Gambling Age In Idaho

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Idaho, the minimum legal age is 19 for tribal casinos and the state lottery, as set by Idaho Code § 67-7412 and tribal compacts. No age is specified for sports betting or online gambling due to their illegality, reflecting the state’s conservative values and constitutional ban on casino-style gambling.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is limited to seven tribal casinos offering Class II bingo-based slots, a state lottery, and pari-mutuel horse racing, generating a $200 million market. No commercial casinos or sports betting are allowed under Idaho Constitution Article III, § 20, offering no table games compared to your 3,250+ slot interest. Underground gambling is minimal due to strict enforcement and rural demographics. A 2024 sports betting bill failed, with no 2025 progress expected due to conservative opposition.

Online Gambling: Online gambling, including casinos, poker, and sports betting, is illegal under Idaho Code § 18-3801. The state explicitly bans daily fantasy sports since 2016, with a $30 million unregulated offshore market in 2024 driven by 80% smartphone penetration in Boise. Players face risks without protections, and no website blocking is enforced due to limited resources. No online gambling legislation was proposed in 2024, and 2025 legalization is unlikely given Idaho’s anti-gambling stance.

Regulation and Oversight: The Idaho Lottery Commission regulates the lottery, while tribal casinos operate under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 1988. No state body oversees other gambling, offering no licensing framework, unlike Kahnawake’s standards. Idaho’s rural economy ($90 billion GDP) and conservative legislature prioritize agriculture over gaming revenue. No regulatory updates occurred in 2024, and 2025 prospects are dim due to constitutional barriers.

Enforcement and Penalties: Idaho enforces its gambling ban strictly, with fines up to $1,000 or one-year imprisonment for operators, and fines up to $300 for players. Online enforcement is weak, with rural areas like Coeur d’Alene posing challenges. The $30 million unregulated market is projected to grow 3% in 2025, driven by mobile access, but remains constrained by cultural and legal barriers. Enforcement is limited in remote northern regions.