Legal Poker For Idaho Residents
Idaho is one of the worst US states for poker fans. There doesn’t seem to be any legal way for Idaho residents to play poker in their state. Idaho has not legalized online poker, but does not have any laws preventing its residents from playing real money poker online.
Besides presenting honest expert opinions on the legality of playing real money online poker in Idaho, this page gives Idaho residents an overview of poker laws in their state. We have also presented a well-researched list of legal online poker sites that accept Idaho residents.
Idaho Poker Laws & Statutes
Idaho’s definition of poker is one of the broadest in the US. According to Section 18-3801, gambling is the act of risking anything of value on the outcomes of a gambling device, a sports event, or a casino game. The law even mentions the names of certain table and card games such as poker, craps, roulette, keno, blackjack, or baccarat.
Although the state’s definition of gambling is rather broad, the penalties it prescribes for illegal gambling are rather insignificant. Playing as well as operating illegal games in the state’s jurisdiction is a misdemeanor. So far, the state has not prosecuted any of its residents for playing and operating games of chance for real money. Social gambling is considered illegal in Idaho.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Idaho?
Although Idaho’s law books do not mention online poker, Section 20(2) of the Constitution of Idaho states that the use of “electronic and electromechanical imitation or simulation of any form of casino gambling” is illegal. This would make online gambling illegal, but a closer analysis of this statement reveals the fact that it is directed at operators, not individual players.
While Idaho lawmakers can argue that existing laws are applicable to online poker too, it cannot be denied that no part of Idaho’s laws prohibits players from playing real money poker online. It can be safely concluded that playing real money poker at offshore online poker rooms is safe and legal for Idaho residents. It is also worth noting that Idaho has so far not penalized any of its residents for playing real money poker online.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Idaho?
You will never get into trouble for playing real money online poker in Idaho, especially if you stick to the offshore online poker rooms we recommend for you. You must, however, bear in mind that Idaho does not authorize, license, or permit anybody to run online poker businesses in Idaho. Any online poker room that claims to be based in Idaho is therefore illegal and players need to steer clear of it.
Idaho residents can safely and legally play online poker for real money at online poker sites licensed in remote gambling jurisdictions because of two major reasons. First, Idaho does not have any law prohibiting residents from playing real money poker online. Second, Idaho cannot crack down on offshore online poker rooms because they are not located in Idaho and have nothing to do with its poker laws.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Idaho Players
Many residents of Idaho are showing an increased interest in online poker. The entire U.S. went through a poker boom a few years back, but Idaho is one of the few states that still has a large amount of new players every day. Many are worried that poker is illegal in Idaho, but they are wrong. Not only is it legal but it is easy and fun to start gambling online right now from the comfort of your home with the great sites listed below.
SportsBetting Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Idaho
Bovada has been a long time favorite poker room of many of the top pros in the U.S. and is a well-known training ground for them. If you want the site that is used by the best of the best than go to Bovada. With a sterling reputation and endorsements from USA Today and CBS, you can’t find a better site.
On top of that Bovada poker is one of the best sites for new players because of their insane 100% welcome bonus that gives every cent of your first deposit back, up to $1000 dollars. As you play and earn points simply for participating in poker, Bovada refunds your first deposit in increments. By the time you have earned 5,000 points you will have all of your initial deposit back. If free money doesn’t convince you that this is the best poker room online then you must not like $1,000 dollars.
SportsBetting Poker - All Idaho Players 18+ Welcome Here
Don’t let the name fool you, just because they have a sportsbook doesn’t meant that they aren’t also a great site for online poker. Believe it or not SportsBetting has one of the most used poker rooms in the entire U.S. Not only have they been in the poker business for more than 10 years now but they also have managed to earn more customers than sites that have been around for much longer.
- Part of the reason they are so popular is that they have the most guaranteed money tournaments out of any site in the U.S. If you sign-up SportsBetting’s poker room you are guaranteed to see $250,000 in guaranteed tournaments which blows the competition away. On top of that they offer a 200% bonus for joining which means they will match your deposit with 2$ for every dollar you deposit, up to $1,000 dollars. The money is released in stages as you earn rake money so make sure to keep playing so you can claim all of your bonus.
| Legal Idaho Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo |  |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |  |
Does Idaho Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
Unfortunately, there is no land casino that offers real money poker games. Idaho has a few Indian casinos, but they are required by law to limit their offerings to casino games such as video pokers, slots, bingo, and a few other casino games. But none of them run real money poker games. Since social gambling is not permitted in Idaho, players will not even come across any home poker games being organized.
The only legal way for Idaho residents to play poker is to sign up at offshore online poker rooms, which are licensed and regulated in offshore countries far away. We have listed a large number of well-researched offshore online poker rooms that accept Idaho poker players. Since these poker rooms operate from foreign gambling jurisdictions, they do not violate Idaho gambling laws in any way and it is legal for Idaho residents to use them for real money poker gaming. They also welcome players with fabulous bonuses and run lucrative cash games and tournaments.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Idaho Players
Idaho is home to a number of Indian casinos, but none of them offer real money poker games. Since playing poker for real money is definitely illegal in Idaho and since the state does not accept any arguments in favor of poker as a game of skill and strategy, Idaho poker players are left with hardly any legal options for poker gaming.
Although players can try organizing and playing home poker games, they must remember that social gambling is illegal in Idaho. The only silver lining to the cloud is that Idaho hardly prosecutes individuals for playing poker.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Idaho
Legalized online poker does not have much of a chance in Idaho. Simultaneously, it cannot be said that the state will never legalize online poker in the remote future. The state is likely to observe other states experimenting with online gambling legalization and interstate gambling compacts. Once it realizes the revenue-generating potential of online gambling, it is likely to pass laws legalizing and regulating the same. But right now, the state appears least interested in passing online poker bills.
Right now, Idaho poker players are left with only one way to play legal poker in a licensed and regulated environment—sign up at an offshore online poker room.
