As a border state, Idaho welcomes a large number of Canadian travellers visiting the state’s many attractions, passing through to warmer climes, or dropping by one of the many casinos that dot the region.
Idaho Casinos
The border between Canada and Idaho is just 72 kilometres long, but it is a travel crossing point for those living in the interior of British Columbia and in southwestern Alberta.
Every year, more than 680,000 Canadians visit Idaho, where they spend more than $100 million.1 In addition to potatoes, Idaho is known for its many outdoor sites including Shoshone Falls, Ponderosa State Park, Twin Falls (where Evel Knievel made his failed attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon), and the Lava Hot Springs.
Idaho is also home to 16 casinos and, like many U.S. states, there are no commercial casinos in Idaho. All of the state’s casinos are located on Native America reservations. At Idaho’s 16 casinos, you’ll find more than 4,100 slots and gaming machines with allowed bets between $0.01 and $50.00. Poker lovers will also find lots to like about Idaho casinos; so, too, will those who enjoy horse racing and simulcasting.2
Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel
Just 40 kilometres south of Coeur D’Alene on Interstate 95, in the town of Worley, is Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. Surrounded by countryside, it is owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.3
By northwest standards, Coeur D’Alene Casino is big: at 60,000 square feet, the casino floor features over 1,600 slots, video blackjack, keno, and a bingo hall. In August, a regular visitor of the casino won $1.3 million—one of the largest progressive slot machine jackpots ever in Idaho and the Northwestern region.4
The casino’s off-track betting area includes 13 TVs, two sporting event TVs, and Betting Leagues across three states. Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort is the only off-track betting area that is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Along with a full-service casino, Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort also has a 300-room, luxury hotel. The Spa Ssakwa´q´n provides a unique and relaxing spa experience with a variety of massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures to choose from.
There is also a wide variety of dining options, including fine dining, a buffet, a food court, and a lounge. On top of that, the Circling Raven Golf Club is renowned as one of the finest new golf courses in the country.
Clearwater River Casino and Lodge
Set just off Interstate 95, next to the Clearwater River, this lodge-style casino hotel complex is roughly 10 kilometers east of the historic gold-rush city of Lewiston.5
Owned and operated by the Nimiipuu (or Nez Perce Tribe), the casino completed a $20 million renovation and expansion in late 2013; this expansion revamped 37,516 square feet of the existing casino floor space and added another 11,312 square feet (to total 48,828 square feet). The expansion also added a 23,770-square-foot event centre and a 5,000-square-foot convenience store.
The 24-hour operation offers more than 6,000 games with coinage ranging from $0.01 to $5.00. Popular games include video slots with progressives, video blackjack, and keno. There is also a new bingo hall that is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
Clearwater River Casino has three restaurants that range from upscale to casual dining and the lodge, which is also on the premises, features 50 rooms, an indoor saltwater pool, and a spa.
Kootenai River Casino
Just south of the Canadian border, the Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa is located in the Idaho panhandle town of Bonners Ferry and is owned and operated by the Kootenai Tribe.6
In 2005, the site underwent a major expansion during which it remodeled interiors and added a spa. In May of 2013, the last recent expansion, which added the 36-room Kootenai Falls Lodge, was opened.
The 24-hour, 30,000-square-foot casino features over 500 machines in three rooms where you can bet a minimum of $0.01 and a maximum of $1.00. The Kootenai River Casino also has a 150-seat bingo hall.
At the luxury Kootenai day spa you can make daily appointments for hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, massage, facials, footwork, bodywork, hair and salon, pedicures, manicures, and more.
U.S. Casino Winnings Subject to 30% Withholding Tax
If you are a non-U.S. resident and you visit Idaho and win a significant amount of money at any of the state’s 16 casinos, your gaming winnings could be subject to a 30% withholding tax. But, if you live in a country like Canada, which has signed a U.S. tax treaty, you may be eligible for a refund.
Some of the countries that do not have a U.S. tax treaty but may still be eligible for a refund include: Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Mexico, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, and the U.A.E. However, based on a recent court case, winners from these countries may qualify for a refund if they meet certain criteria. Contact us for further information to find out if you are eligible to get your withholding taxes back!
If you win a substantial amount gambling (typically over $1,200), your winnings are subject to a 30% withholding tax by the IRS. If you win $3,000 playing the slots, the casino will pay you $2,400. The IRS keeps the rest.
RMS is the Easiest, Fastest Way to Get Your Money Back
If you’ve been to the U.S. and had 30% of your winnings held back by the IRS, Refund Management Services (RMS) can help you reclaim a portion or all of your taxable winnings.
Founded by a Canadian Chartered Accountant in 1998, RMS is the most reliable and experienced gaming and casino tax refund provider for non-U.S. residents. Only RMS has the One Simple StepTM process. Our customer service agents take care of the rest.
Once you provide us with complete documentation, your claim will be processed and we will submit it to the IRS.
We’ve never been refused for an eligible refund. Contact us today by calling our toll-free number at 1-888-272-5559 or by emailing us at [email protected]!
Sources:
1. “Idaho,” Government of Canada, September 5, 2014, http://can-am.gc.ca/business-affaires/fact_sheets-fiches_documentaires/id.aspx?lang=eng.
2.“Idaho Casinos,” World Casino Directory, November 13, 2015, http://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/idaho.
3.“Coeur D’Alene Casino,” Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, http://www.cdacasino.com/.
4.“Spokane Area Woman Hits $1.3 Million Jackpot at Coeur D’Alene Casino,” KXLY.com, August 3, 2015, http://www.kxly.com/community/idaho-panhandle/spokane-area-woman-hits-13-jackpot-at-coeur-dalene-casino/34509324.
5.“Clearwater River Casino & Lodge,” Clearwater River Casino & Lodge, http://crcasino.com/.
6.“Kootenai River Casino and Spa,” Best Western Plus Kootenai River Casino, November 13, 2015, http://www.kootenairiverinn.com/.