So, you’re in Idaho, and you’re looking for somewhere online to play slots and table games. Which of the Idaho online casinos are worth your time? Is there an Idaho online casino where you can play with real money?
In this guide, we’ll break down Idaho’s gambling laws and show you five fantastic sites where you can play slots online. We’ll even take you through some land-based casinos that are worth checking out!
Before you register at any casinos in Idaho – online or offline – it pays to know what you’re getting into. I’ve done the legwork for you to round up the best of the best. Let’s get started!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover if online casinos are legal in Idaho.
- Find out which sweepstakes casinos in Idaho are the best.
- Learn where you can play casino games legally on land.
Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Idaho?
No, real money online casinos aren’t legal in Idaho at the time of writing. According to the state’s law under Chapter 38, 18-3801:
Gambling refers to risking money for a chance event. Specifically, the law refers to casino gaming and sports betting, but it also extends to other types of gambling.
However, sweepstakes and social casinos are legal in Idaho. This is because you don’t have to pay in real money to win! There’s no such thing as a real money online casino Idaho players can check out – therefore, head for sweeps instead.
Our Top Five Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Idaho
Now that you know that Idaho prohibits betting or gambling with real money, it’s time to look for a sweepstakes or social casino. Luckily for you, we’ve tried and tested lots of online casinos that are completely legal to play at in the state.
Here are our top five sites in Idaho from the best sweepstakes casinos, and why you should check them out.
WOW Vegas in Idaho
At WOW Vegas, there are hundreds of slot games available to play on mobile and desktop. As a new player, you can claim up to 200% extra free coins to start playing with. As with other sweeps casinos, this site has its own virtual currency that you can use to play games with.
The sheer quality of games available at WOW Vegas is noteworthy. There are some big-name developers here, with the likes of Pragmatic Play supplying free versions of popular slots.
My favorite slot game here is Fruit Nova Super 30 by Evoplay, a dynamic twist on some of the classic fruit machines of old.
Fortune Coins in Idaho
Idaho players should also check out Fortune Coins, a sweeps slots site that brings together some big-name games you can play without having to pay in. Registering for the first time grants you up to a maximum of 1,000 in FC and 630,000 in GC, which are the sweeps coins you can use to play a range of games across the site.
The casino regularly offers events and bonuses you can enter to try to claim more free tokens along the way. It’s definitely one of the best-looking sweepstakes casinos I’ve played at, and there are a lot of games to check out.
Personally, I enjoyed playing Hot Triple Sevens (Evoplay), a classic fruit machine with straightforward gameplay.
High 5 Casino in Idaho
Idaho gaming fans have lots to explore at High 5 Casino, mainly thanks to the hundreds of slot games available in its catalog.
The Idaho online casino bonus for new players here grants 5 SC and 250 GC to play with, in addition to 600 diamonds. As with the other sweeps casinos mentioned so far, there are also plenty of events. I really like the leaderboard aspect of the site. It’s a well-run casino with some bold initiatives that never bring in real money as a necessity.
My top pick has to be Platinum Goddess by High 5 Games, a brilliant follow-up to Golden Goddess, which you might recognize from other casinos. It’s simple, stylish and memorable!
LuckyBird.io in Idaho
LuckyBird.io Casino is a little different from the other sweeps casinos listed so far in that it really focuses on original games. From unique slots to takes on keno and instant win games, it’s an alternative take on sweeps gaming that really works.
I like the fact that you can work your way through welcome challenges and tasks to gain more virtual currency. There’s lots to aim for – and, as always, you never have to pay a penny. Fans of slot games across the web might even recognize top titles from the likes of BGaming, a studio that has grown steadily over the years.
My favorite game here is Crash, which appears to be LuckyBird’s take on Aviator. It’s a creative game that’s certainly worth checking out.
McLuck Casino in Idaho
McLuck is one of the most popular sweepstakes casinos available to play at in the US, and it’s picking up the pace in Idaho. Log in regularly here to claim free rewards to use on games without paying in.
It’s also one of the fastest-growing casinos, with games added regularly to keep the catalog fresh. New players can also claim up to 150% in free coin credit, with more events and promotions opening up along the way.
There are many games to explore here, but my favorite has to be Buffalo Power (Playson). Luckily, you won’t lose any real money by taking part.
Want to Bet Real Money? Land-Based Casinos in Idaho
Despite the state’s clampdown on online gambling, there are land-based casinos in Idaho. Did you know that there are currently only seven available for you to visit in 2024?
Here’s a rundown of what to look for if you want to go on a small casino tour of the state.
Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley
The Coeur d’Alene is a classy resort casino based in Worley. It stands above others thanks to its hotel, spa, and entertainment. The casino measures around 60,000 square feet and has more than 1,000 different slot machines.
- Address: 37914 S Nukwalqw St, Worley, ID 83876
- Phone Number: 1-800-523-2464
- Website: https://www.cdacasino.com/
- Opening Hours: 24 hours a day
- Review on Google: 4.1 /5
Only visited the casino. Had a lot of fun, the machines were treating me very nicely. I have only been there once this year. Awesome time, you might want to revisit.
Michael, Google Review
Clearwater Casino in Lewiston
Lewiston’s Clearwater Casino is open 24 hours a day, all year round, and has more than 600 different slots to play on its gaming floor.
- Address: 17500 Nez Perce Rd, Lewiston, ID 83501
- Phone Number: 1-208-746-0723
- Website: https://crcasino.com/casino/
- Opening Hours: 24 hours a day
- Review on Google: 3.8 /5
I love that this is a non-smoking casino. I went for a music event and decided to hit the machines for a bit after the show. Didn’t win but was impressed with how clean the casino is and how friendly all the staff were.
Silver Fox, Google Review
Shoshone-Bannock Casino in Fort Hall
Previously known as Fort Hall Casino, this resort offers casino games and a built-in restaurant, hotel, lounge, and spa. It’s also popular for its live music events all year round.
- Address: 777 Bannock Ave Building B, Fort Hall, ID 83203
- Phone Number: 1-208-238-4800
- Website: https://shobangaming.com/
- Opening Hours: 24 hours a day
- Review on Google: 3.9 /5
I visited the casino for the first time with my son and had an excellent experience! We got our players card, and I won $650 to start playing! My son won $250!
Cynthia, Google Review
It’se Ye-Ye Casino in Kamiah
Part of the Clearwater River Casino family, It’se Ye-Ye Casino is a traditional gaming center housing more than 100 video game machines across 6,000 square feet. It also provides a cafe service seven days a week, which gets positive reviews from patrons.
- Address: 419 Third Street, Kamiah, ID 83536
- Phone Number: 1-208-935-7955
- Website: https://crcasino.com/itse-ye-ye-casino/
- Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs (8am-12am), Fri-Sat (8am-2am)
- Review on Google: 4.0 / 5
For a small casino in a small town, it’s pretty good. Lots of machine varieties, a small no smoking section, and a small restaurant.
Dakota, Google Review
→ If you want to enjoy an online gambling experience, visit our page to find out which US state allows online casinos.
Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn and Casino in Bonners Ferry
This three-star casino resort offers a bingo room and more than 400 different gaming machines. There’s also an exclusive winner’s club for regular patrons, and a hotel that overlooks the river.
- Address: 7169 Plaza St, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
- Phone Number: 1-888-875-8259
- Website: https://www.kootenairiverinn.com/
- Opening Hours: 24 hours a day
- Review on Google: 4.2 /5
This was a great mini vacation, my husband and I stayed 2 nights, it was a great stay. All employees at the hotel, casino, and Restaurant were very helpful and made sure we were taken care of if I had any questions.
Debra from TripAdvisor
Other Legal Gambling Activities in Idaho
As mentioned, although Idaho is strict when it comes to online gambling activities, there are still some betting outlets that are perfectly legal in-state.
Some sports betting is permitted, specifically parimutuel betting, horse racing and dog racing at specific tracks and venues. The state lottery is also available to play in Idaho without restrictions. Did you know that you can only play card games for money legally out of state?
As you can see from my rundown of land-based casinos, some casino activities are allowed in Idaho thanks to certain loopholes.
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Idaho
If you play the state lottery in Idaho, the lottery provider will automatically deduct any income taxes due should you win more than $5,000. Upon winning large prizes from the Idaho State Lottery, you’re advised to keep hold of the documentation for the next tax year.
More information on the Idaho State Lottery is available here.
US taxpayers need to report gambling income and any tax already paid via ‘Other Income’, which can be found on Form 1040. On the whole, anything you make from gambling will form part of your individual income for the tax year.
History of Gambling in Idaho
As you can see, gambling in Idaho is a pretty complex topic. While there are strict laws in place to prohibit gambling activity, there are still a few ways that people can play games in the state.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most important events in Idaho gambling history:
- Late 1880s: Idaho’s constitution was ratified, vaguely outlawing betting and “gift enterprises”. This was the start of betting laws in Idaho.
- Turn of the 20th Century: Towns and cities such as Boise and Twin Falls began to outlaw and police betting activities.
- 1947: Idaho legalized what was known at the time as ‘coin-op’ devices for amusement.
- 1953: Idaho’s slot machine laws were deemed unconstitutional under federal judgment, rescinding the 1947 relaxation.
- 1986: A citizen’s lottery was proposed and eventually allowed by 1988. It seemed that popular pressure had influenced its creation.
- 1992: The state’s constitution was amended to make gambling rules explicit, ensuring that activities such as bingo and parimutuel betting were exempt.
- 2002: The Coeur d’Alene and Nez Perce tribes in Idaho successfully pushed for video gaming in their casinos – dispensing ticket prizes.
What’s Next for Idaho Online Casinos?
Unfortunately, Idaho casino apps and Idaho online casino sites will remain few and far between for the foreseeable future. However, fans of Idaho online casino gaming hold out hope that things will change sooner rather than later. After all, in 2018, the Supreme Court overturned a federal ban, meaning that all states could now legalize sports betting if they wished.
That said, there just doesn’t seem to be much interest statewide in sports betting and casino gaming. Legalizing all gambling in the state would require editing Idaho’s constitution.
OnlineBetting.com claims that there are “no wheels in motion” to change sports betting laws. Unfortunately, the same appears to apply to casinos.
Therefore, for the foreseeable future, you can only partake in casino games in Idaho by visiting select brick-and-mortar casino resorts or playing sweeps online!
So, Will You Bet From Idaho Tonight?
Now you know all about Idaho gambling and casino games. Plus, you have five fantastic sweeps sites you can visit while in-state.
Why not take some time to explore these sites and find some new games to play tonight? Meanwhile, if you’re just starting out at online casinos, head over to our Betting 101 page for a breakdown of everything you need to know before betting for real.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Idaho online casino alternative for playing casino games?
Currently, Idaho online gambling is not regulated, and there are no legal online gambling sites where you can win real money. However, residents can enjoy social and sweepstakes casinos, which provide a legal online way to play casino games without real money stakes, such as online slots, table games, poker and live dealer games.
What forms of gambling are available to Idaho residents?
Idaho residents can participate in several forms of gambling, including playing at a tribal casino, buying Idaho lottery tickets, and visiting social and sweepstakes casinos online. These options provide a range of gambling experiences within the state’s regulations.
Can I play online slot games legally in Idaho?
While you cannot play online slot games for real money in Idaho, you can enjoy these games freely, in social and sweepstakes casinos. These platforms offer slot games as part of their game selection without involving real money.
How can I find the best online casino games if I live in Idaho?
To find the best online casino games, Idaho residents should explore social and sweepstakes casinos. These sites provide a wide range of games, including slots, poker, and more, allowing you to enjoy the experience of a traditional casino without the financial risk. Check our website for our best recommendations!
Will Idaho regulate online gambling in the future?
It is unclear when or if Idaho will regulate online gambling. However, staying updated with gambling news and monitoring legislative developments will help you stay informed about any changes in the state’s gambling laws and potential new gambling options.