From a gambling enthusiast’s perspective, all Utah lawmakers seem to have one thing in common – they all share a vehemently anti-gambling attitude. The Beehive State gambling-related laws are notorious for being literally the most prohibitive set of regulations of this kind in the entire country. Hosting land-based games of chance is prohibited within the borders of Utah. Raffles and bingo are illegal. Even home games aren’t allowed – and if that wasn’t bad enough, the local authorities are very serious about enforcing those ridiculous laws.
Online Gambling in Utah
Unlike the other conservative states, Utah has several anti-online gambling regulations in place. As a matter of fact, Utah statutes have been updated in 2012 just to criminalize internet play. What’s more, the local legislators have already threatened the federal government that Utah is going to introduce additional anti-gambling laws if any nationwide iGaming-friendly regulations are passed. Breaking the internet gambling laws for the first time is guaranteed to result in misdemeanor charges when caught, but the penalties get more severe with any subsequent offences. If you live in Utah, we simply don’t recommend trying to play on offshore gambling sites.
Casinos & Sportsbooks Accepting Players From Utah
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Casino Games
Utah is a casino gambling wasteland. Running a land-based business of this kind is illegal – and if that wasn’t enough, the penalties for breaking the regulations that prohibit online play are so restrictive that joining the action on one of the offshore sites suddenly stops looking like a good idea. If you live in Utah and you want to gamble, the most reasonable course of action would be to cross the border with Nevada and enjoy the countless real money gaming options available there.
Sports Betting
Utah-based sports betting enthusiasts are riding on the same boat as the local casino aficionados. The state doesn’t have any pari-mutuel facilities and online gambling is simply not an option as long as you remain within the borders of the state. On a brighter note, the neighboring Nevada is one of the few states that do allow land-based sportsbook-style wagers.
Poker
Poker is out of question too. Land-based facilities aren’t available, while online play is simply too risky to be worth it. However, since the world’s capital of poker is right across the border, there’s really nothing to stop you from joining the action in Nevada or any other neighboring state.
Online Gambling FAQ
Where can I find regulations that pertain to gambling in Utah?
All the important regulations are listed in Section 76 of Utah Code.
What forms of gambling are legal and regulated within the borders of Utah?
Utah doesn’t have any regulated gambling. The state doesn’t even operate a lotto game.
What is the legal status of online gambling in Utah?
Online gambling is explicitly prohibited since 2012.
Do offshore gambling sites accept Utah residents?
Many sites refuse to take Utah residents, as putting people in trouble makes for bad publicity.
How can I deposit to an offshore gambling site from Utah?
You could make a payment using your credit card. However, we firmly believe that doing that from Utah doesn’t make any sense.
How can I withdraw my money from an offshore iGaming site if I live in Utah?
Offshore sites tend to handle cash out request via a bank wire transfer or via a check delivered by courier.
Is Utah planning to regulate online gambling in the future?
Utah legislators updated the local regulations in 2012. The only reason they did that was to criminalize online gambling.
Gambling History – Interesting Facts
1. Utah was the only frontier state that never turned into a gambling hotspot due to the efforts of its population and government. This tradition is continued to this day.
2. Surprisingly enough, Utah used to allow horse race betting between 1925 and 1927.
3. Utah came close to the re-introduction of pari-mutuel betting, but in the end the relevant referendum was lost 40:60 in 1992.
Utah Gambling Resource
Utah Code: