Sports Gambling In Idaho
Idaho sports fans may not have a professional sports franchise to root for, but there are several Division 1 college programs in Boise State University, University of Idaho and Idaho State University. Regardless of the lack of professional sports teams, Idaho residents can still place bets on any team they choose through the legal online sportsbooks we’ve recommended.
Sports betting does have some regulations to consider, and that’s where this guide comes in handy. Our resource guide, created specifically for Idaho residents, will inform you on the local laws regarding sports betting in the state and also show you how to safely and legally place bets on your favorite teams.
This guide will cover all the information you need to know regarding how to bet on sports legally in Idaho, and you can also see our news guide, where we detail new developments concerning both in-person and online gambling in the state.
Best Licensed Online Sportsbooks For Idaho Residents In 2025
Here, you will find a curated list of our top recommendations for licensed and regulated online sportsbooks that accept residents of Idaho. They are all legally sanctioned, high-quality destinations that are located outside of the United States and that have been vetted by our team of industry professionals.
You will also find competitive betting lines, odds, and paylines, as well as knowledgeable and responsive customer support, and a US-friendly banking suite. Each site listed below offers a comprehensive, premium betting experience, placing them among the most reputable and trusted online sportsbooks in the industry.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Rating | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 50% Max $1,000 | 4.9 | Play Now |
 | 50% Max $250 | 4.6 | Play Now |
 | 50% Max $250 | 4.6 | Play Now |
Is It Legal To Bet On Sports In Idaho?
Idaho statute 18-3809 prohibits bookmaking in the state of Idaho. It says that anyone engaged in bookmaking within the state can face misdemeanor charges, fines, and jail time.
Federal laws, such as the now-repealed Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), prohibited 46 states from hosting state-sponsored sportsbooks, similar to those in Nevada. However, that law was repealed in 2018 and since, 38 states have passed laws to allow sports betting either in person or online.
The good news is that no current state or federal laws make it a crime for Idaho residents to participate in legitimately licensed and regulated sports betting at online destinations that are operating legally within the industry and outside US borders.
So yes, it is legal for Idaho residents to bet on sports as long as all bets are placed at legally sanctioned offshore sportsbook destinations.
How State and Federal Gambling Laws Impact ID Sports Betting Options
The Idaho state laws regarding bookmaking specifically state that “any person who for gain, hire or profit engages in pool selling or bookmaking at any time or place within this state…” There are two things to take away from this. The first is that it says within this state, meaning physical bookmaking locations. The second is that it applies only to those people actually making the books, or bookies.
The federal laws mentioned before as well as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, also strictly relate to US-based sports betting. The sportsbooks that we’ve recommended for Idaho residents are legally sanctioned offshore sportsbooks that operate outside the jurisdiction of the federal laws.
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Are Offshore Betting Sites Legal For Idaho Residents To Bet At?
Yes, Idaho residents can legally bet at offshore betting sites, even though sports betting is not regulated within the state.
Idaho has not legalized any form of domestic sports betting as of 2025. There are no state-licensed sportsbooks, and no active legislation is currently moving toward legalization. However, offshore sportsbooks, which are licensed and operated outside of U.S. jurisdiction, are accessible to Idaho residents and are considered a legal alternative for online betting.
Are sports betting apps like FanDuel or DraftKings available in Idaho?
No. Major U.S. sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM are not available in Idaho due to the state’s prohibition on sports betting. These apps use geolocation to block access from within Idaho borders.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Idaho?
Yes. Even if you win money through offshore sportsbooks, gambling winnings are taxable under federal law. Idaho residents are required to report all gambling income on their state and federal tax returns.
Is there any movement to legalize sports betting in Idaho?
Not currently. There are no active bills or serious legislative efforts underway to legalize sports betting in Idaho. The state has historically taken a conservative stance on gambling.
Are There Any Bonuses Offered To Idaho Bettors?
Yes. All of these sportsbooks that we’ve recommended offer bonuses to their customers. Bonuses are essentially free money for bettors to use in addition to their bankroll. Your first bonus usually comes when you sign up for an account and make your first deposit. Bonuses are offered throughout the year as incentives to keep your business, so you’ll never be short of bonuses by using these sportsbooks.
What Types Of Bets Can I Place?
The sportsbooks we feature offer all types of bets for their customers. There are straight bets that involve the point spread, prop bets, future bets and more. Prop bets are more specific—like, “Who will score first in the Super Bowl?” A future bet would be something like betting on who will win the college National Championship at the start of the season. Different sportsbooks have different bets, so be sure to browse through all of them to see what is available to you.