Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Idaho?
If you’re searching for “online sports betting Idaho” hoping to place a quick wager, the news isn’t great. Idaho is one of the few states with no legal sportsbooks—online or in person. That means you can’t download DraftKings, FanDuel, or Caesars and start betting like you can in other sports gambling legal states. Still, bettors in Idaho do have some options, from offshore websites to social-style apps. This guide explains where things stand today, how Idaho laws work, and what that means for NFL betting fans looking for action.
Online Sports Betting Idaho: The Current Status
Right now, there are no regulated sportsbooks in Idaho. The state has not passed any laws to legalize online sports betting apps or retail sportsbooks.
Idaho’s code even makes most forms of wagering a felony. That includes betting on games, poker, and casino play. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests were banned in 2016, putting Idaho among the strictest states in the country.
So while online sports betting USA has exploded since 2018, Idaho is standing still.
Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!
Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Idaho?
Sports betting legal online is not available under Idaho law. But here’s where it gets tricky: there’s no specific statute banning residents from using offshore sportsbooks.
That means many Idaho players log into platforms like Bovada or BetOnline. These sites are based outside the U.S., so they don’t fall under Idaho’s jurisdiction. Bettors haven’t faced prosecution for using them, even though they aren’t licensed in the state.
It’s a legal gray zone. Offshore sites offer NFL betting, NBA props, and same-game parlays, but they lack the protections of regulated books.
Online Sports Betting How To: Idaho Workarounds
Since Idaho has no licensed options, here’s how some players get in on the action:
- Offshore sportsbooks – Sites like Bovada and MyBookie allow accounts from Idaho. You can bet on NFL games, college football, or March Madness.
- Social sportsbooks – Apps like Fliff use virtual coins, letting players make picks without risking real money.
- Travel to a nearby state – Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and Wyoming all have legal betting markets. Cross the border, and you can use licensed apps.
Example: An Idaho fan who wants to bet on the Broncos might drive to Wyoming, open DraftKings, and drop $20 on Denver to cover the spread. Back home in Boise, that same bet isn’t possible legally.
Online Sports Betting Apps: What Idaho Is Missing
In sports gambling legal states, apps compete with promos, boosts, and sleek interfaces. Players in Colorado or New Jersey can scroll through dozens of markets on FanDuel or DraftKings.
Idaho players don’t have those choices. No online sports betting apps are licensed here. Offshore platforms fill the gap, but they lack the same features and safety nets.
That leaves Idaho far behind the rest of the online sports betting USA landscape.
Why Hasn’t Idaho Legalized Online Sports Betting?
Idaho lawmakers haven’t shown much interest in legalization. Since PASPA was overturned in 2018, more than 35 states have acted—but Idaho hasn’t introduced a single serious sports betting bill.
The culture leans conservative, and gambling isn’t widely embraced. With no casinos, no lottery expansion, and DFS banned, the political appetite for betting is low.
Compare that to sports betting legal states like Tennessee, where lawmakers jumped at the tax revenue. Idaho has stayed on the sidelines.
Sports Betting Legal Alternatives in Idaho
While there’s no regulated market, Idaho residents do engage in a few alternatives:
- Horse betting: Parimutuel wagering is legal but limited, with only a handful of tracks and events.
- Tribal gaming: Some tribal casinos operate in the state, but none offer sports betting.
- Charitable gaming: Bingo and raffles are legal under certain restrictions.
None of these come close to offering the NFL betting markets or online sports betting online options players want.
Idaho Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States
Idaho is surrounded by states that have legalized betting:
- Nevada: Longtime hub with in-person and online sportsbooks.
- Oregon: Offers statewide online betting through DraftKings.
- Montana: Sports betting through kiosks tied to the lottery.
- Wyoming: Online-only betting with multiple apps.
When you stack Idaho against its neighbors, it stands out as an outlier. Sports gambling legal states have embraced tax revenue, while Idaho has avoided the debate.
Online Sports Betting Example: Idaho Reality
Imagine it’s the Super Bowl. In Nevada, a bettor opens Caesars Sportsbook, picks the over on total points, and adds a player prop for Travis Kelce to score.
In Idaho, that same fan can’t open a regulated app. Their only option is an offshore site or a social sportsbook with no real money. The difference shows how far Idaho lags behind the rest of the market.
Will Online Sports Betting Legalization Come to Idaho?
For now, the answer looks like no. Idaho lawmakers haven’t introduced any bills, and there’s no referendum planned. Unlike other states where legalization is a matter of time, Idaho has made no moves.
Unless public pressure builds or neighboring states’ success pushes change, online sports betting Idaho residents want may remain off the table for years.
Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Idaho
Idaho is one of the most restrictive states for gambling. No licensed sportsbooks, no DFS, and no timeline for legalization. While offshore sites and social apps fill some demand, they don’t replace regulated markets.
For now, Idaho bettors who want NFL betting or sports parlays will need to travel or stick with unofficial options. With no legislative push, Idaho may remain a blank spot on the sports betting USA map.
Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.
Want an edge before you even place a bet?
Start with a sportsbook that gives you real value from your first bet.
Related posts
Check out the latest picks from Shurzy AI and our team of experts.
