Utah

The Beehive State preemptively banned online sports betting in 2012; thus, there are no real-money sportsbook apps available in Utah. However, even with this ban, UT residents can still access DFS apps and online social sportsbooks.

While all forms of real-money online sports betting in Utah are strictly illegal, bettors still enjoy at least some gambling-like services. Even with the strict laws that govern sports betting, the state allows gamblers to enjoy daily fantasy sports (DFS). The online providers of DFS argue that these contests are skill-based rather than luck-based, and that's why the state still allows them.

So, for example, DFS operators such as Draftkings, Jock MKT, ParlayPlay, and Ownersbox are all operating legally in Utah, even though the DFS industry is not state-regulated there. In addition, social sportsbooks and sweepstake casinos are also accepting customers from Utah. However, these brands are not allowed to offer real money betting or gambling, and all wagering is done in these cases with "virtual coins."

Online sports betting in The Beehive State

The Beehive State is one of only two US states with a strict ban on gambling, including online sports wagering, with the other being Hawaii. About 60% of Utah's population are Mormons who are known to oppose any form of gambling and sports wagering, including online betting, on religious grounds.

Utah's strict opposition to sports betting stems from way back in history. The state initially prohibited gambling altogether, even before it was known as 'Utah.' These strict anti-betting laws prohibited residents from participating in any form of in-person gambling, including state lotteries, casino games, poker, and sports betting. Currently, there are no state-run or state-regulated casinos in UT.

In addition, in 2012, the state's lawmakers enacted House Bill 108. This bill preemptively illegalized online gambling and sports betting long before the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). As such, the legalization of online sports gambling in Utah faces an uphill task of first amending the constitution and then overturning various state laws.

With this in mind, legal online sports wagering is unlikely to make headway in the foreseeable future, even though some individuals in UT, including legislators, have shown an interest in changing the state's gambling laws. However, the latest attempt in this field, occurring in 2019, to legalize wagering on horse races flopped greatly.

Currently, there is no bill, nor even proper discussion, to legalize online gambling in the state, and this isn't too promising since bettors in the state would want to have the liberty to wager on betting markets tailored for UT anytime.

Sports betting & gambling legislation in UT

As we’ve touched on, gambling in Utah is not allowed in any capacity. Not only does this mean that sports betting is off the table, but all iGaming services, like online casinos and online poker, are also prohibited. Generally, these are markets that are made legal through a sports betting bill or through a bill that comes after sports betting is legalized, so this ultimately means these are two markets that will not be legalized in Utah anytime soon.

A few states remain with very limited to nonexistent gambling senses, but even those states typically offer some form of state lottery. However, that is not the case in Utah, as the Beehive State even outlawed the lottery. Even with this strict anti-gambling law, UT residents can still legally access DFS apps, social sportsbooks, and sweepstakes casinos.

Polygamy Docuseries Prediction Pools: Betting on Streaming Release Dates and Ratings for Utah-Centric Shows

Utah has recently been captivating the cultural imagination through its ties to polygamy-themed reality TV and docuseries. From Sister Wives to Keep Sweet, these shows consistently generate national buzz through social media, especially TikTok, and now, they may inspire a new form of viewer engagement: Prediction Pools.

Envision a fantasy-style platform or a social sportsbook where users place bets (either for fun or for prize-based entries) on which docuseries family will trend on social media next, which episode will feature the biggest plot twist, or when the next streaming platform will release its latest Utah-based exposé. Ratings predictions and more could make this already engaged fan base a profitable demographic to target. 

With streaming platforms like Netflix, TLC, and Hulu racing to release binge-worthy content, this niche corner of Utah-based reality could transform into a non-traditional yet wildly entertaining betting market. While traditional sports betting is illegal in Utah, these entertainment-focused pools, particularly those without monetary rewards, could legally flourish as cultural side games.

This idea not only provides a workaround in a non-betting state but also taps into Utah's unique cultural spotlight that could easily be promoted through marketing campaigns.

How rock climbing wagers could one day boost Utah’s sports betting industry

Utah’s Moab and Zion National Park are world-famous destinations for rock climbing, attracting elite climbers and adventure junkies. If sports betting laws ever shift, Utah could capitalize on this notoriety and introduce wagering on speed climbing competitions, free solo challenges, or endurance-based ascents.

Potential markets could include wagers on who completes a route the fastest, who successfully ascends the most difficult climb, or whether a climber beats a previous record. Given the growing popularity of rock climbing, especially after its Olympic debut in 2020, sportsbooks could tap into a highly engaged, thrill-seeking audience that is looking to wager on sports outside of football and basketball. 

By embracing extreme sports betting, it could become a global hub for adventure-based wagering, drawing tourists and boosting state revenue. While current gambling laws make this unlikely, the future of non-traditional sports betting in the state could make it one of the more unique gambling locations in the country.

Most recent updates from the UT sports betting & gambling scene

• March 27, 2025: The BYU Cougars have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where they will play Alabama. The Cougars are (+5.5) point underdogs for the game and (+700) to reach the Final Four.

• February 7, 2025: Sitting with a 20-3 record, the Utah State Aggies are (+300) to win the Mountain West Regular Season Title.

• January 7, 2025: With a 10-3 start to the season, the BYU Cougars are (+4500) to win the Big 12 regular season title and (+3500) to reach the Final Four.

• December 13, 2024: The BYU Cougars will play Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. The Cougars are currently (+3) point underdogs.

• December 6, 2024: After missing a bowl game, Utah State has hired Bronco Mendenhall as their next head coach.

• November 26, 2024: To close out a disappointing regular season, the Utah Utes will head to UCF as (+9.5) point underdogs.

• November 19, 2024: Looking to snap a six game losing streak, the Utah Utes will host Iowa State this weekend as (+7.5) point underdogs.

• November 18, 2024: Legendz Social Sportsbook & Casino goes live in Utah and 42 other states, boasting props, parlays, and high RTP. Free play, daily rewards, and real prize redemptions are available for players 18+.

In-person sports betting sites and locations

Today, there are no land-based sportsbooks and casinos in Utah, so in-person betting in UT is not an option for bettors within its state lines. UT is among the five states in the US without any state lottery, and it is also one of two states without any form of legal wagering. In addition to all this, UT's strict gambling stance does not even allow charitable gambling, bingo games, or horse race betting.

Consequently, the state explicitly prohibited gambling by adding it to the criminal code. They ensured that even if the federal government legalized betting, it would still be illegal in the state. Even so, in-person wagering is still possible in neighboring states if a bettor has attained the legal betting age of 21 years.

Gambling at the Great Salt Lake? What a floating casino could look like in Utah

Picture a high-end floating casino drifting on the Great Salt Lake, offering Utahns a legal loophole to enjoy gambling while surrounded by the state's jaw-dropping landscapes. While this might sound far-fetched, similar offshore casino models exist around the world, operating just outside state or federal jurisdiction. 

On paper, a Great Salt Lake casino cruise could function similarly to international waters gambling laws—keeping it out of Utah’s legal reach. With poker rooms, sports betting lounges, and food & beverage options, such a venue could cater to both tourists and locals looking for a high-stakes escape.

However, logistical challenges make this gambling blueprint unlikely. Even if you remove the inconsistent water level of the Great Salt Lake, the strict state regulations would still be a problem. Utah’s firm stance against gambling—rooted in its religious and cultural identity—means that even a floating casino would likely face intense legal battles and, frankly, may struggle to draw customers since so many residents oppose gambling as a whole.

Non-caffeinated soda prop bets: A unique take on Utah stadium wagering

At many Utah stadiums and public venues, the beverage scene is uniquely dry, both in alcohol and caffeine. With cola alternatives like Sprite, root beer, or orange soda taking center stage, fans realized that certain flavors vanish faster than others. This sets the stage for a surprisingly unique novelty betting market involving dry sodas. 

The idea would be placing a wager on which non-caffeinated drink sells out by halftime at a Utes game or a BYU rivalry showdown. Of course, even the very idea of betting on this market would not be allowed due to the state's strict gambling laws, but for argument's sake, this idea could launch alongside a sports betting bill. If Utah ever legalizes betting markets, prop bets like these, which are tied to concession data and real-time inventory, could offer live wagering opportunities without touching traditional vices.

Sports betting in neighboring states

Despite Utah's prohibition of nearly all forms of online sports betting and gambling, bettors in the state can still travel to neighboring states to place their wagers. Colorado is one of the leaders among these neighbors in the mobile sports betting arena, having legalized such activities in 2019. Additionally, Wyoming and Arizona joined this movement by legalizing online sports wagering in 2021.

Mobile wagering is also legal in Nevada, more known for in-person sports betting and casino gambling. However, remote registration is not available. Therefore, to wager with NV betting apps, you must register your account in person at the affiliated casino.

However, in all four states, you can only access such betting applications can only be accessed within the respective state's borders.

What’s next for UT betting apps?

Currently, not much progress is being made toward legalizing online sports betting in Utah. Furthermore, the Governor reaffirmed the state's position on this issue after the repeal of PASPA, suggesting that the legalization of online gambling is unlikely to happen in the near future. Still, bettors in the state remain hopeful that lawmakers will create a bill that serves everyone's interests.

Meanwhile, UT bettors and sports fans can still access social sportsbooks and DFS apps for at least some sports-related entertainment. However, that's about it, and as there are no legislation changes in sight in the state, the UT sports betting situation will remain immutable for quite some time.

Potential sports betting revenue impact on Utah's economy

Because all forms of real-money gambling, including sports betting, are prohibited in Utah, there are no statistics or revenue information related to gambling in the state. However, according to a recent study, UT residents spend approximately $200 million yearly on lottery tickets from other states alone, and this figure would undoubtedly be much heftier if the study included in-person and online sports betting. So, Utah is missing out on some substantial tax revenue with its total gambling ban.

As many of Utah's neighboring states have legalized sports betting, we can easily see how profitable such legalization has been for them and draw some comparisons. For example, since legal mobile sports betting launched in Colorado in May 2020, the state has racked up over $105 million in tax revenue from these legal sportsbook operators. In 2024 alone, CO sports betting produced around $31 million for the state via paid taxes from more than $6 billion worth of total placed real-money wagers.

Arizona's tax revenue figures are in the same ballpark, as the state has collected over $104 million in taxes from legalized online betting since September 2021. However, Wyoming, a much smaller sports betting market than the previous two states, has accumulated approximately $3.4 million in tax income since the legalization of sports wagering.

However, based on the current population, the best comparison could be made to Connecticut, which legalized sports gambling in 2021. Now, CT's legal betting market has seen a total of $5.7+ billion in wagers placed, resulting in over $62 million in tax income for the state.

Temple Square Flower Bloom Pool: Guessing Peak Blossoms by Date, Type, or Color Ratio

Temple Square in Salt Lake City bursts into color with one of the most anticipated floral displays in Utah once springtime rolls around. But beyond admiring the tulips and pansies, what if locals and visitors could take part in a gentle, novelty-style bloom prediction pool? Wagers could focus on the peak bloom date, the dominant flower type, and other flower-based betting markets.

This respectful, tourism-friendly activity could be hosted through a local app or visitor center program and generate micro-revenue during the prime bloom season. If even a small portion of Salt Lake City’s springtime tourists participated, the result could be thousands in seasonal wagers and supplementary tax income. Additionally, the event could drive traffic to local businesses, florists, and guided tours.

While this may be the most relaxed betting market ever, the potential for it to bloom does not seem high due to the state's staunch beliefs on gambling.