Idaho Sport Betting Idaho Sportsbooks And Laws In 2024
Idaho sports betting is available online at offshore online betting sites. Despite there being no land-based bookmakers in the state, Idahoan residents over the age of 18 can gamble at offshore sportsbooks or bet on horse racing on the web.
In our guide to sports betting in Idaho, we’ll break down the current laws to ensure you stay safe when betting online. We’ll also walk you through the kinds of gambling available and highlight the very best places for residents to play. Read on to find your new favorite sports betting site!
Idaho Betting Availability – Quick Overview
Best Online Sports Betting Sites Available In ID
While reviewing dozens of online bookies available to Idahoans, we found that the following five excel in their own ways:
- Best Overall Sportsbook for Idaho Residents – BetUS
- Top Live Betting Bookie – BetOnline
- Top Idaho Mobile Betting Site – Bovada
- Best Sportsbook for Cryptocurrency – Thunderpick
- Best Promotions for Idaho Residents – BetNow
1
BetUS – Best Overall Sportsbook For Idaho Residents
The site has been thrilling US players since 1994, and its stellar reputation is rooted in its all-round approach. You’ll find a wide variety of betting options, generous bonuses, and a stand-out live betting section.
But where BetUS truly sets itself apart as the premier place for Idahoans to bet on sports, is through its BetUS TV and LockerRoom features. The free video and blog content on-site offers expert analysis and picks to help inform your betting. College teams such as the Idaho Vandals and the Idaho State Bengals are often featured, and the Potato Bowl is given a dedicated betting preview each year. The quality and quantity of Idaho-specific betting content at BetUS is second to none.
2
BetOnline – Top Live Betting Bookie
BetOnline is the best place to place live bets, whether it’s on Boise college football or the Seahawks (most popular NFL team in Idaho since the state doesn’t have its own). Its live betting section is accessed through a dedicated tab on-site. On any given day, you’ll find lines for basketball, table tennis, football, soccer, eSports and more. The number of foreign and lower-level leagues covered is impressive, with a far larger bet range than traditionally found on other sites.
In addition to the sheer volume of live events covered, BetOnline’s live betting section is our top choice due to its player-friendly odds. While betting lines fluctuate depending on how much has been staked, we’ve noticed that BetOnline’s opening odds for live events tend to be better than other sportsbooks. That means that if you’re quick to recognize a great line, you can cash in on real value.
3
Bovada – Top Idaho Mobile Betting Site
According to DeviceAtlas, more than 61% of Idahoans use iOS devices day-in, day-out. Around 38% of residents use Android phones. We tested the Bovada app on both and have concluded that it’s a fantastic choice for mobile betting. There is no need to download a dedicated app, as the Bovada site is fully responsive and optimized for mobile browsers.
What makes the Bovada site stand out on a mobile is the sleek, user-friendly design. The use of collapsible menus and key buttons, which will remain on screen no matter where you navigate, make getting around the site easy. You can browse each sport by tapping the ‘Sports’ tab at the top of the screen, then ‘All Sports’ to open up the full list. You’ll also have constant access to your bet slip, which is hidden in the bottom left corner of your screen. You can open and close it in a single tab by hitting the arrow.
4
Thunderpick – Best Sportsbook For Cryptocurrency
Launched in the US in 2019, Thunderpick is a cryptocurrency-only sportsbook. It allows Idahoans to take advantage of the benefits of crypto betting sites, from fast payouts to low minimum transactions. Since the Gem State has the lowest electricity costs in the nation, it’s become a hub for crypto miners who will be happy to know that Thunderpick accepts 13 types of digital coin.
Deposits on-site start at just $1, which is significantly lower than the $20-25 found at other sportsbooks. Withdrawals start at $10 and stretch to $250,000. More importantly, they are fast. Though the exact timeframe depends on which crypto you use, the average payout takes less than 30 minutes once approved. To help sweeten the deal, Thunderpick offers a 100% match up to $500 for new players. Thunderpick is also an excellent esports betting site and comes packed with video game pro-league options.
5
BetNow – Best Promotions For Idaho Residents
BetNow offers numerous bonuses including welcome, reload and refer-a-friend boosts. This site takes the lead when it comes to more unique promotions. For example, all players can enjoy a 10% automatic weekly rebate on losses. This includes at the dedicated racebook section, which often has lines for races at Les Bois Park. Though retail racebooks are spread out across the state, you can save yourself time and money by using BetNow’s convenient site for betting on horses.
In addition to the rebate program, free weekly competitions run on-site throughout the NBA, MLB and NFL seasons. If you correctly pick the winning teams, you could win $10,000 in cash. You can also enjoy a free March Madness bracket with prizes of up to $350,000. Last but not least, BetNow offers a Vig Free promotion for two weeks every November. Through this promotion, the sportsbook removes the vig on all odds on-site, often making the lines at BetNow far superior to those found elsewhere. If bonuses and promotions are important to you, BetNow is the place to be.
Side By Side: Top Online Sportsbooks For Idaho Residents
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Rollover | Min Deposit | # Betting Markets | Live Betting | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetUS | 125% up to $3,125 | 10x | $10 for website, $100 for bonus eligibility | 25 | Yes | BetUS Review |
| BetOnline | 50% up to $1,000 | 10x | $20 for website, $55 for bonus eligibility | 30 | Yes | BetOnline Review |
| Bovada | 50% up to $250 | 5x | $10 for website, $20 for bonus eligibility | 30 | Yes | Bovada Review |
| Thunderpick | 100% up to $500 | 10x (esports only) | $1 for website, $20 for bonus eligibility | 15 | Yes | Read Thunderpick Review |
| BetNow | 50% up to $500 | 10x | $10 for website, $20 for bonus eligibility | 30 | Yes | Read BetNow Review |
Features Of The Best Idaho Online Sportbooks
Since 2008, we’ve honed our review process to ensure we recommend only the best online sportsbooks for Idahoans. Here are the key factors we evaluate when ranking sites:
Availability In Idaho
From Boundary to Bear Lake, we only recommend sites that accept Idaho residents.
Safety & Security
All recommended sportsbooks must have industry-standard TLS site-wide encryption and mandatory identity verification. We also prefer sites that go above and beyond. For example, those with two factor authentication and other security measures rank highest.
Bonuses And Promotions
As well as the quality of promotions, we prioritize sites that allow Idahoans to bet bonus funds on major local events. We also factor in the fairness of sportsbook bonuses when it comes to wagering requirements and expiration dates.
Idaho Sports Coverage
Idaho doesn’t have any major league teams, but residents of the state still enjoy betting on NFL, NBA and MLB. We recommend sites that offer Idaho-specific sports coverage. For example, sites with Potato Bowl along with Boise college football odds are preferred.
Customer Support
Around-the-clock customer support via live chats is standard in this day and age. A sportsbook can stand out if it offers toll-free customer support for Idahoans, as well as thorough help sections on its website.
The Legality Of Betting On Sports In Idaho
Sports betting is not regulated within Idaho state borders. This includes retail sportsbooks and online sports betting sites. Currently, horse racing is the only fully legalized form of gambling in-state and has been legal since 1963’s Horse Racing Act was passed. The Idaho State Racing Commission oversees the sport, with a pari-mutuel betting system in place. This means that bets from the public are pooled, and the total payout amount is shared amongst the winners.
Since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018 and paved the way for states to set their own gambling laws, we’ve seen a wave of US states explicitly legalizing sports betting. Idaho has not yet done so.
Given that Idaho hasn’t regulated large parts of the gambling industry, the state does not tax betting winnings. However, players are still subject to Federal Income Tax and should declare gambling winnings under the ‘Other Income’ section of their tax return.
Since Idaho does not regulate sportsbooks based within the state, Online offshore sportsbooks are the only option available to residents.
Is Online Sports Betting in Idaho Legal?
Online sports betting in Idaho is not regulated by the state, and there are no specific laws stating that online betting is illegal. Currently, no state regulated online sportsbooks are available. Offshore sportsbooks are Idahoans’ only option to bet online. These bookies, based in out-of-state adhere to the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they reside.
A Brief Idaho Sports Betting Timeline
Idaho has not yet attempted to pass major sports betting legislation. However, its history with gambling stretches back to the 1800’s! Here is a brief timeline of events:
How Idaho Sports Betting Laws Compare To Neighboring States
Idaho’s sports betting laws are very different from its neighbors. While Idaho currently lacks in-state online sportsbooks, neighboring states like Nevada and Oregon embrace online sports betting. Moreover, both states have retail sportsbooks, and allow daily fantasy sports.
Some neighboring states like Montana offer limited sports betting options. For example, Montanans can only bet on sports in-person at regulated retail locations. Nevertheless, the point remains that Idaho has some of the more restrictive gambling laws in the US.
Betting On Idaho Sports Teams
Of the 50 US states, Idaho ranks 44th in population density. For that reason, the state doesn’t have the same volume of sports teams as the likes of California or Texas. Idaho doesn’t host professional teams in major leagues, but neighboring states contribute to regional sports excitement. For example, Nevada has an NFL team (Las Vegas Raiders), an NHL team (Vegas Golden Knights), and a WNBA team (Las Vegas Aces).
Nevertheless, Idaho’s local teams are well-supported by a passionate fanbase. Here are the most popular teams in the state:
Idaho NCAA Football Teams
- Boise State Broncos
- Idaho State University
- University of Idaho
For comprehensive NCAA football betting guides, explore our NCAA Football Betting pages.
Idaho College Basketball Teams
- Boise State Broncos (Men and Women’s)
- Idaho State University (Men and Women’s)
- University of Idaho (Men and Women’s)
Get in on the college basketball action with TSG’s College Basketball Betting guides.
Popular Betting Events In ID
BetOnline Best Site For Betting On The Potato Bowl
The Idaho Potato Bowl is an annual postseason college football game held in Boise. Taking place in December, this event features top college teams from the NCAA. For the best odds, head to BetOnline where you’ll find the earliest lines for this event.
Sports Welcome Bonus 50% up to $1,000
Crypto Welcome Bonus 100% up to $1,000
NCAAF Betting Contests Up to $25,000 in Prizes
Posts the earliest lines for the Potato Bowl
Free entry NCAAF competitions
Excellent live bets interface for college football
Bovada Find Rodeo Odds Here
The Snake River Stampede is an iconic rodeo event hosted in Nampa each July. Competitors take part in traditional rodeo events like bull riding and barrel racing. Most sites don’t publish lines for the Stampede, but you can always request odds from Bovada. To do so, tweet at them with the hashtag #WhatsYaWager.
Sports Welcome Bonus 100% up to $1,000 with BV1000
Crypto Welcome Bonus 75% up to $750
Request odds for the rodeo via twitter #WhatsYaWager
BetUS Top Option For Broncos NCAAF Bets
College football fever sweeps the state when the Boise State Broncos play. With a strong tradition and passionate fan base, their home games at Albertsons Stadium are an NCAA betting highlight. For great college football odds, check out BetUS.
Sports Welcome Bonus 100% up to $2,500
Crypto Welcome Bonus 150% up to $3,750
Free Entry NCAAF Contests Up to $2,000 prize
Competitive odds on college football
BetUS TV and Locker Room for NCAAF analysis and picks
NCAAF betting competitions
Latest Betting News From Idaho
Idaho State Sports Betting Sources
Bet Responsibly in Idaho
We recommend sportsbooks that are available to residents of Idaho over the age of 18. In doing so, we hope to provide safe and secure options for bettors in the Gem State to enjoy responsible gambling.
Responsible gambling is the single most important factor in determining whether or not you are a successful gambler. It’s crucial that you understand the signs of problem gambling, and work to adopt the good habits associated with responsible play.
If the fun stops, take a break. The following resources are available to Idaho residents seeking assistance with problem gambling:
The National Council on Problem Gambling
- Online Resources
- Hotline: 1-800-522-4700
- Email: ncpg@ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline
- Call: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Text: 800GAM
- Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org
GamTalk
- Website: https://www.gamtalk.org/
Online Sports Betting in Idaho: Key Takeaways
Under Idaho’s current betting laws, the only place for residents to bet online is at sportsbooks based outside of the state. Laws and regulations can change but there have been no major attempts to regulate sports betting in-state. It seems likely that offshore betting sites will remain the only option for Idahoans for the foreseeable future.
Thankfully, many of the world’s best online sportsbooks are based outside of Idaho. Sites such as BetUS and Bovada have competitive odds for major state betting events such as the Potato Bowl and the next Boise Bronco’s game. If you’re looking to bet on sports online, you have many excellent options.
