Online Gambling in Idaho: Strict Laws with Limited Tribal Play

Online poker is not legal in Idaho. The state does not authorize any real-money poker platforms, and residents cannot legally participate in cash games, sit-and-gos, or tournaments online.

Idaho is not a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows shared player pools across certain states. As a result, there are no licensed poker rooms operating within Idaho’s borders.

Some players access offshore poker sites, but these are unregulated, lack consumer protections, and operate outside U.S. law. For now, all forms of online poker remain prohibited under Idaho statutes.

The Idaho Lottery, established in 1989, is one of the state’s few legal gambling options. It offers scratch tickets, state-only draw games, and multi-state jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions. Players must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.

Lottery tickets can be bought at thousands of retail outlets across the state, but Idaho does not allow online lottery sales. Winnings are subject to both state and federal taxes, with automatic withholding for larger prizes.

Proceeds from the Idaho Lottery are directed to support public schools and state infrastructure projects, making it a key contributor to local funding.

Bingo is legal in Idaho, but only when operated by licensed charitable organizations. Events are used to raise funds for nonprofits, and all proceeds must go directly to approved charitable purposes. Players must be 18 or older to participate.

In addition to bingo, charitable groups can also host raffles and small-scale gaming events, provided they follow strict rules on prize limits, frequency, and reporting. These activities are overseen by the Idaho Lottery Commission, which regulates charitable gaming alongside state lottery operations.

Online bingo for real money is not legal in Idaho. Players looking for digital options must rely on social or sweepstakes-style games, which do not involve cash payouts.

Charitable gaming is an important part of Idaho’s gambling framework. Nonprofit organizations with a valid license can run bingo games, raffles, and fundraising events. Pull-tabs are also permitted but tightly regulated.

All proceeds from these games must go toward the sponsoring organization’s approved charitable causes. The state enforces limits on prize values, event frequency, and operating expenses to prevent abuse.

Players must be 18 or older to join, and events are regulated by the Idaho Lottery Commission, which ensures compliance with state laws.

While these games provide communities with entertainment and funding, they are strictly nonprofit-oriented and cannot be used for private profit.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are not legal in Idaho. In 2016, the Idaho Attorney General reached agreements with DraftKings and FanDuel requiring them to withdraw from the state, declaring that DFS contests constitute unlawful gambling under Idaho law.

Since then, no legislation has been passed to regulate or reintroduce DFS, leaving Idaho as one of the states where major operators do not accept players.

Residents who want to participate in DFS must wait for a change in law, as all paid fantasy sports contests remain prohibited. Free-to-play fantasy games with no cash prizes, however, are still accessible.

Social gambling is not explicitly legal in Idaho. State law makes no clear exemptions for home poker games, private betting pools, or informal cash-based play. As a result, even non-commercial gambling among friends can technically be considered illegal gambling under Idaho statutes.

Enforcement against small, private games is generally rare, but if a host profits, charges entry fees, or takes a rake, the activity could result in criminal penalties.

Online social casinos that use virtual currency only (no real-money payouts) are allowed in Idaho, as they are considered entertainment rather than gambling. However, any real-money social play remains prohibited.

Idaho does not allow commercial casinos, but several tribal casinos operate under compacts negotiated through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). These venues offer a range of gambling options, including slot machines, poker rooms, and Class III table games like blackjack.

Major tribal operators in Idaho include the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Clearwater River Casino, and Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel. These establishments serve as entertainment hubs, combining gaming with dining, events, and lodging.

The legal gambling age at tribal casinos is 21 years old. Facilities are subject to oversight through tribal-state compacts, which set rules for operations, compliance, and contributions to community programs.