Utah Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in the Beehive State

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.

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.

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.

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.