In Utah, state law criminalizes gambling both online and in-person gambling. UC § defines gambling as “risking anything of value for a return or risking anything of value upon the outcome of a game, contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device when the return or outcome is based on an element of chance”. Utah Gambling Legislation Gambling in Utah has been defined as when a player places something of value up for risk upon the outcome of a game, contest, or gaming machine when the return is based on an element of chance, or it is in accordance with an agreement that an individual will receive something of value in the event of an outcome.

Only two states have no form of authorized land-based gambling within their borders, and one of them is Utah (with the other being Hawaii). Utah residents are not without the ability to gamble, however, as the Internet has opened up near limitless possibilities. One of these possibilities lies with Utah online sports betting, a form of gaming that any Utah bettor can participate in. Should you wish to be one of these bettors, you will find that there are plenty of options at your disposal.

While some players debate whether or not the law has criminalized this form of gaming, there is simply not enough evidence in the state's statutes that indicate that sports betting over the Internet is a crime. We have explored the laws, done our homework, and determined that there are very few problems to be had by way of the law if you choose to wager on sports at an online, offshore sportsbook. We have even tested out all of these impressive sportsbooks in order to make sure our readers will be safe and secure in their Internet gambling activities.

NFL Betting In Utah

All NFL fans in Utah have multiple legal ways to enjoy sports betting in the state. Any level experienced bettor can enjoy betting on the next big game with online offshore sportsbooks. Since these sportsbooks are operating outside of the country which means they are not subjected to US and state laws. With offshore betting sites, players have access to tons of betlines to being betting on the NFL without worrying about legal consequences. There are different bet types such as point spreads, money lines, props, and futures bets which extends the range of games, events and topics you can bet on while using these sportsbooks.

Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Utah Residents

There are a number of sports betting sites that accept residents of Utah, and we have tested out a large number of them in order to figure out exactly where you can start playing. Should you follow our advice, you will not have to worry about being ripped off or otherwise penalized by the law, as these betting sites are all licensed and operate within the boundaries of the law as determined by their countries of origin. Big bonuses, easy deposits, and fair odds are what we looked for when we decided on these betting sites, and they have proven – time after time – to be the safest gambling locations around.

The legal sports betting sites accepting Utah residents are all the biggest names in the industry, like Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, MyBookie, BetDSI, and BookMaker. Signing up at any (or all!) of these sites is always free, fast, and easy, and you can be wagering on the Utah Utes, Jazz, and Cougars (plus whatever other national and international teams you follow) in just a few minutes’ time!

Bovada

Online Sports Betting Made Easy And Convenient

Utah residents might have fewer betting options than people living in other states, but luckily, one of the best online sportsbooks in the world accepts Utah players. Bovada is recognized as a leader in the industry by giant sports media outlets like USA Today and CBS Sports, and for good reason. This site was designed by sports betting fans for sports betting fans, and you will see why from the first time you log on.

Bovada is also host to poker rooms and a virtual casino, but the sportsbook it where the service really shines. Offering the newest and freshest odds on every major sport and tournament, you won’t believe how many options there are. Put some money down on the Jazz or Real Salt Lake today, and see just how easy Bovada makes it.

If you have ever been late to bet on a game, or simply wished to access a sportsbook to pass the time while in line at the grocery store or DMV, now you can remedy either contingency by using Bovada’s top-rated, award-winning mobile betting platform. This extremely helpful feature will allow you to access the entire site from your mobile device, whether you use an iPhone or Android. Sign up at Bovada now to experience the sports betting future, and receive a $250 Sports Welcome Bonus with the industry’s lowest rollover rates.

SportsBetting

Better Juice Than Las Vegas Books

SportsBetting allows players to relive the glory days when anyone could place a bet at their local bodega or storefront. Not only does SportsBetting have a flexible mobile app, they also allow you to phone in your bets. This kind of access was unprecedented until recently, and SportsBetting makes sure to keep abreast of all the new innovations in technology. The team constantly updates the site with new features and bonuses that Utah residents will not want to miss out on. Join now to see why SportsBetting is home to millions of sports fans.

If you are new to sports wagering, SportsBetting offers one of the most comprehensive help sections we have ever seen. This thorough resource walks you through every nook and cranny of the sportsbook, and after a few minutes of reading, you will be betting like a pro. The glossary also provides you with all the lingo needed to impress your friends at the bar. Utah residents who sign up with SportsBetting today can pick from a host of valuable bonuses, and returning customers will appreciate SportsBetting’s exclusive 25% Bonus For Life program on all account deposits with code FORLIFE, which is worth up to $1000 each time you refill your account.

BetOnline

One Of The Best Sportsbooks In The World

BetOnline is similar to other online sportsbooks only in that it offers expert odds on all major sports and leagues. The rest of the BetOnline experience is unique unto itself. When you enter the sportsbook, you will see a sidebar with all the games that are available. The real fun begins when you get into the wager types, however. Here, you will be able to buy points, conduct “if” bets, play the special teasers, and access the numerous parlays available for each and every athletic contest.

There are so many novel ideas implemented at BetOnline that it is truly mind-blowing. Utah residents can consider themselves lucky that this site accepts members from the state, because this is one sports betting experience no one should miss out on. New members at BetOnline can score a 100% Crypto Welcome Bonus (CODE CRYPTO100) worth a whopping $1000 to help them get started off on the right foot. Returning members aren’t left out, either, as they can get a 35% Crypto Reload Bonus (CODE CRYPTO35) worth up to a grand as well, giving everyone a taste of the high roller lifestyle.

Join BetOnline now for free, and explore the site before deciding to make an initial deposit. There is no harm in checking out the wares before committing to buy. However, consider yourself warned: Once you have seen what this site has to offer, you will probably wonder why you should even seek out another sportsbook (unless, of course, you’re shopping lines to find the best bets, which is definitely recommended).

Utah Gambling Laws

As stated, while online, offshore sportsbooks are 100% legal for Utah residents to use, those who simply glance at the Utah gambling laws might not come to that conclusion. After all, the state is so restricted re gambling that the government there doesn’t even operate a lottery! So how is it that online, offshore betting is legal when virtually no other form of gambling is allowed in the state?

Well, the devil’s in the details. Section 2a of Utah Code 76-10-1101 clearly states what “gambling” (which is illegal) is and is not. In Utah, gambling is defined as “risking anything of value for a return or risking anything of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device when the return or outcome...is based upon an element of chance...”

On the surface, this seems like it would encompass all forms of gaming. However, that’s not the case. Remember, by Utah law, for gambling to take place, the game being played must be “based upon an element of chance.” This does not mean that chance plays some undefined or small part in the grand scheme – rather, it means that the majority of the risk incurred is due to random chance, which is simply not the case with sports betting.

Certainly, the contests themselves are not random, as they are 100% skill-based by definition. That’s why they play the game instead of, say, flipping a coin and calling it a day. Furthermore, playing the odds in these contests is also not chance-based, as successful sports bettors study trends and statistics to make educated theses about which player or team will win. As this is all predicated on empirical data, chance – while a small part of the process – is absolutely not the “base” or foundation for sports betting.

Anyone can make an unsound, unreasoned guess about anything. The simple fact that people can choose to let “chance” dict ate their wagers – as with the flip of a coin – does not relegate the activity to being a wholly chance-oriented endeavor. For example, it is for this reason that private, for-money poker matches are so prevalent in Utah, which – while not explicitly legal – are not the focus of enforcement or prosecution under the law.

As with most other states – and as was the case with federal laws like the recently-overturned Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) – the only time sports betting is actually illegal in Utah is when you are operating a commercial sportsbook for profit. Since these offshore sportsbooks operate outside of Utah (and US) jurisdiction, they – and you – are immune from any anti-sports-betting interpretation of current UT or federal law.

The Best Deposit Methods For Online Utah Sportsbooks

When you want to load up your account with money ASAP, the best deposit methods for online Utah sportsbooks will be credit, debit, or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, DASH, etc.). These transfer right away, and though credit/debit cards have lower limits than other methods, crypto carries the highest limits possible.

For those who aren’t concerned about rapid deposits, most legal online sportsbooks take cashier’s checks, money orders, and bank wire transfers. These have fairly substantial deposit limits, making them great for high rollers, but the transfers do tend to take one to two weeks to show up in your betting account, which isn’t ideal if you wish to wager on a sporting event in the next few days.

The Fastest Withdrawals At Utah Sportsbook Sites

The fastest withdrawals at Utah sportsbook sites are going to be via cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and other altcoins all have same-day (and usually sub-hour) transfer times and zero added processing fees, meaning you’ll get more of your winnings in your hands faster than any other avenue.

That said, those not yet into the crypto game can choose to receive their payouts via bank wire, courier check, or money order. As with deposits, of course, these methods carry added fees and can take up to 14 days to show up in your hands stateside, though you’ll usually get your money within a week or so.

Live Betting At Utah Sportsbooks

Live betting, aka in-game betting, is a new phenomenon in the online sports wagering world, allowing members of all the top sites to wager on their favorite NFL games as they unfold in real-time. Not only does live betting increase viewer participation, it also allows the savvy Utah sports bettor hundreds of extra chances to pad their bankroll each and every game (as well as to save “bad” bets with appropriate in-game wagers).

Us Online Gambling Laws

Even without legal sports betting in the state and no NFL team based out of Utah, players can being using live betting on any league in the country with online sportsbooks. Now that live betting is also available via your favorite Utah sportsbooks’ mobile interfaces, you can actually enjoy the activity on the go, no matter where in the state you happen to be.

Mobile Betting On Sports In Utah

Online sportsbooks are the only way you can place your bets in since sports and NFL betting in Utah isn’t regulated at the state level and probably won't be. Online sportsbooks in Utah make it easy for those by having a mobile betting feature. All this means is that you can go on to your online sports betting site on your mobile device. Your phone already can do multiple things for you. Now you can actually place a wager on it and check it at any time.

This can sometimes be a very quick way for those fans who are not home or by a laptop. Now that you can access your only way of betting on your phone, online sportsbooks will be the hottest thing in Utah until some rules change. People can feel better when news drops on any event that’s going on because as soon as news breaks out, you can go change your bet on your Android or iPhone in a quick minute. Now you can browse the internet, make calls, and make money on your phone betting on the next Thursday Night football game or any other games that week.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Utah?

Sports betting in Utah can be looked at in two ways. First off, there is no regulatory body that authorizes sports betting, but laws don’t exist to make things legal under the assumption that the default status of all activities is “illegal.” That would be even more absurd than the standard absurdity of the machinations of government.

The second way to view the pastime is that it exists – at absolute worst – in a kind of legislative grey area, where it could be successfully argued in court (depending on the prosecution, defense, and judge) that a crime is committed if someone wagers on anything over the Internet.

Of course, no Utah resident has ever been fined, jailed, or otherwise legally limited in any way due to simply wagering on sports at any of these offshore books. Plus, even if sports betting were explicitly against the law in Utah (and it isn’t), the state simply hasn’t got the resources, ability, or desire to prosecute every one of the 500,000 or so UT residents who are estimated to wager on sports each year.

Utah Sports Betting & Gambling Laws

In the state of Utah, there are currently no laws related to sports betting on the Internet at offshore betting sites. We have found that in § 76-10-1101 of the Utah state statutes, there is nothing listed about online gambling. However, the law effectively criminalizes most other forms of gambling, which is why there are no casinos in Utah. Additionally, it’s why Utah has no state lottery, no bingo parlors, and no publicly-facing poker rooms or gaming floors.

This is also the reason that Utah – at least insofar as land-based casino gaming and sports betting is concerned – provides so much business to the neighboring state of Nevada. Indeed, like CA residents, UT residents make up a huge part of the daily handle enjoyed by the hundreds of thriving Sin City hotspots along the I-15 corridor.

Legal Gambling Age For Utah Residents

Is There Any Gambling In Utah

With no forms of gambling authorized in Utah, there is no specific age limit written into the law. We can tell you, however, that you have to be 18 years of age in order to participate. If you are not 18 or older, you could ultimately find yourself in a lot of trouble, but not from the state government.

Instead, you would be violating the terms of service at sites like Bovada and the rest of the top Utah overseas sportsbooks, which all require their members to be at least 18 in order to participate. If you sign up underage and gamble, when it comes time to collect, you can expect your sportsbook balance and all your winnings to be confiscated and your account to be permanently closed.

Land Based Gambling In Utah

There is no way you can gamble through a live gambling location in Utah, as they do not exist. There are no gambling sites you can find in the state, as Utah is firmly opposed to gambling on the whole. In Utah, you have only one option for gaming, and this is online. This is particularly true with sports betting, as finding a black market bookie is more challenging – and riskier – than finding an underground way to privately play poker or other casino-style table games in the state.

What Cities Near Utah Have Sportsbooks?

There are several cities near Utah that offer (or will offer) sports betting, regardless of which direction you travel out of the state. Potential cities for sports betting include Provo, Salt Lake City, and West Valley City. That being said, whenever anyone thinks of land-based sportsbooks near Utah, they think of Las Vegas. While it’s a six-hour drive to Vegas proper from, say, Salt Lake City, this isn’t an unreasonable haul for those looking to make a weekend out of their trip to the Land of the Rising Sin. Additionally, flights from Utah to Vegas have among the lowest rates in the world, with service often available for under $100, round-trip.

There are effectively three cities that Utah residents frequent in Nevada when it comes to sports betting and gambling: Fremont (aka “North Vegas” or “Old Vegas”), Las Vegas proper (aka the “Vegas Strip”), and Henderson to the south, which is colloquially called the “Boulder Strip” and is where Vegas locals tend to take the bulk of their action.

FAQ About Online Sports Betting In Utah

1) If all gambling is banned in Utah, how is online sports betting legal?

Online sports betting is not specifically banned by the government of Utah, so it is logically concluded to be legal in the state. Further, sports betting, unlike lotteries and bingo games and many kinds of card games, is not “chance based,” which is the Utah legal qualifier for what constitutes banned gambling activity.

2) Has anyone been officially charged for online sports betting in Utah?

No. We have never heard of anyone in Utah being hit with criminal charges for gambling on the Internet, and due to the nature of the activity and the privacy laws that would require infringing in order to bring prosecution, you are 100% safe wagering on sports at online sportsbooks.

3) What happens if I gamble under the age of 21?

Nothing. There is no legal gambling age in Utah, and all the best offshore sportsbooks (Bovada, SportsBetting, etc.) merely require that their members be at least 18 in order to use their full menu of services. If you wager under the age of 18 at these books, however, you will have all of your money confiscated and your account permanently banned.

4) Where are Utah's gambling laws listed?

Utah’s gambling laws are listed here. Technically, these are located in the Utah Code, Title 76 (“Utah Criminal Code”), Chapter 10 (“Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, Welfare, and Morals”), Part 11 (“Gambling”).

5) The law seems pretty explicit in that no form of betting is allowed. How is online sports betting different?

These sportsbooks are not based in Utah or anywhere else in the US. Since they are licensed offshore, you do not have anything to worry about in the way of breaking any Utah laws. Even more importantly, sports betting itself is neither explicitly nor implicitly addressed by Utah’s existing gambling statutes.

6) How can I load money into my gaming account?

Your primary method of funding your gaming account will be a credit card or debit card, but the options also include money orders, checks, bank wires, and – especially lately – cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Ripple, Stellar, DASH, and other altcoins (depending upon your service provider’s specific support for these coins). Generally speaking, crypto is the best way to fund your account(s). Please remember that you can only withdraw your winnings in crypto if you deposited your seed money in crypto.

7) Do I have to wait for a deposit or are my payments made instantly?

Utah Online Gambling Laws

Credit and debit card payments are made instantly, and crypto transfers are made nearly instantly. Other listed methods take much longer – up to two weeks – and are not well-suited for rapid deposits.

8) Can I get in trouble with my ISP for gambling online?

No. You are not going to get into any trouble for betting on sports online. In fact, Utah law specifically exempts ISPs from any culpability in the online actions of any of their customers.

9) Do federal laws make it a crime to bet on sports online?

No. There is no federal law that makes it a crime for you to bet on sports in the state of Utah. The federal laws have not done anything to criminalize sports bettors – they only criminalize bookmakers, i.e. those owning a gambling site or operating sportsbooks for profit on US land. And now that PASPA is no more, the remaining federal laws pertaining to the industry (the Wire Act and the UIGEA) have even less teeth than ever before.

10) Can I have my money confiscated if I decide to bet on sports online?

No. You will not have your money confiscated, provided you are old enough to gamble online through the Internet sports betting sites accepting Utah residents.