Introduction to Idaho Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017
Idaho slot machine casino gambling currently consists of seven American Indian tribal casinos, each of which offers video games such as electronic pull-tab and slot-like bingo machines. Some of these casinos also offer video poker, video keno, video roulette, and electronic blackjack table games.
There are an additional nine licensed simulcast pari-mutuel racing facilities available for off-track betting, one of which has the only commercial track within the state.
With its distinctive shape, Idaho forms part of the Pacific Northwest and is located in the northwestern region of the U.S., having a small border with Canada. The state’s capital and largest city is Boise.
Major airports include the Boise Airport (BOI) serving southwestern Idaho, and Spokane International Airport (GEG) serving the northern region from nearby Spokane, Washington. Several regional airports also exist.
This post continues the weekly blog series “Slot Machine Casino Gambling, State-By-State“, a year-long online resource project dedicated to guiding slot machine gambling enthusiasts to success.
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Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Idaho*
The minimum legal age limit for gambling is 18.
Pari-mutuel horse racing was legalized in the state in 1964, immediately making existing race tracks legal and allowing additional race tracks to be opened in the same year.
Online horse betting became legal on July 1, 2014, allowing Historic Horse Race betting or “instant racing” machines.
The state adopted criminal and constitutional prohibitions against all forms of Class III gaming, except pari-mutuel betting and a state lottery. This action was challenged by the tribe, and taken to federal district court.
Ultimately, the state drafted a proposed constitutional amendment changing its gaming laws, allowing state-tribal compacts to allow the Class III games currently available. Further case law analysis details regarding Idaho slot machine casino gambling are available online.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws apply to various forms of gambling. This information is not intended to provide legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in Idaho
It is legal to privately own slot machines if manufactured before 1950.
Gaming Control Board in Idaho
In place of a state gaming commission, a state-tribal compact exists between the Idaho state government and the tribal casinos located within the state.
One important term of Idaho state-tribal compact is, a minimum payback percentage of the machines to the public is not required. Without a legal minimum requirement, American Indian tribal casinos in Idaho are legally free to set the payback to as low as they wish.
Casinos in Idaho
All casinos are open 24 hours. The maximum bet is $50.
The largest casino in Idaho is Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel with 1,600 gaming machines. The second largest is Fort Hall Casino & Hotel.
- Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
- Address: 37914 South Nukwalqw, Worley, ID 83876
- Phone: 800-523-2464
- Size: 30,000 square feet
- Fort Hall Casino & Hotel
- Address: Ross Fork Road, Fort Hall, ID 83203
- Phone: 208-237-8778
- Size: 15,000 square feet
The other tribal casinos in Idaho are Bannock Peak Casino in Pocatello, Clearwater River Casino and Lodge in Lewiston, It’Se-Ye-Ye Casino in Kamiah, Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa in Bonners Ferry, and Sage Hill Travel Center and Casino in Blackfoot.
The electronic gaming machines at each American Indian tribal casino uses vouchers as payout, which must be cashed by a casino attendant or at a cashier’s cage.
Les Bois Park in Boise is the single commercial track.
Summary of Idaho Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017
Idaho slot machine casino gambling currently consists of seven tribal casinos, each of which offers video games such as electronic pull-tab and slot-like bingo machines. Some of these casinos also offer video poker, video keno, video roulette, and electronic blackjack table games.
The electronic gaming machines at each American Indian tribal casino uses vouchers as payout, which must be cashed by a casino attendant or at a cashier’s cage.
The existing state-tribal compact does not require a minimum payout percentage to the public when gambling at any American Indian tribal casino in Idaho.
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
- Main: Slot Machine Casino Gambling, State-By-State
- Previous: Hawaii Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017 – Hawaii slot machine casino gambling laws are among the most uncompromising of any U.S. state, prohibiting all forms of gambling. These legal restrictions include slot machines, table games, lotteries, horse or dog racing, sports betting, or even bingo. Horse racing was popular prior to 1920 and during World War II.
- Next: Illinois Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017 – Illinois slot machine casino gambling includes ten riverboat casinos and video gaming at bars, restaurants, and other licensed non-casino locations. Gaming regulations in Illinois are unique due to the Video Gaming Act of 2009 requiring local governments to approve video gaming locations within their municipalities.
