Online Sports Betting in Utah 2024
Online sports betting is strictly prohibited in Utah due to the state’s firm anti-gambling stance, deeply rooted in its Mormon heritage. Despite the legalization wave sweeping across the US, Utah stands unwavering in its commitment.
Curious about what’s next for sports betting in the Beehive State? On this page, you’ll find the best alternative ways to enjoy sports picks legally and essential tax tips for any winnings.
Read on to explore what options Utahns have!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn more about Utah’s strict legalization of gambling, including online sports betting.
- Find out UT legal alternative sports betting platforms.
- See what popular sports in Utah you can bet on.
Top Social Bookmakers in Utah
Since real-money online sportsbooks are not allowed in Utah, our team TrustnBet has found you a reliable alternative with sweepstakes sportsbooks. Working with virtual currencies, this type of online platform allows you to engage in sports betting. You also get to participate in contests to win cash prizes.
Here are the four best social sportsbooks available to Utah residents:
Online Gambling in Utah: A Quick Overview
Utah’s strict gambling laws ban ALL forms of gambling, including casinos, poker, charitable gaming, horse racing, bingo, and even the lottery. But the love for local teams remains strong, with fans continuing to rally behind Utah’s finest, waiting for a possible shift in the state’s stance on sports betting.
While sports betting is prohibited within the state, Utah residents often cross into neighboring states to place their bets. To avoid betting on unreliable offshore betting sites, we recommend you opt for one of our recommended social bookmakers above.
| Gambling Type | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Social Sportsbooks | Yes (Bettors must be at least 18 years old) |
| Sportsbooks (online and retail) | No |
| Horse Racing | No |
| Casino Gambling | No |
| Poker | No |
| Charitable Gaming | No |
| Lottery | No |
Popular Sports and Teams in the UT Betting Scene
Utah may lack a legal sports betting market, but the state’s passionate fans and dedicated sports teams keep its athletic culture thriving. Here’s a look at Utah’s most popular sports and the teams that shape the local sports landscape.
Basketball
NBA Betting: The Jazz are Utah’s premier pro sports team, with a strong fan base across the state. Known for past legends like Karl Malone and more recent stars such as Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz bring excitement to the Beehive State and are followed closely by Utah’s basketball fans.
Soccer
MLS Betting: As Utah’s top soccer team, Real Salt Lake consistently draws large crowds to Rio Tinto Stadium, with over 19,000 fans filling the stands each game. RSL has established itself as a major player in Utah sports, with dedicated support from local soccer enthusiasts.
Rugby
Rugby Betting: Founded in 2017, the Utah Warriors have rapidly gained a loyal following among Utah’s rugby fans. Competing in Major League Rugby, the Warriors bring high-energy games and excitement to the state’s growing rugby scene.
Ice Hockey
ECHL Betting: An affiliate of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, the Utah Grizzlies hold a special place in Utah’s sports culture. Based in West Valley City, the Grizzlies attract some of the state’s most dedicated fans, making hockey a key part of Utah’s pro sports lineup.
College Football
- University of Utah Utes (Pac-12 Conference): With no NFL team, Utah fans passionately support the University of Utah’s football team. The Utes have become the state’s de facto professional football team, drawing large crowds and loyal fans from across Utah.
- Brigham Young University Cougars (Big 12 Conference): The BYU Cougars football program has a rich history, including 23 conference championships and a national championship in 1984. The Cougars’ strong performances make them a favorite among Utah’s college football fans.
- Utah State Aggies (Mountain West Conference): Known for their competitive athletic programs, the Utah State Aggies have a strong following, particularly in northern Utah. The Aggies’ football team is a key player in the state’s college sports scene.
Women’s Gymnastics
NCAA Betting: The Red Rocks gymnastics team is a powerhouse in college sports, with 10 NCAA National Championships and 26 conference titles. Their exceptional success has earned them a loyal fan base, making women’s gymnastics one of Utah’s standout collegiate sports.
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Utah
Although Utah prohibits sports betting, residents who bet and win in other states must report their gambling earnings.
- All Winnings Are Taxable: The IRS requires you to report any betting profits as income.
- W-2G Form:
- You’ll receive a W-2G form if you win at least $600, or 300 times your wager.
- For winnings over $5,000, the sportsbook may withhold 24% for federal taxes.
- Track Wins and Losses: Keep records of all bets, as losses can offset winnings if you itemize deductions.
This ensures Utah bettors meet IRS requirements and avoid tax issues. For more information about taxable winnings in the US, read our guide on how taxes work on sports betting.
So, What’s Next for Utah Online Sportsbooks?
The latest efforts in Utah’s strict anti-gambling landscape include a 2024 proposal by legislator Kera Birkeland to introduce a state lottery, with proceeds aimed at supporting property tax relief for seniors. Although this proposal doesn’t address sports betting, it signals a potential shift toward limited gambling activities in the state.
With Utah’s firm stance against legalized betting enshrined in its criminal code, and its historical commitment to prohibit all forms of gambling, legalized sports betting seems unlikely in the near future.
However, as neighboring states expand their gambling options, interest in alternative sports gaming options, like sweepstakes sportsbooks, continues to grow. Catch up with state-by-state gambling regulations with our dedicated page.
References
- Utah Criminal Code — Retrieved Nov 12, 2024
- Bill to Bring Lottery to Utah Introduced in Utah Legislature — Retrieved Nov 12, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Utah bans all types of gambling, including lotteries, casinos, and sports betting. Currently, only social bookmakers are available to Utahns.
Yes. As a Utahn bettor, you can enjoy DFS via sweepstakes sports betting sites like Betr or Dabble Fantasy.
Utah does not set a minimum gambling age, as the state has no legal gambling options. Despite that, UT social bookmaker platforms offering daily fantasy sports require users to be at least 18.
