Utah Casino Guide
Facts About Gambling & Online Casinos in Utah
Planning to play your favorite casino games in Utah? Be prepared to head over the border to Nevada or play online in casinos that welcome players from Utah. Those are your options because Utah is not a gambling-friendly state at all.
History of Gambling in Utah
Since the days of Brigham Young, Utah has been a very anti-gambling state. In fact, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter-Day Saints made it very clear that anyone getting legal permission to open an establishment offering gambling would quickly be driven out.
The only change in mind came with the legalization of horse betting in the 1920s, but that only lasted a few years before the Utah government banned it again in 1927. People have tried to reinstate horse racing over the years, but the last attempt in 1992 lead to voters rejecting the proposal.
Age Restrictions for Gambling in Utah
As gambling is illegal in Utah, there is no age limit. To play at online casinos in Utah, however, expect to be 21, as most casinos use that as a standard age restriction.
Utah’s Casino Gambling Outlook
Utah has shut down a number of establishments over the years that tried to offer games as simple as bingo. On establishment managed to reopen, but they had to do so by offering “free” bingo cards with a meal purchase. Until the anti-gambling attitude eases, there is not much hope that players will see casinos in Utah anytime soon.
Local Casinos
Depending on where you are, you’ll be heading over the border if you want to play at a land-based casino. From Salt Lake City, Wendover, Nevada, is probably your best bet. Players in northern Utah will need to head over the border to cities like Pocatello. In the southern part of Utah, the Ute Mountain Reservation in Colorado is home to Ute Mountain Casino, and there are a few casinos in northwestern New Mexico. Spring Valley, Arizona, also has a number of casinos. Regardless, you’re looking at driving a number of hours to reach any of these casinos.