Utah Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in the Beehive State
Here you will find Utah online casinos where you can play for real money and take advantage of the best promotions upon registration. But how exactly you get the opportunity to gamble in this state?
Even though the state has gone out of its way to prohibit online gambling specifically, the prohibition is, of course, practically unenforceable. Therefore, offshore gambling sites welcome Utahans who want to wager online.
In this guide, we will outline Utah’s strict gambling laws and offer online gambling alternatives for Utah gamblers.
Summary of Utah Gambling Laws
As the chart below illustrates, Utah is one of the sternest states in the US regarding gambling.
| Gambling | Utah |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | No |
| Playing at Online Casinos | No |
| Legal Age Online | N/A |
| Land-Based Casinos | No |
| Legal Age Land-Based | No |
| Online Sports Betting | No |
| Charitable Gambling | No |
| State Lottery | No |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Utah?
No, gambling is not legal in Utah.
Law enforcement doesn’t have the resources to enforce an online gaming ban. As a result, Utah residents find alternative avenues for gambling by crossing state lines or resorting to online platforms.
The following chart details the state’s approach to gambling.
| Gambling | Utah Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Online Casinos | The Utah constitution was amended in 2020 to prohibit internet gambling specifically. Consequently, offshore gambling sites warmly welcome Utah residents who seek to engage in online wagering. |
| Casino Gambling | Utah law forbids participating in gambling games or permitting gambling at any public or private facility. |
| Poker | Poker is considered a gambling game in Utah, and it is against the law to participate, host, or permit any poker games anywhere in the state. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Betting on horse racing is forbidden by Utah law, and there are no parimutuel wagering or off-track betting facilities in the state. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Betting or taking bets on dog racing is against the law in Utah, and there are no dog tracks or off-track betting operations for dog racing. |
| Lottery | Utah does not sponsor a lottery, and it is against state law to buy or sell any lottery tickets within the state. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Utah law has not yet specifically addressed DFS, and sites like FanDuel and DraftKings accept players from the state. |
| Sports Betting | State law forbids wagering on the outcome of any contest or running a business that hosts sports betting. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charitable games such as bingo and raffles are considered by law gambling in Utah and are forbidden. |
| Social Gaming | While it is illegal to exchange real money on any games in Utah, casino parties that have casino games are popular. They do not involve real money. |
The Best Utah Online Casinos for 2024
Utah does not allow the hosting of online casino sites within the state.
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Where to Gamble in Utah
If you live in Utah or are even visiting the state, there is nowhere to gamble except out of state or online.
Land-Based Casinos
There are no land-based casinos in Utah because of legal prohibitions. The state has never entered a compact with Native American tribes, so there are no tribal casinos in the state.
Horse & Dog Tracks
You will find no horse or dog tracks in Utah that accept parimutuel or other types of betting, according to the state’s ban on gambling.
Online Sports Betting
It is illegal to host an online sports betting site within Utah. The alternative for Utah sports wagerers is to find any of several offshore sports books online.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Playing or sponsoring any game that involves paying for a chance at winning cash or prizes is prohibited in Utah. That applies to bingo and other charitable games. There are for-fun bingo events in the state, though.
Social Gaming at Home
Utah law does not address social gaming that does not involve money. People in Utah can play free games anywhere in the state.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Because of Utah’s ban on card games involving cash exchange, there are no legal poker rooms or clubs in the state. There are, however, online poker sites that accept Utah players.
Eight-Liners
Slots-type machines called eight-liners are considered gambling devices in Utah law and are forbidden.
Real Money Online Casino Utah – Games You Can Play
Gamblers in Utah can find some fun, fair, and reliable games at online casinos based offshore. Here is a summary of some of these casino games you can find online:
Online Slots
All types of slot games are available to Utah residents. There’s a wide variety of themes, payline numbers, and betting limits.
The themes range from fantasy and mythology to titles in popular culture and sports. And look for progressive jackpots that sometimes reach millions of dollars.
There’s no need to worry about what type of device you use; the games run with ease on PCs, laptops, smartphones, and e-tablets in iOS and Android formats. If you doubt how they play, many online casinos allow you to try them for free.
Online Poker
Online poker players in Utah can find plenty of sites with poker rooms that always have seats open. Of course, Texas Hold’em is a favorite with poker players, but there are also Omaha and Hi-Lo tables. Some sites also offer stud games.
The buy-ins range from small for nickel-dime players to large for more advanced players who like to bet big.
You can find six- and nine-seat tables or go showdown at a table for two. And there is always a bevy of freeroll and buy-in tournaments scheduled.
Blackjack
Blackjack is the all-time favorite for gamblers who like to play a simple game with good odds. Utahans can always find basic blackjack at top online casinos.
But most sites offer more interesting versions with side bets for things such as matching suits and numbers and some tables where the dealer’s cards are face up.
There is little opportunity for card counting here, but you can find tables with multiple players and single-deck versions.
Live Dealer Games
Do you like the atmosphere of an actual casino floor but don’t want to go to Nevada?
Live dealer table games at offshore online casinos offer the next best thing for folks from Utah.
These are streamed studio sets with dealers and other players you can interact with and table layouts like those in Vegas.
Bring your bankroll because these tables, like Vegas, have higher limits. And the dealer accepts tips. The live dealer games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more.
Other Available Games at Utah Online Casinos
Online casinos don’t stop at slots and blackjack. They have video poker and other popular games such as these:
This gives you access to games like Keno, Bingo, craps, baccarat, roulette, instant scratch games, and casual games for real money like Solitaire and Heads or Tails.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Utah Players
It always helps to boost your bankroll, and online casinos help you get started with healthy welcome bonuses. They come with wagering requirements you should read, and most bonuses are tailored to slot players.
Utah Online Gambling Laws
The laws in Utah prohibit gambling of any type, and among the statute’s definitions of gambling is wagering via the Internet. But it is a law with no teeth since enforcement of a law against online gambling would require resources that would be too impractical to employ.
We have found no instance of an arrest or prosecution of an online gambler in the state, and the state attorney general’s office has said it has no data on how many if any, online gamblers have been prosecuted.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Utah?
All forms of gambling, including online gambling, are illegal in Utah.
Despite the state’s deliberate attempts to prohibit online wagering, enforcing this restriction is practically unachievable. Law enforcement doesn’t have the resources to enforce an online gaming ban.
Utah Laws Explicitely Defines Gambling and Its Relation to the Internet
Engaging in gambling, including online gambling, is considered an offense.
The code specifies that individuals who knowingly allow gambling on their property or permit using video gaming devices in public places or business establishments are liable.
Gambling offenses are classified as class B misdemeanors, but repeat offenders face class A misdemeanor charges.
The code also provides definitions for internet gambling and internet service providers, emphasizing their role in facilitating access to online gambling within Utah.
This excerpt from Title 76 of the Utah Criminal Code illustrates the law’s specificity in defining gambling and the internet:
A person is guilty of gambling if the person:
1. participates in gambling or fringe gambling, including any Internet or online gambling;
2. knowingly permits gambling or fringe gambling to be played, conducted, or dealt upon or in any real or personal property owned, rented, or under the control of the actor, whether in whole or in part; or
(c) knowingly allows the use of any video gaming device that is:
(i) in any business establishment or public place; and
(ii) accessible for use by any person within the establishment or public place.
(2) Gambling is a class B misdemeanor, except that any person who is convicted two or more times under this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. (Chapter 10, Part 11 Gambling Section 1102)
Section 1101 Definitions
(12) “Internet gambling” or “online gambling” means gambling, fringe gambling, or gaming by use of:
(a) the Internet; or
(b) any mobile electronic device that allows access to data and information.
(13) “Internet service provider” means a person engaged in the business of providing Internet access service, with the intent of making a profit, to consumers in Utah.
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Utah Online Gambling vs. Neighbor States
Many gamblers in Utah cross state lines for their favorite pastimes. The reasons are obvious when you look at the chart below:
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Not Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Gray Area | Not Legal |
| Colorado | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Nevada | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Arizona | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Idaho | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
| Wyoming | Not Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Utah is known for its Mormon population, and that strict religious influence accounts for the striking difference in the state’s intolerance of gambling compared to its neighboring states.
The only common legal restrictions are those regarding the hosting of online casinos. That is why offshore casinos remain so popular with gamblers who want to play casino games at home.
Utah Online Casino – Tips to Play Safely
Wagering is so frowned upon in Utah that it is essential to use good judgment when gambling online from the state, even at offshore sites. Here are some tips for playing at online casinos with little worry:
Find a Reputable Site
Look for popular sites that have been around for a while. The online sites we recommend are top-rated online casinos with established reputations.
Seek Out Good Service
The support staff at the best online casinos are friendly, responsive, and prompt. They will answer any questions you have.
Check the Terms and Conditions
It is important to know the online casino’s rules and privacy policy. You will find these things easily at the top online casinos.
Avoid Large Withdrawals
If you bank in Utah, an exchange of more than $1,000 from an unusual source may raise eyebrows. A large check from an online casino’s bank may take weeks to be approved.
Use Cryptocurrency
Many online gamblers prefer Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies because crypto ensures anonymous, dependable, and fast casino deposits and withdrawals.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Utah
Utah gambling laws are comprehensively prohibitive and leave little room for an upside.
Nevertheless, here are the good and bad of gambling in the state:
Pros
- You have online casino access if you have a good connection.
- Nevada is nearby.
- Fantasy sports are still an option.
- Social or party casinos are popular in the state.
Cons
- All forms of gambling are prohibited.
- There is little hope for gambling laws to loosen.
The Future of Online Gambling in Utah: Our Prediction
Most Utahans and their elected officials are so adamant in their opposition to gambling that there is little chance that gambling laws will change anytime in the near future.
In fact, the only law changes regarding gambling in Utah have been restricting new ways to gamble, such as online.
US-based fantasy sports sites are still open to Utah players. This is either because daily fantasy sports are considered by many to involve more skill than chance or because the legislature has not gotten around to addressing it.
We would not be surprised to see that change in the future.
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Answers to Our Reader’s FAQ
Here are the most popular questions about online casinos and gambling in Utah.
What is the legal gambling age in Utah?
Are there real money online casinos in Utah with no deposit bonuses?
How will my gambling winnings be taxed in Utah?
We encourage you to seek professional advise for more detailed information on gambling taxes.
Is online gambling in Utah safe?
Is there any risk of being prosecuted for playing at online casinos that are outside of Utah?
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.
