Idaho Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in ID

In Idaho, the act of gambling involves putting something of value at risk with the hope of winning something else that is also of value, and it could be determined by chance or the outcome of an event, including sporting events or casino games like keno, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and poker. 

Engaging in illegal gambling is a misdemeanor, and those found guilty may face a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both.

In Idaho, there are currently seven tribal casinos operating, which include Fort Hall Casino in Fort Hall, Coeur D’Alene in Worley, Clearwater River Casino and Lodge in Lewiston, It’ Se Ye-Ye Casino in Kamiah, Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa in Bonners Ferry, Bannock Peak in Pocatello, and Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino in Blackfoot. 

These casinos are permitted to offer only Class 2 games, such as video poker games, pull-tab games, and video lottery machines, which function in the same way as slots.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Idaho

Related reading: Idaho online casinos

Most Popular Casinos Located within Idaho

1. Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel

Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is a popular casino located in Worley, Idaho. The venue opened in 1993 and has since become one of the premier gaming destinations in the state. The casino offers a variety of games, including slot machines, video poker, table games, poker, and bingo. Some popular slot machine titles include Willy Wonka, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. Table games include favorites like blackjack, craps, and roulette, as well as several varieties of poker, including Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Mississippi Stud.

The casino floor at Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is quite large, with over 60,000 square feet of gaming space. The venue also features a high-limit gaming area for those looking to play with higher stakes.

In addition to its gaming options, the resort offers several dining options, including a buffet, steakhouse, and cafe. The resort also has a luxury hotel with over 300 rooms and suites, as well as a full-service spa, fitness center, and pool. Other amenities include a championship golf course, outdoor recreation options, and a gift shop.

The prices for the hotel rooms and amenities vary depending on the season, with rates generally higher during peak times. Overall, Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is a top destination for those looking for a fun and exciting gaming experience in Idaho.

2. Clearwater River Casino & Lodge

Clearwater River Casino & Lodge is a popular casino located in Lewiston, Idaho. The venue opened in 1995 and offers a range of gaming options, including more than 600 slot machines, table games, poker, and bingo. Some of the popular slot machine titles include Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and 88 Fortunes. Table games include blackjack, craps, roulette, and several varieties of poker.

The casino floor at Clearwater River Casino & Lodge is around 80,000 square feet and includes a separate area for high-limit gaming. The casino also features a bingo hall that seats over 200 players.

The resort has several dining options, including a buffet, cafe, and bar. The property also includes a 50-room lodge that offers standard and deluxe rooms with amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and free Wi-Fi. The lodge also has a fitness center and an indoor pool.

Prices for hotel rooms at Clearwater River Casino & Lodge vary depending on the season and room type. Guests can enjoy amenities like room service, a business center, and free parking.

3. Fort Hall Casino

Fort Hall Casino is a popular casino located in Fort Hall, Idaho. The venue opened in 1990 and offers a range of gaming options, including more than 900 slot machines, table games, poker, and bingo. Some of the popular slot machine titles include Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Dragon Link. Table games include blackjack, craps, roulette, and several varieties of poker.

The casino floor at Fort Hall Casino is around 90,000 square feet and includes a separate area for high-limit gaming. The venue also features a bingo hall that seats over 700 players.

The resort has several dining options, including a buffet, steakhouse, cafe, and snack bar. The property does not offer a hotel, but there are several lodging options in the nearby area.

Prices for gaming at Fort Hall Casino vary depending on the game and bet size. The venue does not charge an admission fee.

With a range of gaming options and dining choices, the venue offers something for everyone. Visitors can also explore the nearby attractions, including the nearby Fort Hall Indian Reservation and the beautiful Idaho landscape.

4. Bannock Peak Casino

Bannock Peak Casino is a casino located in Pocatello, Idaho. The venue offers more than 150 slot machines, table games, poker, and bingo. Some of the popular slot machine titles include Buffalo Gold and Dancing Drums. Table games include blackjack, craps, and roulette.

The casino floor at Bannock Peak Casino is relatively small, but it provides a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The venue also features a bingo hall that seats over 200 players.

Bannock Peak Casino does not have any on-site dining options, but there are several restaurants nearby. The property does not offer a hotel, but there are several lodging options in the nearby area.

Prices for gaming at Bannock Peak Casino vary depending on the game and bet size. The venue does not charge an admission fee.

The venue may not have the range of gaming options and amenities that some of the larger casinos in Idaho offer, but it provides a friendly and fun atmosphere with a range of gaming options that visitors can enjoy.

5. Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel

Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is a popular casino located in Fort Hall, Idaho. The venue offers more than 900 slot machines, table games, poker, and bingo. Some of the popular slot machine titles include Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Dragon Link. Table games include blackjack, craps, roulette, and several varieties of poker.

The casino floor at Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is around 85,000 square feet and includes a separate area for high-limit gaming. The venue also features a bingo hall that seats over 400 players.

The resort has several dining options, including a buffet, steakhouse, cafe, and snack bar. The property also features a luxury hotel with over 150 rooms and suites. The rooms are well-appointed with amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a full-service spa.

Idaho Gambling Revenues

Gambling in Idaho generates significant revenue for the state’s economy. According to the Idaho Lottery, gambling revenues in Idaho reached $303.2 million in fiscal year 2021. This revenue is generated from a range of gambling activities, including lottery sales, casino gaming, and horse racing.

The revenue generated from gambling in Idaho is distributed among several programs and services in the state. A significant portion of the revenue is allocated to the State of Idaho’s general fund, which supports a range of public services and programs. Some of the areas that benefit from the general fund include education, healthcare, and public safety.

In addition to the general fund, gambling revenues in Idaho also support several specific programs and initiatives. For example, a portion of lottery revenues is used to fund outdoor recreation and conservation projects in the state. These projects include trails, parks, and wildlife conservation efforts.

Overall, the revenue generated from gambling in Idaho plays an important role in supporting the state’s economy and funding critical services and programs. While gambling can be a fun and entertaining activity, it is important to remember that it also has real-world impacts on the community. By supporting responsible gambling practices and promoting awareness of the potential risks associated with gambling, we can ensure that gambling continues to be a safe and enjoyable activity for all Idahoans.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Idaho

Idaho is home to seven Indian Gaming Tribes, each with a unique history and distinct gaming operations. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe was the first to open a tribal casino in Idaho, with the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in 1993. The casino initially faced opposition from state officials who argued that it violated state law, but a 1994 court ruling confirmed that the casino was operating within tribal sovereignty.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes operate the Fort Hall Casino, which opened in 1990. However, the tribe has had disputes with the state over the legality of certain gaming activities. For example, the state of Idaho sued the tribe over its operation of poker games, which the state argued were illegal under state law. The case was eventually settled in favor of the tribe.

The Nez Perce Tribe operates the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge, which opened in 1995. The casino has faced challenges related to its location, as it is situated on ancestral Nez Perce land. However, the tribe has worked to maintain good relations with the local community and has invested in local infrastructure projects.

Other Indian Gaming Tribes in Idaho include the Kootenai Tribe, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (which also operate Bannock Peak Casino), and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (which also operate Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino).

Indian Gaming Tribes in Idaho:

• Coeur d’Alene Tribe
• Kootenai Tribe
• Nez Perce Tribe
• Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Fort Hall Casino and Bannock Peak Casino)
• Shoshone-Paiute Tribes
• Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino)

A History of Gambling in Idaho

Gambling has a long and varied history in Idaho, dating back to the 19th century. In the early days of Idaho’s settlement, gambling was a popular pastime among miners and cowboys, who played games like poker and faro in saloons and gambling halls. By the turn of the 20th century, gambling had become a significant industry in Idaho, with several large-scale casinos operating in the state.

However, by the 1950s, public opinion had turned against gambling in Idaho, and the state enacted strict laws to prohibit most forms of gambling. It wasn’t until the 1980s that gambling began to make a comeback in Idaho, with the passage of a state lottery and the legalization of charity bingo and raffles.

Today, gambling in Idaho is regulated by the Idaho State Lottery and the Idaho Racing Commission, which oversee the state’s lottery, horse racing, and casino industries. The state also allows limited forms of charity gambling, including bingo and raffles.

Idaho’s lottery is one of the state’s most popular forms of gambling, with annual sales of over $200 million. The lottery offers a range of games, including scratch-off tickets and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The revenue generated from the lottery is used to support a range of programs and initiatives in the state, including education and outdoor recreation.

Idaho’s horse racing industry has a long and storied history, with the first horse race in the state taking place in 1864. Today, horse racing is still a popular activity in Idaho, with several race tracks operating throughout the state. The industry generates millions of dollars in revenue each year, and a portion of that revenue is used to support the state’s agricultural and equine industries.

In addition to the lottery and horse racing, Idaho also has a small but thriving casino industry. The state currently has six casinos, which offer a range of slot machines and table games. The largest casino in the state is the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort, which has over 1,400 slot machines and 16 table games.

While gambling in Idaho has had its ups and downs over the years, it remains a popular and important industry in the state. The revenue generated from gambling supports a range of programs and services, and provides jobs and economic benefits to communities throughout Idaho. As the state continues to evolve and grow, it is likely that the gambling industry will play an important role in shaping the future of Idaho’s economy and culture.

Gambling Taxes in Idaho

If you are a resident of Idaho and enjoy gambling, it’s important to understand the tax laws that apply to your winnings. In Idaho, gambling income is considered taxable income, and all gambling winnings must be reported on your tax return. For example, if you won $500 at a casino, you would need to report that as income when you file your taxes.

The tax rate for gambling winnings in Idaho varies based on your income level. For those in the lowest tax bracket, which includes those who make less than $1,000 annually, the tax rate for gambling winnings is 1.6%. For those in the highest tax bracket, which includes those who make over $11,000 annually, the tax rate for gambling winnings is 6.925%.

It’s important to note that the tax on gambling winnings is not automatically withheld by the casino or other gambling establishment. Instead, it is the responsibility of the individual to report and pay the tax. If you fail to report your gambling winnings, you could face penalties and interest charges.

One option for paying your gambling taxes in Idaho is to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. This can help you avoid a large tax bill at the end of the year and ensure that you are in compliance with state tax laws. You can make estimated tax payments using Form 51ES, which is available on the Idaho State Tax Commission website.

In summary, if you live in Idaho and win money from gambling, you must report it as taxable income and pay taxes on it. The tax rate depends on your income level, and it is your responsibility to report and pay the tax. You can make estimated tax payments throughout the year to avoid a large tax bill at the end of the year.

Idaho Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Idaho casinos before being taxed?

In Idaho, any gambling winnings over $600 are subject to federal income tax. However, the state of Idaho does not have its own state income tax, so you will not be subject to any additional state taxes on your gambling winnings.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Idaho?

If you feel that you may have a problem with gambling and want to ban yourself from Idaho’s casinos, you can contact the Idaho State Lottery’s Self-Exclusion Program. This program allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all Idaho casinos for a period of five years or more. Once you have enrolled in the program, you will be denied access to all Idaho casinos, and any winnings that you may have earned will be forfeited.

Who regulates gambling in Idaho?

Gambling in Idaho is regulated by the Idaho State Lottery and the Idaho Racing Commission. The Idaho State Lottery oversees the state’s lottery, as well as limited forms of charity gambling like bingo and raffles. The Idaho Racing Commission regulates the state’s horse racing industry, including live racing and simulcast racing. The commission also oversees the licensing and regulation of all casino gaming in the state.

What is the minimum gambling age in Idaho?

The minimum gambling age in Idaho is 18 years old. This applies to all forms of gambling in the state, including lottery sales, horse racing, and casino gaming. However, some casinos may have their own age restrictions and policies, so it is important to check with individual casinos before attempting to gamble. Additionally, it is important to remember that gambling can be addictive and potentially harmful, so it is important to gamble responsibly and seek help if you feel that you may have a problem with gambling.