Idaho Online Casinos and Gambling Sites

Written by: Jeremy Olson , Online Casino and Games Expert
Verified by: John Mehaffey , Editor in Chief
Idaho state flag

Idaho is one of the more restrictive states when it comes to gambling.

There are land-based casinos, but no online gambling operations are permitted within the state. However, Idaho residents and visitors can turn to online casinos and sportsbooks based offshore for wagering from home

Here, we suggest some top online gambling sites for Idahoans. We chose these sites based on our experts’ broad industry knowledge and what gamblers look for.

This guide also explores each type of gambling available in Idaho and the legal and regulatory aspects

Highlights

Check out the table below for an overview of the types of gambling that are legally permitted in Idaho, including online and land-based casinos and activities like the state lottery.

Is Gambling Legal?

Yes

Legal Gambling Age

18

Land-Based Casinos

Yes

Online Casinos

Grey Area

Land-Based Sports Betting

No

Online Sportsbooks

No

Legal State Lottery

Yes

Charitable Gambling

Yes

Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Start Playing at ID Online Casinos

Is Online Gambling Legal in Idaho?

Key Takeaways

  • Idaho does not show much interest in online gambling, either regulating or banning it.
  • Hundreds of online casinos, betting sites, and poker rooms serve Idahoans.
  • State authorities have taken a hands-off approach towards offshore gambling sites.
  • Nobody has faced prosecution for gambling online in the Gem State.
Online Gambling at Poker Rooms Cards Chips and Dealer Icon

Idaho is one of the more limited states regarding gambling. It offers tribal casinos, lottery games, pari-mutuel betting, and charity gaming. However, it does not permit sports betting, social gambling, or poker.

Where does Idaho online gambling lie in this mixed bag of legalities? The Gem State does not specifically mention online gambling in its laws. It provides a broad definition of illegal gaming in the Idaho Statutes.

We look at precedents in the absence of clearly defined online gaming laws. Idaho has never prosecuted offshore gambling sites or players.

It has also not shown much interest in banning online gambling. Therefore, many online casinos, poker rooms, and betting sites serve this state.

Best Idaho Online Casinos in 2024

The following list can help you quickly find the top gaming options for Idaho State.

RANK CASINO BONUS PAYOUT SPEED LICENSED TOTAL GAMES SLOTS OUR RATING CLICK TO PLAY
1 DuckyLuck Casino Logo DuckyLuck Casino BONUS 500% up to $7,500 PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 699 SLOTS 600 OUR RATING 4 / 5 Play Now
2 Bovada Casino Logo Bovada Casino BONUS 125% up to $3,750 PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 549 SLOTS 435 OUR RATING 4 / 5 Play Now
3 SlotsandCasino Logo SlotsandCasino BONUS 500% up to $7,500 PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 691 SLOTS 594 OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 Play Now
4 BetUS Logo BetUS BONUS 150% up to $3,000 PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 491 SLOTS 367 OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 Play Now
5 Cafe Casino Logo Cafe Casino BONUS 350% up to $2,500 PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 547 SLOTS 384 OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 Play Now

*Last Updated: December, 2024

DuckyLuck and Bovada are two of the best Idaho online casinos. As covered below, they excel in certain areas that stand out from other top ID casinos.

DuckyLuck – Top Site for Casino Games

DuckyLuck Casino Logo Featured Image

You can choose from nearly 600 games at DuckyLuck Casino, with the slots category offering over 500+ titles. By comparison, most online casinos offer 150-200 online slots and 200-300 games overall.

DuckyLuck offers several other game categories, including live dealer, table games, video poker, and casual.

You can enjoy plenty of promotions when playing these games, such as free spins, daily cashback, and reload MEGABONUSES.

Features

  • Nearly 600 online casino games
  • Plenty of game types, such as live dealer and video poker
  • One of the best online casinos at offering promotions

Bovada – Best Site for Sports Betting

Bovada Casino Logo

Bovada is a top ID gambling site for casino games and sports betting. Regarding the latter, you can routinely expect 25-30 sports markets, while the average sports betting site offers 15-20 markets.

The Bovada Sportsbook also offers interesting features, including a props builder, a parlay booster, and many live betting markets. As for Bovada Casino, you can enjoy 300+ games and Hot Drop Jackpots.

Top Features

  • Great gambling site for sports betting & casino games
  • Offers 25-30 sports markets
  • Sportsbook features like props builder & parlay booster

How We Choose Online Casinos

You can see the criteria we use to recommend top Idaho online casinos like DuckyLuck, Bovada, and others below.

  1. Reputation

    Reputable online casinos ensure a good experience through quality customer support, quick payouts, and fair gaming.
  2. Fast & Reliable Payments

    We like online casinos that process payouts within 24 hours, but a 24-48 hour window is also acceptable.
  3. Security & Safety

    We only take casinos seriously if they protect their websites with high-level encryption technology.
  4. Game Variety

    Some of the best Idaho online casinos offer over 500 games. However, any game selection with over 300 titles is also worthwhile.
  5. Quality Bonuses

    Huge Idaho casino bonuses are nice, but we also want the terms and conditions to be fair.

Top ID Online Casino Games for Real Money

Over a dozen types of online casino games are available to Idaho players. You can see the most popular game categories below. 

Slots Reel Big Icon

Online Slots

Most real-money online casinos in Idaho feature hundreds of online slots, which vary by features, game type, and themes.

Common features include free spins, expanding wilds, mystery symbols, and stacked wilds. The game type can vary in 3-D slot, multiplier, progressive, video, classic, etc.

Land-based Idaho casinos cannot offer Class III slot machines like those available in commercial casinos.

They instead offer Class II slots, which generate results through communal bingo games instead of random number generators like Class III and online slots.

Stack of Poker Chips Icon

Online Poker

Live poker was briefly an option in Idaho in 2014. The Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel (Worley) offered Texas hold’em games until receiving an injunction from the state to stop. It lost a court battle in 2015, marking the end of Idaho live poker.

However, you can still play online poker in the Gem State. Some top Idaho online casinos also offer poker cash games and tournaments.

Common online cash stakes go from $0.02/$0.05 to $10/$20. You can find online tournaments with prize pools worth $100,000 or more.

big icon blackjack

Online Blackjack

Live blackjack is illegal at Idaho tribal casinos, making online blackjack the main option in this state.

Most online casinos offer multiple blackjack variations, with Classic 21, multi-hand, single deck, and Switch being common. Single deck is popular online because it has favorable rules that can lead to 99.5% RTP or better.

Blackjack machines are available at ID tribal casinos. However, the catch is that you must visit a land-based casino to play electronic blackjack.

Online blackjack is available through smartphones, tablets, and computers, meaning you don’t need to travel anywhere.

Live Dealer Casino Icon

Live Dealer Games

All live table games like baccarat, craps, and roulette are illegal at Idaho casinos. You can only enjoy machine versions of these casino classics in the Gem State.

Online casinos provide the perfect substitutes for live dealer games, which stream action from land-based casino studios. They are the only way to enjoy live gaming in Idaho.

The most common live dealer casino games are baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. Some gaming sites offer other options like Lucky 7, Super 6, and Wheel of Fortune.

Common minimum stakes include $1 for roulette and $5-$10 for baccarat and blackjack.

Other Online Casino Games for Idaho

You can expand your online gaming horizons beyond slots, blackjack, and live dealer games like live blackjack. The following games are also available to Idahoans.

Idaho Online Casino Bonuses

You’ll be able to find different bonus types at online casinos of this state. Here are the most common ones.

Welcome Bonuses

Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.

Free Spin Offers

Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.

Reload Deals

Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.

You will find numerous online casino bonuses in Idaho, but which one(s) should you choose? The following offers are our top picks for ID players.

DuckyLuck Casino Banner

500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Bonus

DuckyLuck Casino offers a 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins welcome bonus for new players. This sign-up package is valid for your first three deposits.

The free spins are provided over three days, with 50 spins added to your account daily until you reach the full 150 free spins total.

Each segment of the bonus requires a $25 minimum deposit. Before withdrawing winnings, you must meet 30X wagering requirements (a.k.a. rollover) on the bonus plus deposit.

Craps, live dealer games, and progressive slots do not contribute to rollover.

Bovada Header Logo

125% up to $3,750 Welcome Bonus

Bovada sign-up promo provides three 125% up to $3,750 welcome bonus. It requires code BTCCWB1250 on the first deposit and BTC2NDCWB on the following two deposits.

You must meet 25X rollover on the first deposit bonus and 50x on the second and third bonuses.

Bovada Sports bonus is worth 75% up to $750 and requires code BTCSWB750. Rollover is 5X for sports betting and horse betting and 30X for casino.

Both Bovada bonuses require $20 minimum deposits through Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Ethereum, Litecoin, or Tether.

Idaho Casino Apps

No Idaho casino apps are available, but you can still play mobile casino games. The best ID online casinos are compatible with iOS and Android devices.

You start by visiting your preferred gaming site through an iPhone, iPad, or Android. Next, you register for an account, deposit (optional), and play games through your browser.

We have tried regulated casino apps in states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia. By comparison, offshore mobile casinos in Idaho run just as smoothly as gaming apps.

Facts About Online Casinos for ID Players

The Idaho Statutes do not mention online gambling, which can lead to questions. The following facts about ID online casinos provide more info on the subject.

Folder and Magnifying Glass Big Icon
  • Idaho has not regulated online gambling forms like sports betting or casinos.
  • State laws do not discuss online gaming and provide a broad definition of illegal gambling.
  • Many offshore casinos, poker rooms, and betting sites accept Idahoans.
  • State authorities have never prosecuted offshore gambling sites or their players.
  • The Gem State prohibits daily fantasy sports sites.
  • Due to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), offshore casinos and sportsbooks cannot accept Idaho bank transfers
  • Online gambling sites in Idaho can accept cryptocurrency and credit card deposits.

Idaho offers several forms of legal gambling, but it also outlaws a few games of chance. We will cover what is legal and illegal in the ID gambling market below. You can also see relevant legislation on each major form of gambling.

Idaho GamblingWhat You Need to Know
Land-based casinos in IdahoTribal casinos are legal under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. The Coeur d’Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have negotiated gaming compacts with the state.

However, the state government has only approved tribal casinos for Class I and II gaming (bingo, drawings, pull tabs).
Online GamblingThe Gem State does not have any specific laws addressing online gambling.

Therefore, offshore casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms have accepted Idaho players for 30+ years.
Sports BettingIdaho has not legalized land-based sportsbooks or regulated online sports betting. Regarding the latter, many offshore sites take sports bettors.
State Lottery51% of Idahoans voted to repeal a constitutional ban on lotteries in 1988.

The Idaho Lottery launched the following year and currently offers several in-state (e.g., 5 Star Draw) and multi-jurisdictional games (e.g., Powerball).
Charitable GamblingTitle 67, Chapter 77 of the Idaho Statutes allows qualified charities to offer bingo and raffles. Interesting charities can apply through a form on the Idaho Lottery website.
PokerPoker is illegal in Idaho, meaning there are no available land-based poker rooms here.

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe briefly offered Texas hold’em games in 2014 until losing a legal challenge.
Horse & Dog RacingThe Idaho legislature originally approved pari-mutuel betting in 1957, only for the governor to veto the bill. Another attempt passed and received governor approval in 1963.

Title 54, Chapter 25 of the Idaho Statutes notes that horse racing is permitted but does not mention dog racing.
Fantasy SportsFormer state Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said in 2016 that daily fantasy sports are illegal under Idaho law. He then negotiated with DraftKings and FanDuel to exit the ID market.
Social GamblingIllegal gambling Title 18, Chapter 38 does not provide an exemption for home games.

However, state authorities are unlikely to bust an amateur social gambling function where nobody acts as the house.
Taxes on Gambling WinningsIdaho taxes gambling winnings at a flat 5.8% rate.

Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.

Idaho Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive

The Gem State provides many gambling opportunities but is strict in other areas. We will provide more context on each major form of Idaho gaming so that you know what is safe to play.

Land-Based Casinos

Tribal casinos have been operating in Idaho since 1993. The year prior, multiple tribes negotiated with the state government for Class III slot machines (Vegas-style slots & table games).

However, then-Governor Cecil Andrus refused to budge and only permitted Class I and Class II gaming

Idaho land-based casinos can only offer bingo-style slot machines, bingo, drawings, and pull tabs. Nevertheless, some gaming venues have succeeded on the strength of their Class II slot machines.

The Coeur D’Alene Resort is the largest Idaho casino, with 1,600 slot machines across a 100,000-square-foot gaming floor. The Shoshone-Bannock Casino (Fort Hall) is notable, with 900 slots and an 85,000-square-foot floor.

Horse & Dog Tracks

Horse races have been running in Idaho since 1964. The Gem State features seven tracks, running a short racing schedule lasting less than a week. These tracks include:

  • Cassia County Fair (Burley)
  • Eastern Idaho Fair (Blackfoot)
  • Jerome Horse Racing (Gooding)
  • Oneida County Fair (Malad)
  • Pocatello Downs (Pocatello)
  • Rupert Downs (Rupert)
  • Sandy Downs (Idaho Falls)

Lawmakers approved 2011 legislation (SB 1133) to allow simulcast betting. Horse bettors can now place wagers on races happening anywhere at off-track locations.

Dog tracks have never existed in Idaho because they were not part of the 1963 pari-mutuel laws.

Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling

Title 67, Chapter 77 of the state statutes lays the framework for Idaho charity gambling. It permits approved charities to use raffles and bingo for fundraisers.

Some charities must apply for a bingo or raffle license through the Idaho Lottery, with fees ranging from $100-$300.

A charity needs a raffle license to make over $5,000 and a bingo license when expecting over $10,000.

The Idaho Lottery launched in 1989 after receiving voter approval the year prior. It has generated over $1 billion for the state since launching. Some games it offers include Mega Millions, Powerball, 5 Star Draw, Idaho Cash, Pick 3, and Weekly Grand.

Social Gaming at Home

Unlike most states, Idaho does not exclude social gaming from its definition of illegal gambling.

You could take this to mean that social gambling is unlawful in the Gem State. However, we searched and found no cases where authorities raided a friendly gambling function.

State police are likely only interested in illegal gambling dens where the house takes a cut. Low-stakes games among friends where nobody banks the action are likely fine.

Poker Rooms and Clubs

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe briefly offered poker at its casino in 2014. The state sued, claiming that poker falls into unapproved Class III gaming.

A federal judge heard the case and sided with the state. The tribe appealed the ruling, only to be denied again.

Poker remains illegal in Idaho, with no sign of this situation changing anytime soon. Idahoans must cross into other states to enjoy live cash games and tournaments.

Sports Betting

Idaho is among the rare states that have taken no action to legalize sports gambling. Therefore, legal retail and online sports betting are unlikely prospects for the foreseeable future.

We cannot currently predict the Idaho sports betting market. Possible scenarios include tribal retail sportsbooks, a lottery-run market, or online betting only.

Offshore online sportsbooks are the only options for Idaho bettors right now.

Land-Based Casinos in Idaho

You can see the available Idaho casinos on the following map. These are all tribal gaming establishments located on Native American reservations. 

Top Idaho Casinos

  • Couer D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
  • Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel
  • Clearwater River Casino & Lounge

ID Gambling Summary

  • Total Casinos: 7
  • Total Race Tracks: 6

Idaho Gambling vs. Neighboring States

Most Idaho neighbors offer multiple forms of legal gambling. The following table shows how the Gem State compares to bordering states.

Idaho differs from all six neighbors in at least one gambling category. Unlike Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, it does not offer sports betting.

Meanwhile, it features some forms of gambling and differs from Utah, where all bets are illegal. The Gem State takes a hands-off approach towards online casinos, whereas Washington and Utah have banned them.

A Brief History of Idaho Gambling

The Idaho’s gambling history began when it gained statehood in 1890 and banned lotteries. It waited decades before legalizing any forms of gambling but has slowly approved more games of chance. You can see more on this history below.

2016

State Attorney Gen. Lawrence Wasden says DFS is illegal and negotiates for DraftKings’ and FanDuel’s exit. 

2014

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe briefly ran a poker room until shutting it down after a court battle.

2011

Politicians approve simulcast betting.

2002

Tribal casinos add bingo-style slot machines after an associated measure passed a state vote.

1993

Multiple tribal casinos open.

1992

Local tribes negotiate with the state to open casinos; they only gain approval for Class II (not Class III) gaming.

1988

Voters repealed the 1890 lottery ban, enabling the Idaho Lottery to launch in 1989.

1963

A second Horse Racing Act passes through legislative and governor approval.

1957

The Horse Racing Act passed both houses, but the governor vetoed it.

1953

The Idaho Supreme Court declares slot machines unconstitutional and illegal.

1947

Lawmakers give municipalities the right to legalize slots.

1930s

Saloons exploit constitutional loopholes to offer unregulated slot machines.

1890

Idaho gained statehood and ratified its constitution, which banned lotteries and other forms of gambling.  

Responsible Gambling Initiatives

The Idaho Lottery and State Racing Commission do not provide responsible gambling initiatives. They instead promote resources on the matter, including the following:

Summary: Idaho’s Gambling Journey

The Gem State had almost a dozen gambling milestones from 1947-2016, such as legalizing pari-mutuel betting, approving tribal casinos, and banning DFS. It has been quiet since 2016, even ignoring sports betting at a time when most states have legalized it.

We are shocked that no lawmaker has even introduced sports gambling legislation.

Most states begin with sports betting when regulating online gambling. A handful have progressed to regulating online casinos and poker sites afterward. Due to the lack of legislative efforts, we do not see any of this happening in Idaho’s near future.

That said, Idaho may not legalize any type of online gambling for 5-10 years. Offshore casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites will remain popular among state residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs cover Idaho tribal casinos, online gaming, and no-deposit bonuses.

How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Idaho?

Tribal casinos are legal in Idaho, while commercial casinos are not.

What are the most popular casino games in Idaho?

Slot machines are the most popular games in Idaho casinos. Most ID tribal casinos feature hundreds of slots versus limited bingo games and drawings. Online casinos in Idaho also dedicate most of their game selections to slots.

Are there real money online casinos in Idaho with no-deposit bonuses?

Certain real-money online casinos in Idaho offer no-deposit bonuses. They typically provide new sign-ups with a small free chip (e.g., $20) or free spins. You can cash out winnings from Idaho no-deposit bonuses by meeting the associated terms and conditions.

Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of Idaho?

No Idaho gaming regulatory body covers online casinos because they are unregulated. Therefore, you must deal with offshore casinos not subject to ID gambling regulations. We suggest choosing the more reputable and best Idaho online casinos to avoid potential problems.

Jeremy Olson

Casino and Game Reviews

Jeremy Olson Online Casino and Games Expert

Jeremy Olson is a research writer specializing in US casino reviews and game strategy. He has covered poker, casino games, and sports betting since 2004.

He converted bad beats in blackjack and poker into a passion to learn and now specializes in several areas of the online casino market.

Learn More About Jeremy