Utah is a dry state. In fact, the driest. No forms of gambling are permitted inside of Utah whats so ever, not even so much as a state lottery is allowed to exist. This is due to the Beehive State’s strict Mormon moral code and religious belief system, where all forms of vice are forbidden. But not all hope is lost for fans of gambling in Utah, where the opportunity lies just outside its border.
Utah Legal Gambling History
The thought of even attempting to push for legal gambling in the state of Utah is unheard of. As early as 1875 all forms of gambling in the state of Utah were declared illegal and not much as changed since.
With that said and the tone already set in Utah’s constitution, there was a 2-year window in the 1920s where one could have only hoped for legal gambling to expand in the state. Utah allowed for pari-mutuel track betting, from 1925 to 1927. This would be the only legal gambling that the state would ever see.
In 2012, a law specifically banning online gambling was passed. To add insult to injury, the wording of the law even goes so far as to ensure that Utah is not included in future federal legalization of online gambling if it were to ever take place.
Utah Legal Gambling Options
The overwhelming majority of Utah’s population is found in the Northern part of the state. This makes it difficult for most people in Utah to access Las Vegas, Arizona, and Colorado casinos. But, if you do reside in the north you might know already that the small town of West Windover, Nevada is only a couple hours drive from Salt Lake City and is home to 6 land-based casinos. Those unwilling to make the drive on their own will find excursions being offered that transport residents to the casinos.
The casinos in nearby West Windover, Nevada are:
- Montego Bay
- Peppermill
- Rainbow
- Red Garter
- Wendover Nugget
All 6 casinos are owned by Peppermill and offer a spectrum of casino gaming, including:
- Slots
- Craps
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Bacarrat
- Mini-Baccarat
- Poker
- Pai Gow Poker
- Pai Gow Tiles
- Let It Ride
- Caribean Stud Poker
- Crazy 4 Poker
- 3 Card Poker
- 4 Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em
- High Card Flush
- Mississippi Stud
- Big Six Wheel
- Wheel of Fortune
- Casino War
- Bingo
- Keno
- Off Track Betting
- Sports Betting
And more.
It’s also not unheard of for Utah residents to drive north to Idaho to purchase a lottery ticket.
Utah Legal Sports Betting Options
Since gambling is strictly outlawed in the state of Utah, those looking to play the books must search elsewhere. In West Windover, Nevada 2 casinos offer sportsbooks – Peppermill and Wendover Nugget.
Utah Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What forms of gambling are legal in the state of Utah?
None whatsoever. The occasional strictly-regulated good cause bingo game or raffle might pop up now and then, but that’s the extent of it.
Will Utah ever allow for casino gambling, online gambling, or sports betting?
Not likely at all. Utah’s laws, moral code, and attitude all reflect each other and are very anti-gambling and vice. The play of DFS is allowed.
