TL;DR: Utah Sports Betting at a Glance
- Legal status: Both retail and online sports betting are illegal and constitutionally prohibited
- Attempts to legalize: None, with some exceptions for lottery and horse racing only
- Public opinion: 44% of Utah residents neither support nor oppose sports betting, but a whopping 38% strongly oppose legalization according to a recent Morning Consult poll.
- Current options: Social betting platforms, prediction markets, and offshore sportsbooks
Top Utah Sportsbooks
Since there are no legal, regulated sportsbooks operating in Utah, your options are limited to international operators. Based on reputation, longevity, banking options, and overall user experience, here are our top five recommended Utah sportsbooks:
- BetOnline: One of the most established names in online betting since 2001
- Bovada: Offers a user-friendly interface perfect for beginners
- Heritage Sports: A reduced-juice sportsbook that offers better odds than most competitors
- BookMaker: Premium sportsbook with high limits and exceptional customer service
- MyBookie: Aggressive bonus offerings and extensive prop markets
Is Sports Betting Legal in Utah?
No, sports betting is not legal in Utah, and it isn’t just a matter of the state not having licensed operators yet. Gambling is explicitly prohibited by the Utah Constitution. Article VI, Section 27 bans all forms of gambling except for charitable raffles. This means there are no legal, regulated sportsbooks operating in Utah, whether online or at retail locations.
While sports betting isn’t regulated in Utah, numerous international sportsbooks continue to accept players from the state. These are bookmakers licensed in jurisdictions like Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, and Antigua that operate outside of US regulatory oversight.
How to Bet on Sports in Utah: Internationally, of Course
International sportsbooks have been serving American players for decades, long before any states legalized sports betting domestically. They offer betting markets on all major sports leagues, along with futures, props, live betting, and everything else you’d expect from a modern sportsbook.
The key difference is that these operators exist in a legal gray area. They’re not illegal per se, but they’re also not licensed or regulated by US authorities. This means you’re essentially betting at your own risk without the consumer protections you’d have with regulated books.
Offshore vs Regulated Sportsbooks
Pros |
Cons |
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International |
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Regulated |
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International books operate outside US jurisdiction, but accept US players nonetheless. The advantages include:
- Better odds: Without heavy state taxes, these books can offer more competitive lines
- Better bonuses: International books compete aggressively for players with deposit matches up to 100% or more
- Higher limits: Sharp bettors can wager significantly more per bet
- More sportsbooks to choose from: Rather than 3-5 regulated options, you have access to dozens of international operators
- More markets: Obscure sports, international leagues, and niche props are more readily available
- Cryptocurrency friendly: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto deposits/withdrawals are fast and fee-free
But the disadvantages can be a hardstop for some bettors:
- No regulatory oversight: If an online book refuses to pay out winnings or closes your account unfairly, your options are extremely limited
- Banking difficulties: Getting money in and out can be challenging and expensive
- No dispute resolution: No gaming commission to arbitrate disagreements, but a third party platform like OddsTrader can mediate disputes
With international books, you’re trusting the operator. This is why sticking with established, reputable brands is critical.
Betting Sites vs Betting Apps for Utah Sports Betting
There’s a common misconception about online betting: that you can just download an app from the App Store or Google Play. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. That’s because Apple and Google don’t allow international gambling apps in their app stores. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t bet from your mobile device.
Most betting sites are mobile-optimized web apps, not downloadable apps. Simply visit the sportsbook’s website through your mobile browser. You’ll get the same functionality as a native app.
So Is It Safe to Bet on Sports in Utah?
“Safe” is a loaded word when it comes to online sports betting. Let’s break down what we mean by safety in this context.
While technically illegal, individual bettors are not the target of law enforcement. The state focuses on operators, not customers. However, you should be aware that you are violating Utah law.
But things do get complicated when you consider your financial security. With reputable, established books like those we recommend, your money is reasonably safe. These operators have been paying out winners for 15-25 years and have strong incentives to maintain their reputations. However, they’re not insured or regulated the way domestic sportsbooks are.
Bottom Line: Betting with established books is reasonably safe, but it’s not risk-free. If you’re comfortable with the inherent risks of unregulated betting, proceed carefully with reputable operators.
Best Utah Sportsbooks: In-Depth Reviews
1. BetOnline: All-around Excellent Choice
BetOnline has been in the betting business since 2001, making it one of the longest-running and most trusted names accepting US players. What sets BetOnline apart is its comprehensive approach. It’s not just a sportsbook, but a full-service gambling platform with poker rooms, a casino, a racebook, and even esports betting.
Welcome Bonus: 50% deposit match up to $250 in free bets
2. Bovada: the Easiest, Most User-friendly Experience
If you’re new to sports betting, Bovada is probably your best starting point. It’s the most recognizable brand in betting, with a reputation built over decades of serving US players. The interface is clean, intuitive, and designed for people who might be placing their first sports bet. Bovada excels at making sports betting accessible.
Welcome Bonus: Bovada offers two welcome bonuses depending on how you fund your account.
- Crypto deposit: 75% match of up to $750 for first deposits via Bitcoin
- Credit card deposit: 50% deposit match worth up to $250 for first deposits of at least $20
3. Heritage Sports: for the Absolute Best Odds
Heritage Sports isn’t the flashiest sportsbook, and it doesn’t bombard you with bonus offers. What it does offer is something more valuable to serious bettors: better odds. Heritage operates as a reduced-juice sportsbook, meaning they take lower margins on bets, passing those savings to bettors through better lines.
Welcome Bonus: Heritage Sports offers two welcome offers and it will be up to you to determine which better suits your betting style.
- 100% free play bonus up to $500
- OR 20% cash bonus up to $500
4. BookMaker: Premium Service for High-stakes Bettors
BookMaker positions itself as the “Cadillac” of sportsbooks, but it’s not for everyone. The interface is more utilitarian than flashy, bonuses are minimal, and the minimum bets are higher than most books. But for serious bettors who prioritize high limits, sharp lines, and exceptional customer service, BookMaker is unmatched.
Welcome Bonus: BookMaker offers two welcome offers and it will be up to you to determine which better suits your betting style.
- 25% cash promo when depositing with credit card
- 100% free play bonus up to $400
5. MyBookie: for Props and Bonus Hunters
MyBookie is the most aggressive sportsbook when it comes to promotions. If you love big bonuses, free plays, and constant reload offers, MyBookie delivers. It’s also excellent for prop bettors, with one of the most extensive prop markets in the sports betting world.
Welcome Bonus: 100% free play bonus up to $1,000
Comparing Utah Sportsbooks Side-by-Side
| BetOnline | Bovada | Heritage Sports | BookMaker | MyBookie | |
| Years Operating | 24+ | 14+ | 24+ | 30+ | 8+ |
| Payment Speed | 1-24 hrs (crypto) | 1-24 hrs (crypto) | 1-3 days (crypto) | 1-2 days (crypto) | 1-24 hrs (crypto) |
| Welcome Bonus | 50% deposit match | 75% deposit match on Bitcoin OR 50% deposit match on credit/cash | 100% free play bonus OR 20% cash bonus | 25% cash promo OR 100% free play bonus | 100% free play bonus |
| Sports Leagues | 25+ | 25+ | 30+ | 35+ | 25+ |
| Products | Sports Casino Poker Racebook | Sports Casino Poker Racebook | Sports Casino Racebook | Sports Casino | Sports Casino Racebook |
| Usability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Very Good |
Why Isn’t Utah Sports Betting Legal Yet?
Sports betting is illegal in Utah under state law. But it’s not just illegal in the way that Jay walking is illegal; it’s constitutionally prohibited. Utah Constitution Article VI, Section 27 states: “The Legislature shall not authorize any game of chance, lottery or gift enterprise under any pretense or for any purpose.”
This isn’t a statute that can be changed by the legislature with a simple vote. It’s embedded in the state constitution, which means legalizing sports betting would require a constitutional amendment. And given Utah’s deeply religious population and strong cultural opposition to gambling, this is an extremely high bar to clear.
Recent Attempts to Legalize Utah Sports Betting
The track record on gambling legalization in Utah is bleak. Since the Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, Utah has shown virtually no interest in following suit.
- 2025: Senate Bill 156 is introduced, proposing pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. The bill is still pending, but faces long odds given past failures.
- 2024: Rep. Kera Birkeland proposes HJR24, a constitutional amendment to establish a state lottery. It fails.
- 2019: Sen. David Haskins introduces a bill that would allow betting on horse races. It dies without serious consideration.
Alternatives to Sports Betting
Utah isn’t just anti-sports betting; it’s anti-gambling period. Here’s the status of various gambling verticals:
- Casino gambling: Completely illegal with no exceptions.
- Horse racing: Horse racing exists in Utah, but wagering on those races is prohibited.
- Poker: Illegal in all forms.
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): This exists in a gray area with the argument that DFS qualifies as a “game of skill” rather than a “game of chance.”
- Prediction markets: Platforms like Kalshi received CFTC approval to operate legally, allowing users to trade on the outcomes of future events.
- State lottery: Does not exist.
- Social/sweepstakes casinos: These sites operate in a legal gray area and technically may violate Utah’s broad gambling prohibitions.
Should You Bet on Sports in Utah?
Sports betting in Utah exists in a complicated space. Utah’s gambling laws aren’t changing anytime soon, so if you want to bet on sports, international sportsbooks are your only option. It’s technically illegal, but they’re available and widely used. The lack of regulation means you’re betting at your own risk, but millions of Americans use these same sportsbooks without issues.
If you decide to bet on sports in Utah, do it smart. Use only established betting sites with long track records, start with small amounts to test the waters, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Choose wisely, bet carefully, and good luck.
Frequently Asks Questions
Is sports betting legal in Utah?
Is sports betting legal in Utah?
No, sports betting is illegal in Utah under both the state constitution and state statutes. Utah is one of only two states (along with Hawaii) with a total gambling ban.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports legal in Utah?
Are Daily Fantasy Sports legal in Utah?
Daily Fantasy Sports exist in a gray area in Utah. The state has never explicitly legalized DFS, but sites like DraftKings and FanDuel operate in Utah and accept players. However, Utah could theoretically crack down on DFS at any time, as the legal status remains uncertain.
Can I bet on Utah Jazz or BYU Cougars games?
Can I bet on Utah Jazz or BYU Cougars games?
Yes, all major international sportsbooks offer betting on NBA games and college sports. You’ll find spreads, totals, moneylines, props, and futures for all Utah teams. The betting markets for Utah’s professional and college teams are just as robust as any other teams in their respective leagues.
Will Utah ever legalize sports betting?
Will Utah ever legalize sports betting?
Probably not in the foreseeable future. Utah’s cultural and religious opposition to gambling is deeply embedded. While cultural attitudes could shift over time, meaningful movement toward legalization is unlikely in the next 5-10 years.
Are my winnings from online sportsbooks taxable?
Are my winnings from online sportsbooks taxable?
Yes. The IRS requires you to report all gambling winnings, regardless of where you earned them. Winnings from online sportsbooks are legally taxable income. However, international books don’t report your winnings to the IRS the way regulated US sportsbooks do. This means the IRS relies on self-reporting.
