The Best Poker Sites for Idaho Players | Online Poker in ID
For poker fans in Idaho, finding a seat at the table isn’t always easy. With no licensed poker rooms and limited gambling options, many players are used to making do — whether that means organizing home games or traveling out of state for real action. But these days, more Idahoans are logging on instead of driving out.
While Idaho law doesn’t regulate online poker, offshore platforms provide a practical and accessible way to play. This guide breaks down your best options, explains how online poker fits into Idaho’s legal landscape, and helps you play smart — no matter your experience level.
Online Poker Legality Snapshot
| Online Poker | Available (Offshore Only) |
| Land Based Poker | Available |
| Legal Gambling Age | 18+ |
| Poker Regulator | No state regulatory body/ The tribal gaming commission |
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Idaho
Yes — although you won’t find any state-licensed poker sites in Idaho — at least not yet. But that hasn’t stopped people from playing. Online poker is widely available through offshore sites that legally accept U.S. players, and Idaho residents regularly use them without legal consequences.
These sites operate outside of state and federal oversight, which means you’ll want to stick to well-established platforms with a track record of fair play and fast payouts. The good news? There are several that fit the bill.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Idaho
Choosing the right poker site matters — especially when you’re playing from a state without regulated options. The sites below have been vetted for reliability, game quality, and ease of use. They offer a range of features, from soft competition and anonymous tables to crypto-friendly banking and solid loyalty rewards.
Whether you’re looking to play casually on a weeknight or grind your way into a big Sunday tournament, these platforms offer a safe and straightforward way to play from anywhere in Idaho.
- Bovada Poker - Best Poker Software and Graphics
- Sportsbetting Poker - Best for Excellent Poker Bonuses
- Everygame Poker - Best for Seamless Multi-Platform Gaming
Comparing Online Poker Rooms Available in Idaho
If you’re still deciding which poker site is right for you, this breakdown can help. Whether you’re just starting out or hunting for top-tier promotions, the table below highlights key features from each of our top recommendations.
| Poker Room | Bonus Offer | Best For | Minimum Deposit | Play Now |
| Bovada | 100% up to $500 initial deposit bonus. 200% referral bonus for $100 deposit + $75 bonus on cryptocurrency referral deposits. | Best Poker Software and Graphics | $10 | Play Now |
| Sportsbetting Poker | 100% up to $1,000; released in $5 per $50 rake paid | Best for Excellent Poker Bonuses | $20 | Play Now |
| Everygame Poker | 200% up to $1,000; $25, released in $5 per $25 rake paid | Best for Best for Beginners | $25 | Play Now |
How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites in Idaho
Finding the right online poker site is essential for Idaho players, and we’re here to help you make that choice confidently. Safety is our top priority, and we thoroughly evaluate each platform to ensure a fair and trustworthy gaming environment. Below are some of the key features we take into account:
- Availability in Idaho: We verify that the operator accepts players from Idaho and operates legally within applicable jurisdictions.
- Player Traffic & Competition Levels: We check if the site has enough active players at different stakes, so you won’t have to wait forever for a game.
- Poker Bonuses and Promotions: We examine the value and fairness of welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and ongoing promotions offered to players.
- Game Variety and Availability: We also evaluate the selection of poker variants and the availability of cash games and tournaments to cater to diverse player preferences.
- Deposit and Withdrawal: We look for platforms that support various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.
Idaho’s Online Poker Laws
Idaho has clear laws on gambling, but no specific statute directly addresses the topic of online poker. Whether playing poker online for real money is legal or not legal in Idaho is a question that does not seem to have been tested by any arrests or trials, so the ultimate answer has yet to be written. But what about the practical answer?
In this section, we aim to outline the law from a layperson's perspective, based on Idaho statutes.
Idaho law is one of the few state laws that specifically mentions poker as a form of prohibited gambling. The statutory definition of gambling per Idaho law reads
“risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device or the happening or outcome of an event, including a sporting event, the operation of casino gambling including, but not limited to, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, bacarrat [sic] or keno” (Section 18-3801).
It is a misdemeanor to engage is such activity as a player (Section 18-3802).
Interestingly, Idaho has relatively few penalties (when compared to other states) for operating illegal gambling businesses. This may be a result of the lack of commercial casinos in the state.
While not a direct reference to the Internet, the Idaho constitution does forbid a class of game that would seem to include online casinos. Even if regulated, operators are not allowed to
“employ any electronic or electromechanical imitation or simulation of any form of casino gambling” (Section 20).
The complete Idaho gambling statutes can be accessed below. It’s always a good idea for everyone to know their state laws, especially if you’re involved in an activity the law is likely to address.
Will Idaho Legalize Online Poker Sites?
While players from Idaho would no doubt love to have a locally regulated online poker room available, it doesn’t look as if Idaho is interested is doing the legislative work that such a room might require.
There hasn’t been any real movement on the issue among Idaho lawmakers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean legal online poker in Idaho is an impossibility. For example, Idaho could easily decide to tag along with a neighboring state that regulates poker. We could also see a federal bill that offers revenue to states like Idaho – revenue that will be hard for cash-strapped Idaho to pass up. The point, however, is that Idaho doesn’t look as if they’re planning to take independent action to regulate online poker in the status quo.
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Idaho
Poker should always be an enjoyable and responsible activity. A healthy approach to gambling includes setting limits, managing your bankroll wisely, and ensuring that play remains fun and stress-free. Simple habits like tracking your time, taking breaks, and gambling only with what you can afford to lose help keep the experience positive.
If you ever feel that gambling is affecting your well-being, Idaho provides resources to support responsible gaming. Below are organizations that offer guidance, tools, and assistance to help you maintain a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience.
- Idaho Council on Problem Gambling: Provides education, prevention programs, and referrals for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Visit idahocpg.org or call (208) 378-6798 for confidential assistance.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: A 24/7 confidential support line for individuals and families affected by gambling issues. Call 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org for live chat and additional resources.
- Gamblers Anonymous Idaho: Offers peer support meetings and self-help programs for those recovering from gambling addiction. Find a local meeting at gamblersanonymous.org.
- Self-Exclusion and Gambling Blockers: While Idaho does not have a formal self-exclusion program for online poker, players can use tools like Gamban or BetBlocker to restrict access to gambling websites.
Poker Players From Idaho
While Idaho may not have a large poker scene, a few skilled individuals have made a mark in the game. Despite the state's strict gambling laws, these players have competed in major tournaments, earning impressive winnings. This table highlights notable poker players from Idaho and their total earnings.
| Player Name | Total Live Earnings |
| Mike Allis | $1,032,461 |
| Victorino Torres | $586,659 |
| Mike Kinney | $1,155,805 |
| Walter Browne | $271,533 |
| Chad Wassmuth | $863,361 |
Online Poker and Idaho
While Idaho’s laws limit traditional poker opportunities, offshore platforms continue to give players a way to enjoy real games online — safely and securely.
We've highlighted the top poker sites that accept Idaho players, each with its own strengths — whether you're into low-stakes sit & gos or chasing big tournament guarantees.
Take a few minutes to explore your options, compare bonuses, and find the platform that fits your playing style. Once you're ready, claiming your seat at the table is just a few clicks away.
Poker and Gambling Laws by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Idaho Poker in the News
California Lawmakers Mull Cardroom Expansion
In the poker world, California is known for two things. One is the plethora of cardrooms for poker players throughout
Borgata and Phil Ivey Finally Reach Settlement Agreement
There had not been a peep about this case since the end of September of 2019. The Borgata’s case against
SEC Grants YouStake Request to End Investigation
The YouStake matter is finally settled. While it didn’t affect a large part of the poker community, it was an
