Idaho Sports Betting & Sportsbooks | How To Bet In Idaho

Welcome to the ultimate guide for Idaho sports betting, your go-to resource for all things related to sports wagering in the state. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sports betting in the Gem State, including the legal landscape, current options available, latest news, and much more.

By the time we’re done, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the Idaho sports betting scene and be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and maximize your betting experience. Now, let’s get started!

Is Sports Betting Legal in Idaho?

After the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 was overturned by the Supreme Court in May 2018, many U.S. states quickly legalized sports betting and launched online or retail sportsbooks within their borders. Unfortunately, Idaho is not one of those states. Sports betting remains illegal in the Gem State, and there is no reason to believe this will change anytime soon.

Since the federal ban on sports betting was overturned in 2018, Idaho state legislators have not introduced a single bill or proposal to legalize the practice, and most state officials remain firmly opposed to all forms of sports wagering, both online and in person.

Gambling in Idaho is currently limited to online horse racing betting, trackside horse racing betting, Idaho Lottery games, charitable gaming, and Class II gaming (e.g., video slots and video poker) offered at the seven tribal casinos across the state of Idaho.

Idaho could take a similar path to states such as New Mexico or Wisconsin, which have not passed laws to legalize sports betting but instead have given their state’s federally-recognized Native American tribes the authority to offer retail sports betting via amendments to their gaming compacts with the state. However, there has been no indication that this is in the works or likely to happen in the near future.

What Are the Best Idaho Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?

Online and mobile sportsbooks are not yet authorized to operate their platforms in the Gem State. However, many of the top U.S. sportsbooks may look to enter the Idaho sports betting market should an opportunity ever arise. Here are a few potential candidates:

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook is currently available in two of Idaho’s bordering states (Oregon and Wyoming) and would be a great option for Idahoans. With a well-designed and user-friendly mobile app, DraftKings provides a seamless betting experience both at home and on the go. Customers will also get to take advantage of frequent promotional deals, competitive odds, and a wide range of alternative lines and totals.

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM is another big name in the world of sports betting and would certainly be an appealing option for Idaho residents. An excellent customer loyalty program, daily odds boosts, and incredible customer service are just a taste of what BetMGM Sportsbook has to offer its customers. The top-tier live betting experience provided by BetMGM is another reason why the platform has become the go-to option for sports bettors all over the United States.

BetRivers Sportsbook

It wouldn’t be surprising to see BetRivers Sportsbook enter the Idaho market if a chance ever presented itself, as the Rush Street Interactive (RSI) product has been launching in new states across the country each and every year. Incredible market depth and speedy payouts are a few of the factors that have helped BetRivers rise above the competition.

If you’re interested in BetRivers Sportsbook, we recommend you try the BetRivers.net Sports Zone, which is available in Idaho and gives you a chance to place bets on sports for fun (i.e., no risk involved) while also getting a feel for the platform and all it has to offer.

Unibet Sportsbook

Last but not least, Unibet Sportsbook is one of the most underrated betting sites in the United States. A leader in the European gaming market, Unibet chose to launch its mobile sportsbook in the U.S. in 2019 and offers a premier online betting experience in nearly half a dozen states all across the nation. Unibet Sportsbook offers a great in-play betting service and a generous welcome offer to all new users.

How Can I Bet on Sports in Idaho?

If you’re an Idaho resident, then your options for sports betting are fairly limited. However, a few of the potential ways for you to get in on the action in the Gem State are discussed below.

Visit Neighboring States

Visiting neighboring states that have legalized sports betting is by far the best option. Fortunately, Idaho is surrounded by states that offer online or in-person wagering on a wide range of sporting events. Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming have all launched mobile or retail sportsbooks and allow visitors to place bets when located within their borders. In the next section, we’ll cover each of the options in further detail.

Offshore Sportsbooks

While sports betting is not currently legal in Idaho, some residents may choose to use offshore sportsbooks. These are online sports betting platforms based in other countries that accept wagers from Idaho bettors and other U.S. citizens. It’s important to note that using offshore sportsbooks comes with certain risks, including legal uncertainties, lack of regulation and oversight, potential for fraudulent activities, and limited recourse for dispute resolution.

Horse Racing

Horse racing betting is a legal form of gambling in Idaho, and it offers an exciting option to residents of the state. Idaho bettors can place bets on horse races in several different ways, such as on-track betting, off-track betting facilities, or online platforms that offer simulcast wagering (e.g., TVG, AmWager, TwinSpires). Horse racing enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of analyzing the horses, jockeys, and track conditions to make informed bets.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is not currently available in Idaho. While DFS has gained popularity in many states, it was declared illegal by the Idaho state Attorney General in May 2016. As a result, Idaho bettors will not have the option to sign up and participate in contests with DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, or any other DFS platforms.

Where Can I Bet on Sports in Idaho?

All U.S. states that have legalized sports betting within their borders do not limit its availability to residents of the state, meaning visitors are welcome and even encouraged to cross state lines and place bets legally using licensed online or retail sportsbooks. As a result, Idaho sports bettors have the option to visit Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming to get in on the action.

Montana

Montana legalized sports wagering in May 2019 and began accepting wagers in March 2020. Well over 100 retail sportsbooks are available in the Big Sky Country, and wagers can also be placed online using the Sports Bet Montana website or mobile app at licensed lottery retailers across the state. Sports betting options are available in Missoula, Hamilton, Dillon, and several other Montana cities near the Idaho border.

Nevada

Nevada, the epicenter of sports betting in the United States, is just a quick road trip away for Idaho residents and offers nearly 200 different retail sportsbooks spanning Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and many other cities across the state. Online sportsbooks are also available in Nevada, but users will need to register for an account in person before they have access to statewide mobile betting.

Oregon

Sports bettors in Boise, Nampa, and other southwestern Idaho cities may opt to cross the border into Oregon, where both online and retail sports betting options are available. There are currently four Oregon tribal casinos that offer in-person wagering, and DraftKings Sportsbook (i.e., the only authorized mobile operator in the state) is available to anyone physically located within Oregon’s borders.

Washington

More than a dozen tribal casinos across the state of Washington offer retail sports betting, giving Idahoans in Moscow, Lewiston, Sandpoint, and several other cities in the northwestern part of the state a great opportunity to place bets on all their favorite teams. On-site mobile wagering is also available at some of the retail sportsbooks in Washington via the tribal casino’s sports betting app or website.

Wyoming

Wyoming sports betting became legal in April 2021 and launched in September of the same year. There are currently four online sportsbooks available in the state: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars. Since Wyoming is a remote registration state, Idaho residents can sign up for an account with their preferred platform from anywhere and will simply need to cross the border when they’re ready to place their bets.

How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Idaho

What Teams Can I Bet on in Idaho?

While the state does not have any major professional sports teams, Idaho is home to plenty of passionate and dedicated sports fans, who offer their unwavering support to teams in nearby states as well as in-state college athletic programs. Here are a few of the most popular teams among Idaho sports fans:

Boise State Broncos

When it comes to college sports in Idaho, Boise State University’s athletic program, represented by the Boise State Broncos, is an absolute powerhouse. The Broncos have garnered immense popularity and support from avid sports fans in the state. Known for their iconic blue turf field at Albertsons Stadium, Boise State football has become a symbol of pride and excellence. Wagers are commonly offered on the Broncos in several of Idaho’s neighboring states, such as Nevada, Oregon, or Wyoming.

Idaho Vandals

Another college sports favorite in Idaho is the University of Idaho Vandals. The Vandals have a rich athletic tradition, competing in various sports at the NCAA Division I level. While they are known for their football program, their basketball team and several other teams have also earned recognition over the years. You are also unable to bet on the Vandals in the state of Idaho, since sports betting has not yet been legalized in the Gem State.

Seattle Seahawks

Although not based in Idaho, the Seattle Seahawks have a massive following among sports fans in the state. As the only NFL team in the Pacific Northwest, the Seahawks have become a regional powerhouse and a popular choice for Idaho football enthusiasts. If you ever make a trip up to Washington to catch a Seahawks game, you’ll be able to place in-person bets at tribal casinos all across the state.

Portland Trail Blazers

As the closest NBA team to Idaho, the Portland Trail Blazers have captured the attention of basketball fans in the state. Known for their passionate and dedicated fanbase, the Blazers have a storied history and have boasted legendary players such as Clyde Drexler and Bill Walton. If you’re ever visiting the state of Oregon, you’ll have a chance to bet on the Blazers on your mobile device by using DraftKings Sportsbook.

Strategies & Tips for Idaho Sports Bettors

Although sports betting is not yet legal in Idaho, we have provided some general strategies and tips below that you can use to increase your chances of success when placing wagers in neighboring states.

• Bet With Your Head, Not Your Heart: Avoid letting emotions guide your betting decisions. Be objective and base your wagers on research and analysis rather than personal biases or preferences.
• Find Your Specialty: Rather than spreading your bets across multiple sports or leagues, consider specializing in a particular sport or league. Focusing on one area allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the teams, players, and trends, which can give you an edge.
• Learn From Successful Bettors: Study the strategies and approaches of successful sports bettors. Read books, articles, and forums authored by experienced bettors to gain insights into their methods. Learning from those who have achieved consistent success can provide valuable lessons for your own betting journey.
• Track Your Bets: Keep a record of your bets, including the wagers placed, the outcomes, and the analysis behind each bet. This helps you track your performance, identify patterns, and learn from your successes and failures.
• Shop for the Best Odds: Take the time to compare odds and lines across multiple sportsbooks. Different bookmakers may have different opinions or biases, so finding the best odds can increase your potential profits.

Idaho Sports Betting FAQ