Online Gambling in Utah
Utah is famed for its wild and varied landscape, from red rock arches to plateaus, mountains, and canyons. It’s also well-known for having some of the country’s most conservative residents and legislators.
While many states have similar values, few take gambling as seriously as Utah.
So what are your options? In this complete guide, I will go over the stringent gambling laws in the Beehive State and if there’s any way to get around them safely.
I will also share my opinions and what the future may hold for Utah gamblers.
Gambling Highlights
Utah explicitly bans all types of gambling, but there are still gray areas and legal loopholes that players from the State can use to gamble online. Look at the snippet below to better understand their legal stance on gambling.
Is Gambling Legal?
No
Legal Gambling Age
N/A
Land-Based Casinos
No
Online Casinos
No
Land-Based Sports Betting
No
Online Sportsbooks
No
Legal State Lottery
No
Charitable Gambling
No
Table of Contents
Jump to Specific Areas of This Page
Is Online Gambling Legal in Utah?
Key Takeaways
- All forms of gambling are illegal in Utah, including online.
- No online casinos operate in the State.
- Offshore sites still accept players from Utah.
- Despite Utah’s strict stance, no one has ever been prosecuted for gambling online.
Utah has no legal forms of gambling. That’s right—no casinos, sports betting, charitable gaming, state lottery, or online gambling.
The Beehive State is one of the few to explicitly outlaw betting online, and it has even taken measures to prevent it from happening in the future.
The State’s code preemptively declares that online gambling will remain illegal in the State even if legalized at a federal level.
However, no one has ever been prosecuted for gambling online in Utah, and numerous offshore sites accept its residents.
It’s up to you to decide how to gamble safely and the amount of risk you’re comfortable with while doing so.
Take a dive into Utah’s gambling legislation.
Best Utah Online Casinos in 2024
Our team has played at and reviewed many offshore sites for Utah residents. The following online casinos have the best games, bonuses, customer support, and banking methods for those in the Beehive State.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November, 2024
Our Recommended Online Casinos Reviewed
Some sites have specific qualities that put them a step above the rest. Below are my top two Utah online casinos and their main features.
Best UT Site for Slots & Other Games
DuckyLuck Casino has one of the best game selections online at over 600 titles. You can find everything from progressive jackpot slots to hard-to-find table games like craps and Dragon Roulette. It also has specialties like Teen Patti, bingo, and scratch cards.
In addition, the casino offers top-tier live dealer games from supplier FreshDeck Studios. Choose from blackjack, roulette, and baccarat tables with various betting limits.
Top Features
- Incredible catalog of games, including large progressive jackpots
- Quality live dealer studios
- Popular and less common titles
Best UT Site for Sports Betting
Bovada is a top-rated online casino and sportsbook that’s been in operation for over a decade.
Bettors love this site’s clean and easy-to-use interface, responsive customer support, and quick payouts. It has a great selection of markets for US sports like basketball, football, and hockey.
You can also bet on worldwide leagues for soccer, martial arts, cricket, rugby, horse racing, and cycling.
Top Features
- Reputable online sportsbook
- Fast payouts and trusted banking methods
- Comprehensive sports betting options
How to Choose the Best Online Casinos
For this guide, I went through a rigorous process to choose the best online casinos for Utahns. Use the following criteria when choosing the best gambling site according to your needs and game style.
Reputation
I’ve read reviews from different sources and gotten a consensus on how the online casino is perceived.Fast & Reliable Payments
I test the deposit and withdrawal process to verify reliable banking methods and speed.Security & Safety
I check for a license and SSL encryption, which ensures your personal information will be safe.Game Variety
I play through the game catalog and look for a deep roster of quality titles from popular software developers.Quality Bonuses
I review the terms and conditions of each bonus to see if they are fair and reasonable.
Best Utah Real Money Online Casino Games
Since offshore sites are licensed elsewhere, they can accept players from within Utah’s borders. I will review the top online casino games you can access from the Beehive State.
Online Slots
Slots are one of the most popular online casino games. These games have great animations, inventive themes, and features like Hot Drop Jackpots.
Online Poker
You can play Poker from Utah if you visit offshore sites. Find many variations like Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Pai Gow, and Seven Card Stud there.
Online Blackjack
You’ll only find online blackjack in Utah at offshore sites.
This is a casino staple due to its low house edge and use of strategy as part of its gameplay.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games give you the interactive feeling of gambling at a physical venue without the hassle of going through airports or getting on the road to visit a neighboring state.
Other Online Casino Games
Offshore sites have plenty of other games for Utah players, like bingo, Keno, and craps. Take a look at some of the other options below.
Online Casino Bonuses
Even though Utahns might be missing out on land-based casino action, gambling sites often have better promotions. Below are the top two Utah casino bonuses online.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Bonuses
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Bonus
DuckyLuck has a fantastic welcome bonus that matches 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins on certain slot games.
The rollover requirements for this offer are just 30x, and the max payout is 10x the deposit amount.
You don’t need to enter a bonus code; just click “Claim this Promotion.”
125% up to $3,750 Welcome Package
If you’re a crypto user, Bovada has an excellent 125% up to $3,750 crypto bonus.
The rollover requirements for the first deposit are only 25x, and for the following two deposits are 50x.
Use code BTCCWB1250 on your first deposit and code BTC2NDCWB on the second and third to claim this offer.
Utah Casino Apps
Utah specifically bans online casinos. Which means there are no state-regulated gambling apps available.
That doesn’t imply, however, that you can’t play on the go.
Many offshore sites are optimized to work on mobile devices without requiring you to download an app.
All you have to do is visit the casino, log in, and start playing in your browser.
Legal Gambling Facts for Utah Players
- The only online casinos that accept Utah players are licensed elsewhere.
- Many offshore sites have licenses from other countries like Malta.
- You can find a massive variety of casino games online.
- It’s important to do plenty of research before giving your personal information to a gambling site.
- Crypto is a quick and secure banking method that many offshore sites offer.
- You can find lucrative welcome bonuses and rewards programs at online casinos.
- Many offshore sites won’t let you withdraw or deposit directly with a US bank account.
Utah Gambling Laws Summary
Utah is one of the few states where all forms of gambling are illegal. There are also laws prohibiting online gambling. Despite the clearly defined legislature, residents still gamble on the internet, and so far, individual prosecution is non-existent.
Below is a summary of the gambling laws in this conservative State.
| Utah Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in Utah | Land-based casinos are illegal in Utah. |
| Online Gambling | It’s illegal to gamble online in Utah. However, offshore sites still accept players from the state. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-based | Online and retail sports betting is illegal in Utah, but residents can find offshore sportsbooks that accept their bets. |
| State Lottery | The state lottery is illegal in Utah. |
| Charitable Gambling | Charitable gaming is illegal in Beehive State. |
| Poker | Poker is illegal in Utah, but some places offer free poker with cash prizes that are generated by the establishment’s food and drink revenue. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse racing is legal in Utah, but wagering on horse racing is not. Races are purely for spectator entertainment. Dog racing is illegal. |
| Fantasy Sports | Daily Fantasy Sports are technically illegal in Utah. However, specialized sites consider them games of skill. They continue to operate in the State under that pretense, the state has yet to go after them. |
| Social Gambling | Social gambling is illegal, even in the privacy of your own home, . |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Despite Utah banning all forms of gambling, gambling winnings still count as income. Check with your accountant on how to proceed when writing your State and federal taxes. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Utah is a highly conservative state, and its laws reflect that. Code section 76-10-1101 of the Utah State Legislation defines gambling as risking anything of value for a return or risking anything of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device when the return or outcome.
Anything based on an element of chance, regardless of the existence of a preview, and anything in accord with an agreement or understanding that someone will receive anything of value in the event of a specific outcome is considered gambling.
With that said, some have found a way to exploit small loopholes. Let’s take a deep dive into the gambling laws in Utah.
Land-Based Casinos
There are no land-based casinos in Utah, past or current, to speak of. Due to its large Mormon population, gambling has been illegal since the 1800s. Nevada, however, is just across the Utah border and offers one of the world’s best gambling playgrounds, Las Vegas.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Despite Utah’s overwhelming opposition to gambling, horse racing is a beloved pastime, and the State has several tracks.
Waging on a race is illegal, but that doesn’t mean it never happens. Bets are often in secret and between acquaintances, leaving a missed opportunity for revenue to support the sport. It stays alive due to money from donors, including the Utah government.
Dog racing is illegal in the Beehive State.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
Bingo is considered gambling in Utah, so it is illegal.
However, a few businesses have found creative ways to get around that restriction. Some places offer free bingo cards with the purchase of an overpriced meal, so technically, there are no wagers, although that extra money ultimately goes toward the game.
Utah has no charitable gambling and is one of the few states without a lottery.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming is illegal in Utah, but that doesn’t stop people from hosting small game nights at home.
State authorities have busted some poker rings, but these situations typically involved other illegal activities that drew attention.
The consensus is that if you stay low-key, the police will likely turn a blind eye to your Friday night game session.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
There are no poker rooms or clubs in Utah, as poker is illegal. However, you can still find games at local bars and event spaces. They can skirt the law by offering free poker without buy-ins, money wagers, or rakes. Many of these venues even provide a cash prize, which they aim to cover by making enough money from food and drinks.
Online Sports Betting and Land-Based
Utah prohibits online and land-based sports betting. In 2018, the Supreme Court gave the states the power to decide whether or not to legalize sports betting. Utah faced heavy opposition before the ruling and didn’t budge afterward.
The only exception is Daily Fantasy Sports, which operates in a debatable legal grey area. According to sites offering this product, it’s skill-based and, therefore, isn’t illegal. Utah hasn’t addressed this for whatever reason, and those sites continue to accept entries from the State.
Casinos in Utah
Although Utah outlaws most forms of gambling, state residents have found cheeky and creative ways to lawfully circumvent restrictions to experience the thrills and sense of community casino gaming offers.
In the map below, I’ve rounded up fun bingo, poker, and poker venues available within Beehive State.
Top Casinos Near Utah
- Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
- The Venetian, Las Vegas
- Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, CO
- Talking Stick Resort and Casino, AZ
Gambling Summary
- Free Bingo Venues: 6
- Free Poker Venues: 2
Utah Gambling vs. Neighboring States
Utah is a landlocked state, but it’s a bit of an island when it comes to gambling laws. Let’s see how the neighboring states compare.
| State | Is some form of Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | No | N/A | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal |
| Colorado | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Arizona | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Nevada | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
| Wyoming | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Idaho | Yes | 18+ | Legal | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
You won’t find many other areas of the US with gambling laws as harsh as Utah, so it’s no surprise that neighboring states are more forgiving. Colorado is the only other State that bans explicitly online gambling, while on the other end of the spectrum, it’s entirely legal in Nevada. Idaho also doesn’t have sports betting, but other than that, Utah takes the cake for having the most rigid gambling laws.
A Brief History of Utah Gambling
Religious influence marks the history of gambling in Utah.
Mormon pioneers and their prophet, Brigham Young, came to the region in 1847. Their moral code vehemently opposed all vices, including drinking and gambling.
When the US Congress created the Territory of Utah in 1850, Young prioritized banning gambling and passed “An Ordinance to Suppress Gaming” in 1851.
This ordinance effectively outlawed most forms of gambling, and in 1895, all gambling was officially declared illegal.
Despite the laws, horse racing persisted. In a surprising twist, Utah briefly legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse races in 1925, but conservatives repealed the law two years later.
Another attempt to bring back pari-mutuel wagering in 1992 failed to pass the vote.
To seal the deal on future betting prospects, Utah’s governor signed HB 108 into law in 2012, banning online gambling from ever being legalized.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The National Council on Problem Gambling Utah offers a helpline, local resources, and self-assessment tools on their site for those who feel they have a gambling addiction. Another resource is Quit Gamble Utah.
Our responsible gambling page has further information on the subject.
Summary: Utah’s Gambling Journey
Utah’s gambling journey has remained pretty stagnant since the State’s birth. Gambling in all forms has been illegal since the 1800s.
There have never been any exclusions for land-based casinos, sports betting, the lottery, or charitable gaming. Utah only dipped its toes into the gambling pool when it legalized horse race betting for a short two years.
With legislation in place to prevent online gambling from ever coming to the Beehive State, it’s safe to say we won’t see any changes soon.
However, a few options remain, with Sin City a drive away and offshore sites that accept Utah players.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about gambling in Utah, check out our FAQs.
Are there real money online casinos in Utah with no deposit bonuses?
Some offshore sites that accept Utah players do occasionally offer no deposit bonuses, though they are rare. The best way to find one is to check back regularly.
What is the punishment for gambling in Utah?
Punishments for gambling in the Beehive State can go from a Class B misdemeanor for less than $500 to a second-degree felony with fines exceeding $5,000.
