Online Sports Betting in Idaho 2024
At the time of writing, online sports betting is not legal in Idaho. To be precise, neither is retail nor social sports betting.
With no active legislation on the table, Idaho residents won’t find options for legal real-money sports wagering or social gambling anytime soon. But don’t worry, this guide has you covered with some solid alternatives, the latest legislation updates, and essential tax tips for when laws may change.
Read on to get the complete rundown on ID sports betting.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn all about Idaho gambling laws.
- Explore your gambling options in Idaho.
- Discover what are the most popular sports and teams for ID bettors.
Idaho Online Gambling: An Overview
Idaho has some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States, restricting most forms of betting and wagering. Idaho explicitly forbids ALL types of online sports betting sites, including:
- Real-money online sportsbooks: Banned in the state
- Sweepstakes sportsbooks: Banned in the state
However, there are a few limited gambling options, such as lottery games and horse racing betting, which are legal in specific formats.
Below is a summary table of the current status of the gambling options in Idaho:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Status | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sportsbooks | No | Prohibited; no legal or regulated online sports betting in the state. | — |
| Retail Sportsbooks | No | Not allowed; in-person sports betting is not permitted. | — |
| Online Casinos | No | Illegal; online casino gaming is not allowed. | — |
| Tribal Casinos | Yes | Limited options; tribal casinos offer some Class II gaming (bingo, poker). | 18 or 21 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | Pari-mutuel betting allowed; live racing events permitted in select venues. | 18 |
| Lottery | Yes | The state lottery is legal and offers scratch-offs and multi-state games. | 18 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | No | Excluded under Idaho gambling laws; major operators do not operate here. | — |
Popular Sports and Teams in the Idaho Betting Scene
While Idaho may not have major league teams, there’s a strong sports culture supported by passionate fans. Here’s a look at the top teams and programs that Idaho residents follow.
Baseball
Idaho’s most popular teams are in baseball:
- Idaho Falls Chukars
- Boise Hawks
Both teams compete in the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League. The Chukars and Hawks each have dedicated fan bases and memorable mascots—Charlie the Chukar and Humphrey the Hawk.
For more information on MLB betting, check out our linked guide.
College Sports
Idaho’s college sports scene is a key draw for fans statewide. Should Idaho legalize sports betting, these teams would likely see a surge in local interest. The top universities for sports include:
- Boise State University: Home to the Boise State Broncos, competing in NCAA Division I in football, basketball, softball, and more.
- University of Idaho: Represented by the Idaho Vandals, who play at the Division I level across various sports.
- Idaho State University: Known for the Idaho State Bengals, another strong Division I competitor.
Read our guide on NCAAF betting for more details.
Taxes and Payouts in Idaho
In Idaho, gambling winnings are considered taxable income and are subject to state income tax.
Idaho uses a flat income tax rate of 5.8% for all individual income, meaning you will pay this rate on your sports betting winnings regardless of the amount. According to the Idaho State Tax Commission, this rate applies to any taxable income over $4,489, but gambling winnings are typically taxed at this flat rate.
For more details on how sports betting taxes work, visit our comprehensive guide.
So, What’s Next for Online Sports Betting in Idaho?
As of late 2024, Idaho remains firmly opposed to legalizing sports betting, with no recent bills or active legislative discussions on the topic.
Idaho’s conservative approach suggests that significant movement toward legal sports betting may be unlikely in the near term. While neighboring states have expanded their betting options, Idaho appears committed to its current restrictions.
For now, residents interested in sports betting will need to explore options in other states, as the chances of Idaho changing its policies soon remain low. Stay updated on state gambling legislation in the US by visiting our dedicated page.
References
- ID Individual Income Tax Rate Schedule — Retrieved Nov 14, 2024
- Idaho Statutes Revenue and Taxation — Retrieved Nov 14, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, horse racing betting is legal in Idaho. Five tracks hosted races in 2022:
1. Jerome Horse Racing
2. Pocatello Downs
3. Eastern Idaho Fair
4. Oneida County Fair
5. Cassia County Fair
No, sports betting is illegal in Idaho, and there are no licensed options for online or retail wagering. While some residents turn to offshore sports betting sites, these platforms operate outside US regulations and are not considered safe or legal alternatives.
No, DFS is not legal in Idaho. Major DFS platforms do not operate in the state due to the state’s restrictive gambling laws.
The legal gambling age required for betting on tribal casinos and horse racing is 18 years old.
No, Idaho bans sweepstakes and social sportsbooks. You can’t make sports picks via these online platforms.
