Updated on: August 12th, 2024
There is literally no gambling in Utah. Most restrictive states will at least have a state lottery or at least class II gaming. Not so in the Beehive State. There are no casinos or bingo halls in the states. Not even charitable gambling is allowed
Does that mean that the lack of casinos in Utah means Utah residents cannot gamble? Not at all! If you are in Utah and want to gamble close to home, follow along as we explore what legal avenues are available for our Utah readers who want to enjoy some good old gambling games for real money.
Best Casinos for US Players
Gambling in the Beehive State
Attempts to get casinos in Utah have been futile so far. If you are a gambler in Utah you are basically not allowed to gamble in any way shape or form. Most states that outlaw traditional casino gambling often have at least a state lottery and charitable gambling allowed.
Unfortunately for charity organizations in Utah and gamblers of course you can’t even organize a fun game of bingo online or anywhere land based to raise funds.
Interesting to note that Utah lies smack bang in the middle of 5 states that have various forms of gambling. Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada all surround Utah and each of these states allows a range of gambling forms.
How to Gamble without Casinos in Utah
Utah residents may not legally play any other online gambling games except other state lottery games, regardless of the fact that the online casino maybe in another state where it is legal. Any form of casino gaming whether online or land based is not permitted by law.
The gambling Laws in Utah are quite elaborate in their stance against gambling. It seems almost eventuality is already thought of and covered, except for one – lotteries. Although there is no state lottery in Utah, there is a way to play the lottery.
While you cannot sell lottery tickets within the Beehive State lines, you may purchase inter-state lottery tickets which allows you to legally participate in a legal lottery while in Utah.
Biggest Casino Towns Near Utah
The second option available to Utah Residents is to organise a small road trip and visit any of the sates around Utah. It is quite ironic that Utah is fully surrounded by states which allow almost all kinds of gambling.
The five states that have legal gambling which flank Utah are Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Nevada.
We have listed what gambling is legal in each of those states and the nearest towns in Utah to each state.
Arizona
Closest Utah Town to Arizona – Hilldale and Colorado City
- Legal forms of Gambling
- State lotteries
- Tribal Casinos
- Racetrack Betting
- Charitable gambling
Closest casino to Salt Lake City and Park City:
Wyoming
- Legal forms of Gambling
- State lottery
- Tribal Casinos
- Racetrack Betting
- Charitable gambling
Colorado
- Legal forms of Gambling
- State lotteries State lotteries
- Commercial Casinos
- Tribal Casinos
- Racetrack Betting
- Charitable gambling
Idaho
- Legal forms of Gambling
- State lotteries
- Tribal Casinos
- Charitable gambling
Nevada
- Legal forms of Gambling
- State Lotteries
- Tribal Casinos
- Sports Betting
- Commercial Casinos
- Online Gambling
- Charitable gambling
Utah Gambling Laws
Utah gambling laws are very strict. Lotteries, electronic pull-tab of video lottery games are strictly prohibited. However, you will find that they are sweepstakes in Utah which operate as promotional activities.
Although the law bars all gambling it allows for promotional activity which is key to the marketing or success of a business. However, to operate such a promotional sweepstake activity it would need to be approved to make sure that it is in line with how the business is marketed and promoted.
The terms and conditions to participate in the promotional sweepstakes will also have to be scrutinized to make sure if there are free play options and weather they are in line with the use and operation of the services that the business would normally sell or provides.
Although the situation seems bleak for gamblers, things may change and when they do, we will be the first to let you know.
More Casinos by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Guam
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
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- Kentucky
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- North Dakota
- Ohio
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- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
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- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
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- West Virginia
- Wyoming
