Is Sports Betting Legal in Idaho? Everything You Need to Know

Idaho’s gambling landscape is sparse. Sports betting is still illegal, aligning the state with a small group of holdouts like Utah. The 1992 constitutional amendment, passed by 57.9% of voters, bans most gambling, showing a cultural aversion to its social risks.

Unlike neighbors Montana or Nevada, Idaho has not capitalized on the 2018 PASPA repeal. With no legal sportsbooks, some Idahoans use offshore platforms, facing legal and financial pitfalls. Legal gambling is confined to the Idaho Lottery and seven tribal casinos, none offering sports betting.

Idaho’s Conservative Gambling Roots

Idaho’s gambling laws are among the nation’s tightest, anchored in a 1992 constitutional amendment that prohibits most wagering. This is a clear sign a conservative ethos, shaped by religious and cultural values that view gambling as a threat to community well-being.

The state allows only the Idaho Lottery (since 1989), pari-mutuel betting on horse races, charitable bingo, and seven tribal casinos run by tribes like the Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone-Bannock. These casinos offer slots and table games but are barred from sports betting. Even daily fantasy sports (DFS) were banned in 2016, deemed illegal by the Attorney General.

Betting is a misdemeanor, though individual prosecutions are rare. The Idaho Division of Gaming and Attorney General enforce these laws, targeting illegal operators.

Legalization requires a constitutional amendment, needing two-thirds legislative approval and a public vote, which is a formidable barrier.

Legislative Silence Post-PASPA

The 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA overturned PASPA, enabling states to legalize sports betting. Neighbors like Montana, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, and Oregon embraced it, but Idaho remains unmoved. No sports betting bills have been introduced since 2018, signaling a lack of political will.

In January 2023, the Idaho State Congress declared no plans to discuss sports betting, a stance unchanged by 2025. A February 2024 report hinted at possible 2025 action, but no proposals materialized.

This contrasts with states like Hawaii, where a 2025 bill advanced before stalling. Idaho’s inertia stems from cultural resistance, satisfaction with lottery and casino revenue, and constitutional hurdles.

Nevada’s $1.9 billion betting handle in February 2025 and Montana’s $5.75 million in January points out Idaho’s missed revenue. Legalization remains unlikely before 2026, with economic pressures as the only potential catalyst.

The Perils of Offshore Betting

Without legal sportsbooks, some Idahoans bet on offshore sites, lured by their accessibility and markets for NFL, NBA, and college sports. These platforms fill Idaho’s betting void but operate outside U.S. jurisdiction, posing serious risks.

Key dangers include:

• Legal Risks: Offshore betting violates Idaho law, though individual prosecutions are rare.

• Financial Risks: Delays, withheld winnings, or high wagering requirements are common, with no legal recourse. Studies show online betting can lower credit scores and increase debt, especially for low-income households.

• Security Risks: No U.S. data protections heighten risks of breaches or fraud.

• Unfair Odds: Unaudited odds may disadvantage bettors, unlike regulated platforms.

• No Safeguards: Lack of responsible gambling tools or dispute resolution increases addiction risks.

In 2024, Idaho’s Attorney General issued warnings against offshore operators, citing enforcement actions. Social platforms like Fliff or Thrillzz offer sweepstakes-based gaming with virtual currencies, a safer but limited alternative. Idahoans must navigate these risks with extreme caution.

Economic Gains vs. Social Risks

Idaho’s gambling ban sacrifices revenue that neighbors capitalize on. Nevada’s $1.9 billion handle in February 2025 and Montana’s regulated market underscore Idaho’s zero. A 2023 estimate suggests illegal betting generates millions annually, untaxed and unregulated.

Legalization could yield $10–20 million in yearly tax revenue, per projections from similar states, funding education, infrastructure, or rural development.

Tribal casinos, contributing $200 million to Idaho’s economy in 2019, could expand with sports betting, creating jobs in tech and hospitality. Regulating illegal betting would protect consumers and keep dollars in-state.

Yet, social concerns prevail. Critics, including religious groups and lawmakers, fear addiction, with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) estimating 2-3% of Americans face gambling issues, doubled among sports bettors. Studies link online betting to lower credit scores, higher debt, and bankruptcies, particularly harming Idaho’s low-income households (median income: $36,000).

Fears of crime and corruption, tied to historical gambling bans, persist. Tribal views split. Some see gaming as economic empowerment, others share anti-gambling concerns.

Betting Wisely in a Non-Betting State

With no legal sports betting, some Idahoans use offshore sites, amplifying the need for responsible practices. Unregulated platforms heighten risks of addiction and financial loss, demanding vigilance.

Practical tips include:

• Strict Budgeting: Allocate 1–5% of disposable income (e.g., $20 per session from $100), treating betting as entertainment.

• Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t raise bets to recover losses, a common addiction trigger.

• Take Breaks: Pause every 30–60 minutes to stay mindful and avoid impulsive decisions.

• Understand Odds: Know probabilities to set realistic expectations.

• Healthy Alternatives: Use exercise or hobbies, not betting, to manage stress.

Support is limited due to Idaho’s ban. The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, chat at 1800gamblerchat.org) offers 24/7 confidential help. The Idaho Council on Problem Gambling provides local referrals, though state-specific programs are scarce. Caution is critical until legal options emerge.

Idaho’s Betting Horizon: A Long Road Ahead

Idaho’s sports betting future looks bleak, with no legislative action as of June 2025. Unlike Hawaii’s 2025 bill or Delaware’s regulated market, Idaho shows no momentum. The earliest realistic timeline for legalization is 2026 or later, potentially spurred by revenue losses to neighbors.

An online-only model, like Tennessee’s, could fit Idaho’s limited casino infrastructure, requiring no physical sportsbooks. Operators like DraftKings or FanDuel, once active in Idaho’s DFS market, would likely compete for licenses. Trends like micro-betting or esports could attract younger bettors, though esports betting is currently banned.

Constitutional barriers are steep, needing two-thirds legislative approval and a public vote. Conservative values, public opposition, and low population (1.9 million) dampen urgency. Low-income households, with a median income of $36,000, face disproportionate risks, further fueling resistance. Yet, $10–20 million in potential taxes and job creation keep the idea alive, especially as five of six neighbors thrive with legal betting.

Is sports betting legal in Idaho in 2025?

No, sports betting is illegal, with no regulated sportsbooks as of June 2025.

What betting options exist in Idaho?

Only illegal offshore sites like Bovada or BetOnline, which are risky.

Are there legal alternatives to sports betting?

Idaho Lottery, pari-mutuel horse betting, tribal casinos (slots, table games), and social platforms like Fliff.

Why hasn’t Idaho legalized sports betting?

Conservative laws, cultural resistance, and a 1992 constitutional amendment prioritize social welfare.

Could sports betting be legal soon?

Unlikely before 2026, with no bills introduced since 2018.

What risks come with offshore betting?

Legal violations, payment delays, data breaches, unfair odds, and no protections.

Where can I get help for gambling issues?

Call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or contact the Idaho Council on Problem Gambling.