Idaho online sports betting options

States can now legalize sports betting with legislative approval, but Idaho’s ban on online sports betting is unlikely to change anytime soon. The  Supreme Court decision on May 14, 2018 that struck down the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) opened the doors for individual states to propose and pass legislation to allow sports betting.

But Idaho’s sports betting laws are strict and don’t allow bettors to gamble in the state. Idaho also bans residents from participating in online daily fantasy sports (DFS).

Sports betting in Idaho

There is no pending legislation bills or sports betting proposals as of early 2019.

Idaho would have to amend its Constitution to allow betting on any sports but horse racing. The types of gambling are allowed in Idaho according to its Constitution – state lottery, charitable raffles and pari-mutuel betting (horse racing).

Tribal casinos are allowed in Idaho, but there are specific statutes that prohibit it.

Idaho legal online sports betting updates

The state of Idaho has a nonexistent land-based gambling industry, and federal laws permit residents to gamble legally over the Internet. The Federal Wire Act does not make it illegal for Idaho residents to participate in online sports betting at licensed offshore sportsbooks that are located outside of the United States.

However, a new opinion from the US Department of Justice broadens its interpretation of the Wire Act to cover internet gambling. The implications on the industry remain unclear pending a set of enforcement guidelines from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC).

Idaho residents can bet on sports online with these out-of-state and offshore gambling operators, as licensed offshore sportsbooks are located outside the jurisdiction of the US federal laws. There is no legal punishment that has yet occurred to Idaho residents for betting illegally offshore or at sites not based in the U.S. However, choosing a reputable and well-financed sportsbook that is licensed and regulated through a respected governing jurisdiction is recommended. Online sports betting operators could elect to not pay winnings to residents of the state where the sportsbooks are not legal. Minimum age to bet online is 21.