Poker Tournaments in Idaho in 2024 – ID Poker Tournaments Schedule & Results

Read on and learn about the biggest poker tournaments in the Gem State

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

Idaho is not the first state you think of when looking for gambling-friendly jurisdictions, despite its proximity to Nevada. The Idaho Constitution, specifically Statutes 18-3801 et seq. and 54-2501 et seq. prohibit all kinds of gambling in the Gem State, including poker.

The ban extends to even the seven licensed tribal casinos in the state. While poker games may be prohibited, there are still ways to play real money online poker tournaments in Idaho.

This guide will tell you all about online poker rooms that accept poker players from Idaho, including how to register and play.

Poker Tournaments in Idaho

Idaho state laws define gambling as “risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device or the happening or outcome of an event, including a sporting event, the operation of casino gambling including, but not limited to, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat, or keno.”

Participating in unlawful gambling is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

However, the Gem State still produced a number of poker gems, including Michael Kinney from Sandpoint, known as the Idaho Bandit. Namely, he joined the World Poker Tour in 2004 and took home $629,469 after beating 342 opponents.

Other notable poker players from Idaho who managed to rattle the cages of many seasoned pros in online poker tournaments are Kevin MacPhee and Dylan Linde, having earned $5 and $6 million, respectively, playing online poker.

Despite a strong fanbase in Idaho, poker has never been legalized in the state. There have been attempts in the past to get the game running in tribal casinos. Specifically, Coeur D’Alene Casino opened a live poker room in 2014, arguing poker was legal under the parimutuel laws of the state. However, a federal judge disagreed, and the US Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the original sentence that poker tourneys are not in accordance with the law.

For the time being, the only legal gambling options available in Idaho include the following:

  • Parimutuel wagering
  • Lotteries
  • Social casinos
  • Bingo

Thankfully, you can always opt for online offshore poker rooms. There are hundreds of websites accepting US residents and offering them appealing bonuses. Even though they are technically illegal for Idaho residents, no player has ever been charged with a misdemeanor for playing at offshore online casinos.

Online Poker Tournaments in Idaho

There are no specific mentions of online poker tournaments in Idaho gambling laws. They exist in a gray legal area since these operators do not have to abide by local gambling laws.

The fact that they are not governed by a local jurisdiction does not mean they are not regulated at all. In fact, reputable gambling authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao eGaming, Isle of Man, and other licensing bodies have verified them and ensured the games they offer are completely fair and safe.

Naturally, with hundreds of online poker rooms to choose from, it can be challenging to select the best one. Therefore, we’ve come up with a list of top poker sites for players in Idaho offering the greatest selection of daily Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud poker cash games and tournaments.

Each online poker site has a unique range of games and buy-in structures, along with bonus deals for new and existing players, free roll tournaments, and many other perks.

Another option for online poker tournaments in Idaho is through social casinos and apps. These platforms are free to play, so you won’t have to invest your money to participate in tournaments. On the other hand, there won’t be any real money payouts, either.

Land-Based Poker Tournaments in Idaho

There are seven tribal casinos in Idaho, but none is allowed to feature live poker games, meaning you won’t be able to find any land-based poker tournaments in the Gem State.

Since there are no legal card rooms in Idaho, and even home poker is forbidden, the only option for land-based poker games is in neighboring states, such as Montana, Oregon, and Nevada.

How to Register for an Online Poker Tournament in Idaho

As the only options to play online poker in Idaho are offshore online poker rooms, let’s take a look at this detailed guide on how to register and play. The following information should serve as a basis for the registration process at most online casinos and poker rooms but note that minor differences may apply.

Choose one of the online poker rooms from our site

The top hand-picked poker rooms in Idaho are right here on our page, so you won’t have to roam looking for safe and fair poker games.

Signup

Complete the registration process by supplying necessary personal information such as name, date of birth, email, phone number, and similar.

In order to make withdrawals, you might be required to verify your account by providing copies of your personal documents, such as your ID and copies of bills to confirm your address.

Deposit & Play

To cover the rake and the buy-ins for poker tournaments, you need to have funds in your account. You can use various deposit methods such as e-wallets, credit cards, and even cryptocurrencies.

New users are often entitled to a welcome bonus designed to boost your starting bankroll and improve your chances of winning.

Browse the list of available tournaments that take place on a daily/weekly basis. Check the tournament propositions for information such as rebuy options and similar.

Idaho Land-Based Casinos With Poker Tournaments

Tribal casinos in Idaho are not allowed to host poker games. Since Texas Hold’em poker tournaments at the Coeur d’Alene Casino at Worley shut down in 2014, there haven’t been any other attempts by tribal casinos to challenge the law.

Consequently, Idaho poker players can only look for some poker action at offshore online casinos and on social casino apps.

Idaho Poker Tournaments Schedule

Land-based poker rooms in Idaho are out of reach at the moment. Luckily, players can always turn to offshore online casinos and poker rooms to get access to poker tournaments. There are daily, weekly, monthly, and even annual events to choose from. The schedule below highlights the entire offer of tournaments for Idaho online poker players.

Best Poker Rooms To Play Online Tournaments In Idaho

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:
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  • Must be 18+ to participate.
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Other Resources

Final Thoughts

Although poker is not legal in Idaho, players can still enjoy the game at offshore online casinos. The poker platforms on our page have been vetted by our team of experienced industry veterans who have picked only the fair, safe, and reputable poker rooms licensed by renowned jurisdictions worldwide.

FAQ

Does Idaho offer any legal online poker tournaments?

Most forms of gambling are not legal in Idaho, except for parimutuel wagering and lotteries. Therefore, you won’t be able to find any legal online poker tournaments in Idaho approved by local authorities. The only alternatives are offshore poker rooms and social casino apps.

Can I participate in online poker tournaments in Idaho?

The only way to participate in online poker tournaments in Idaho is by playing at offshore online casinos and poker rooms. Go over the list of casinos on our page and make your pick now.

What is the best online poker room in Idaho?

There are no online poker rooms in Idaho; therefore, we can’t single out any as the best. On the other hand, we have extensive knowledge of the best offshore online casinos offering poker, such as the ones featured on our page.

Are online poker tournaments legal in Idaho?

No forms of online gambling are currently available in Idaho, including online poker.

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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.