With just seven casinos in the Gem State, you may have to search, “is there an Idaho casino near me?” to find the closest one. Four of Idaho’s casinos are in the northwest region, known as the Panhandle. The other three lie in the state’s southeastern part, in Bannock and Bingham counties. Residents of Boise and the Southwest have the furthest to travel but can typically reach an Idaho casino in a few hours. More than half of Idaho’s casinos are near destination hotels that offer guests a wealth of leisure and entertainment facilities. First Nation tribes own and operate all seven casinos in the beautiful Gem State. This includes the Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce, Kootenai, and Coeur d’Alene, tribes. Keep reading to learn more about casinos in Idaho.
Casinos with Hotels
Some of the best casinos in Idaho offer onsite accommodation to their players. In fact, by consulting sites such as casinos.us, you will find a list of casinos with hotels in Idaho:
- Clearwater River Casino & Hotel, Lewiston
- Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Worley
- Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa, Bonners Ferry
- Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, Fort Hall.
How Many Casinos Are There in Idaho?
The state is home to seven casinos. These options range from large resort venues with an excellent choice of table games and bingo to small, friendly travel centers with a simple slots parlour. The number of casinos in Idaho does not compare favourably to states like California or Nevada but is fairly typical of the Inland Northwest. If you want a larger concentration of casinos, simply drive south into Nevada or west into Oregon or Washington. The northern Nevadan town of West Wendover is just a 2.5-hour drive from Twin Falls.
The Biggest Casinos in Idaho
The state’s largest gambling centers are those within hotel complexes. The biggest is the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel in Fort Hall, which has a casino floor of 72,984sq ft (6,780 m²), plus a large, 258-seat bingo hall. It is also home to over 900 slot machines, video craps, virtual blackjack, and a high-limit area. The second biggest is the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, which houses a 60,000sq ft (5,574 m²) casino floor. Guests at the Coeur d’Alene can enjoy 1200 gaming machines, the biggest choice in the Inland Northwest region. It’s also home to 300+ hotel rooms, a vast entertainment venue, seven bars & restaurants, a spa, and a golf course.
The Best Casinos in Idaho
If you are looking for something big, the Shoshone-Bannock and Couer d’Alene are excellent choices. The Clearwater Casino in Lewiston is one of the most established casinos in the state, with 600+ gaming machines. This hotel casino also features a pool, jacuzzi, event space, and a restaurant bar. However, some people may prefer the state’s smaller casinos, which are more accessible. The It’se Ye Ye Casino in Kamiah is a medium-sized, slots-based casino with over 100 gaming machines and a diner-style restaurant. The Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino is another small but super-welcoming Idaho casino. Thanks to its onsite fuel station, convenience store, and truckers lounge, it’s ideal for truckers.
What to Think About When Choosing a Casino in Idaho
Location is a major factor in choosing an Idaho casino, with all venues concentrated in two distinct areas. The casinos to the southeast are easier to reach from Wyoming, Utah, and the most populated areas of Idaho, such as Boise. Indeed, the venues in the Idaho Panhandle benefit from stunning natural views and are largely within protected reserve land. However, most players are more interested in the number of games available. If you enjoy bingo, go for the Shoshone-Bannock with its large bingo room. But if you prefer slots, then head to the Coeur d’Alene for an exceptional choice. In fact, slots are the key feature of all Idaho casinos, and it’s harder to find one that offers a good choice of table games. Players aged 18-21 should check the current guidelines for each casino. At the moment, this age group cannot visit the Clearwater Casino.
Summary
Casino players in Idaho can choose from seven casinos. Both locals and tourists will receive a friendly welcome at any location. Four of the state’s casinos are large venues that house additional facilities, such as accommodation, a spa, a golf course, and/or live entertainment. Players should also know that casinos in Idaho are quite slot-heavy, and even the bigger ones are lacking in a wide choice of live table games. First Nation tribes own and operate all Idaho casinos. Only two specific areas of Idaho, the Panhandle and the Southeast, are home to the state’s casinos. There are no casinos in the state capital or in any of the other large cities. If you are looking for more choices, you’ll find a much greater number of casinos in the neighbouring states of Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.