Gambling in Idaho isn’t overly progressive, and we don’t expect to see the needle move on legalizing sports betting in the state any day soon. Idaho lacks professional-level sports teams in any sport, and while they’re home to the Boise State Broncos, they just wouldn’t receive the betting action that states with pro teams would.

Idaho Sports Betting News

Mar 7, 2024

Idaho Sports Betting May Not Yield Enough Revenue to Generate Interest

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Feb 13, 2024

Is Pressure to Legalize Idaho Sports Betting Starting to Mount?

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Jan 11, 2024

Why Legal Gambling in Vermont Could be Interesting Case Study for Idaho Sports Betting

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Dec 13, 2023

We May be Underestimating the Disinterest in Idaho Sports Betting

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*The 13th largest state in America has always been fairly independent, which shows why they are resilient to copy the changes across the US regarding online sports betting laws. The lack of interest in legality means major online sportsbook providers such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, BetRivers, Fox Bet, and Unibet remain outlawed.

Even though almost two dozen states have legalized sports betting and are seeing massive revenue coming in through taxes, Idaho still doesn’t seem interested. High ranking officials have been quoted to even say that sports betting isn’t even a blip on their radar. It’s up to the Idaho public to start the conversation and push for the benefits that sports betting can provide to the state.

Gambling Laws in Idaho prohibit many forms of gambling, including a full ban on poker games of any kind. They have plenty of casinos in the state, approximately six, with no poker rooms. Their casinos are owned by the local tribes and are filled with VLT machines and live entertainment. Table games are just a hot button subject with the poker ban.

It doesn’t stop there – poker is also banned in your own home. Most states find it too hard to regulate social gambling, so we aren’t even really sure how Idaho authorities are shutting down poker nights at your friend’s home. There is a strong stance against poker in Idaho – for whatever reason, and all forms are explicitly forbidden.

Another method of gambling that is forbidden is Daily Fantasy betting. If you were planning to sign up at DraftKings or FanDuel – good luck because the state officials do not want gambling establishments capitalizing without a piece of the pie. These companies ceased operations in the state in 2016, and nothing has changed since then.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Idaho Sports Betting

  • February 12, 2024 – Sports betting lobbyists aren’t very hopeful for change this year, though there are a few rumblings in the state that 2025 may be the year.
  • January 2023 – Idaho State Congress had no plans to discuss sports betting during this year’s legislative meetings. This further solidifies the state’s lack of initiative towards legalizing sports betting.
  • June 2022 – While other states have moved quickly to take advantage of the revenue opportunities that sports wagering can bring, Idaho hasn’t even flinched.
  • May 2018 – U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow individual states to offer legal sports betting in Idaho, with the aim of pursuing the bill the following year in court.
  • January 2002 – In 2002, they began installing video gaming machines that dispensed cash-out tickets in their casinos.

Idaho Sports Betting Timeline

Idaho's Long History of Anti-Gambling Stances

Idaho has never really considered strongly the legalization of sports betting. Without any major sports teams, there seems to be little appetite in the state. In fact, it is not just unregulated. Idaho makes gambling explicitly illegal in the state.

You basically have to use offshore sportsbooks to gamble if you are in or reside in Idaho.

Post-2018: Not Moved by the PASPA Decision

Even the Supreme Court cannot move minds in Idaho. Although the federal ban on sports betting outside of Nevada was struck down, no significant push has happened in Idaho state legislature. In fact, even the devastating impacts of coronavirus on the state's budget could not make the state seriously consider legalizing sports betting.

Can I bet on sports in Idaho?

There are no sportsbooks to visit, so you can’t physically go and bet in the state, but luckily, there is nothing in the laws that prevent bettors from using an online sportsbook to place a wager. Online sportsbooks are the premier way to bet on sports, and you can bet from the comfort of your own home.

Most sportsbooks have great deposit options, hefty bonuses, and fast cashout options. As long as you have an internet connection and a laptop or smartphone you are able to place a wager on any sport.

Idaho Bets

Betting on Idaho Sports Teams

As mentioned, there are no professional level teams in Idaho.

The Boise State Broncos are the pride and joy collegiate team based out of Idaho. Their college football games are always well-attended in their 37,000-seat stadium, and rightfully so. The Broncos football team is always ranked within the top 10 of the Top 25 teams and has attended a Bowl game for the past 16 years.

The Broncos’ college basketball team plays second fiddle to the football team, but over the past decade, they’ve been improving and climbing the ranks and finally hit the Top 25 ranks in 2015. They have been consistently getting better and we expect that they’ll see a championship one of these days.

idaho betting odds

Top Online Sportsbooks for Gambling in Idaho

If you want to bet on Boise State or any other sports team, you have to look at what sportsbooks will provide the most beneficial criteria for your individual needs. Betting on sports is easy to do, you just need to make sure you select the right sportsbook.

Making sure your sportsbook has the right deposit options, is available in your state, has bonuses of interest to you, and has competitive odds that will get you the biggest payout – are all factors we consider when writing sportsbook reviews. Our reviews are subjective and honest, and we would never promote a sportsbook that isn’t secure or trustworthy. Reading the reviews should point you on the right path to the perfect sportsbook.

Idaho Casinos

There are six Native American tribal casinos in the state of Idaho.

Bannock Peak Casino is located in Arbon Valley, Idaho, and is owned by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. They have over 60 slot machines available and an adjacent truck stop.

Coeur d’Alene Casino is located in Kootenai County, Idaho, offering 24-hour gambling, six restaurants, the largest day spa in the Northwest, a top-rated golf course, and 302 hotel rooms. They went through a $12 million upgrade recently in 2019, adding high limit game rooms, and an expanded event and entertainment center. Their gaming floor is 60,000 square feet, holding 1,600 video gaming machines and high stakes bingo.

Clearwater Casino is located in Nez Perce County, Idaho, and just received a huge makeover in 2013, costing over $16 million in expansions and adding an entertainment and event center. They have over 400 slot machines in their 20,000 square foot venue and also host Bingo games. Visitors can stay at their hotel or RV park on-site.

It's Ye Ye Bingo & Casino is located in Lewis County, Idaho, and is one of the smaller casinos in the state. They are open 24 hours and boast 110 video gaming machines and a cafe located within the casino.

The Best Western Kootenai River Inn and casino in Boundary County, Idaho is open 24 hours daily, and has a 30,000 square foot casino floor, with 500 gaming machines, and three casino rooms, with the largest having 241 video gaming machines, another with 185 gaming machines and a nonsmoking room with 79 gaming machines. They also have a Bingo room, Restaurants, and a spa!

Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino is located in Fort Hall, Idaho, and is the newest of the three casinos operated by the Shoshone-Bannock tribes. They’re open 24 hours from Friday to Saturday and have over 100 video gaming machines.

Legal Sports Betting In The United States

Find the full list of states with legalized gambling in the US.