Idaho Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in the Gem State

Land-Based Casinos in Idaho

There are seven tribal venues in Idaho that are located mainly in the north and the south of the state.

The Coeur d’Alene Casino is perhaps the most famous in the state and is located on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation near Spokane, WA.

Three casinos sit in the Fort Hall Reservation. Players can also cross the border and gamble at the Cactus Petes Resort Casino on US 93. There are no commercial casinos in the Gem State.

Here’s the full list of land-based casinos you can visit in Idaho:

Horse & Dog Tracks

Les Bois Park was the only horse racetrack in the state to host quarter-horse and thoroughbred horse races until it shuttered in 2019. Greyhound Park in Post Falls is the only simulcast facility in the state, while there are six advanced deposit wagering platforms available to residents, including Churchill Downs and TVG/ODS.

Online Sports Betting

Idaho does not regulate online sports betting, which means players who want to wager on NFL, NBA, and other sports have to seek out-of-state options.

Tribal casinos are also prohibited from hosting sports betting facilities, like in-person sportsbooks or mobile betting apps.

Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling

Idaho hosts bingo halls throughout the state, spanning from Payette to Alameda. These venues organize charitable bingo games, open to players aged 18 and above.

Licensed vendors also offer raffle games, and the Idaho Lottery sells tickets for the annual $1,000,000 Raffle.

If you’re looking for somewhere to play, the Department of Administration has a complete searchable list of bingo locations.

Social Gaming at Home

Home and social gaming, including social gaming at home, is prohibited in Idaho under state law. However, state authorities are unlikely to intervene in small-scale, amateur social gambling gatherings where no one acts as the house.

State police are primarily concerned with shutting down illegal gambling operations where the house takes a cut. Low-stakes games among friends, where no one profits from the action, are generally accepted.

Poker Rooms and Clubs

There are no poker rooms due to state laws prohibiting poker. Despite efforts by tribes, legislators have not classified card games as Category III gaming.

Additionally, the ban on social gaming means there are no private poker clubs in the state. Unlike in other states, private poker rooms are not allowed in ID.

Slot Machines

In 1953, the Idaho Supreme Court deemed slot machines unconstitutional and illegal. However, tribal casinos are allowed to have video gaming machines.

Casino Cruises

Idaho does not have any casino cruises, but there are a number of tribal casinos located on riverbanks, including the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa in Bonners Ferry.

Online Slots

Online slots in ID are only available at out-of-state sites. You can play thousands of games from reputable software providers on your phone or laptop. Enjoy bonus features like free spins, high-paying wilds, and mega jackpots.

While it’s possible to play slot-like machines at Idaho’s tribal casinos, you can’t win money. If you want to chase life-changing jackpots then offshore sites are your best option.

Online Poker

The Gem State hasn’t legalized or regulated poker like many other states. As a result, players often turn to online poker rooms operating under international licenses.

These platforms offer access to global tournaments with substantial prize pools, where players can compete against both professionals and newcomers.

Since Idaho’s tribal casinos don’t offer in-person poker, offshore sites remain the only and best option for poker fans in the state.

Blackjack

Like poker, blackjack is prohibited in Idaho, preventing tribal casinos from offering the popular card game. Therefore, residents cannot establish card rooms in the state.

However, online blackjack is widely available on offshore casino sites, offering players easy access to the game and all its extensive variants, such as Multihand, Perfect Pairs, Single Deck, and Double Deck Blackjack.

Live Dealer Games

Local gambling websites don’t exist, and tribal casinos are restricted from offering games like roulette or baccarat. Therefore, residents turn to offshore sites for live dealer games, where they can enjoy options such as blackjack, roulette, keno, super 6, and baccarat.

These platforms allow players to interact with dealers through live camera feeds and chat features, providing an immersive gaming experience.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Idaho?

The online gambling industry in Idaho operates without state law regulating it. Therefore, platforms cannot be based or operate within the state, leading players to join out-of-state platforms to access online casino games.

In Idaho, Legal Gambling Is Very Restricted

Idaho takes a conservative approach to gambling and assumes all forms are illegal unless otherwise stated. Article 3, Section 20 of the state constitution states, “Gambling is contrary to public policy and is strictly prohibited except for the following”.

The exceptions include:

• State lottery
• Pari-mutuel betting
• Bingo and raffle games

Tribal Casinos Operate In Idaho

There are seven tribal casinos in the Gem State, but they do not offer players the full range of games one might expect. In fact, according to Idaho Secretary Of State, you can only play Class II games at tribal venues, meaning bingo and video gaming machines are all available.

These machines simulate games of craps, blackjack, roulette, etc., but the casinos cannot provide live dealer games.

Gambling Is Illegal In Idaho

Section 18-3801 of the Idaho State Legislature defines gambling as: “risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device or the happening or outcome of an event, including a sporting event, the operation of casino gambling including, but not limited to, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat or keno”.

Slot Machines Are Outlawed In Idaho

The state legislature specifically outlaws the use and possession of slot machines, with antique slot machines the only exception. “It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to use, possess, operate, keep, sell, or maintain for use or operation or otherwise, anywhere within the state of Idaho, any slot machine of any sort or kind whatsoever.”

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Read Reviews

Browse reviews by Idaho residents who found their ideal casino site. Consider the pros and cons mentioned by existing players to tailor your casino experience.

Get Security Guarantees

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Check The License

Since Idaho lacks regulated gambling options, we recommend offshore sites. Ensure that the license and regulatory compliance of your chosen casino are verified. These platforms often operate under licenses from Europe, Curaçao, or Panama.

Get Responsible Gambling Tips

All our recommended casinos offer responsible gambling advice through blogs, live chat operators, and links to charitable organizations. Make sure you read the advice before you join your chosen site.

Champion Transparency

Find a site that is open and honest about what you get for joining. Casino sites should have understandable T&Cs, and give thorough details on exerting from payout tables and RTPs to bonus requirements, withdrawal methods, and loyalty schemes.

Check Payment Options

Make sure your preferred payment option is available at your chosen casino site. Options range from card payments and wire transfers to checks, crypto, and e-wallet deposits.