The legalization of poker in the state of Idaho can be easily described as a flip switch relationship. Considering that the first betting slot machine was legalized in 1930 and banned in 1948, it is safe to say that gamblers in the state have been at the mercy of public opinion and changing legislation.
Gambling was initially permitted when Idaho became a state in 1880, but years after Methodist ministers became more expressive in the demand that police shut down all card games that were part of Local salons in 1905.
Between the first ban on slot machines in 1948 and 1953, voters and lawmakers ensured that all forms of gambling were outlawed. By 1990, the first Idaho Draw Game ticket was sold and Indian casinos were approved by the state. Since the implementation of Indian casinos, very little had been done to advance gaming in any capacity.
Currently, the 2020 Idaho law identifies poker playing as a game of chance and not a game of skill. If and when it is clearly identified as a game of skill, then the floodgates should be opened for online poker players. Gambling laws in the state do identify games of skill as legal. Like many states in the US, in 2020, online poker is, factually speaking, illegal in Idaho. However, on-site gambling casinos are allowed.
Seemingly, the only form of legalized poker is video poker. On the other hand, the bill does not provide any specific information regarding if online poker is legal or not. Therefore, online poker in Idaho remains a popular choice among all player levels, and to date, no player has been charged for playing online poker.
Poker Rooms/Casinos In Idaho
The Gem State is home to some of the greatest Indian Casinos available to players anywhere. The Casinos offer guests the fun and excitement they desire but in an atmosphere removed from the fuss and buzz of the big city. To ensure the accessibility of the casinos to visitors, on-site casinos are located throughout the state.
There are seven Indian casinos in Idaho. These Indian casinos in Idaho provide electronic bingo type slot machines for their guests’ gambling enjoyment. The casinos welcome gamblers over the age of 18 years of age, 24 hours a day, although it should be duly noted that some of the casinos may be closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Bingo halls, video poker, video keno and roulette, as well as electronic table games like Galaxy Gaming Virtual Blackjack, are available in various casinos.
1. Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
The 100,000 square feet of gaming space offers more than 1,600 video gaming machines including ShuffleMaster electronic tables, slots, video poker, and keno as well as high stakes bingo, off-track betting, and Idaho’s only operating poker room.
2. Clearwater River Casino & Lodge
The property is open 24/7 and offers more than 600 games with denominations ranging from a penny to $5 coins. Reel and video slots plus progressives, video blackjack, and keno are among the popular games on offer.
3. Kootenai River Casino
The casino is separated into three distinct areas with one of them non-smoking. Combined, and including the 150 seat bingo hall, and over 500 electronic gaming machines.
4. It’se-Ye-Ye Bingo & Casino
Offers about 110 video gaming machines, a bingo room and a café.
5. Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino
Offers 100 slots and video poker machines, no table games, and no bingo hall.
6. Bannock Peak Casino
The casino offers about 60 betting slot machines.
7. The Greyhound Park & Event Center
In addition to a simulcast schedule mainly focused on horse racing, the Events Center now hosts bingo and has some electronic bingo games that operate like slots.
8. Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel
The Casino and Hotel offers 20,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 900 video slots and electronic tables including Virtual Blackjack and an 8-station Video Craps, High Limit area, well as a new 258-seat bingo hall.
9. Ida Racing at Sandy Downs
Sandy Downs typically offers 6 great days of racing over the months of June and July in the summer. They run quarter horses and thoroughbreds as well as Indian Relay Races, where you can bet on your favorites to win.
Online Poker Sites in The Gem State
Online gamblers in Idaho that are 18 years of age or older can play in online casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, and bingo halls without the worry of committing a crime. Here’s a list of licensed poker sites Idahoans use and some key features.
- Ignition Casino Room: Is exclusive to US players, offers a 100% bonus up to $1,000, many payment options, and an amazing feature section.
- Bet Online Poker: Offers 100% first deposit bonus, allows for cryptocurrency banking, and is also available in a mobile app with unique features and options. It is ranked in the top 3 for US player traffic.
- Intertop Poker: Offers a 200% bonus match on initial deposit, a worldwide poker tournament selection, and high-quality games.
- Juicy stakes poker: Offers 200% up to $1000 poker bonus, operates on high-quality software, and has a wide selection of tournaments including freerolls.
- Bovada poker: Offers 100% up to $500 on bonuses, guaranteed tournaments, and quick and secure payouts for players.
- Black chip poker: Offers 100% up to $1000 welcome bonus, special player promotions, and rich player traffic.
- Americas card room: Offers 100% up to $1000 bonus, has a VIP loyalty program, and runs a weekly progressive jackpot.
- Sports Betting Poker: Offers 100% up to $1000 sign up bonus, highly responsive customer support, and easy-to-use software.
- True Poker: Offers a prompt payment processing, a 100% welcome bonus up to $1,000, rakeback options, and VIP Elite benefits.