Legal Poker For Utah Residents
Poker games are a pastime that is considered a favorite by many individuals, with poker being particularly popular. If you are a poker player who loves this game, then you are well aware that there are many different varieties of the activity out there. Additionally, there are several different venues in which the game is played across the United States, ranging from homes to casinos to poker clubs. But the fact is that individual states are in charge of determining the legality of certain forms of gambling—and of regulating them according to their own legal code.
Utah is one of only two states that provide absolutely no gambling opportunities for residents and visitors. Yes, you read correctly. If you are planning on visiting Utah, or if you live in this state, there are no regulated wagering activities that are available to you. Now, you will probably have several questions pop into your head as you read this, such as whether or not online gambling is legal, or whether or not you can play poker at home with your friends. Because Utah is a state that has restricted access of gambling opportunities—and it does enforce these limitations—it is important that you get the answers to these questions in order to make decisions that will keep you out of hot water with the law. Read on for more information, as we will break down the state's laws regarding poker one at a time.
Utah Poker Laws & Statutes
As one of the most conservative states in the country, and therefore one that is not supportive of gambling activity, Utah has made the decision to forbid all forms of gambling. This includes casinos, poker games, charitable gambling, pari-mutuel wagers, social gambling, a lottery, etc. If you are a poker player, this means that there is virtually nowhere that you can go on a land-based basis to engage in a real money game.
The natural next question is, what about online gambling? Are online poker games acceptable under the letter of the law? This, too, seems to be outside of the bounds of the legal code. You see, Utah actually passed a law called Internet Gambling that specifically amended the definition of gambling to include online activity. As such, it is safe to say that, according to the law, gambling on the World Wide Web may not be a great idea. But the question of whether or not this activity is safe is a different issue altogether.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Utah?
For many players, the World Wide Web is a wonderful resource for poker games and other gambling activities. Whether their state has declined to offer adequate gambling opportunities or these players simply don't want to travel to the nearest authorized poker venue, the Internet is commonly used to play poker and engage in other wagering activity.
In the state of Utah, though, the legal definition of gambling has been amended to include online betting. As such, online poker games are not condoned by the state. In terms of safety, though, many players throughout Utah still trust online poker rooms and frequent these websites in order to enjoy their favorite game.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Utah?
While it's true that Utah is extremely strict regarding gambling activity, it is also true that the state is not as active as some of the others in the country with regard to prosecuting offenses related to poker and other betting opportunities. The state reported minimal arrests in the year of 2010 that were related to gambling, although there have been reports of increased law enforcement activity with this regard.
The bottom line here is that the odds of getting caught are low enough that many players feel safe turning to the World Wide Web for poker. If you are considering doing this, it is important that you only trust poker rooms that are dedicated to providing you with a high degree of service and support—as well as a fun, exciting experience.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Utah Players
When you live in Utah, you may believe that legal means of playing poker is as far away as a long flight to Las Vegas. Fortunately, through the modern technology behind legal poker sites like the superb ones listed below, you can legally bring all the action of a poker room anywhere you have an internet connection. Join the millions of Americans who enjoy a poker account every day, and check out our listings below!
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Utah
If you absolutely positively need to start with the very best, then consider Bovada. The Bovada online poker room has been in business and serving Utah residents for over 20 years. In that span of time, they have not only learned how to satisfy US citizens, but how to exceed their expectations in every conceivable way. With a Bovada account, you have access not only to regularly scheduled poker tournaments like you would in any legal poker room, but you may take part in a sit and go tournament at any time of your choosing or even just play a couple hands. The style and game and the stakes involved are always completely up to you.
As a service provider, Bovada poker knows that you can always have fun playing poker no matter your skill level. However, where Bovada shines is in helping even new users turn a profit. When you hold an account, you have access to dozens of tools that will help you become the best poker player you can possibly be. Every hand you have ever been dealt will be archived for your later review, complete with statistical analysis of what the best possible play would have been compared to what you did. When you have a Bovada account, poker can not only be fun and profitable, but educational as well.
SportsBetting Poker - All Utah Players 18+ Welcome Here
If you want to take a look at a legal online poker room designed for the more modern user, take a look at the new poker room opening up at SportsBetting. The entire network at SportsBetting has developed a pristine reputation in online gambling circles, earning not just the love and adoration of its millions of clients, but endorsements from major US media giants as well such ad ESPN and FOX. When you play with this legal poker site for Utah residents, you can rest assured that in addition to a complete array of games, stakes, and tables that you’re playing with a bona fide successful business.
In order to help prove it to you, SportsBetting will sweeten the pot before you are even dealt your first hand. When you first start your account and then put money in it, you will be eligible to receive 200% of your money right back in the form of bonus money that can be used anywhere in the SportsBetting poker room. The only thing you need do to ensure that you are eligible for the entire bonus is to keep playing poker using SportsBetting. That’s right, in order to entice you into using their product, this online poker room will actually pay you to do so! Sign on today to take advantage of an unparalleled deal in online poker.
| Legal Utah Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo |  |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |  |
Does Utah Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
When it comes to land-based poker games, Utah residents are out of luck if they are looking to play for real money. The state has essentially prohibited all real money gambling activity—including poker—and has not provided for any social games. As such, even holding a game in your own home for real money would not be allowed by the state.
Online poker rooms offer a bit of a haven for Utah's players, though. As we have mentioned, many individuals in this state feel comfortable turning to the World Wide Web for poker activity. The key is to choose a poker room that will keep your best interest at heart and that is operated legally from wherever it is headquartered, as this will ensure that it is stable.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Utah Players
In most cases, states offer a selection of land-based gambling activities that their residents and visitors can enjoy. These frequently include commercial casinos, tribal casinos, charitable betting, pari-mutuel wagering, poker, social gambling, and more. But the state of Utah has opted to not offer these activities. As such, it is not legal to play poker for real money in Utah in any venue, as unregulated betting activity is out of the bounds of the legal code and there are virtually no regulated gambling opportunities within this state.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Utah
Unfortunately, the future of poker in Utah looks a bit bleak. This is a state that is highly likely to not only refrain from regulating poker activity either online or on land but to actually speak out against such a move. As such, regulated poker games are not anticipated to happen in Utah anytime soon.
