Idaho Online Casinos Gambling Sites in 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide for Idaho online casinos! If you’re looking to bring the excitement and thrill of a Las Vegas casino right to the comfort of your home, then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about virtual casino gaming in the Gem State.

From the legality of online casinos in Idaho to the top casino sites and apps, latest news updates, and expert tips – we’ve got you covered. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be ready to embark on your exciting online casino journey in Idaho and experience the best that the state has to offer. Now, let’s get started!

Are Online Casinos Legal in Idaho?

As of October 2024, online casino gambling is prohibited in Idaho. Mobile casino platforms and virtual poker sites are not allowed to operate in Idaho or offer real-money wagering to anyone within the state’s borders. In fact, nearly all forms of internet-based gambling are considered illegal in Idaho, with the only exception being pari-mutuel betting on horse racing via advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites.

Fortunately, Idaho casino enthusiasts are not completely out of luck and still have several different ways to get in on the action, First, the Gem State is home to more than half a dozen land-based casinos, which are owned and operated by the state’s federally-recognized Native American tribes. These tribal casinos are authorized to offer Class II gaming (bingo, virtual poker, video table games, etc.) under the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act of 1988 and through negotiated gaming compacts with the state.

In addition, social casinos are completely legal in Idaho. These innovative, free-to-play platforms offer a wide range of casino-style games and give players an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of gambling without risking a dime. We will cover social casinos in greater detail in the next section.

Different Types of Idaho Online Casinos

To help simplify things, we have divided online casinos into four distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social casinos, sweepstakes casinos, and offshore casinos. The major similarities and differences between these four types of casinos, as well as their current availability in Idaho, are discussed below.

Real-Money Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos are websites or mobile applications that allow players to gamble with actual money. These casinos offer a variety of games like slots, table games, poker, and more. Players can deposit money into their accounts and withdraw their winnings at any time. In the United States, real-money online casinos are completely safe, well-regulated, and operated by legitimate and licensed entities.

Unfortunately, online casino gambling is not yet legal in Idaho. There are currently only seven U.S. states that have legalized and currently regulate real-money online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. For the time being, Idaho residents will need to take a trip east to one of these states in order to gain access to BetMGM, FanDuel, and other popular online casino gambling platforms.

Social Casinos

Social casinos are online platforms that allow players to enjoy virtual slot machines, classic table games, and live dealer games for fun without wagering real money. They operate using virtual currencies (e.g., Gold Coins) that can be earned for free through sign-up bonuses, daily login rewards, social media contests, and other similar opportunities. The virtual credits used to participate in the games offered by social casinos do not hold any monetary value and cannot be exchanged for real money.

Although players cannot win real cash prizes when using social casinos, they will have the opportunity to explore the hottest new games on the market, interact with friends, and practice their skills without any risk of losing money. Since they do not offer real-money wagering, social casinos are not subject to the strict gambling regulations that apply to traditional casinos, and they are completely legal in Idaho and all other U.S. states.

Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos are very similar to social casinos, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Both social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely free to use and offer a wide selection of casino-style games. However, there is one key difference that sets these two types of platforms apart.

Unlike social casinos, sweepstakes casinos give players a chance to win cash, cryptocurrency, digital gift cards, and merchandise through sweepstakes-style promotions. Sweepstakes casinos use a virtual currency, commonly known as “Sweeps Coins” or “Sweeps Cash,” that can be redeemed for real prizes once enough has been collected by a player.

Unfortunately, Idaho is one of two U.S. states (the other being Washington) that heavily restricts sweepstakes casinos and does not allow these types of platforms to accept players from within its borders. As a result, the vast majority of sweepstakes casinos (including Stake.us and WOW Vegas) are currently unavailable in the state of Idaho.

Offshore Casinos

Offshore casinos are online gambling platforms that are based in foreign countries and offer services to players from different regions, including the United States. These casinos may or may not be licensed or regulated in their home countries.

As for Idaho, similar to real-money online casinos, accessing and using offshore casinos from within the state is illegal. Idaho’s strict gambling laws also apply to offshore gambling platforms, and players are advised to avoid participating in any form of online gambling that is not legal in the state.

It is also worth noting that the use of offshore casinos carries many significant risks, as they may lack the necessary regulations and consumer protections found in licensed and regulated U.S. online casinos. Players accessing offshore casinos from Idaho could face potential financial fraud, unfair gaming practices, and difficulties in seeking legal recourse in case of disputes or issues.

Best Idaho Social Casinos Lists

Many of the top U.S. social casinos are currently available in the state of Idaho. Here are a few of the best platforms to consider joining today:

BetRivers.Net

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Full Review: BetRivers.Net Review

BetRivers.Net, not to be confused with the BetRivers Online Casino that offers real-money wagering, is one of America’s top social gaming sites. The platform offers arguably the best collection of games among social casinos, including a variety of virtual slots, classic table games, and live dealer options. BetRivers.Net also provides excellent customer service and frequent bonuses to its everyday players.

Golden Hearts Games

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Full Review: Golden Hearts Games Review

Golden Hearts Games went live in the fall of 2020 to become the world’s first charitable social casino. Players will get to raise money for the local or national charity of their choice while enjoying 24/7 bingo games and a fantastic selection of virtual slot machines. In addition, Golden Hearts Games gives players the opportunity to win real cash prizes and digital gift cards through their gameplay on the site.

Hard Rock Social Casino

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Full Review: Hard Rock Social Casino Review

Another popular option is Hard Rock Social Casino, which first launched in 2018 and is now widely available in the United States and Canada. The social gaming platform offers over 200 virtual slots with a wide range of themes, volatilities, and gameplay mechanics as well as plenty of popular table games (blackjack, poker, etc.). Hard Rock Social Casino also provides one of the most reliable mobile apps in the industry, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted gameplay at all times.

MyJackpot.com

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Full Review: MyJackpot.com Review

Last but not least, MyJackpot.com is one of the most popular social casinos in the United States and beyond. Players will enjoy more than 200 casino-style games from a wide range of game developers and publishers, including Play’n GO, NetEnt, BGaming, BallyWulff, Pragmatic Play, and several others. In addition, MyJackpot.com offers free virtual currency by claiming sign-up bonuses and daily login rewards, watching short advertisement videos, and referring friends to the site.

How To Sign Up for an Idaho Online Casino

Idaho Land-Based Casinos List

If you’re looking for a thrilling in-person casino gambling experience, then Idaho’s tribal casinos are the perfect option for you. These land-based gaming facilities are owned by several of the state’s Native American tribes, and each casino brings its own unique flair and cultural influence to the gaming floor.

Here are a few of Idaho’s premier gaming destinations:

Clearwater River Casino & Lodge

• Address: 17500 Nez Perce Rd, Lewiston, ID 83501
• Phone Number: (208) 746-0723

Clearwater River Casino & Lodge is owned by the Nez Perce Tribe and located just off I-95, next to Clearwater River in Lewiston, Idaho. The casino offers over 600 electronic gaming machines, including Fort Knox, Mystical Temple, Pirate’s Loot, Jaws, and many other popular options. Visitors will also have access to a hotel with 50 spacious rooms, a full-service restaurant and cafe, and a saltwater pool and jacuzzi.

Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa

• Address: 7169 Plaza St, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
• Phone Number: (208) 267-8511

The Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa is owned by the Kootenai Tribe and is often considered to be Bonners Ferry’s top hotel. The Kootenai Casino features three casino rooms with nearly 450 video gaming machines that have a variety of denominations ranging from one cent to one dollar. In addition, visitors can enjoy some of the best steak and seafood in the region at The Springs Restaurant and Lounge.

Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel

• Address: 777 Bannock Ave Building B, Fort Hall, ID 83203
• Phone Number: (208) 238-4800

Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is Southeast Idaho’s premier entertainment destination. It is owned by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and conveniently located off I-15, just two hours away from the Western Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and two hours away from Salt Lake City International Airport. The casino is open 24/7 and offers over 800 video gaming machines, including Virtual Blackjack, Virtual Poker, and an 8-station Video Craps Table.

Other Legal Forms of Gambling in Idaho

In addition to the games offered at Idaho’s tribal casinos, there are several other legal forms of gambling offered in the state. Here is a general overview of the different options currently available in the Gem State:

Sports Betting

In May 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), removing a 25-year federal ban on sports betting in the United States. Since then, more than 75% of U.S. states have legalized and currently regulate the activity within their borders. Unfortunately, Idaho is in the minority and has remained firmly opposed to all forms of sports wagering, both online and in person.

In fact, Idaho state legislators have not introduced a single bill or proposal in an attempt to legalize sports betting in the state. As a result, it is currently unknown if or when this popular form of gambling will become available in Idaho. In the meantime, Idaho residents will need to visit nearby states like Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming in order to gain access to DraftKings, BetMGM, and other popular mobile sports betting platforms.

Horse Racing

On the other hand, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has been legal in Idaho since 1963. The industry is currently regulated by the Idaho State Racing Commission, and anyone who is 18 years or older can get in on the action.

Wagers can be placed at any of the state’s active horse racing tracks (Pocatello Downs, Sandy Downs, etc.) or off-track betting (OTB) facilities that offer simulcast wagering on races taking place around the country. In addition, online betting is available through advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites like TwinSpires or AmWager.

Daily Fantasy Sports

In May 2016, daily fantasy sports (DFS) were declared an illegal form of gambling in Idaho by Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. As a result, DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy, Underdog Fantasy, and all of the other top DFS sites and apps are not currently available in Idaho, and residents cannot legally participate in paid daily fantasy sports contests in their home state.

Idaho Lottery

The Idaho Lottery is a state-operated gambling program that offers various lottery games to residents and visitors of Idaho. Established in 1989, the lottery’s primary purpose is to generate funds for the state’s public schools and buildings.

Players can participate in a range of games, including scratch-off tickets, draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, Pick 3, and various other themed games. The proceeds from lottery ticket sales go toward supporting educational initiatives, making the Idaho Lottery a popular and socially beneficial form of gambling in the state.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming is also legal in Idaho and refers to certain gambling activities that are conducted by non-profit organizations to raise funds for charitable, religious, educational, or civic purposes. This form of gambling is regulated by the Idaho Lottery Commission, and specific rules and restrictions are in place to ensure that the funds raised are used for legitimate charitable causes.

Idaho’s charitable gaming activities include bingo, raffles, and pull-tab games. Non-profit organizations must obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the state to conduct these gaming events legally. Overall, charitable gaming provides an opportunity for community support and fundraising while adhering to the state’s regulations to maintain transparency and integrity in the process.

Strategies & Tips for Idaho Casino Players

Success during online or in-person casino play is largely determined by pure luck and random chance. However, there are plenty of guidelines to follow and strategies to use to increase your chances of coming out on top in the long run. Here are the best tips and tricks for Idaho casino players:

• Set a Budget & Stick to It: One of the most important tips for Idaho casino players is to establish a budget before heading to the casino. Decide on an amount you’re comfortable with losing and never exceed it. This helps prevent overspending and ensures that your casino experience remains enjoyable without putting your financial well-being at risk.
• Learn the Games: Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer, understanding the rules of the casino games you’re interested in is essential. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the gameplay, odds, and potential strategies for games like blackjack, poker, or slot machines. Knowing the rules will increase your confidence and chances of making informed decisions, leading to a more rewarding gaming experience.
• Don’t Rely on Superstitions: Casinos are rife with superstitions and myths, but they have no bearing on the outcome of games. Avoid falling into the trap of believing in lucky charms or rituals that promise success. Instead, focus on strategy, sound decision-making, and understanding the odds to improve your chances of winning.
• Know Your Odds & Understand the House Edge: Understanding the odds and house edge of the games you play is crucial for making informed decisions. Some games offer better odds than others, and knowing which ones give you a higher chance of winning can be beneficial. Games like blackjack and certain video poker variations have relatively low house edges, making them more favorable options for skilled players looking to maximize their chances of winning.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: It’s common for players to feel tempted to chase their losses after an unlucky streak. However, this behavior can lead to even greater losses and a negative overall experience. Accept that losses are part of gambling, and never wager more than you’re comfortable losing in an attempt to recoup previous losses.

Idaho Online Casino FAQ