Online sports betting in Idaho

Table of contents

One of the long-awaited events is legal online sports betting in Idaho. Betting enthusiasts in the Gem State have been keeping their ears open in case of any developments on this front. Public pressure has led to some concessions by state authorities, which have allowed a state lottery and tribal betting casinos to operate.

However, there is still no notable progress on the issue of sports betting. This review gives you all the important information about the status of betting in the state. Read on to find out more.

No, online sports betting is not legal in Idaho. A state lottery is already in existence in the state. So, it would be easy to run online sports betting in Idaho under the supervision of the lottery. Another handy alternative is to operate online betting without physical retail casinos, which is pretty easy to set up. However, what is missing is the necessary legislation to enable this to happen. Talking of legislation, there is currently no bill processing in the state legislature. So the prognosis for betting in the state is still not good. Probably, state legislators will show more enthusiasm for sports betting in the future.

Online sports betting sites that may launch in Idaho

If and when sports legislation does launch in Idaho, there will be no shortage of sportsbooks that will readily begin operations in the state. Below are sportsbooks that have established a great reputation for offering some of the best services in the sports betting business. They are likely to launch in the state when the opportunity arises.

FanDuel Idaho

When the time comes, this will be one of the leading sportsbooks to join the Idaho betting scene. The sportsbook is famous for its numerous bonuses, huge selection of games, high odds with regular odds boosts, amazing promotions, and a great collection of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). FanDuel has both a website and a mobile app, both of which run seamlessly. It also offers a reliable customer care service and gives you a variety of payment methods to choose from. Live-streaming of games is also another feature of this sportsbook. You can watch as the game you have a wager on unfolds. FanDuel provides most of the services you will find in any sportsbook.

BetRivers Idaho

This is another leading sportsbook in the United States. Continuous promotions have made the sportsbook really stand out. They enhance its huge welcome bonus. However, BetRivers is not just about bonuses, it also has a superb site that runs as well on PC as on mobile. You will also find a huge sports market and competitive odds on the site. Many reviews have also pointed out the exemplary customer care services available. The prompt responses by support staff have attracted very positive ratings. Moreover, they do have some attractive loyalty programs for their loyal customers.

PointsBet Idaho

Another of the leading sportsbooks, PointsBet is unique in the sense that it is the only sportsbook that provides points betting. This type of betting gives you an opportunity to increase your odds by betting on points differences between teams. Using the points betting feature, you can award a team a +6 goal difference over team B. This means that team A will win with a margin of 6 points or more. The risks for this kind of bet are high because your prediction could go totally wrong. The odds are also high, which is why many bettors go for it. However, PointsBet also has other types of bets if you are not a fan of points betting. The sportsbook generally has a wide selection of games and smooth running user interface. It will be a great addition to the Idaho betting scene.

Caesars Idaho

Any mention of Caesars always evokes feelings of daily constant promotions. The sportsbook is the home of continuous promotions on a daily basis. However, there is more to this sportsbook than just the regular offers. This was among the very first sportsbooks to launch operations in the United States in 2018. Its growth has been tremendous due to its trustworthiness and ever-increasing sports market. It offers some of the highest odds you will get anywhere. Moreover, it has a variety of banking options that its customers find very convenient.

BetMGM Idaho

Perhaps one of the most outstanding features of BetMGM is its sumptuous welcome bonus. This risk-free offer is among the biggest in the market. It befits the sportsbook, which is as big as you will ever find, with a huge customer base. BetMGM is also renowned for its highly functional and well-designed site, which runs without unnecessary hitches. The ID sportsbook also offers high-quality, reliable live-streaming services. It is one of the sites that betting enthusiasts in Idaho will really want to join. The prompt payouts on BetMGM have made the sportsbook a darling of many reviewers. You will not have any complaints over that unless there is a technical issue. Happily, such issues always receive swift attention whenever they arise.

 DraftKings Idaho

Having started off as a DFS site, DraftKings has well-developed fantasy sports. It has also earned a reputation for reliable services, high odds, a well-designed and functional user interface, and high odds. The sports market on the site is as huge as they come, and they add more games periodically. The site also runs a wide range of casino games if you want to diversify from sports betting. DraftKings will definitely be a rich addition to the Idaho sports betting scene when the time comes. Nevertheless, some reviewers keep grumbling about customer care services on the site. This is one area that could do with a little improvement.

Sign up for a sports betting account in Idaho

Signing up for an Idaho online gambling account is easy. From this guide, you will definitely get the best betting sites to register with. That is because we conduct thorough reviews of existing betting sites and list for you only the best. You will go through the following steps to get an account for online sports betting in Idaho.

  1. Choose one of our Idaho betting sites that meets your needs from our list. Check the available sports, banking options, and betting types to pick the site that suits you best. Next, proceed to go to the site on a PC or download the mobile app of the sportsbook on your phone. Open the site and proceed to the next steps.
  2. Make your payment choice based on what works best for you. It is important to choose a payment method you are familiar with to ensure ease of operations for you. Another important thing to remember is that the method should be affordable. You wouldn’t want to lose a big chunk of your winnings to transaction fees.
  3. Your personal information will be required. Enter you personal details on the site’s registration form. This will include selecting a username and password, your name, email, phone number, and the last digits of your Social Security Number. While at it, you should also enter your promo code, if you have one, to unlock the bonus that comes with it.
  4. Make a real-money deposit. It will be easy to make the deposit using the payment method you have selected. You will readily find information on the minimum deposit on the sportsbook itself. Also remember that certain bonuses, like the deposit-match bonus, are unlocked by the deposit you make.
  5. You can start betting online. Once you have completed the above steps, you can proceed to make your first wager. After that, you will be able to make any subsequent bets that you want to.

There is no shortage of bonuses on the sportsbooks listed in this review. You will therefore be spoilt for choice when you choose your preferred sportsbook. It is important to note that you should not pass up any opportunity to benefit from the bonuses available to you, because they will increase your betting stash. The important thing is to take advantage of every little you can get. Here are the popular bonuses on offer.

  • Free bets: These are bets you make without risking your own money. In many cases, you will get free bets after you make a certain number of bets. You should exercise caution in choosing free bets like those. If the wagering requirement for a free bet is too high, then it is good to opt out. Nevertheless, some sportsbooks don’t require you to bet first before getting a free bet. In fact, you may be given free bets to enable you to test the betting process on the sportsbook before committing your money. These are the best free bets to go for in online sports betting in Idaho.
  • Sign up bonus: This is a bonus the customer gets when he signs up for a sportsbook. These bonuses are commonplace, and you will find them in all the sportsbooks in this review. Some will come in the form of no deposit bonuses, deposit matches, risk-free bets, and free bets. Whichever type you choose, it will provide you with an opportunity to bet using the bonus given. The reason sign-up bonuses are so common is that they aim to lure in new members to the sportsbook.
  • No deposit bonus. This is a bonus you are given for simply registering on the sportsbook. It is, therefore, the most sincere bonus you will find anywhere. The good thing about this bonus is that it will enable you to begin playing even without putting in any money. You will not be able to withdraw the money though since most bonuses are for playing. Nevertheless, if you spot it in a sportsbook or ID sports betting app, it would be a good offer to go for.
  • Matched deposit bonus: A matched deposit bonus is an amount equal to your deposit that is added to your account. You get it after you put in the deposit. After that, you can use it to make wagers in addition to your deposit. The downside of it is that you have to make a deposit first before you can get it. Conversely, betting is about making deposits and risking them in a bet. So, you will still make a deposit with or without the bonus.
  • Risk-free bets: There is nothing risk-free about these bonuses. Actually, you have to take a risk on a bet before you can benefit from this bonus. A risk-free bet is, therefore, a refund of a specified amount of your stake that you get after you make a wager. It acts as insurance that you will get something back even if you lose the bet. You also get to benefit from any winnings from the bet. Bettors love this bonus because they get something back where they would have otherwise lost their entire stake. Sportsbooks also love it because they keep part of your wager and refund you the rest. It is therefore a win-win situation for both parties.

Even though the state does not have a team in any of the national leagues, there are still some popular sports in Idaho. The state consists of towns with relatively small populations that are not attractive to big-league organizers. Still, the locals love their sports and passionately support their teams. Here are some of those sports. Idaho residents can look forward to betting on these teams in the future when the opportunity arises.

  • Soccer: This sport originally had a small following in the United States, but it has steadily grown over time. The most popular sport in the world, soccer is a game in which two teams aim to outscore each other over a 90-minute period of two halves. A team scores by getting the ball into the opponent’s goal. Teams such as North West Nazarene University men’s and women’s teams and the Marsh Valley high teams are very popular. On a more professional level, there is the Boise Cutthroats FC which is fast gaining respect all around the state.
  • Hockey: The most popular version of hockey in the US is the one played on ice. The fast-moving game involves players moving fast on skates while playing with a puck around using hockey sticks. Like in soccer they score goals. Among the popular hockey teams in Idaho is the Idaho Steelheads which plays in the ECHL.
  • Softball: This is a game that is quite similar to baseball, except that is has a bigger ball and smaller field. The leading softball teams in the Gem state include USA Explosion, Idaho Dirtdogs, Crossfire Fastpitch, and Idaho Crush.
  • Roller Derby: Another game that is rising in popularity, Roller Derby gets its name from the fact that it is played on roller skates and involves contact between players. It consists of two teams made up of 15 players each. The aim of the game is for a single player, a jammer, to lap as many opponents as possible. The opponents try to stop the jammer while the teammates help out. It is a very fast physical game. The leading Roller Derby teams in Idaho include the Treasure Valley Rollergirls. Though both males and females initially played the game, it is mainly a female game at the moment.

The history of sports betting in Idaho

The state of Idaho has had a long history of opposing all types of gambling. This situation is further complicated by the fact that there are no really big teams representing the state in to US leagues. Consequently, there is no real pressure from fans who are eager to bet on such teams on the state authorities. In fact, gambling is limited to six casinos in Idaho, and they only offer slot and video games. Apart from that, there is a state lottery. It is interesting to comprehend why the Gem State has maintained such a hard stance on gambling. A look at the history of online sports betting in Idaho can give a few insights. Below is the timeline of activities.

  • 1889 – The Idaho State constitution was written. Article 20 of that constitution prohibited the state legislature from authorizing any betting or gift enterprise for any reason. This was vague, so illegal gambling thrived in the state.
  • 1898 – The Boise City Council tried to clarify what constituted gambling by prohibiting any game played with cards, dice, or device for any form of monetary gain. This mopped up most of the illegal gambling, but definitely not all of it. So, gambling went on away from the eyes of state authorities.
  • 1904 – The Boise Mayor authorized police to raid illegal gambling joints and destroy slot machines. This all-out war only increased the resolve of locals to have legal slot machines one day. The public kept pushing for their legal inclusion as a form of leisure activity for them. It was only a matter of time before some sort of compromise would be reached.
  • 1947 – The state of Idaho bowed to public pressure and legalized slot machines in the state. The term used for them was coin-operated amusement devices. Bettors could toss a few coins into the machines and spin to push their luck. However, this only lasted until 1853.
  • 1953 – The state of Idaho declared gambling unconstitutional. Therefore, the state legislatures passed a law that prohibits most types of gambling. The law did away with games of chance, including the pre-existing slot machines, and sporting events whose outcomes would give the participant some kind of benefit. State authorities asked the slot machine operators to either destroy them or ship them to Nevada. Many of the machines got stolen in the process.
  • 1963 – Idaho legalized betting on horse racing. This provided the only avenue through which bettors could place a wager legally. For many years, it remained the only form of legitimate gambling in the state. However, it only whetted the appetite of the locals for more forms of legal gambling.
  • 1986 – A citizen initiative forced the legislature to consider legalizing a state lottery. Lawmakers offered stiff opposition to this initiative stating that it lacked the requisite legislative approval to amend the state constitution. In the end, the state Supreme Court shut down the initiative, but the push for a lottery had gained popular momentum.
  • 1988 – The state legislature caved into public pressure and agreed to take the matter of a state lottery to the general election. It passed by a popular vote of 57%. Not for the first time, the public had taken on the state and won. Looking back at this popular victory, residents of the Gem State must have hope that they can still force the issue of sports betting if they make a concerted effort.
  • 1992 – This year there was an amendment to Article III Section 20 of the state constitution. The amendment outlawed gambling and casino games. It also prescribed that there would be penalties for operating such games in the state. The amendment authorized the state legislature to enact laws to operationalize such penalties. However, the amendment conceded that promotional contests by merchants which awarded prizes but did not charge participants do not constitute gambling. Also, games that only give additional play as rewards do not constitute gambling.
  • 2002 – Heated discussions between tribal groups and the state legislature eventually culminated in another amendment to the constitution. The tribes had been pilling pressure on the legislature since the establishment of the state lottery. They took heart from the public victory of the masses over the state authorities during that push. The amendment effectively allowed tribal casinos to carry out operations limited to video games and slots. To enable the inclusion of the slots, the tribes include an amendment that stated that they were not slot machines so long as they did not have a lever or dispense coins. In a nutshell, members of the public had won another important battle.
  • 2009 – The state Supreme Court dismissed a petition by the state legislature and upheld the right of the tribes to have video games in their casinos. Since then, it is legal to play video games and slots in tribal casinos in the state. It is also legal to participate in the state lottery. Other forms of gambling still remain out of reach for Idaho residents.

Are there any retail betting locations in Idaho?

No, there are not. Any form of sports betting is not legal in the state, be it in physical retail locations or online. However, the state of Idaho does run a lottery. In addition, the residents have 6 tribal casinos which are limited to offering slots and video gambling machines. Unfortunately, they don’t offer popular card games that are readily available in other casinos. Another option is that you can wager at pari-mutuel horse betting at any of the state’s racetracks. That is as close as it gets to betting in the Gem state. Retail betting locations, even the type run by tribes do not exist in Idaho. That position will not change until a law allowing physical retail betting sees the light of day. In the meantime, bettors can only wait to see which way the state legislature will go on the matter.

FAQ

How old do I need to be to bet on sports at Idaho sports betting sites?

There is no age at which you can bet legally on sports in Idaho. The state is yet to legalize sports betting of any sort, so you cannot participate no matter how old you are. Federal law allows you to begin betting at the age of 21 in the United States, this is subject to a state legalizing betting within its territory.

Are daily fantasy sports legal in Idaho?

No, you cannot play daily fantasy sports legally in Idaho. Consequently, you will be in violation of the law if you were to participate in this form of betting while in Idaho territory.

When will sports betting become legal in Idaho?

It is not clear when sports betting will become legal in Idaho. That is because there is no coherent movement in the state legislature to begin the process of legalizing the practice. Though there have been a couple of attempts to get some kind of legislation going, nothing has been successful so far. Moreover, legislators have not shown much enthusiasm in this direction. It is not known whether this attitude will change anytime soon.