Whether hosting a few pals for poker night, putting some money on the ponies at Le Bois Park, or just dropping $20 into your office March Madness pool, the Gem State’s gambling and gaming statutes cover a variety of wagering activities. Here are the basics of gambling laws in Idaho.
Gaming Law in Idaho
State gaming laws can cover everything from Indian casinos and horse racing to state lotteries and election wagers. Idaho’s gambling statutes permit limited casinos along with horse and dog racing and parimutuel betting.
Idaho Gambling Statutes
The chart below highlights Idaho’s gambling statutes.
| Code Section | Idaho Statutes 18-3801 et seq.: Gaming; Idaho Statutes 54-2501 et seq.: Horse Racing |
| Gambling | Risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device or the happening or outcome of an event, including sporting events. |
| Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting | Live horse racing and simulcasts legal, pari-mutuel betting allowed. |
| Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting | Live in-state dog racing and parimutuel betting allowed. |
| Casinos Allowed? | Casino operations, including, but not limited to, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat, or Keno. Antique slot machines may be displayed but not operated. Modern slot machine possession is unlawful. |
| Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned | Bookmaking, possession of gambling records, pool selling prohibited. Bonafide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance in which awards are made only to entrants or owners of entrants; bona fide business transactions; games which award only additional play; and promotional contests allowed. |
State gambling statutes can also empower government divisions or gaming commissions to regulate gaming industry practices like employee licensing, game rules, and financial requirements. Some states have also written strict zoning ordinances that prohibit gambling and gaming sites from being too close to schools and residential areas.
State laws aren’t the only gaming regulations -- there are also federal laws that can cover gambling nationwide. The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act regulates all casinos and gaming establishments on Indian reservations.
Related Resources for Gambling Laws in Idaho
A friendly wager here and there can be a good time, but we should be sure to comply with state gambling and gaming laws. These laws can be a little confusing on where they draw the line between legal and illegal gambling. FindLaw’s section on Gaming Law can provide you with further articles and information on this topic. If you would like legal assistance with a gambling matter, you can consult with an experienced Idaho gaming law attorney in your area.
