Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Utah?

In Utah, sports betting remains firmly off the table, a stance that aligns with the state's strong traditional values. Despite the wave of legalization sweeping across the country, Utah's laws and societal norms keep it steadfast against introducing sports betting. 

This guide sheds light on the reasons behind Utah's resistance, offering insights into why sports betting is unlikely to find a foothold in the Beehive State anytime soon.

Utah Sports Betting Overview

What Is The Current Sports Betting Landscape In Utah

As one of the only two states in the US, alongside Hawaii, that enforces a complete ban on gambling, Utah does not offer any legal options for sports betting, casinos, poker, lotteries, charitable gaming, horse betting, or even bingo. This zero-tolerance policy reflects the state's conservative values and is firmly upheld by its lawmakers and officials.

Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed states to legalize sports betting, Utah's response was unequivocal. Governor Gary Herbert's office reiterated Utah's commitment to its gambling prohibition, emphasizing the state's right to regulate gambling by continuing to enforce its ban. Utah's stance on sports betting was further solidified by Senator Orrin Hatch's efforts to draft national legislation to combat the spread of sports betting, highlighting concerns over the integrity of sports amid the proliferation of gambling practices.

Utah residents seeking sports betting options might venture into offshore websites, which remains an unregulated and risky endeavor due to the lack of legal protections. Daily Fantasy Sports and social sports betting, which we covered on this page, both exist in the state. 

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in Utah?

Don’t hold your breath. Sports betting isn't expected to start in Utah anytime soon, if at all. The state's strong stance against all forms of gambling means it's unlikely Utah will join others in legalizing sports betting.

Utah Sports Betting Updates

Utah's sports betting timeline is notably sparse, reflecting the state's long standing opposition to gambling. Here's a brief look at the key moments:

• Mar. 5, 2020: Sen. Hinkins withdraws SB 181 under pressure from other Senators.

• Feb. 18, 2019: Sen. Hinkins introduces SB 181 to legalize pari-mutuel wagering in Utah for the first time since 1927.

• December 2018: Senator Orrin Hatch introduces a federal gambling bill, attempting to place sports betting back in control of the federal government. 

• May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), allowing individual states to decide on the legality of sports betting.

• Nov. 3, 1992: Utah holds a public referendum on pari-mutuel horse racing betting. However, only 39.7% of voters support pari-mutuel wagering, and Chapter 10, Part 11 of the Utah Criminal Code is not amended.

Nearby Betting States

Utah is surrounded by states that have embraced legal sports betting to varying degrees, creating a stark contrast with its own gambling policies. To the north, Idaho maintains a stance similar to Utah's, with no legal sports betting. However, to the east, Colorado has fully legalized sports betting, offering both online and in-person wagering options. To the west, Nevada, a pioneer in legal gambling, has long offered extensive sports betting opportunities.

Additionally, to the south, Arizona recently joined the ranks of states with legal sports betting, launching its own services in September 2021. This encirclement by states with legal sports betting highlights Utah's unique position in maintaining its prohibition against gambling. It also means Utah residents have lots of sports betting opportunities, if they want to cross state lines.

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in Utah?

While we're not expecting sports betting to be legalized in Utah anytime soon, should the situation change, residents could look forward to betting on a variety of sports. 

Here’s what could be on the table for Utah’s teams and their recent achievements, with a nod to potential betting promotions:

NFL

Utah doesn't have an NFL team of its own, but the fervor for the NFL is alive, with fans often rallying behind teams such as the Denver Broncos. The passion for the sport in Utah is undeniable. Further afield, the NFL is massive at US sportsbooks, with lots of promotions throughout the season. The Super Bowl is the single most bet-on event in the country and also sparks tons of bonuses and promotions at sportsbooks. Discover more on our NFL promotions page.

NBA

Representing Utah in the NBA, the Utah Jazz have an impressive history, making the NBA playoffs 28 times in their 42 seasons. The team's resilience and competitive edge are worth watching. The NBA is also huge at sportsbooks around the US, with lots of interesting offers throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. Explore all that and more on our NBA promotions page.

MLB

The absence of a Major League Baseball team in Utah is filled by the Salt Lake Bees, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, spotlighting the future stars of baseball. You can head to our MLB promotions section for more information about the latest sports betting opportunities around the country for baseball. 

NHL

Utah does not host an NHL team, but the Utah Grizzlies in the ECHL, affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche, have kept the state's hockey spirit alive with their competitive performances. Check out our NHL promotions page for more information. 

UFC

With several notable UFC fighters hailing from Utah, the state's contribution to the combat sports scene is significant, with athletes showcasing exceptional skills in the octagon. Check out everything you need to know about betting on the UFC, including the latest tips and promos.  

What Wager Types Will Be Available in Utah?

Sports betting isn’t coming to Utah any time soon. However, residents can find a variety of betting markets offered in neighboring states. 

Here’s a brief overview of the most popular betting types at US sportsbooks:

Moneyline Bets

A bet on the moneyline is a straightforward wager on which team will win a specific game or event. Odds are assigned to each side based on their likelihood of winning, which determines the potential payout.

Here’s what it could be like:

• Utah Jazz +150

• Los Angeles Lakers -170

In moneyline terms, betting $170 on the Lakers (the favorites) would yield a $100 profit for a total return of $270. Conversely, betting $100 on the Jazz (the underdogs) could win $150 for a total payout of $250. Check out our detailed monyline betting guide.

Point Spreads

Point spread betting involves betting on the margin of victory in a game. For a bet to pay out, the favorite team must win by more than the set point spread, while the underdog must win outright or lose by less than the spread.

For example:

• Denver Broncos -7.5 (-110)

• Las Vegas Raiders +7.5 (-110)

Here, a bet on the Broncos requires them to win by 8 points or more. A bet on the Raiders pays out if they win or if they lose by fewer than 8 points. With betting against the spread, the odds for both sides tend to be around -110, since the spread is theoretically supposed to level the playing field. Still not sure how it works? See our point spread betting guide.

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals betting, or over/under, involves betting on the combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number, and bettors decide whether the final score will be over or under that amount.

Let's take a look at an example:

Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets

• Over 215.5 (-110) 

• Under 215.5 (-110)

A bet on "over" wins if the combined score exceeds 215.5, while a bet on "under" wins if the total is less. It is pretty simple, but our over/under betting guide contains a few useful strategies.

Futures

Futures bets are wagers placed on events that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the NBA championship at the end of a season.

Here’s how this may play out:

• Utah Jazz to win the NBA Championship: +800

This bet pays out $800 for every $100 wagered if the Jazz win the championship. Futures can be placed at any point, but they are popular at the start of a championship or the start of a season. The odds tend to be pretty attractive, since a lot of things need to go your way over the course of the season for the bet to win. There is more to future bets than just guessing who the winner will be, but we covered that in our Futures betting guide.

Prop Bets

Prop bets are wagers on specific events within a game that do not directly relate to the final outcome. Most commonly, they involve betting on the performance of players or teams in certain statistical categories, like successful tackles in the NFL, rebounds in the NBA, or yellow cards in soccer. The format often looks like an over/under bet, for instance:

Donovan Mitchell to score over 25.5 points in a game

• Yes -120

• No -105

A successful $120 bet on Mitchell scoring 26 points or more would return $100.

Prop bets aren't just placed on things that happen in sports. They are also placed on things happening in relation to a sporting event. NFL Super Bowl novelty prop bets are a common occurrence. For example, you can wager on which color of Gatorade will be used to bathe a winning coach.

Parlays

A parlay combines multiple bets into one wager. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, offering higher potential returns but with increased risk. The odds of each individual leg get multiplied together.

Same Game Parlays are a popular variation, where all the selections come from the same game, allowing you to make multiple predictions about what will happen in a single bet. An example would be betting on the final score in an MLS game, along with the first goal scorer and a specific player to receive a yellow card. Find out more about this type of bet in our parlay betting guide.

Teasers

Teasers are a type of parlay in which bettors can adjust point spreads or totals in their favor, reducing the risk but also the potential payout.

A teaser might allow a bettor to adjust the Broncos spread from -7.5 to -3.5 and the total in the Jazz-Nuggets game from 215.5 to 211.5, giving you a better chance of winning a parlay if you combine the two together.

Live Betting

Live betting involves wagering on games as they happen, with odds that change in real-time based on the action happening in the game.

Live betting could offer the opportunity to bet on the Jazz to come back and win a game at halftime, with inflated odds based on the current score. Don't go into this one unprepared. Not only do you need a good reaction time, you'll also need to know what a good opportunity is. Find out everything about it in our live betting guide.

Expected Betting Restrictions in Utah?

Again, it's unlikely that Utah will legalize sports betting any time soon. As such, all types of betting and gambling will remain restricted for the foreseeable future. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Utah?

In Utah, while traditional sports betting remains off-limits, Daily Fantasy Sports sites are available, albeit in a gray area from a legal point of view. 

Here's a look at some of the most popular DFS platforms available to Utahns, each offering unique features and game styles:

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: New Contests Every Day

DraftKings stands out in the DFS space for its extensive range of sports and daily contests. It caters to sports enthusiasts with its comprehensive offerings, from NFL to eSports, making it a go-to platform for those looking to engage in DFS across a broad spectrum of sports. DraftKings is particularly noted for its user-friendly interface and the ability to create private contests, adding a personalized social touch to the DFS experience. The platform's app is highly rated for its functionality and ease of use, making it accessible for both seasoned players and newcomers.

Claim your DK DFS Bonus of up to $500.

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners

FanDuel is another DFS behemoth in the US, and like DraftKings, it has become a major player in the sports betting industry since 2018. The DFS platform at FanDuel shares a lot of the same qualities as the sportsbook: a really well designed platform, fun and easy to use, and a top class mobile app. FanDuel has some features that make it especially friendly for beginners in the world of DFS. There are beginner-only contests where you play against fellow newcomers, and free-play games where you can still win real money. 

Grab FanDuel's 100% deposit match.

3. OwnersBox DFS

Best For: Quick Withdrawals

OwnersBox offers a simplified DFS experience with its unique game formats like SuperFlex and Lightning Lineups, focusing on week-long or round-long contests. This platform is ideal for players looking for a straightforward approach to DFS without the complexity of daily adjustments. OwnersBox’ Lightning Lineups feature adds an element of excitement, allowing players to build their teams with a mix of strategy and chance. 

Don't miss out on OwnersBox up to $500 deposit match.

4. Sleeper DFS

Best for: Mobile DFS 

With an iOS and Android app, Sleeper is a top pick for mobile DFS gamers. Sleeper offers an impressive platform with detailed features for premium sports picks. The social features and news updates help the brand stand out, adding a community element to ramp up the action in sports contests. Use the app to chat with other players, throw out a little trash talk, or make fun gifs to make your friends laugh. Private leagues are a great way to set up games with friends, and daily paid contests are perfect for getting a quick pick before or after work. Covering Football, Basketball, and League of Legends, Sleeper works well for most sports fans searching for a new DFS experience.

Start wagering on DFS with Sleepers

Social Sportsbooks in Utah

With Utah's stench opposition to gambling, sportsbooks operators won't be coming anytime soon. So, let's take a look at the social sportsbook alternatives that are available in Utah.

1. Fliff Social Sportsbook

First off, is Fliff legal in Utah? Fliff is legally available in Utah, offering a unique twist on sports betting through a social sportsbook experience that doesn't require users to deposit any money. 

This mobile-only platform, compatible with iOS and Android devices, mirrors the interface of traditional sportsbooks, allowing users to predict outcomes on major sports events, connect and compete with friends, and enjoy the game without financial risk.

Participants use virtual currency called Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash to play the games, both of which can be obtained for free in various ways. You can also win more by making accurate predictions. Fliff Coins can also be purchased, although they can’t be redeemed for any kind of prizes. Fliff Cash, on the other hand, can not be purchased, but can be redeemed for cash prizes when you win it. 

For new users, Fliff offers an enticing welcome bonus. Newcomers can enjoy a 100% match on their first purchase, receiving up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and up to $100 in Fliff Cash as a bonus, enhancing the social betting adventure right from the start.

Claim your Fliff 100% deposit match.

2. Sportzino Social Sportsbook

Sportzino is a unique platform within the sweepstakes gaming sector, offering players access to sports picks and casino services. The site offers a similar experience to a real money sportsbook without needing a deposit.

You're probably wondering if Sportzino is legal in Utah. Yes, you can play on Sportzino while in Utah without any issues.

All players earn Gold and Sweeps Coins that can be used to make sports picks based on the set odds within the platform. Select from football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and many other sports markets. Take a break from sports betting and explore the casino section of the site, featuring slots and jackpot games. The same GC and SC can be used here for freeplay. Explore even more ways to earn free coins via the site's promotions tab. 

Grab your Sportzino welcome offer.

Sports Teams in Utah

Check out some of the biggest teams in the Beehive State.

• Utah Jazz (NBA): The Jazz, Utah's pride in the NBA, have been a consistent playoff contender, eagerly eyeing its first championship title.

• Real Salt Lake (MLS): This MLS team brought the 2009 MLS Cup to Utah, highlighting the state's growing involvement in soccer.

• Utah Royals FC (NWSL): Though currently on hiatus, the Royals have played a pivotal role in promoting professional women's soccer in Utah.

• Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League): The Stars, affiliated with the Utah Jazz, showcase emerging basketball talents in the NBA G League.

• Utah Warriors (Major League Rugby): Competing in Major League Rugby, the Warriors add to Utah's diverse sports scene with professional rugby.

• University of Utah (NCAA): The Utes compete fiercely across various sports, including football and gymnastics, contributing to Utah's rich collegiate sports culture.

• Brigham Young University (NCAA): The Cougars are known for their excellence in football and basketball, fostering strong local and national followings.

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, our team comprises avid sports betting fans who are deeply engaged with the nuances of the US betting industry. Our passion for sports betting extends beyond our professional roles; we are the audience we serve, betting on these platforms not just out of obligation but from a genuine love for sports and betting. Our commitment to authenticity means every piece of content—be it platform reviews, bonus evaluations, or promotional insights—stems from direct, hands-on experience.

We're here to guide our readers to make informed betting decisions that help improve their experience. When we come across a betting site or feature that excites us, we're eager to spread the word, hoping our readers can find the same enjoyment. At the same time, we don't shy away from highlighting areas where a sportsbook might fall short or suggesting improvements, always in straightforward language for our readers to understand.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Utah

Even in Utah, where sports betting and gambling are not legally sanctioned, resources are available for individuals facing gambling challenges. These resources offer support not only to the individuals struggling but also to their families and friends seeking to understand and aid in responsible gambling practices.

Here's how you can get help in Utah:

• Utah Department of Health: Offers resources and information for those struggling with gambling addiction. You can find more details by going to their website or asking local health departments for advice.

• National Council on Problem Gambling: Provides support nationwide, including Utah, and can be reached through a confidential helpline and text service at 1-800-522-4700 or via live chat on their website.

• Gamblers Anonymous: This organization holds meetings across various locations, offering a supportive environment for those looking to overcome gambling problems. Information on local meetings in Utah can be found on the Gamblers Anonymous website.