There is no legal sports betting in Idaho either online or at in-person venues, and no attempts have been made to submit a bill since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, PASPA, was deemed unconstitutional in May 2018.
The worrying fact for those gamblers in the state expecting a change in the law anytime soon is the lack of interest at a legislative level for any action to be taken at all – it appears state bettors may have a long wait for a new sports betting bill to see the light of day.
There are around a dozen casinos in Idaho offering slots and electronic casino games, but live dealer games like blackjack, along with roulette and craps are outlawed even at these venues. The only sports betting that is legal is horse race betting, with punters looking to wager on the likes of the NBA or NFL forced to cross the border with Oregon not too far from the state capital Boise.
Idaho Betting
No legal sports betting and no sign of any upcoming changes in the law. There are, however, offshore sportsbooks available to the state’s residents but their use is discouraged, as players use the sites at their own risk and without any consumer protection.
Idaho Casinos
Online casinos are outlawed but there are a number of land-based venues that offer slots and video versions of blackjack and poker. For those wishing for a live dealer experience, they will have to head across the border.
Idaho Poker
Online poker is illegal and the tribal casinos only offer video poker games. One casino, the Coeur D’Alene, opened a poker room in 2014 only to be immediately sued by the state.
Idaho Horse Racing Betting
The state has a number of race tracks offering live action and on-site betting, with parimutuel gambling also legal. Advance-deposit wagering, ADW, is offered by the likes of TwinSpires, TVG and BetAmerica, and they do accept customers from Idaho.
Idaho lottery
The state lottery has been running since 1989 with retailers up and down Idaho selling tickets. There are however, no online facilities for purchasing tickets in Idaho.
Idaho DFS
DFS games are not allowed, with the state’s attorney general, Lawrence Wasden, going as far as contacting the firms running the games to reach an agreement to not accept entries from Idaho residents.
FAQs:
Is it legal to gamble in Idaho?
Sports betting is illegal in the state but you are allowed to gamble on horse racing, with horse race bets from customers in the state accepted by ADW sites.
Where can I get help with problem gambling in Idaho?
If you are worried about how gambling is affecting your home life, or you believe a friend or relative has a problem, you can find details about where you can get help at Idaho – National Council on Problem Gambling.