Like Hawaii, Utah has a zero-tolerance towards any forms of betting within the borders of the state. This strict conservative stance towards gambling is said to have resulted from the strong religious climate in the region. Utah is the Mormon Mecca, a religion that is known for its tough stance on things that are determined to be sinful – like gambling. It is said that the majority of citizens frown upon games of chance, which has made the Governor’s job a fairly easy black and white affair.

The only grey area within the state surrounds Daily Fantasy Sports. The view that DFS is skill-based and does not involve chance is what has allowed it to fly under the radar of active protagonists at State level. Unlike in so many other states, Fantasy Sports have not been legalised, however, they are not being pursued either, granting leagues the open door needed to service Utah residents.

In 2018, a US Supreme Court ruling declared that sports betting in the country were legalised at a federal level, which opened the door for states to self-regulate the betting opportunity themselves. Instead, the Utah government moved to ban the activity in their state altogether, leaving no avenue open for their residents to gamble in any way.

Utah’s constitution is clear on the gambling matter and states that “Legislature shall not authorize any game of chance, lottery or gift enterprise under any pretence or for any purpose.”

Gambling in the state is defined as any contest where a player puts up something of value on the outcome of an event where the result is determined by an element of chance. Anyone undertaking that practice would be seen as betting and would be contravening the state law.

Repercussions in the state vary based on whether you are a first-time offender or a habitual gamer. First-time crimes are charged as a Class-B misdemeanour and carry a small fine as the penalty. Generally, the police seem disinterested in busting up private poker games but repeat offences could potentially be escalated to felony charges and result in both fines and jail time if found guilty.

There is no gambling regulatory body in the state of Utah, nor is there any licensing procedure for betting operators, as no gambling is permitted by the State. If gambling is either offered or practised in the region, the state law enforcement (police) will investigate and press charges if need be.

While licensed online casinos are known to accept players from Utah, the international licensing they carry has no bearing in this US state, and their efforts to engage residents are criminal.

Since 2008, there have been only 48 cases of illegal gambling in 10 cities in the state. Most have these have resulted in crackdowns on organised high-stakes operations with a rake, rather than social gatherings and homely poker nights.

Fringe gambling was eventually shut down in the state too. Internet cafes would offer sweepstakes, by charging players to play so-called ‘free online games’. Players could cash out their credits at the end of the evening. They were technically not gambling, as the money paid was for internet time and not for wagers. Stricter laws were instituted to bring an end to this type of practice.

Licensing of gambling initiatives of any type soon is doubtful. Even gambling compacts between native tribes and the state have failed to see the light of day, which just highlights the resolve of the local government.