Gambling in the state has been reduced to playing social games where no real money is wagered, and all games are played for fun. The stringent gambling laws also prohibit tribal casinos in Utah.
Lawmakers in Utah are continuously trying to ensure that there are no gaming options offered in the state. The state has also pushed to get web-based gambling banned at a federal level, which would override the current patchwork of online gambling laws that varies from state to state.
Utahans have to travel to nearby gambling states should they wish to place a bet on sports or play their favorite casino games. Nevada is the closest option for most, with Wendover just over the border. Colorado offers commercial casinos in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, plus legal online sports betting, as our guide to online gambling in Colorado explains. To the north, Idaho has tribal casinos and a state lottery, which our guide to online gambling in Idaho covers in more detail.
Utah Gambling Legislation
Gambling in Utah has been defined as when a player places something of value up for risk upon the outcome of a game, contest, or gaming machine when the return is based on an element of chance, or it is in accordance with an agreement that an individual will receive something of value in the event of an outcome. The Utah Constitution states that the legislature will not authorize games of chance for any purpose.
The tough gambling laws in Utah have placed a 100% ban on gambling with no gray area. No forms of gambling are legal in the state.
- Lottery betting is not allowed, making it one of six states without a state lottery.
- Land-based casinos are also not allowed.
- Charitable gambling is banned.
- Horse racing and off-track betting are prohibited.
- Sports betting has also been barred from the state.
Gambling within state borders is a violation of the gambling laws and will be seen as a Class B misdemeanor. Should a player or operator have multiple gambling violations, it will result in a Class A misdemeanor
Online Gambling in Utah
Players in Utah will not be able to place bets online as web-based gambling has also been barred from the state. The gambling laws in Utah have explicitly stated that should the federal law change in terms of gambling online. The gambling form will remain illegal in Utah.
Utah Gambling History
Utah is a conservative state with a majority of its population opposing gambling. The state has had no serious attempts at legalizing gambling. Casinos in Utah were introduced in the 1800s to serve local miners.
However, by 1847, gambling was banned, and anti-gambling legislation was implemented. Below is a brief timeline of the history of Utah’s gambling laws.
- 1925 to 1927 – horse racing was legalized; however, two years later, the gambling form was banned.
- 1991 – a campaign was launched to legalize racing, only for voters to reject the idea a year later.
- 2000 – the 2000s saw underground poker rooms and bingo establishments operate in the state before laws were put in place to crack down on the illegal establishments.
- 2012 – web-based gambling was banned in Utah, and laws were structured to avoid any potential changes to the federal law
Gambling in Utah FAQs
Is gambling legal in Utah?
No, Utah is one of two states that prohibit gambling. There are no land-based casinos in the state.
Can I play online poker in Utah?
Unfortunately, no. The law has outlawed online poker.
How many casinos are there in Utah?
There are no commercial or Indian casinos in Utah due to the gambling laws in the state.
Is charitable gambling allowed in Utah?
No, the state has a strict ban on charitable bingo as well as raffles.
Where is the closest Salt Lake City casino?
Peppermill Casino in Wendover, Nevada, is the closest casino to Salt Lake City. The casino is about two hours away.
Does Utah have a state lottery?
Unfortunately, no. The lottery is also part of the gambling forms that have been banned in the state.
