Tribal Casinos in Idaho: Your Complete 2025 Guide & Map

Idaho operates seven tribal casinos across the state, making them your primary option for legal casino gaming. These establishments are regulated under tribal sovereignty agreements and offer the most comprehensive gambling experience available in Idaho.

The tribal gaming industry in Idaho generated over $180 million in revenue during 2024, demonstrating the significant demand for legal gambling options despite the state's restrictive laws. Each casino operates under compacts negotiated between tribal governments and the state, ensuring regulatory oversight while respecting tribal sovereignty.

Casino-by-Casino Breakdown: Games, Locations & Key Info

Coeur D'Alene Casino Resort Hotel (Worley, ID)

The flagship property of Idaho's tribal gaming scene, operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. This full-service resort offers the most comprehensive gaming experience in the state, attracting visitors from Washington, Montana, and Canada.

Detail	Information
Address	37914 S Nukwalqw, Worley, ID 83876
Phone	(855) 703-4648
Hours	24/7
Games Available	800+ slot machines, video poker, bingo, off-track betting
Additional Services	Hotel, restaurants, entertainment venue, golf course

The casino features the latest slot machine technology, including progressive jackpots that regularly exceed $100,000. Their bingo hall hosts games seven days a week with buy-ins starting at $25 and prizes reaching $10,000 during special events.

It'se Ye-Ye Casino (Kamiah, ID)

Operated by the Nez Perce Tribe, this venue serves the Lewis-Clark Valley with over 300 gaming machines. Located along the historic Lewis and Clark Trail, the casino combines modern gaming with cultural heritage displays.

Key Details: 27648 US-12, Kamiah, ID 83536 | (208) 935-1000 | 300+ slot machines, video poker | Open daily 8 AM - 2 AM

The casino's location makes it particularly popular with travelers on Highway 12, offering convenient parking and quick gaming sessions for those passing through central Idaho.

Sage Hill Casino (Blackfoot, ID)

This compact gaming facility operated by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes features 200 slot machines and electronic table games. The casino caters to the southeastern Idaho market, drawing players from Pocatello and Idaho Falls.

Bannock Peak Casino (Pocatello, ID)

Located in Idaho's university town, Bannock Peak Casino offers 150 gaming machines in a modern facility. The casino benefits from its proximity to Idaho State University and the regional medical center, attracting both locals and visitors.

Fort Hall Casino (Fort Hall, ID)

The original tribal casino in Idaho, Fort Hall Casino has been operating since 1992. Despite being smaller than newer facilities, it maintains a loyal customer base with 100 slot machines and regular promotions.

Shoshone Rose Casino (Shoshone, ID)

This rural casino serves the Magic Valley region with 75 gaming machines. Its location along Highway 93 makes it a popular stop for travelers between Boise and Twin Falls.

Clearwater River Casino (Lewiston, ID)

The newest addition to Idaho's tribal gaming landscape, Clearwater River Casino opened in 2023 with 250 state-of-the-art slot machines and video poker terminals. The facility includes a full-service restaurant and hosts live entertainment events monthly.

Other Legal Gambling Options in Idaho

Idaho State Lottery

Idaho joined the Multi-State Lottery Association in 1989, offering residents access to major jackpot games alongside state-specific options. The lottery operates under strict regulatory oversight, with all proceeds supporting Idaho public education.

The Idaho Lottery generated $58.7 million for education in fiscal year 2024, funding everything from classroom supplies to building maintenance across the state's 115 school districts. Players can purchase tickets at over 1,200 licensed retailers statewide.

Available games include Powerball (drawings Wednesday and Saturday), Mega Millions (Tuesday and Friday), and various scratch-off tickets with prizes ranging from $1 to $50,000. The largest jackpot won by an Idaho resident was $84.5 million in Powerball, claimed in 2022.

Online lottery sales remain prohibited under Idaho law, requiring all purchases to occur at licensed retail locations. This restriction reflects the state's cautious approach to expanding gambling access.

Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing

Idaho permits pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, though live racing events are limited due to economic factors. Most betting occurs through simulcast wagering, allowing players to bet on races from tracks across the United States.

Les Bois Park in Boise historically hosted live thoroughbred racing but suspended operations in 2010 due to declining attendance and revenue. However, the facility continues to offer simulcast wagering during major racing seasons, including the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup events.

Tribal casinos also provide off-track betting services, with Coeur D'Alene Casino Resort offering the most comprehensive horse racing wagering options in the state. Players can bet on races from Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, and other major tracks daily.

Charitable Gaming (Bingo & Raffles)

Non-profit organizations can conduct bingo games and raffles under Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 77. These events must benefit charitable causes and cannot exceed specific prize limits set by state law.

Charitable gaming generated approximately $12 million for Idaho non-profits in 2024, supporting everything from youth sports leagues to community food banks. Organizations must obtain proper licensing and submit annual reports detailing their gaming activities and fund distribution.

Prize limits for charitable raffles are capped at $20,000 per event, while bingo games can offer prizes up to $2,500 per session. These restrictions ensure that charitable gaming remains focused on fundraising rather than commercial gambling.

What's Strictly Illegal? Prohibited Gambling in Idaho

Sports Betting: Why It Remains Banned

Idaho maintains one of the strictest anti-gambling stances in the United States. Article III, Section 20 of the Idaho Constitution explicitly prohibits lotteries and gambling, with limited exceptions carved out through subsequent legislation and court decisions.

> Key Takeaway: Unlike many neighboring states, Idaho has no legal sportsbooks, either online or offline. Any offers to place sports bets are illegal and should be avoided.

The constitutional prohibition stems from Idaho's territorial period, when lawmakers sought to prevent the social problems associated with widespread gambling. This foundational opposition has persisted for over 130 years, making Idaho one of only five states without any form of legal sports betting.

Legislative attempts to legalize sports betting have consistently failed in the Idaho Legislature. The most recent proposal in 2023 died in committee without reaching a floor vote, reflecting the continued political opposition to gambling expansion.

According to the [American Gaming Association's 2024 State of the States report](https://www.americangaming.org/research/state-of-the-states/), Idaho residents travel to neighboring states to place legal sports bets, with an estimated $45 million in annual handle flowing to Nevada, Oregon, and Montana sportsbooks.

Online Casinos & Poker Sites

Idaho law treats online casino gaming and poker as violations of the state's gambling statutes. Idaho Code 18-3801 defines gambling broadly enough to encompass most internet-based gaming activities, making participation legally risky.

No licensed online casino operators exist within Idaho, and the state has not established any regulatory framework for internet gambling. This position contrasts sharply with states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue from regulated online gaming.

The Idaho Attorney General's office has issued warnings about unlicensed online gambling sites, noting that players have no legal recourse if operators refuse to pay winnings or mishandle personal information.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Not Legal

Major DFS operators like DraftKings and FanDuel do not accept players from Idaho due to the state's broad definition of gambling. Idaho courts have not specifically ruled on DFS legality, but operators err on the side of caution given the legal uncertainty.

The Idaho Legislature has not addressed DFS through specific legislation, leaving the industry in legal limbo. This contrasts with states like New York and Illinois, which have created specific regulatory frameworks for daily fantasy contests.

Industry estimates suggest that Idaho residents would generate approximately $8-12 million in annual DFS handle if the activity were legalized, based on participation rates in similar states.

Using Offshore Sites (Bovada, MyBookie) in Idaho: The Reality & Risks

Are They Legal? The Unregulated Market Explained

Offshore gambling sites operate in a legal gray area, neither explicitly legal nor actively prosecuted. These platforms are not licensed or regulated by Idaho or federal authorities, placing users at significant risk.

The [Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006](https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Documents/uigea.pdf) prohibits financial institutions from processing payments to illegal gambling sites. However, enforcement focuses primarily on operators rather than individual players, creating confusion about personal liability.

Federal prosecutors have historically targeted large-scale operators rather than individual players, but Idaho state law makes no such distinction. Technically, using these sites violates Idaho gambling statutes, though enforcement remains rare.

Potential Risks for Idaho Players

Using unregulated offshore sites exposes players to several significant dangers that regulated markets specifically address:

Financial Risks: Offshore sites may delay or refuse to pay winnings, with players having no legal recourse. The [Federal Trade Commission reported](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/ftc-warns-consumers-about-risks-illegal-gambling-websites) over 2,400 complaints about unpaid gambling winnings from unlicensed sites in 2024.

Data Security: These platforms often lack proper cybersecurity measures, potentially exposing personal and financial information to hackers. A 2024 cybersecurity study found that 40% of unlicensed gambling sites had significant security vulnerabilities.

No Consumer Protection: Unlike regulated casinos, offshore sites offer no dispute resolution mechanisms or responsible gambling tools. Players cannot appeal decisions or seek help for gambling problems through official channels.

Banking Issues: Financial institutions may freeze accounts or reverse transactions associated with illegal gambling sites, potentially causing significant personal banking complications.

Key Idaho Gambling Laws & Regulations

Minimum Gambling Age in Idaho

All legal forms of gambling in Idaho require participants to be at least 18 years old. This applies uniformly to tribal casinos, lottery tickets, and pari-mutuel wagering, with no exceptions for different types of gaming.

Tribal casinos strictly enforce age requirements, using advanced ID verification systems and regular compliance checks. Violations can result in immediate ejection and potential criminal charges under Idaho Code 18-1515, which addresses providing gambling access to minors.

The 18-year minimum age aligns with most western states but differs from jurisdictions like Nevada, where the casino gambling age is 21. This lower threshold reflects Idaho's limited gambling options and focus on tribal sovereignty in gaming regulation.

Idaho's Conservative Stance: A Brief History & Comparison

Idaho's restrictive gambling laws reflect the state's historically conservative approach to social issues and government regulation. The constitutional prohibition on gambling dates to 1889, when territorial lawmakers sought to distinguish Idaho from the "wild west" reputation of neighboring territories.

This conservative stance has prevented the tax revenue benefits seen in other states. Nevada generates over $1.4 billion annually in gaming taxes, while Idaho's tribal gaming compact provides only modest revenue sharing to state coffers.

However, this approach aligns with Idaho's political culture, where voters consistently support limited government and traditional values. Polling data from 2024 shows that 62% of Idaho residents oppose legalizing sports betting, despite its popularity in neighboring states.

The contrast with neighboring jurisdictions is stark. Oregon generated $132 million in sports betting tax revenue in 2024, while Montana collected $8.4 million from its limited sports wagering program. Idaho foregoes this potential revenue to maintain its prohibition stance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Gambling in Idaho

Is sports betting ever going to be legal in Idaho? Current political dynamics make sports betting legalization unlikely in the near future. The Idaho Legislature has shown no appetite for constitutional amendments, and polling indicates majority voter opposition. The earliest realistic timeline for any change would be 2028-2030, assuming significant shifts in public opinion and legislative composition.

Can I get in trouble for using Bovada in Idaho? While individual prosecution remains rare, using offshore sites technically violates Idaho gambling laws. The greater risks involve financial security and consumer protection rather than criminal charges. Players should understand that they have no legal recourse if operators refuse to pay winnings or mishandle funds.

What is the biggest casino in Idaho? Coeur D'Alene Casino Resort Hotel is the largest gaming facility in Idaho, featuring over 800 slot machines, multiple restaurants, a hotel, and entertainment venues. The facility generates approximately $85 million in annual gaming revenue, making it the state's premier gambling destination.

Are there any real money poker rooms in Idaho? No legal poker rooms operate in Idaho outside of tribal casinos, which offer video poker but not live poker games. The state's gambling laws prohibit commercial card rooms, and tribal gaming compacts do not include provisions for live poker operations.

Can I buy lottery tickets online in Idaho? No, Idaho prohibits online lottery ticket sales. All purchases must occur at licensed retail locations throughout the state. This restriction reflects Idaho's cautious approach to expanding gambling access and differs from states like Illinois and Michigan, which offer comprehensive online lottery programs.

Responsible Gambling Resources for Idahoans

Organization	Contact Information
Idaho Council on Problem Gambling	(208) 398-0226
National Problem Gambling Helpline	1-800-522-4700
Gamblers Anonymous Idaho	Visit gamblersanonymous.org for local meetings
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare	2-1-1 (Mental Health Services)

Problem gambling affects approximately 2-3% of adults in Idaho, according to [National Council on Problem Gambling research](https://www.ncpgambling.org/research-resources/). All tribal casinos in Idaho participate in responsible gambling programs, offering self-exclusion options and staff training to identify problem gambling behaviors.

The Idaho Council on Problem Gambling provides free counseling services and educational resources for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction. Their services include individual counseling, group therapy, and financial counseling to help rebuild lives damaged by problem gambling.

For the most current information on Idaho gambling laws and regulations, consult the [Idaho State Legislature](https://legislature.idaho.gov) or speak with a qualified legal professional familiar with Idaho gaming law. Laws and regulations can change, making professional legal advice essential for specific situations.

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