Utah Gambling Laws

Utah is not the ideal destination for players as Utah gambling laws prohibit every casino style game, sports betting, and even online casinos.

Utah gambling laws

Throughout the state’s history, Utah gambling laws were always restrictive. Even today, Utah is known for a rigorously anti-gambling attitude, outlawing even lotteries. The state’s definition of gambling can be found in the Utah Criminal Code, under Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, Welfare, and Morals.

Gambling “means risking anything of value […] upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device when the return or outcome […] is based upon an element of chance.” Gambling in Utah is considered a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine up to USD 1,000. Basically, all forms of gambling are illegal in Utah.

“There are three elements to illegal gambling,” explained assistant attorney general Thom Roberts. If all of them are met, “you probably have illegal gambling.” However, if one element is missing, the activity cannot be considered illegal. This is the legal loophole that Utah citizens use to gamble within the state’s borders.

Online Gambling in Utah

Unlike the majority of states, Utah has specific laws to ban online gambling. In Utah, a person is guilty of gambling if he participates in any Internet or online gambling. Furthermore, if in the future any federal law is enacted that would authorize US gambling laws, Utah will opt out of Internet gambling in the manner provided by federal law and within the time frame provided by that law.

A person who provides any opportunity to Utah citizens to engage in online gambling is guilty of Class A misdemeanor. These laws were created to “preserve Utah as one of only two states in the nation that does not have any form of gambling that is legal,” said Stephen Sandstorm, former Utah representative. In conclusion, both mobile and online gambling in Utah are outlawed.

Lotteries in Utah

Utah is one of two states that bans all forms of gambling, and it is among the six states that don’t have a state-run lottery. Most Utahns drive to the neighboring states to engage in popular US lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Utah

Currently there’s no bill that would regulate or legalize daily fantasy sports in Utah. According to US gambling news, Utah follows a predominance test to determine the levels of skill and chance of paid fantasy sports. Based on Utah’s restrictive approach towards gambling, daily fantasy sports will be probably banned in the state.