Updated on: January 3rd, 2025
While casinos in Utah could bring in millions in revenue, the state has a stringent anti-gambling stance. That’s correct, there are no casinos in Utah. Over the years, the state has been consistent about their refusal to consider gambling in any form.
The good news is that you can still enjoy your favorite casino games within the Beehive State. We take you through the Utah gambling laws as well as the real money gambling options in and around UT.
Are There Any Casinos in Utah?
No, there are no casinos in Utah. This state is one of only two that have not legalized any gambling form. There is no lottery, nor are charities allowed to host bingo games or raffles. There are also no Indian casinos in Utah as the Indian tribes are also prohibited from offering gambling.
Casinos in Utah State
While you won’t find any brick-and-mortar casinos as you would in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, there are a few establishments that offer casino games. The establishment will host casino parties, which are events where you get to play games such as blackjack or poker.
You can only play these games for fun with no real money bets being made. Think of it as playing on social gaming websites.
Another gambling option is bingo parlors. These bingo games are operated within the strict boundaries of the law. The prize pool is relatively small, and only a limited number of games are hosted.
Here are some of the bingo halls in Utah:
| Bingo Hall | Location | Address |
| Annie’s Dinner and Bingo Club | Salt Lake City | 4151 South Redwood Road 84106 |
| Southgate Dinner & Bingo | Salt Lake City | 3725 South 900 East 84106 |
| Utah Cultural Center | Kearns | 4095 West 5295 South 84118 |
| Junction City Social Club | Ogden | 3109 Wall Ave 84401 |
| Eagles Family Meadows Bingo Hall | Huntsville | 10909 State Rd 39 84404 |
Casinos in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the beautiful capital city of Utah. While it may not be home to any casinos, there are some nearby casinos you can visit. The closest casinos are located in West Wendover, Nevada. The city is 123 miles from downtown Salt Lake, which is about hours’ drive.
There are five casinos in Wendover, as well as a truck stop that has slot machines. Each casino offers slots, video poker, and some table games, including Pai Gow, craps, blackjack, and roulette.
- Montego Bay Casino Resort
- Peppermill Hotel & Casino
- Rainbow Hotel & Casino
- Red Garter
- Wendover Nugget
Gambling Laws
The Utah Constitution states that the “Legislature shall not authorize any game of chance, lottery or gift enterprise under any pretense or for any purpose.” As such, the state does not allow any kind of gambling.
Gambling crimes will be charged as a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may face felony charges. It is also a misdemeanor to play at unregulated gambling websites.
Utah’s history has a strong Mormon influence, and a part of that faith includes living vice-free. This means gambling is one of the things that are forbidden in the state. However, in the early 1900s, pari-mutuel wagering was legalized, but it was later banned again.
Bingo halls are acceptable on the basis that the establishment will charge you for food, and bingo will be completely free.
Online Gambling
Online gambling is explicitly banned. In fact, Utah is one of the states with written laws that clearly prohibit gambling on the internet. While web-based gambling is legalized at a federal level, it is unlawful to play casino game online.
Section 1102 of the Utah Criminal Code states that a person is guilty of gambling if they “participate in gambling or fringe gambling, including any Internet or online gambling.”
Basically, while we would recommend gambling at lawful casino sites online, we don’t recommend you do this within the Utah state borders.
FAQs About Utah Casinos
No, there are no casinos in Utah.
No; instead, there are two bingo halls, namely Southgate Dinner & Bingo and Annie’s Dinner and Bingo Club.
Wendover has five casinos, and it is the closest city where you can play casino games when you live in Utah.
Yes, the Utah gambling laws prohibit any form of gambling as well as casinos.
Yes. You won’t be able to play slots at land-based casinos or online.
No, you will not be able to gamble online in Utah.
Utah does not have a state lottery, nor does it offer national lottery games. So, you will not be able to buy lottery tickets in the state.
Yes, it is legal for Utah residents to buy a lottery ticket from neighboring states. The catch with winning is that you will pay taxes on your winnings in the state that the ticket was bought as well as Utah.
The established culture in Utah prohibits residents from gambling. The Mormon culture suggests that all residents live vice free, which includes gambling.
Yes. Poker is also illegal in the state. In fact, the only casino game you can play is bingo.
