Sports Betting in Idaho: What Bettors Need to Know

As of June 2025 , sports betting remains illegal in Idaho. Despite the nationwide trend toward legalization following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed states to regulate sports betting individually, Idaho has maintained its prohibition. This steadfast position is rooted in the state's conservative values and existing legal framework.

Current Legal Framework

Idaho's gambling laws are stringent, with most forms of gambling prohibited under Idaho Code 18-3802. The law defines gambling as risking money or something of value on an event determined by chance, including sporting events. The only exceptions are the state lottery and certain charitable gaming activities. This legal stance effectively bans sports betting within the state's borders.

Neighboring States' Influence

Idaho is bordered by states with varying stances on sports betting:

Nevada: A long-standing hub for legal sports betting, offering both in-person and mobile wagering options.
Oregon: Offers legal sports betting through the state-run Scoreboard app, allowing residents to place bets online.
Montana: Provides sports betting through the Montana Lottery, with bets placed at licensed locations.
Washington: Legalized sports betting in tribal casinos, with some offering mobile betting restricted to casino premises.

The accessibility of sports betting in these neighboring states has led some Idaho residents to cross state lines to place bets legally. However, it's important to note that placing bets in Idaho through these means remains illegal.

Offshore Betting and Legal Risks

Some Idaho residents turn to offshore online sportsbooks to place bets. While these platforms operate outside U.S. jurisdiction, they are not regulated by Idaho or federal authorities, posing risks such as lack of consumer protection and potential legal consequences. Engaging with these platforms is considered illegal under Idaho law, and bettors have limited recourse in disputes.

Future Prospects

As of now, there is no indication that Idaho will move toward legalizing sports betting. The state legislature has not introduced any bills to this effect, and public opinion appears divided. Advocates for legalization argue that it could generate significant tax revenue and provide consumer protections, while opponents cite moral and social concerns.

What Bettors Need to Know

Legal Status: Sports betting is illegal in Idaho. Engaging in such activities within the state can result in legal penalties.
Neighboring Options: While neighboring states offer legal sports betting, Idaho residents must be physically present in those states to place bets legally.
Offshore Risks: Using offshore sportsbooks is illegal and carries significant risks, including lack of legal protection and potential financial loss.
Stay Informed: Bettors should stay updated on any legislative changes regarding sports betting in Idaho to ensure compliance with state laws.

Idaho’s Fierce Fandom: Inside the State’s Most Beloved Sports Teams

Idaho, land of potatoes and postcard-worthy mountains, isn’t the place you’d first think of when it comes to hardcore sports fandom. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a hidden reservoir of passion, pride, and a tight-knit community of fans rallying around teams that, while not major league, hold major sway over Idahoans’ hearts. No, Idaho doesn’t need the big leagues to make a big impact in sports. The Gem State is where sports are real, raw, and refreshingly pure—played and cheered on with a grit that’s rare in today's mega-commercial sports world. Let’s break down Idaho’s most beloved teams and why they’re more than just logos on a jersey.

1. Boise State Broncos: The Kings of the Blue Turf

First on our list, and arguably Idaho’s greatest contribution to sports: the Boise State Broncos. In Boise, this team is more than a collection of college athletes; it’s an identity, a way of life. Boise State’s football team burst onto the national stage in the early 2000s with its high-flying offense and, of course, the now-iconic blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. That field, lovingly nicknamed “Smurf Turf,” is famous for a reason. Not only does it serve as a brilliant (and quirky) counter to the ordinary green fields, but it also set the stage for one of the most unforgettable upsets in college football history—Boise State’s victory over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

It wasn’t just any victory; it was a Hollywood moment, complete with a last-minute trick play that took out a college football powerhouse. That win catapulted Boise State into the national spotlight and solidified the Broncos as underdog legends. Today, a Boise State game isn’t just a sports event; it’s a communal experience. The Broncos’ successes feel like wins for every person in Idaho, and the fanfare and celebrations that sweep the town are proof of just how deep the fandom runs.

2. Idaho Vandals: The Grit of Northern Idaho

The University of Idaho Vandals are a different breed entirely. Based in Moscow, a charming town in northern Idaho that feels like a world away from Boise, the Vandals represent the state’s rugged, no-nonsense spirit. Idahoans from this part of the state are known for their strong work ethic and commitment to staying true to their roots, and the Vandals embody that perfectly. The team may not have the national fame of Boise State, but for those in the northern part of the state, they’re just as beloved.

Vandal football and basketball games draw in locals who come to cheer and keep traditions alive, even if it means trekking to games in snow or sub-zero temperatures. It’s that kind of commitment that defines Idaho’s sports culture. There’s a certain thrill to supporting a team that plays not for glory or big TV contracts, but for the love of the game and the fierce pride of representing Idaho’s heartland.

3. Idaho State Bengals: Powerhouse of Pocatello

Down in southeastern Idaho, another team is holding its own in the hearts of Idaho’s sports fans. The Idaho State Bengals, based in Pocatello, might not always get the attention that Boise State does, but make no mistake—they are fierce competitors, especially on their home turf at Holt Arena. This isn’t just any stadium; it’s one of the first indoor stadiums ever built for college sports, a real icon in its own right. The Bengals bring an intensity to every game, giving locals a thrilling brand of college sports to rally around.

While the Bengals haven’t seen the same national spotlight, their fans are loyal to the core, and the games have a special atmosphere that’s all about community. It’s the quintessential small-town sports experience, where families turn out in orange and black and cheer like there’s no tomorrow. For Pocatello, it’s not just a game; it’s a social event that brings the town together and reinforces the bonds that make Idaho communities unique.

4. Idaho Steelheads: The Cold-Blooded Kings of the Rink

Hockey might not be the first sport you associate with Idaho, but once the puck drops at an Idaho Steelheads game in Boise, it’s clear that Idahoans know their ice. Part of the ECHL and an affiliate of the Dallas Stars, the Steelheads are Idaho’s premier minor league hockey team, and they don’t mess around. Hockey has a special appeal here—perhaps because it combines the speed of football with the grit and determination Idahoans admire.

Steelheads games have become legendary for their electric atmosphere, with fans filling the Idaho Central Arena for the thrill of fast-paced hockey and the occasional brawl that makes minor league hockey all the more thrilling. It’s hard not to get swept up in the energy. The Steelheads may be minor league, but the fan loyalty is major league. Idahoans from all corners of the state come to watch the games, and for a few hours, the ice becomes the most important spot in Idaho.

5. Boise Hawks: Summertime, Baseball, and Pure Americana

Baseball in Idaho is all about the Boise Hawks. Sure, they’re part of the independent Pioneer League now, but this team has a rich history and a solid fan base that keeps the spirit of America’s pastime alive in the Gem State. The Boise Hawks have played for decades, formerly as an affiliate of several MLB teams. These days, they stand on their own, representing the city of Boise and the state of Idaho with every pitch.

There’s something uniquely charming about a Hawks game. It’s summer in Idaho, a warm evening, kids running around the stands, families enjoying hot dogs, and everyone rising for the seventh-inning stretch. The Hawks don’t need to be a powerhouse to be loved—because they represent what baseball is supposed to be. It’s classic, it’s American, and it’s the perfect way to spend a summer night.

6. Treasure Valley Spartans: Semi-Pro Grit with a Whole Lot of Heart

In the Treasure Valley, football fans also have a local team to support: the Treasure Valley Spartans. This semi-professional team competes in the Rocky Mountain Football League, and while they may not play in a packed stadium or make national headlines, the Spartans are beloved by those who come out to support them. There’s something undeniably appealing about watching a semi-pro team play with everything they have. These are players who love the game, who balance work or school with their love for football, and who bring a relentless passion to the field.

For fans, the Spartans embody the no-frills, all-heart spirit of Idaho sports. This team may not have the budgets or fancy facilities, but what they lack in resources, they make up for in commitment and grit. That’s what Idaho sports are all about—teams that play hard, fans who show up no matter what, and a community that rallies around them.

The Heart of Idaho Sports

In a state without a major league team, Idaho’s sports culture may fly under the radar for most of the country. But to Idahoans, these teams are everything. From the blue turf of Boise State to the ice rink where the Steelheads skate, Idaho’s sports teams represent a spirit that’s uniquely Idahoan. These teams play not for the fame or the endorsement deals but for the love of the game and the fans who come out rain, snow, or shine.

In Idaho, sports aren’t about glitz and glamour. They’re about community, loyalty, and an underdog grit that’s as much a part of the landscape as the mountains themselves.

Conclusion

Idaho's stance on sports betting remains firmly prohibitive, with no current movement toward legalization. Bettors in the state should exercise caution and adhere to the existing legal framework to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.