Utah Online Gambling
Utah is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to gambling. There is a strong religious presence in the state that is rooted in politics and this limits the potential growth of gambling; Utah bans all forms of domestic land-based and online gambling.
However, Utah residents can gamble online without breaking any laws through licensed and regulated offshore gambling sites. Utah does not allow any state-based online gambling forms and their gambling laws specifically declare US-based online gambling as illegal. However, licensed offshore gambling sites are outside of Utah's jurisdiction.
Below you will find information about legally licensed and regulated online gambling sites that accept Utah residents. We provide a look at the state's gambling laws and how they intersect with the state's gamblig market.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Utah?
Utah’s gambling laws state that someone is guilty of online gambling if they participate “in gambling, including any Internet or online gambling.” This is a broad definition that doesn’t have provisions for gambling sites based in legal international jurisdictions.
It is interpreted by most in the industry as pertaining to domestically based betting entertainment, and the state does not have any records of having investigated or arrested anyone for participating in online gambling through licensed betting sites.
The offshore gambling sites listed in this guide are all licensed and regulated by a respected international government and are technically outside US jurisdiction and legally acceptable by loopholes and lack of clarification via Utah law.
Top-Rated Licensed Offshore Gambling Sites In Utah
You can find a list of our recommended offshore gambling sites in the table below which have been vetted for their licensing credentials and regulatory procedures and deemed acceptable suggestions for Utah residents.
Site Name | Bonus | Rating | Type | USA | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online Casinos | |||||
$3,000 | Casino | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$5,000 | Casino | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$5,000 | Casino | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$9,750 | Casino | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$8,000 | Casino | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
Online Sports Betting Sites | |||||
$1,000 | Sportsbook | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$1,000 | Sportsbook | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$250 | Sportsbook | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$500 | Sportsbook | Visit Site | |||
$2,500 | Sportsbook | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
Online Poker Sites | |||||
$500 | Poker | Visit Site Full Review |
|||
$1,000 | Poker | Visit Site |
Other Utah Gambling Pages
Does Utah Have Any Brick And Mortar Casinos?
Negative. Utah’s strict gambling laws do not permit any form of gambling, including through brick-and-mortar casinos. There are also no tribal-owned casinos in the state either due to the state's unwillingness to allow gambling.
How Does Utah Define Gambling?
Utah classifies gambling as “fringe gambling,” which is defined (per the Utah Criminal Code) as “any gambling, lottery, or video gaming device which is:
- Given, conducted, or offered for use or sale by a business in exchange for anything of value; or
- Given away incident to the purchase of other goods or services.”
Has Utah Always Had Fringe Gambling?
For a while, there were some residents participating in gambling through a loophole in the original legislation. Some gas stations had slot-like machines where residents could put in money, wait for a potential winning reel combination, and receive a cash payout.
As you can probably imagine, this did not sit well with Utah’s top brass. Senator Todd Weiler was appalled to find out there were gambling forms in the state and filed SB225 in March 2018 that adjusted the Criminal Code’s definition of gambling to include fringe devices. This amendment effectively eliminated gas station slot machines.
Does Utah Have A Lottery System?
Utah is one of the few states in the United States without a state lottery. The fact that there isn’t even a lottery shows how strongly against gambling state lawmakers are. Lotteries are often used to funnel revenue to local education and infrastructure, but Utah already has those bases covered through other means.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal In Utah?
No. Utah does not have any Daily Fantasy Sports operators in the state. There has not been any sort of legislative efforts put forward regarding DFS sports wagering.
Has Utah Passed Any New Gambling Laws?
Utah is able to legalize online casino gambling, poker, and sports betting but the state has not penned any legislation that would introduce any new gambling forms. In fact, Chapter 10 of the Utah Criminal Code states, “if any federal law is enacted that authorizes Internet gambling in the states and the federal law provides that individual states may opt out of Internet gambling, this state shall opt out of Internet gambling in the manner provided by federal law and within the time frame provided by that law.” The state is very anti-gambling as one can see.
Utah Online Gambling FAQ's
Can I Play Real Money Online Casino Games In Utah?
Yes. There is no federal or state law that forbids Utah residents from playing online casino games. For further clarification visit our guide to Utah online casinos and discover all the online wagering options casinos give Utah residents.
Can I Play Poker Online In Utah?
Yes. Playing licensed offshore poker online in the state of Utah is allowed by law but gambling in a physical poker room while in state lines is not. Our guide to Utah online poker will further explain the legalities surrounding online poker.
Can I Bet On Sports Online In Utah?
Yes, online sports betting is permitted by law when Utah residents use licensed offshore online sportsbooks. Our guide to Utah online sportsbooks will help clear any confusion with the law concerning online sports betting.
Can I Play Bingo Online In Utah?
Online bingo is available through offshore bingo houses. Utah residents are permitted to play licensed offshore bingo halls as long as they are licensed and regulated by a trusted government agency. To learn more, visit our guide to Utah online bingo.
Will I Be Arrested For Gambling On Offshore Sites?
Our team could not find any instances of residents being arrested for using licensed and regulated offshore gambling sites. Although the UT gambling laws define internet gambling as being illegal, enforcement is another story. The laws are directed more at those operating illegal gambling rings, not individual bettors.