Bingo in Idaho: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Idaho?

Yes, within tight limits. Chapter 77 of Title 67 of the Idaho Code makes it lawful for a charitable or nonprofit organization to run bingo, and the Idaho Lottery licenses and polices those games.

Idaho’s constitution bans casino gambling, so there are no commercial casinos. The state’s tribes operate Class II gaming, which centers on bingo and bingo-based machines, and some keep live bingo on the schedule.

A qualifying charity must be tax-exempt and must have existed in the county where it plays for at least one year. Churches, veterans groups, volunteer fire departments, booster clubs and PTOs all fit the definition.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Idaho?

18 for most games. Idaho Code § 67-7707(2) says no one under 18 may play bingo in games that offer a cash prize or merchandise worth more than $25.

That leaves room for family-friendly games. A school carnival or community night with small merchandise prizes can include younger players. Tribal casinos set their own age rules, so check before you go.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Idaho?

No. Idaho has not legalized any form of online casino gaming, and its constitution restricts casino-style games. Charity bingo licenses cover in-person, paper games only.

Free apps with no cash prizes are fine. Our online bingo guide explains the categories you’ll see in app stores. If gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential help.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Idaho?

Idaho is one of the hardest states for sweepstakes play, so we rate it restricted. There is no sweepstakes-specific statute, but Article III, Section 20 of the Idaho Constitution and the gambling definitions in Idaho Code § 18-3801 are widely read to cover games of chance with redeemable prizes.

As a result, the large sweepstakes casinos block Idaho residents from redeeming prizes, and some won’t let Idahoans register at all. You may still find free “gold coin” play, but cash-prize redemption is generally off the table. Our sweepstakes bingo explainer covers how these two-currency sites work.

Where can you play bingo in Idaho?

Charity sessions at Eagles, Elks and Moose lodges, veterans posts and churches make up most of Idaho’s bingo, along with tribal casinos in the north. Venues we verified are listed in the table below.

The Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley runs bingo in the event center next to its 60,000-square-foot gaming floor. Down in Lewiston, the Nez Perce Tribe’s Clearwater River Casino holds scheduled bingo events. The Idaho Lottery publishes a list of currently licensed organizations if you want to find a local charity game.

How to run a charity bingo game in Idaho

Idaho runs a full licensing program through the Lottery. Key steps:

1. Check eligibility. Your group needs qualifying tax-exempt status and at least one year of continuous existence in the county where you’ll play.
2. Apply for a license through the Idaho Lottery’s Charitable Gaming section.
3. Plan your schedule. No more than three sessions per week, and none longer than eight hours a day.
4. Follow the prize rules set by Lottery Commission rule for each game and each session.
5. Play on paper. Card-minding devices and auto-daub features are banned for charity bingo, and instant bingo tickets are not treated as bingo under the chapter.
6. Bank it separately. All bingo money goes into a dedicated account, with numbered checks for every withdrawal. Groups grossing more than $200,000 a year must submit an independent CPA audit.

Violations can bring civil penalties of up to $10,000 each. Our bingo fundraiser guide helps with the practical planning. Close to the Montana line? See how Montana handles bingo.