Best Online Casinos for Players in Idaho in 2024

Introduction

Known as the ‘Gem State’, Idaho is nestled in the Mountain West of the Western United States. It’s a landlocked state with a rich history. Boise, its capital and largest city, anchors this vast territory of about 200,000 square kilometers, making it the 14th largest state by land area. With a population of around 1.8 million, Idaho is the 13th least populous and the 7th least densely populated among the 50 U.S. states.

Before European settlers arrived, Idaho was home to Native American tribes for thousands of years, each contributing to the deep and diverse heritage of this state.

The influence of Native American tribes adds another layer to the state’s gambling tapestry, as we’ll dealing with it. Though attempts to expand gambling options through tribal negotiations have had limited success, tribes continue to play a crucial role in the state’s gaming landscape, primarily through bingo and charity-based games.

Gambling in Idaho presents a distinctive landscape shaped by strict regulations and unique local influences. Historically, the state has maintained a firm stance against most forms of gambling, with laws that often limit the options available to enthusiasts. While commercial casinos are absent, a handful of tribal casinos offer limited Class II games, such as bingo and pull-tab games, operating under specific agreements with the state.

Online gambling in Idaho is another area where the country stance remains clear: it is illegal. Despite the availability of offshore platforms, engaging in online gambling for real money is both prohibited and risky.

Overall, Idaho’s approach to gambling combines legal constraints with a unique blend of local and tribal influences.

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History of Gambling in Idaho

Gambling has woven itself into Idaho history from its earliest days. Although often prohibited, the enforcement of these laws has frequently been lax. By September 1892, Boise had become a hotspot for gambling activities, so…

…during the mid-1800s, when Idaho was still a territory, gambling was a common sight in various parts of the region. However, as the territory moved toward statehood, local authorities started tightening the reins.

By 1889, when the state constitution was drafted and ratified, Article III, Section 20 addressed gambling in a notably ambiguous manner. It stated, “The legislature shall not authorize any betting or gift enterprise, under any pretense or for any purpose whatever,” leaving much room for interpretation regarding the legality of specific gambling practices, right?

In February 1898, the Boise City Council enacted an ordinance that specified which gambling practices were deemed illegal. This list included popular games of the time such as faro, monte, roulette, and several others involving cards, dice, or any devices used for betting money or valuables.

Later on, Idaho has seen shifts in its gambling landscape. Slot machines enjoyed a period of legality after their introduction in 1947, quickly becoming a popular choice among bettors. However, their popularity was short-lived; in 1953, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled them illegal, and they vanished from the scene.

The gambling scene in Idaho took a turn in 1963 with the establishment of the Idaho State Racing Commission, which legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. This form of betting remains a favorite in the state, with eight racetracks currently in operation. For several years, no new gambling options emerged.

A significant change came in 1988 when the Idaho Lottery was approved. Part of the Multi-State Lottery Association, it offers residents various lottery games. Tickets and scratch cards are available at numerous retail locations, including gas stations and convenience stores. The legal gambling age in Idaho for these activities is 18.

Efforts to legalize Class III games, such as poker, blackjack, and slots, were attempted by several tribes but didn’t succeed. Instead, tribal casinos that opened focused on bingo. The situation evolved in 2002 with the approval of the Idaho State-Tribal Gambling Compact Initiative, which allowed for video gaming machines similar to slots – as long as the machines lack a lever and don’t dispense coins (only providing cash-out tickets) they don’t qualify as slot machines and don’t mimic traditional casino gambling.

In 2011, the legalization of simulcast betting expanded options beyond racetrack locations. While eight licensed facilities now offer this service, attempts to introduce instant simulcast betting machines faced resistance due to their resemblance to slot machines, leading to their swift removal from the market.

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Gambling Laws in Idaho

Idaho casino laws stand out for their strictness when compared to regulations in other states. The options for betting within the state are notably limited. To steer clear of legal complications, residents must familiarize themselves with the specifics of Idaho gambling legislation. For avid gamblers, Idaho might not be the ideal place.

The legal betting activities are quite restricted, leaving enthusiasts with few opportunities to engage in their favorite pastime, so…

…gambling is largely banned as it contradicts public policy. However, there are a few exceptions where gambling activities are allowed under strict conditions. These include:

• State Lottery: This is permitted if it operates in line with state legislation.
• Pari-mutuel Betting: Legal for horse racing, provided it adheres to the relevant laws.
• Bingo and Raffle Games: These can be conducted by qualified charitable organizations, but only if they follow the specific regulations designed to ensure the proceeds support charitable causes.

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Is Online Gambling Legal in Idaho?

Unfortunately, online casinos are illegal, including those operated by offshore sites. Engaging with these unregulated platforms can be risky, as they operate outside the law and may not ensure fair gaming or honor withdrawal requests.

If caught gambling online for real money in Idaho, individuals could face up to six months in jail and significant fines. You always have an option to travel to states where the best online casinos are legal is a safer and often more cost-effective choice.

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Sweepstakes Casinos in Idaho

Sweepstake online casinos in Idaho offer a wide range of casino games, including live dealer options, without involving real money directly. Instead, players use site currency and can earn Sweepstake rewards, which can later be redeemed for real money prizes.

Because these casinos don’t involve direct real money gambling, they operate legally in Idaho. Players can enjoy various games, including their favorite slots, and collect rewards by redeeming their sweeps.

Many sweepstakes online casinos also provide generous welcome bonuses, allowing players to start enjoying the games without any initial financial commitment.

Idaho Casino Guide

As we stated in the previous section, gambling is generally prohibited as it goes against public policy. The state doesn’t host any commercial casinos. However, a few tribal casinos are allowed to operate, offering specific types of gambling. Unlike many other states, Idaho tribal casinos are limited to Class II activities, which include bingo, charity drawings, and pull-tab games. Casino games like poker, blackjack, and slot machines fall under Class III activities and remain illegal.

The following casinos are operated by four Native American tribes in Idaho:

• Bannock Peak Casino
• Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel
• Clearwater River Casino & Hotel
• Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino
• It’se-Ye-Ye Casino
• Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa
• Coeur D’Alene Casino

Depositing and Withdrawing when in ID

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

US-ID Online Casinos Deposit & Withdrawal Grades View All

To Conclude

The gambling scene in Idaho is a study in contrasts, where strict regulations and limited options create a unique environment for enthusiasts. While the absence of commercial casinos and the prohibition of online gambling might seem restrictive, the presence of several Native American casinos and sweepstake options provide a glimpse into a more regulated yet engaging gambling experience!

Idaho gambling laws reflect a cautious approach, balancing tradition with controlled opportunities, and highlighting the distinctive mix of legal restrictions and local influences. For those navigating the Idaho gambling landscape, understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed choices.

Written by: Michael Shackleford