Legal Online Poker in Idaho

In this guide find out the Legality of Online Poker in Idaho

Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Avatar Author Adrian Sterne
Fact checked by Dusan Jovanovic

Idaho isn’t the first state that comes to mind when someone mentions poker and the online counterpart of the popular card game. That’s because most forms of gambling remain illegal in the Gem State. There have been no attempts to legalize any form of online gambling.

The good news is that poker fans from Idaho can still find a couple of options to play their favorite game online.

In the following guide, we’ll discuss the legality of gambling — especially online poker — in Idaho and explore the best alternatives for poker players.

Gambling in Idaho is illegal, with the three major verticals — casinos, sports betting, and poker — not legalized or regulated in any way. The only legal options are the lottery, bingo, and charity raffles, in addition to dog and horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering.

Idaho is home to successful poker players, such as Dylan Linde and Kevin MacPhee, who have earned more than $6 million and $5 million, respectively, playing live tournaments.

Speaking of live tournaments and live poker, it’s important to note that no options currently exist in Idaho, even though five tribal-owned casinos operate legally in the state.

The only option that remains is online offshore poker. Namely, hundreds of poker sites are operated and licensed by entities outside the United States. These platforms are not always worth it, but some have been running successfully for decades and have gained quite the following among US players. In fact, some offshore platforms are already considered iconic in the poker world and have excellent reputations. Our team carefully examined such sites and picked the best and most trustworthy options for Idaho players.

Since they’re licensed outside Idaho, offshore poker sites don’t break any laws, which means they’re technically in the gray area in terms of legality. According to Idaho laws, you’ll still be considered guilty of gambling by participating in offshore poker games, yet nobody has been prosecuted so far for doing so.

Poker Laws

LawTitle 18, Chapter 38 of Idaho Statutes addresses gaming, defining what constitutes gambling and what’s prohibited. Moreover, this document also addresses the fines for being caught gambling, which is considered a misdemeanor. Therefore, guilty individuals will have to pay up to $1,000 or spend no more than six months in jail. In rare cases, both apply.

Here are some additional documents on gambling in Idaho.

Best Legal Poker Rooms in Idaho

There aren’t any legal poker rooms in Idaho, but players can still join online platforms licensed outside the US.

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:
  • 100% Legal & Licensed
  • Verified Bonus
  • Mobile Friendly
  • Advertiser Disclosure

    Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions

  • Must be 18+ to participate.
crown # 1  Poker Site
BetOnline Poker
5
5.0 / 5.0

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by Panama

  • 100% First deposit bonus
  • Top 3 in US player traffic
  • Great selection of games
  • Banking through cryptocurrencies
Payout speed 1-3 days
Deposit options
Mastercard Visa Bitcoin Credit Card Bitcoin Cash Cash App +10

Exclusive bonus

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Displayed 3 of 8 rooms

Land-Based Poker in Idaho

As mentioned, even though there are several land-based options for casino players, they can mostly enjoy slots, bingo, keno, and some table games. Unfortunately, none of the five tribal-owned properties feature a poker room. In other words, you’re currently only left with one option: playing poker online at offshore platforms.

How to Register at a Legal Online Poker Site in Idaho

If you’re interested in signing up with an offshore platform from Idaho and playing cash games and tournaments, you should learn how to join. In the following guide, you’ll learn the entire process and how to kickstart your journey at one of the legitimate offshore sites that offer poker.

Pick an online poker room

Our team has selected secure and trustworthy poker platforms available to Idaho players. Feel free to examine them closely and read our reviews to learn more. They all passed our strict assessment, but some might be more suitable for you than others.

Signup

After selecting a poker site, you need to become a registered member to start playing. The registration process is similar to any online gambling site, meaning you’ll have to provide your email, password, username, and more. Since you’ll open an account at an offshore site, providing digits from your SSN won’t be necessary.

Deposit & Play

Many offshore poker sites accept a wide range of payment options used by US players. You will likely be able to use various e-wallets, cards, and more. Cryptocurrencies are also convenient for international transactions, which is why many sites accept Bitcoin and altcoins.

Almost all poker sites offer some kind of welcome bonus to help you get started. Bonuses are usually available upon making your first deposit, so make sure to get them to have the best possible experience.

Each platform is unique, so it’s essential to study their offers before choosing the best option.

Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker

No tribal casinos in the state have a poker room, so live poker remains unavailable in Idaho. You can play video poker as the next best thing if you’re planning on visiting one of the land-based properties.

Other Resources

Final Thoughts

To sum up, poker remains illegal in Idaho until further notice. There have been virtually no attempts to legalize the card game, and this also applies to online poker cash games and tournaments. If you’re not interested in playing free poker via social poker sites, your only solution is to choose an offshore poker platform, and our team made sure to pick and feature fair, secure, and trustworthy options for Idaho players.

FAQ

Is online poker legal in Idaho?

No form of poker is legal or available in Idaho. The only way to play the popular card game in the Gem State is by registering at one of the offshore poker platforms. Still, you should be careful, as many international platforms aren’t worth it. Our team picked the most secure and trustworthy options for Idaho players.

Are there legal poker sites in Idaho?

No, there are no legal options, as Idaho hasn’t legalized or regulated poker in any way. Offshore platforms are not outlawed either, meaning they belong to the gray legal area. Therefore, you can access them and become a registered member at one of these poker sites, as they are currently the only available option for Idaho players.

Can I play online poker in Idaho if I’m under 21?

The minimum gambling age in Idaho is 18, meaning you can access a poker site if you’re under 21. However, if you’re under 18, please seek entertainment elsewhere and stay away from gambling until you reach legal age.

  Contact Me

Hi, I am the Chief Editor of top10pokersites.net, this site is dedicated to all thing poker. I have been working around the poker industry for the last 15 years, with different brands. The main purpose of this site is to keep you uptodate with the industry and offer you the best deals around.