Industry Experts Offers Insight that Could Lead to Idaho Sports Betting Legalization

Though the future of Idaho sports betting continues to verge on nonexistent, the direction of the industry could soon change that.

At least, this is what one expert believes when looking at how gambling will continue to evolve. 

Steve Ruddock is the Gaming Law Review Editor-in-Chief, as well as the author of the Straight To The Point Substack. Now that the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act is about seven years old, he gave an interview to Carl Cacha of NJ.com. While their discussion didn’t reference sports betting in Idaho specifically, Ruddock provided insight into how the industry will shrink in the coming years. This, in turn, will pave the way for holdout states such as Idaho to the legal sports betting ranks.  

Here’s How a Shifting Climate Could Lead to Idaho Sports Betting Legalization

Below you can see Ruddock’s full response when asked about the current status of sports betting in the United States, and what’s to come:

“I’d say [I am] surprised at how consolidated it is at the top, where you have two companies (DraftKings and FanDuel) that are not really known for sports betting historically, (very new companies by 2025 standards) dominating the space. And you have a lot of legacy gambling brands that are having trouble keeping up. I think we‘ll see a lot of companies scaling back on their sports betting offerings. It will go from being this great opportunity, to a great additional opportunity to an existing business.

“That leaves a lot of space that leaves for the companies that are ‘all in’ and totally dedicated to sports betting. There will be a little more consolidation and a little more ‘white labeling’ of these companies. In states that are having trouble ing bills, you’ll see DraftKings and FanDuel partnering with entrenched land-based interests that then can use the sportsbook.”

Those prospective partnerships referenced by Ruddock are the key to Idaho sports betting legalization. Sure, online sportsbooks in the United States would be willing to link up with Idaho casinos right now. But because The Gem State isn’t a premier market, these companies likely aren’t willing to forego the right to have their own independent online presence. 

Bigger markets have more leverage to limit the online elements. Take the future of sports betting in California as an example. It is widely understood online sportsbooks must take a backseat to tribal nation-operated casinos. This likely entails operating in a capacity and receiving a portion of casino sports betting profits. The Golden State’s market is large enough that it’s a worthwhile concession. Idaho’s market is a different story.

Why Would Idaho Change Its Current Stance on Sports Betting, Though?

This is a fantastic question. After all, Idaho sports betting hasn’t struggled to gain traction for the past seven years just because it's resistant to online operators. There is more general opposition to sports betting at large.

That sentiment will not suddenly dissipate. Policymakers have expressed moral opposotion, as well as concern over the socioeconomic risks imposed by legal sports betting. For instance, states with legal sports betting report significant upticks in reported problem gambling after launching services. To many, a regulated market that generates tax revenue is worth that risk. Others, however, do not agree. Right now, Idaho lawmakers fall into the latter bucket.

Still, views can gradually change over time. More than that, though, Idaho casinos have a ton of influence over state policies and those who them. If online sportsbooks start offering to operate in a ing capacity, as partners, then we could see tribal nations push more aggressively for legalization. That isn’t happening at the moment. Casino gaming revenue alone is considered good enough. 

To be sure, this will not necessarily change. But if you offer casinos the chance to partner with major online sportsbooks without actually having to compete with them, you would expect their tune to change.

Increased Regulation Across the United States Could Also Impact Future of Sports Wagering in Idaho

What’s more, the sports betting industry seems headed toward more stringent regulatory practices. Across the country, there are signs that states want more control. And with additional control will come more rigorous regulation.

Let’s use sports betting in Massachusetts as one example. Officials have proposed the Better Health Act. If successful, it would introduce individual gambling limits. As part of this, sportsbooks would be required to run and monitor financial background checks. This would be done to ensure that people are not wagering more than they can afford. Those checks would then shape individual gambling limits for each customer.

On top of that, some Massachusetts lawmakers are trying to increase the transparency with which sportsbooks operate. A bunch of factors are at play here. Among the biggest ones: Getting more information from places like DraftKings and FanDuel about how they craft and disseminate ments and sports betting bonuses to individuals.

Truth be told, the fate of the Better Health Act could be a harbinger for the future of Idaho sports betting. If state officials believe the industry is more heavily regulated, and thus safer, they could be more open to consider ing a gambling bill. 

For now, though, all Idahoans can do is wait and see. These extra layers of consumer protection and regulation are not yet an industry standard. If and when they become as much, we’d guess that Idaho sports betting receives more consideration from those in charge.

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can find one that works for all of your sports betting needs: