Idaho Online Poker Rooms
Is Poker Legal In Idaho?
Idaho is one of the stricter states with poker and gambling in general. With that, live poker is illegal in all forms, including commercial rooms, tribal casino poker, charitable tournaments, and home games. Idaho Code § 18-3801 makes this known, and there are no exemptions for skill-based arguments. Tribal casinos, governed by compacts that limit them to Class II gaming, cannot offer poker rooms — a rule reaffirmed when the Coeur d'Alene Casino's poker room was shut down following a 2015 9th Circuit Court ruling.
Online poker is also prohibited in Idaho. The same statutes and constitutional provisions that ban in-person poker extend to internet-based games. Idaho has not legalized, licensed, or regulated any online poker sites, and there have been no significant legislative efforts to change this status. Playing on offshore poker platforms remains unlicensed; however, it is legal. Law enforcement targets online operators based in Idaho, rather than offshore platforms or players. Idaho poker sites still accept residents as a way for locals to play real-money poker online.
What Is The Legal Poker Age In Idaho?
The minimum gambling age in Idaho is 18, per general state law. However, tribal casinos set their own policies, and most require poker players to be at least 21. Idaho has no state-licensed commercial poker rooms; therefore, the poker age is typically 21 at available venues. Legal online poker sites in Idaho, such as Bovada and Ignition, accept players who are at least 18 years old.
Live Poker Rooms In Idaho
Idaho does not have any live poker rooms; however, a few residents have the ability to travel to neighboring states with poker to play games in person. Even at the state’s tribal casinos, you will not find a poker room. Instead, travel to these nearby casinos.
Closest Live Poker Rooms
| Poker Room | Distance | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Quest Resort & Casino (Airway Heights, WA) | ~30 miles from Coeur d'Alene (~35–40 min drive) | 16 tables; Games: $1/$2, $2/$5 NLHE; $3/$6, $4/$8 Limit HE; $1/$2 PLO; Daily tournaments ($50–$200); 24/7; Non-smoking; Bravo Poker Live app. Largest, most consistent room near North Idaho; strong cash action and larger tournaments. |
| Black Pearl Poker Room (Spokane Valley, WA) | ~35 miles from Coeur d'Alene (~40 min drive) | Smaller room; Primarily $1/$3 NLHE; Occasional tournaments. Dedicated poker-only venue; strong local cash games; more intimate setting. |
| Wildhorse Resort & Casino (Pendleton, OR) | ~110 miles from Nampa (~2 hr); ~70 miles from Ontario (~1 hr) | 8 tables; Games: $1/$2, $2/$5 NLHE; $2/$4 Limit HE; $1/$2 PLO; Weekly tournaments ($50–$150); 24/7; Non-smoking. Solid mid-sized room; steady tournaments and cash games; great for Western/Southern Idaho players. |
| Ontario Poker Room (Ontario, OR) | ~55 miles from Boise (~45–50 min); ~45 miles from Nampa/Caldwell (~40–45 min) | 4 tables; Games: $1/$2, $2/$5 NLHE; Occasional small tournaments. Closest legal poker for Western Idaho; convenient for casual players despite smaller size. |
| Cactus Petes Resort Casino (Jackpot, NV) | ~45 miles from Twin Falls (~45–50 min); ~130 miles from Boise (~2 hr) | 10 tables; Games: $1/$2, $2/$5, $5/$10 NLHE; $2/$4, $3/$6 Limit HE; $1/$2 PLO; Daily tournaments ($50–$200); 24/7; Non-smoking; Caesars Rewards. Main poker destination for Southern Idaho; consistent action, bigger weekend games. |
| Gray Wolf Peak Casino (Missoula, MT) | ~170 miles from Coeur d'Alene (~3 hr drive) | Small room; Primarily $1/$2 NLHE. Less action than WA options but an alternative for Northern Idaho players heading east. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Play Poker At Home In Idaho For Money?
Idaho law strictly prohibits home poker games. The Idaho Constitution, Article III, Section 20, allows only state lotteries, pari-mutuel betting, and charitable bingo and raffles. There is no exemption for private or social gambling. Therefore, playing poker at home for money is illegal in Idaho, though it's often not enforced. Additionally, players can legally play from home at Idaho online poker tables.
Can I Play WSOP Online In Idaho?
You cannot play WSOP Online for real money poker in Idaho, as the app is not available in the state. However, Idaho players can travel to play online poker in Nevada, where WSOP Online is fully operational. There, they offer Texas Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha, with various stake levels. This is by far the best strategy for those locked in on playing WSOP Online.
Is Ignition Poker Legal In Idaho?
Online poker at Ignition is legal for residents of Idaho. Sign up and play Super Saturday, a poker event with over $1.7 million in guaranteed prize pools. With multiple Main Events and daily Tune-Ups leading to the big showdown, Super Saturday gives every player a shot at a serious score.
Is Bovada Legal In Idaho?
It is legal to play Bovada Poker in Idaho, and one of the best features available is Anonymous Tables. Perfect for beginners because you don't have to worry about someone tracking your name and playing style. At the same time, it's great for seasoned players because nobody knows who you are or how you generally win pots. As our Bovada poker review outlines, this means you have a fresh start every session, which levels the playing field.
Is BetOnline Poker Available in Idaho?
You can play online poker in Idaho using BetOnline. New players in the state are eligible for a 100% welcome bonus up to $1,000, which is one of the best online poker bonuses in the US. This offer includes eight days of Step Satellite tournament tickets, with a chance to qualify for the $100,000 Sunday Showdown. Bonus funds are released in $5 increments for every $50 in rake generated, and players have 30 days to clear the bonus.