Gambling Laws In Idaho
There are a few federal laws in place across the entire nation which impacts the ability to gamble, none as important as the Federal Wire Act and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). These and the gambling laws in Idaho outlaw the facilitation of bets for profit and are intended to put a dent in organized crime as well as end corruption and racketeering. While these laws are indeed quite strong and all-encompassing, they do not hinder the average citizen from the simple act of placing a bet. It is entirely legal under federal law for anyone to make a wager as it is only the business of gambling which is prohibited.
This leaves much room for each individual state to develop its own laws and regulations when it comes to gambling. Idaho is one of many other states which has formulated its own gambling legislation and IdahoGamblingSites.com is available to all those in the Gem State to utilize for gaining knowledge on how and where to safely and legally gamble within the realm of law.
The term gambling is specifically defined in the Idaho state legislation under 18-3801 in the Idaho state statutes (Title 18, Chapter 31). Just as is the case with other states and federal laws, the business of gambling is a more serious crime. In Idaho, bookmaking and pool selling is strictly forbidden and may result in steep fines and prison time. This is the primary target of enforcement as there are plenty of instances of underground gambling rings being raided yet little to no enforcement of simple bets made among friends or home poker games. Residents in Idaho are strongly advised to never engage in the facilitation of bets for profit to remain on the right side of the law.
Even though Idaho has anti-gambling measures put in place, the state is not entirely anti-gambling. There is a state run lottery which remains popular with locals and generates great revenue for the education system and there are also a few state licensed gambling facilities throughout the state. There are also a number of Native American tribal casinos in Idaho so residents do indeed have a few legal options when it comes to placing a bet or joining in on a live game of poker.
Land-Based Gambling In Idaho
Aside from a state lottery, Idaho plays host to a few pari-mutuel betting facilities scattered throughout the region. None are as popular as the historic Les Bois Park located in Boise where live horse racing takes place as well as simulcast races which can be wagered on. There are also a variety of Native American tribal casinos located within the state of Idaho which operate outside of local legislation due to the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Of these, one of the most popular is the Coeur D'Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley which has a large selection of slot machines, off-track betting and also live poker which was recently allowed. This casino is the closest to a traditional Las Vegas styled gambling facility in Idaho after a recent massive renovation and expansion. Most Idaho residents seeking betting action flock to Coeur D'Alene as if it were an oasis in an otherwise tame gambling desert.
Online Gambling In Idaho
Online gambling is not specifically addressed by Idaho legislation but it is prohibited to "employ any electronic or electromechanical imitation or simulation of any form of casino gambling." Some have taken this to mean that gambling online is not lawful while others have quickly dismissed it as referring to electronic slot machines inside of pari-mutuel land based facilities. We here on this site believe that it is entirely okay to gamble online in the state of Idaho as there is no instance of prosecution of any locals who have gambled online from the privacy of their own homes. Again, so long as residents are not engaging in the business of gambling and facilitating bets for a profit off of others, they will be left alone.
Following the federal law, it is legal for any U.S. citizen to make a bet online but the venues to do so are not allowed to exist anywhere within the country. This simply means that one is able to visit and use an online gambling site which is based outside of both state and federal jurisdictions. This is a simple enough task as there are a vast number of online betting sites which have been operating for decades well outside of the United States yet still servicing those who live here in Idaho as well as many other states. Many of these sites are based in locations such as the United Kingdom, Europe, and even as close as Canada and answer to rigid online gambling and banking laws which are safe for Americans to use. Despite their foreign locations, many of them are even specifically designed for the use of American visitors to bet on all things ranging from Blackjack and Poker all the way to Super Bowl predictions and college athletics.
Popular Gambling Options In Idaho:
Online Sportsbooks - Online Casinos - Online Poker
One such site which has provided exemplary service to those here in Idaho as well as the rest of the country is Bovada.lv. Initially started as an American company, this online gambling site moved to neighboring Canada after U.S. laws necessitated a relocation in order to continue serving American bettors. They are one of the most highly regarded online gambling sites in the world which offers virtually every wagering option as well as an impressive list of endorsements from entities such as ESPN, CBS Sports and USA Today.
One form of gambling prevalent at Bovada is their exquisite poker room which frequently hosts many of the world's top players frequenting its tables for high stakes Texas Hold'em tournaments. New users are instantly rewarded for checking them out as well. Upon one's first deposit at Bovada, they will find their cash doubled by a 100% welcome bonus worth up to $1000 which is sure to stack the chips in any Idaho resident's favor. But if poker isn't your thing, don't worry because Bovada also has a first class sportsbook, online casino and even an online racebook for those horse players out there.
| Best Overall Betting Sites | Sports? | Casino? | Poker? | Horses? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| BetOnline | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| SportsBetting | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
The legal gambling age for all those in the state of Idaho, no matter if it is in a land-based facility or over the internet with one of our recommended online gambling sites, is 18 years of age or older. If you are not 18 years old, it is strongly recommended that you wait until you are of age. It is not worth getting banned from any of the state's regulated facilities, and trust us, you definitely don't want to deal with the hassle of getting busted with underage gambling on a website because then you start talking about having funds confiscated. Don't risk it!
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