Online Gambling License in Idaho

The Idaho State Racing Commission regulates and controls horse racing and pari-mutuel betting in Idaho.

This self-funded state agency is funded by licenses, simulcasting fees, and pari-mutuel wagers. The State Racing Commission operates within the Idaho State Police, and its main task is to oversee and license all horse racing events held in the Gem State. Also, the Racing Commission is responsible for ensuring that all racing events and betting activities adhere to the state’s laws.

The Commission has three members who must reside in the state or are qualified electors of Idaho. These members are all appointed by the Governor, and the State Police hire the staff. The staff is in charge of handling the daily activities of the State Racing Commission.

Besides the Racing Commission, the Lottery Commission regulates the Idaho Lottery, founded in November 1988, when the Idaho Lottery Act became law and thus changed the constitutional ban on lotteries.

Finally, the State Police supervises tribal casinos in the state that are authorized to operate by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

Types of Gambling Regulated by the Idaho State Racing Commission

As you can infer from what we have said, the gambling options in Idaho are pretty limited due to the state’s strict gambling laws. Online casino gambling, sports betting and even Daily Fantasy Sports are prohibited. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy some forms of legal gambling entertainment.

Horse Racing

The main form of gambling in Idaho is pari-mutuel betting on horse races held in the state. All race tracks must be licensed by the Racing Commission to offer these services. Simulcast betting is also allowed.

Players can place bets in person at race tracks holding live horse races. However, wagering at off-track betting facilities (OTBs) and online betting via licensed ADW operators are also permitted.

The authorized Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) sites are:

• Day at the Track
• AM – West Entertainment
• TVG/ODS
• XpressBet
• NYRABets   
• Churchill Downs/UT

Tribal Casinos

Although there are no commercial land-based casinos in Idaho, Native American tribes run several locations where you can play casino-style games. The state has compacts with four tribes: the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe. These tribes are regulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and, therefore, are allowed to run their tribal casinos.

There are ten casinos in Bonners Ferry, Plummer, Worley, Kamiah, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Fort Hall. Some of them are Class II casinos, which are allowed to offer electronic pull tab machines, bingo, and other video games. However, some establishments, like Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, provide Class III gaming, including slot machines, video poker, and video keno.    

Lottery

The Idaho Lottery is legal by the Constitution of the State of Idaho. All the proceeds from the lottery are used to fund public schools and state buildings, like Idaho’s public colleges and universities.

The Idaho Lottery allows you to purchase tickets for various entertaining lotteries, including multistate games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto America, and Lucky for Life. You can also play Idaho Cash, 5 Star Draw, Weekly Grand,  Pick 3, and Pick 4. Finally, the Idaho Lottery allows you to play scratch games, instant-play games, tab games, and raffles. 

You can’t purchase tickets online; you can only do so at licensed retailers. Still, you can download lottery game apps like Everything Idaho Lottery and Cashword.

The Idaho State Racing Commission Regulatory Framework

The responsibilities of the Racing Commission are defined by the Idaho Statutes, Title 54 Professions, Vocations, and Businesses, Chapter 25 Horse Racing.

This chapter underlines the authority of the Commission, stating that it is in charge of licensing, regulating, and supervising all horse race meets in the state, including pari-mutuel pools. The agency also must ensure regular inspections at all racetracks at least once a year.

Moreover, the Idaho State Racing Commission is also responsible for protecting animal welfare and promoting responsible gambling. The Commission supports the efforts of the National Council on Problem Gambling, who provide assistance and help to those who may have an issue controlling their gambling habits.   

We will also mention that section 20 of the Constitution of Idaho says that gambling is prohibited, except for state lottery, pari-mutuel betting, charitable raffle games and bingo. Other forms of gambling, like slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat, are banned.

Since the lottery is legal in the state, the Lottery Commission monitors all operations and adopts rules. The Lottery Commission has five members appointed by the Governor.

FAQs about the Idaho State Racing Commission