Sports Betting Utah: No Legal Utah Betting Sites
Utah has the most restrictive gambling laws from all states in the country. We’ll introduce intriguing facts about its history and potential prospects for legalization in the near future on this page. Stay with us and learn what sports betting Utah changes are expected after PASPA’s repeal.
- This Site Contains:
- Utah Online Sports Betting Status
- Prospect of Sports Gambling Legalization
- History & Future Plans
The Utah residents are closely tied to the Mormon faith, which makes it impossible for any gaming operators to step in. Saying that the Beehive State has a negative view on gambling is not enough. Indeed, there were a few attempts for partial legalization of horse betting and charitable games through the centuries.
However, they all failed miserably! Lawmakers are unlikely to try to push through such an idea because it could lead to the collapse of their political careers. Anyway, online sports gambling is strictly prohibited in Utah, and there are no signs of a change in the state’s betting landscape.
Online Sports Betting Utah Status
Residents and guests of Utah can’t wager on sporting events. Actually, playing games of luck is impossible. The state’s law prohibits any form of gambling, including online sports betting Utah sites and lotteries. Violators risk heavy penalties and even be imprisoned for up to six months.
Legal Gambling Options for Utah Residents
There are no legal gambling options in Utah. Preserving the mental and physical health of the family is the heart of Mormonism. Nothing that could undermine this is tolerated, and in most cases, it’s explicitly written in the state’s law. But lawmakers in Utah have gone even further!
They have included a text saying that even if gambling is officially allowed by Federal law, it will remain punishable here. In light of that, it’s highly unlikely to see legal Utah sportsbooks any time soon. In conclusion, gambling and sports betting, online or via retail shops, is not possible in the Beehive State.
Land Based Casinos & Sportsbooks in Utah
Utah doesn’t offer land-based gambling establishments, like casinos and betting shops. There are no exclusively licensed Indian establishments like in many other states. However, Utah is located between a couple of gambling havens. Travel west and reach Nevada, and if you choose, the east awaits you, Colorado.
Both states offer dozens of huge brick-and-mortar casinos located in luxury hotels where you can rest after the long drive. Sports betting in Utah is illegal, but it’s not in Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and New Mexico. The only UT neighboring state that still prohibits betting on sports is Idaho.
Daily Fantasy Sports Story in Utah
Daily Fantasy Sports allow players to create teams or train assets following certain rules. They participate in virtual football, soccer, basketball, and many other contests. To join, users pay a fee, and in the end, the best-performers split the prize pot. DFS isn’t banned in Utah, no matter how surprising that is!
The DFS contests are not legalized either, but sites like FanDuel and DraftKings are operating freely. This is the only grey area in UT sports betting if we can call it like that. Betting sites may not be welcome in Utah, but there is still a place for having fun.
Horse Racing & Betting in Utah
There are many people in Utah who make a living from horse breeding. There are races as well, but betting, pari-mutuel, on-track, and off-track, is prohibited. If you want to place some wagers on horses, the neighboring states provide plenty of opportunities, like Arapahoe Park in Centennial, CO.
In addition, the biggest websites streaming all horse races in the US, accept Utah bets as well. AmWager, BetAmerica, TVG, and others provide a fresh look at the Thoroughbred, Harness, and Thoroughbred contests. Keep in mind that this may be in conflict with the UT gambling law!
Are There Any Poker Opportunities in Utah?
Poker clubs are trendy in Texas, and the biggest tours prefer Nevada. In Utah, poker is 100% outlawed! Since there are no land-based casinos, we can assume that professional card games are dead in the Beehive State. Privately organized games are also breaking the law, and players can be punished.
Utah is one of the few states without a lottery and banning charitable gambling. Games with a fundraiser purpose are prohibited in the same way as sports betting. Many people argue that poker is actually a game of skill, but for the time being, the Utah legislators think otherwise.
| Betting Type | Legal | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
| 🏈 Online Sports Betting | No | None |
| 🎰 Online Casinos | No | None |
| ⚾ Daily Fantasy Sports | No | None |
| 🏢 Land-Based Casinos | No | None |
| 🏨 Land-Based Sportsbooks | No | None |
| 🃏 Poker Rooms | No | None |
| 🏇 Racetrack Betting | No | None |
| 🎫 State-Sponsored Lottery | No | None |
Offshore Betting Sites Operating in Utah
Often, betting sites outside the United States provide wagering services without a license. Offshore bookmakers are widespread in Utah too, but they are illegal under the state’s gambling law. Unregulated platforms are extremely dangerous, especially to inexperienced players. You will never know whether the game was fair or fixed.
Even if you get lucky, these sports betting online operators may refuse to pay your winnings. In a normal situation, you can raise a dispute. But offshore sportsbooks are not licensed nor regulated, and you don’t have much to do. Our advice is to avoid such unsafe bookmakers.
Pending Legislation for Utah Sportsbooks
It’s unlikely for the sports betting Utah fans to see any development despite the PASPA repeal. The local government is not willing to take advantage of the US Supreme Court decision from 2018. On the contrary, the topic remains taboo for the state’s legislators.
In order to be accurate, we must mention the Sen. David Haskins attempt in 2019. Another one was made in 2020 by Sen. Dan McCay, but we’ll explain more about them later. In a nutshell, Utah tends not to pay much attention to gambling, hoping it won’t make the issue public.
Unlike other states, where hearings on various bills are at least taking place after the repeal of PASPA, Utah is quiet. The two projects introduced in the Senate were quickly rejected, although DFS and horse betting sites remain in the grey area.
Sponsors’ current struggle is to bring the lottery here. However, the ruling majority sees that as an attempt to open the Pandora box. If the UT legendary ban on gambling is violated, sooner or later, other forms of betting will be discussed and possibly legalized.
Prior Legalization Attempts
Gambling was initially proclaimed unlawful in 1875. There were a few attempts to change its status, at least partially, without much success. The first one was in 1925 when the Senate voted 41-4 in favor of the Rep. Charles Redd bill. Its main points were a Racing Commission establishment and pari-mutuel betting legalization.
Only a couple of years later, the quickly enacted law was revoked, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse races was prohibited again. In modern times, the local lawmakers made several important decisions, too, like the online sports betting Utah explicit ban in 2012. The US Supreme Court knocked down PASPA on May 14, 2018.
In 2019, Sen. David Haskins suggested that the horse-breeding industry may use some loosening of the pari-mutuel wagering prohibitions. His proposal was not without meaning, as information about serious profits from neighboring states came out. However, many saw this as a disguised attempt for the legalization of Utah sportsbooks.
Sen. David Haskins himself made the necessary to invalidate and neutralize the bill. In 2020, Sen. Daniel McCay sponsored Bill 242, aiming to amend the lottery prohibiting law texts. In his scope were the charity raffles, but the Senate and the House didn’t allow it to pass.
Current Utah Gambling Laws
Regardless of the sparks, we saw in 2019, and 2020, sports betting in Utah is still far from being legalized. Online sportsbooks remain outlawed, and it seems that there are no supporters in the Senate. On the other hand, online sports gambling exploded since people had to stay home.
The coronavirus pandemic boosted betting sites, and no state has the resources to exercise full control and enforce the law. From this point of view, legalization may be useful. It will bring more money through tax revenue and regulate the market, helping punters avoid scams.
- Increased tax revenue
- More jobs in Utah
- Safer betting environment
- Potential regulatory issues
- Potential for increases in gambling addiction
- Won’t eliminate scam betting sites
So far, we didn’t notice a bill regarding online sports betting in Utah. We didn’t expect that either, given the fact that the Beehive State is the most restrictive in terms of gambling among all. Even if there is a will in the Senate, the approach must be careful.
The Senate Bill 242 is exactly how we were expecting to begin. The sponsor Sen. McCay and floor sponsor Rep. Pierucci tried to explain that charity raffles aren’t a threat. Anyway, there is nothing solid for now, and we can only imagine what type of gambling could be legal in Utah.
Minimal Chances for Law Changes
We would not bet on the sports betting Utah decriminalization. No matter the odds, the state’s legislators will hardly accept any proposal that violates local traditions and centuries of efforts to protect family values. Sen. Karen Mayne and her floor supporter Rep. Timothy D. Hawkes even enhanced existing laws.
Their Bill 214 for Gambling Machine and Sweepstakes Amendments aims to define additional terms and increase the penalties in case of gambling. The document successfully passed the House and was sent to the Governor for signing. In times when states are legalizing bookmakers, Utah enacts more severe restrictions.
How Utah Legal Online Sports Betting Would Look Like
If by chance online sports betting Utah is legalized one day, lawmakers will have much to do. Currently, there are absolutely no regulatory bodies in the state that could be used for licensing and supervising the process. Utah has no lottery, no charitable gaming, and even no Racing Commission to use.
Perhaps initially, the role will be taken by the Department of Revenue. It will have to determine the licensing criteria that online bookmakers have to comply with. The acting authority is usually responsible for the fees and taxes collection. The regulation of such a complex market is not a piece of cake.
The benefits of the online betting sites legalization are many. Lawmakers will draw political dividends by creating an additional source of income in times of crisis. Furthermore, the new jobs will help the state to keep the unemployment rate low. The Federal tax is 24% for winnings exceeding a certain amount.
The license fees, corporate tax, and income tax of 4.95% would also be useful for the Utah community. And all that is just the fiscal benefit of allowing at least partially the wagering on sporting events. Punters will also appreciate the change, having fun on a regulated and much safer market.
Utah Plans to Remain Closed for Online Sports Betting
Regardless of all advantages, the chance to see actual Utah sportsbooks, working and providing betting services in the state is a science-fiction. Some minor changes may occur, but nothing more. The fact that the issue of lifting the horse betting ban was raised again after almost a century speaks for itself.
Just in Case: Online vs. In-Person Betting
At the time of writing, there is a strong veto on sports betting in Utah. But what if it becomes legal at some future point? There are two ways to place your wagers – online and via land-based retail shops. Both have advantages, and it all depends on your preferences.
If you like to have a wider diversity of sports, leagues, markets, and events, you should choose the sports betting sites. The top online operators offer all major sports and many exotic markets. The variety of betting types is also in favor of online bookies.
The land-based wager points offer some exciting promotions related to the odds of highlighted events. But if we look at the big picture, online sportsbooks come with better odds and more lucrative payouts. The main reason is the fierce competition, which makes operators keep their margins low.
On the other hand, nothing can really compare to the genuine feeling when passionate sports fans surround you. The social element is one of the two retail shops’ huge advantages. The other one is the ability to cancel your betting tickets. Online bookmakers don’t offer this service.
The potential UT sports betting sites will most probably offer intriguing welcome bonuses and boosts. Usually, all new members get a gift, while daily visitors, massive promotions, and rewards. This element is also related to the serious competition, but keep in mind that all special offers come with certain requirements.
Another major difference between in-person and online wagering is the average effort. Sites allow you to finish a bet in a few minutes, while land-based shops may be miles away. Moreover, mobile apps make your play possible from literally everywhere! And last but not least, online sportsbooks operate 24/7.
So, the conclusion is that the online sports betting sites are far more advantageous than brick-and-mortar establishments. In the first case, you get a better-arranged events’ portfolio, more betting options, and the top odds! Your current location and time are not important factors.
Bonuses, promotions, and free mobile applications are among the other benefits of playing online. Bookies often provide valuable features like Easy Cash-Out and LIve Betting as well. On the flip side, we have a unique social experience, bet cancelling service, and special offers. Not much indeed, but true punters will understand the difference.
The legalization of sports wagering has another side! The Utah residents will have the opportunity to enter a new and exciting world from the safe side. They will feel the state standing next to and protecting them from scams. To get the UT gambling license, operators will have to meet heavy requirements.
Given the state’s reputation when we talk about gambling, the potential licensing conditions would be even more brutal. We’ll explain all about black market sites a little later, but you should remember that no legal recourse is possible. The regulated environment means safety and security.
Every gambler will decide which way of sports betting is more suitable to its needs. Time is also essential, and often punters that prefer in-person wagering have fun online just because of the distance. Social contact is priceless, although today it could be dangerous as well.
Many smaller retail establishments closed for good due to the complicated coronavirus situation. More and more often, people decide to use the services of online sportsbooks from the safety of their homes. Utah will hardly allow any of the discussed variants, but neighboring states are not far away.
Online Sports Gambling History in Utah
The state doesn’t have much of a history when it comes to online betting. The only real action was negative – the 2012 complete ban. However, as anywhere else across the United States, there were sports gambling ideas, movements, and acts in Utah. Due to the strong religious community, none came true.
Below, you can see a short sports betting Utah timeline. There have been talks since the annulation of PASPA that neighboring states will take advantage of Utah’s position. Many residents are traveling to gamble or place wagers not just to Nevada but Colorado and Wyoming as well.
To fully understand why 2018 was such an important year for online bookies willing to enter the United States, you need to know what PASPA really was. In 1992, the 102nd US Congress enacted the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, prohibiting sports betting on a federal level.
Surely, Utah as a state was on the active side, but the pressure was obvious even then. Still, after 26 years of debates, negotiations, and hearings, the Bradley Act, as PASPA was also known, was repealed. States are now free to legalize and regulate sports betting as they wish.
Licensing Requirements If Legalization Occurs
For the proper online sports betting Utah regulation, a new administrative body must be established. It will be responsible for issuing licenses, investigating disputes, and ensuring fair play and transparency. The regulator will determine the fees and taxes gambling subjects have to pay. It will have the power to impose penalties, too.
It’s hard to imagine that Utah will ever open its territory for online sportsbooks. Even if they do, those companies allowed to operate will be under strict control. They must be able to prove the honesty of their intentions as well as the ability to serve players properly.
The only way for safe betting is by using legal and regulated Utah sportsbooks. As we already explained, this is unlikely to be the case in the Beehive State. No matter how hard the local lawmakers try to prohibit sports gambling, many residents will continue to look for ways to do so.
Sadly, there are sites providing such services despite Utah’s efforts. They are illegal under UIGEA and risk massive sanctions. However, individuals using their platforms also can be charged. Penalties for first conviction include a fine no higher than $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both.
Black Market Bookmakers in Utah
Unlicensed and unregulated betting sites are also unsafe! Regardless of their location, within the US or offshore, for the time being, Utah prohibits all of them. You can’t raise a dispute in case of doubt, and even if you do, you can’t expect a positive solution. Your personal data is at risk as well.
Many online bookmakers take advantage of players with little or no experience and scam them. They may steal your money, bank details, and personal information. From this moment on, you become vulnerable to hacker attacks, and the worst part is that you may not even suspect it.
Playing on illegal betting sites is considered class B or A misdemeanor in Utah. The first conviction brings up to a $1,000 fine, while the second, third, etc., much bigger. You may even spend time in jail, up to six months or a year, for misdemeanor B or A, respectively.
You can use our page as a source of information about the illegal online betting sites in Utah. Here you’ll always find the brands you may meet but need to avoid. We’ll continue delivering up-to-date information no matter how the UT sports gambling landscape changes in the future!
- ⛔️ 1XBet
- ⛔️ Bovada
- ⛔️ BetOnline
- ⛔️ BetDSI
- ⛔️ SportsBetting.ag
- ⛔️ CarbonGaming.ag
- ⛔️ MyBookie
- ⛔️ BetUS
- ⛔️ Xbet
- ⛔️ 22bet
- ⛔️ 5Dimes
Conclusion – Utah Betting Sites are Illegal
Hopefully, you’ve learned all you need to know about the sports betting Utah status on our page. The Beehive State is not a friend to gambling and never was. Nevertheless, you may find one or two “grey area” opportunities if you know where to look. Still, traditional wagering on sports is strictly prohibited.
There are betting sites in Utah, continuing to provide services. Make no mistake, they are outlawed, and you may be charged for playing on them. On this page, we have explained the potential penalties, but the bigger issue is that you may lose more than money.
We’ll update our online sports betting Utah page regularly to make sure that you’ll not miss any changes. While waiting for the conservative Utah Government to legalize sports gambling, you can visit one of the state’s neighbors. Nevada will offer you a premium casino experience and a special sports pool.
Colorado, Arizona, and Wyoming allow online betting on sporting events, and you can also visit one of the horse racetracks. Buy a ticket, take a drink, and enjoy the show. We highly recommend respecting the law, and that’s why we advise you to avoid any unlicensed and unregulated online sportsbooks!
Frequently Asked Questions
This sports betting Utah overview ends with our detailed replies to some good questions received by our readers. Check out the following FAQ section and find additional information. If you have your own questions, don’t hesitate to ask our team of experts. Wager safely on licensed bookmakers only!