean they can’t still legally bet on sports. Offshore sportsbooks have long been used by residents of Idaho to bet on their favorite sports and there are no laws preventing any one in the state from using online sportsbooks.
Bovada - $250 Sports Welcome Bonus for Idaho Residents
Bovada is one of the most highly touted sportsbooks available to residents in Idaho. The sportsbooks offers multiple ways to deposit/withdraw money and has some of the most advantageous odds for bettors to bet on. Bovada has a promotions that will give new bettors from Idaho a welcome bonus that will match 50% of the new accounts first deposit up to $250 dollars. Using Bovada is easy and the sportsbook has a mobile site that put the entire catalog of odds and bets props right in the palm of your hand which allows bettors to place their wagers at anytime.
Legal Idaho Online Sportsbooks
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What Is The Legal Poker Age In Idaho?
The legal poker age in Idaho is 18 and anyone under that age is not permitted to participate in any gambling activities. Super craps system. Keep in mind that Idaho is strict when it comes to keeping underaged people from gambling in the state. If you are over 18 you can go to the casinos to play poker or go to an online poker room.
Legal Poker Sites For Idaho Residents
Idaho Online Gambling Laws
Since there are no state based poker sites fo Idaho residents to indulge in the only options are to find a local casino that has a poker room or go to an offshore poker site. If choosing the offshore route make sure that the poker room is licensed by a regulatory authority and operates outside of the United States.
BetOnline Poker - Top Poker Site in Idaho
BetOnline, in addition to hosting a casino and a sportsbook, is home to one of the safest poker rooms online. BetOnline's poker room gives their players access to a slew of different tables, covering low stakes to high. Each variant of poker, be it stud, hold 'em, Omaha or others, has a fairly wide range of stakes. All players can take advantage of their initial deposit bonus, which is good for a match of 100% which carries a limit $1,000 in free cash.
Legal Idaho Poker Sites
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What Is The Legal Gambling Age To Bet On Horses In Idaho?
The legal gambling to bet on horses in Idaho is in uniform with most of the other gambling activities and only requires participants to be aged 18 or older. Wonder woman casino game.
Horse Betting Sites For Idaho Residents
If you’re of the legal betting age (18) in Idaho you are allowed to gamble at horse betting sites. However, there are no state backed betting sites for residents of Idaho and the offshore sites are the only option for Idahoans. When choosing an online sportsbooks make sure its licensed by a official governing body.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Play The Lottery In Idaho?
To participate in Idaho’s State lottery you must 18 years or older. Idaho’s lottery offers power ball plays, scratch offs, and also features promotions for gamblers in state to enjoy. Online betting sites also offer keno for those who are interested in the numbers games.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age For DFS In Idaho?
Idaho Online Gambling Laws
Unfortunately, Daily Fantasy Sports has not been in Idaho since 2016 when FanDuel and DraftKings stopped operating in the state shortly after reaching a deal with the state’s Attorney General. DFS players will have to venture into a neighboring state if they want to play DFS online.
Online Bingo For Idaho Residents
If you are a bingo fan, you will no longer have to leave your house to get in on the games. Online bingo has been providing players with the same action they will find through the live bingo halls. This comes without the hassle of travel or otherwise having to leave your home. All you need is a credit card to partake in the fun.
Vic's Bingo - Open To Idaho Gamblers
Idaho Gambling Laws
Vic's Bingo has long provided players with the ability to dab cards and aim for patterns. By letting players above the age of 18 join their service, Vic's bingo has become one of the largest bingo halls online. They provide a 250% match bonus, which will boost your initial deposit significantly. If you want to play over 3,000 patterns, hundreds upon hundreds of cards, than Vic's Bingo is the place to be if you are above the Idaho legal gambling ages.