Utah or the Beehive State is famed for its natural beauty. It’s one of the most conservative US states when it comes to online gambling.
All types of gambling are illegal in Utah, but there are a few grey areas. CasinoWhizz lists the safest and most secure offshore online casinos for residents from Utah.
Utah does not permit any form of online casino gambling. Gambling is illegal nor does the state have Indian tribal casinos on reservations.
Neither does it have a state lottery, pari-mutual horse racing, sportsbooks, or charitable gambling. Offshore gambling sites like Wild Casino welcome gamblers from Utah.
The government of Utah hasn’t prosecuted any player who played at offshore casinos yet. If you win money playing casino games online you must pay tax on your gambling winnings.
I suggest you contact a tax consultant if you’re not sure about the state’s gambling laws concerning taxation.
Before you play slots or casino games online have a look at Utah’s Code Section 76-10-1101. Anything that pertains to games of chance or an event that depends on a specific outcome is gambling.
Land Casinos
The US state of Utah has no Indian tribal casinos since it has a large Mormon population. Since the 1800s Utah outlawed any form of gambling.
Residents who gamble visit Nevada to play casino games in Las Vegas. It’s the closest state to Utah that permits legal gambling on sports, and online poker.
Horse & Dog Tracks
The state has a few racetracks where residents can bet on horses despite its opposition to gambling. It usually occurs when no one is watching. It’s illegal to bet on dog racing in the Beehive state.
Bingo, Charitable Gaming and Lottery
Despite being illegal, residents still find a way to bet on bingo. They’ll host “free bingo events” where players can purchase an expensive meal.
Though no bets occur, players use the extra cash to bet on bingo. Also, there is no charitable gambling or lottery in the state.
Online Poker
The sad reality is poker is illegal, as such residents play poker to win money at Ignition Casino and Bovada. They’re top online poker sites where players can win cash and participate in events like the WSOP.
Online Sportsbooks & Fantasy Sports
Sports betting and land casinos are illegal in Utah. The Supreme Court gave the state Carte Blanche to regulate legal sportsbooks, but residents opposed it.
Fantasy sports flies beneath the radar because the government sees it as skill-based and doesn’t deem it illegal.
Utah Land Casinos
Since there are no land casinos in Utah, I’ve taken the liberty to mention the closest casinos. Residents who visit them in neighboring states can play casino games, bet on horses, play poker, or bet on sports.
Casinos closest to Utah where gambling is legal:
The Bellagio Hotel, and Casino
The Venetian Casino
History of Utah Gambling
The Mormons had a profound impact on the legalization of online gambling and casinos in the state. Brigham Young a prophet opposed gambling in all its formats in 1851.
As a result, the state proclaimed that gambling is illegal. People still found ways to bet on horses. In 1925 albeit brief the state legalized pari-mutual horse race betting.
Reach out to the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
Gambling should be fun and not a way to get rich. If you or someone has a gambling problem, seek help immediately.
Conclusion Utah Online Casinos
Utah is not going to budge since gambling has been illegal since the 1800s. Online casinos, sports betting, or horse racing will never be legal in the state.
That’s the sad reality for players who enjoy playing casino games for fun or to win money. However, gamblers can still visit Las Vegas since the state of Nevada is only a few hours drive away.
FAQ Utah Online Casinos
Is it safe for Utah players to play at Offshore online casinos CasinoWhizz recommends?
Yes, they operate with licenses, their games are fair, they pay fast, and provide 24/7 support.
What types of casino games can I play at Utah casinos?
You can’t play any games at Utah casinos because the state doesn’t offer any gambling.
Which state is the closest to Utah where residents can gamble legally?
Nevada is closest to the border of Utah. Las Vegas has plenty of casinos where people can play poker, slots, and table games.
What's the fastest payment method at online casinos?
Top online casinos like Wild Casino and PayDay offer same-day payments through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Are there real money offshore sites that offer no-deposit bonuses?
Yes, there are offshore sites that offer new depositors a no deposit bonus.
Mark Taylor, the chief author at Casino Whizz, is a dedicated gambling expert with over a decade within the casino world. His passion for poker, slots, and table games has fueled his career, where he shares invaluable insights, tips, and detailed game and casino reviews.