Unfortunately for gamblers and sports lovers in the state, sports betting in Idaho is illegal. As there are no legal Idaho sports betting sites that we can recommend, we have therefore focused our attention on discussing the current gambling laws in the state. By looking at the state’s overall attitude toward gambling and the parliamentary efforts to legalize sports betting, we can provide an overview of whether a future sports betting market in Idaho is likely.
Until we are able to recommend the best Idaho online sportsbooks, there are a number of other gambling options bettors in the state have. These can either be found at the state’s numerous Native American land-based casinos or at one of Idaho’s many lottery retailers. Although it may appear as though there are some offshore online bookmakers able to take sports bets in Idaho, these websites are in fact illegal.
Current Idaho Sports Betting Situation
Currently, Idaho appears to be the slowest state to transition toward a legalized sports betting market. This is because it currently remains one of only a few that has yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting. For this reason, it’s hard to say if or when legalized sports betting will ever be a reality. It’s hard to say what legal sports betting would look like in the state if an expanded gambling bill is ever passed.
It’s possible that sportsbooks would be limited to in-person offerings at the state’s tribal casinos, though it may go the mobile route and allow for the state’s popular lottery to run the best Idaho online sportsbooks. What we do know for certain is that there are a number of online bookmakers that are accessible in Idaho that may appear to be legal Idaho sports betting sites. Be warned that these offshore betting sites are illegal, and wagering with them comes with risk. We recommend avoiding these untrustworthy sportsbooks.
Are Idaho Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Available
For those who are not aware, daily fantasy sports (DFS) require contestants to build a fantasy team of athletes from a professional sports league within a certain salary limit. Contestants earn points based on the performance of their chosen players in the real world. Unlike many traditional fantasy sports games, DFS is often limited to a single day or week-long rounds, giving contestants with the highest points a more regular chance to earn cash prizes.
Many states that have limited gambling laws such as Idaho still allow for DFS as they believe that the skill required to be successful at the game makes it different from regular chance-reliant gambling activities. Unfortunately, lawmakers in Idaho see things differently and DFS games are not legal in the state. This means that there are no DFS Idaho online bookies such as DraftKings or FanDuel accepting players from the state.
Idaho Online Casinos
Idaho’s gambling laws are very clear about not allowing full-scale casino gambling, making the existence of Idaho online gambling sites illegal. However, rather than allowing online casinos, Idaho is home to several Native American tribal casinos, including the Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and the Shoshone-Bannock Casino.
These land-based casinos don’t offer table games such as poker, blackjack, or roulette, though they do contain huge gaming floors stocked with dozens of different video gaming terminals. As long as no real money is wagered, Idahoans are also able to play free social casino games online or in person, giving locals a great opportunity to practice poker strategies.
Online State Lottery in Idaho
Idaho has offered residents and visitors a lottery since 1989 after voters approved of a constitutional change to allow its creation. Since then, the Idaho Lottery has raised roughly one billion dollars for vital state programs, including for education and public building maintenance.
There are a number of lottery games available in the Idaho lottery, including national draw games, multi-state games, and daily Idaho-only games. There is also a huge selection of scratch cards and pull-tab offerings. In order to buy a lottery ticket, players will need to visit a physical retailer, as online lottery ticket sales are not allowed in Idaho.
Off Track Horse Betting in Idaho
Perhaps the closest thing to sports betting allowed in Idaho is horse racing. There are a number of racing tracks within state lines, which also broadcast and offer betting options for other live races across the country. The state also allows for the existence of off-track betting at casinos, meaning a visit to the track isn’t necessary to wager.
Horse race betting in Idaho has been legal since 1963, though it appears as though there’s a declining interest in the industry. Recently, voters rejected a bill that would allow racetracks to offer the same kind of video gambling terminals as the tribal casinos. This either proves that Idahoans are against expanded gambling or are against ignoring tribal gaming exclusivity, which could prove important to consider when it comes time to decide on sports betting legalization.
What Would Legal Idaho Sports Betting Look Like?
Until there is a sports betting legalization bill put forward, it’s hard to tell what kind of sports betting market could exist in the state. What is known for sure is that any measure will have to first be approved by voters in a referendum. It’s difficult to tell how locals will respond to expanded gambling, with votes in the past going either way.
With no local teams represented in major professional sports leagues, it may be hard to enlist the help of the leagues to lobby lawmakers to pass sports betting legalization as is being done in states like Georgia. We believe that as long as lawmakers can prove that sports betting will have a positive economic impact on the state without compromising the safety of players, Idahoans could be convinced to legalize.
If a sports betting law is passed, we expect that betting on college division games will be popular with locals, with the Boise State Broncos known for drawing huge crowds out to support them each week. What is certain is that sports betting will be regulated by a local gaming authority. This will ensure that the market remains fair, is taxed appropriately, and keeps vulnerable players safe.
Until Idaho sports betting sites are made legal, Idahoans are free to travel to neighbor state Nevada to discover the best online betting sites available for sports bettors. As the first state in the United States to accept legal sports bets, Nevada is the undisputed home of sports betting and is well worth a visit.
Final Thoughts
With there being no government action in recent years that point toward sports betting legalization, it’s difficult to tell whether or not Idaho will embrace a sports betting market. Despite this, a number of states have introduced bills, passed them, and launched sports betting within a year, proving that if there is a demand, Idaho sports betting sites could be a reality in no time.
For the time being, locals are able to enjoy a number of gaming options through the state lottery, including national games such as the Mega Millions and scratchcards. Locals can also place off-track bets on horse racing, as well as enjoy a number of casino-style gaming options at one of several tribal casinos across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions relating to when you can expect the best Idaho online sportsbooks or the state’s current gambling laws? To help you choose the best legal, fair, and safe gambling options available for your needs, we’ve answered some common queries about gambling in Idaho.
Is online gambling and sports betting legal in Idaho?
No, online gambling and sports betting are not legal in Idaho. The closest thing to sports betting in the state is probably horse track betting, which can either be done at the track or with a number of off-track retailers.
What is the Idaho legal gambling age?
The minimum gambling age in Idaho is 18 years old, and applies to all of the currently available gambling options. For this reason, we expect a legal sports betting market would also accept bets from players 18 and older (should new laws legalize the activity).
Is an unlicensed bookmaker site safe?
If a bookmaker is unlicensed, it is not safe. Licensing is an important process in the establishment of bookmakers, as it enforces a legal framework that keeps bets fair and safe. Without regulation, unlicensed bookmakers may be ripping off players, have unsatisfactory web security or even target problem and underage gamblers.
Can I use offshore or out-of-state internet betting sites to bet?
A simple web search may give the appearance that off-shore or out-of-state betting sites are legal to access, but we warned that this kind of betting is a punishable offense in Idaho. These sites are not legal and trustworthy as they target players in illegal markets. Some sites accept players from out of state, but a trustworthy sportsbook will block out of state players from placing a bet on sports such as the NFL
Can I use the FanDuel or DraftKings app in Idaho?
While we believe that FanDuel and DraftKings would make for a great official Idaho sports betting app, neither apps are operational in Idaho. Not only is it impossible to access the sportsbook features of each app, but laws prevent residents from playing daily fantasy sports. We’d recommend against trying to play on either until their offerings until new laws legalize real money sportsbooks.
Do Idaho casinos have sportsbooks?
No, Idaho’s tribal casinos do not have sportsbooks. However, bettors are able to place off-track bets on horse races at these casino locations. In the case that sports betting is legalized in the state, the state’s four gaming tribes are bound to push for the ability to offer sportsbooks.