Utah Sports Betting

Utah is commonly known for being a conservative state and therefore all forms of gambling is banned.

Strong culture of high morality and ethics embedded among the residents, resulting in gambling laws are prohibitively strict when compared to other US States.

While Utah gambling laws have remained mostly unchanged for many decades, other US states have progressed quickly with legalizing sports betting in recent years. However, this does not mean that you cannot place a bet in Utah.

With stagnant gambling laws, most residents of Utah have a misconception that sports betting is illegal and a bet cannot be placed.

This is not true – because gambling laws in Utah actually do not specifically address sports betting and Utah State laws do not extend beyond US borders to offshore licensed sportsbooks.

This means, if you reside in Utah, it is legal for you to place a sports bet.

In this article, we outline where you can place a sports bet legally and safely, the Utah gambling laws, and any repercussions of sports betting in Utah.

Best 5 Utah Sports Betting Sites

Bovada – Utah’s #1 Sports Betting Site

Welcome Bonus: 50% Up To $250 on First Deposit

Bovada is the number 1 sports betting site for Utah. It is legal, safe and secure and has developed a reputation of being the best site for US bettors.

It has the best odds across all the major US sports, but also offers “niche” sport odds such as cricket and rugby. What we like the most is the NFL betting lines. It is overwhelming with the number of options for NFL bets, and they all have great odds. If you are looking to bet on NFL games, then we strongly recommend starting with Bovada.

Bovada’s quality extends beyond just betting odds. Their platform is sharp, fast and easy to use. It is a reliable platform that any bettor would be more than happy with, particularly when you want to place a quick Live Bet. They do not have a mobile app to download, but their mobile website is one of the best and renders accurately on any device size.

They have the most variety of deposit and withdrawal methods with fast processing times. And have recently added cryptocurrency to their list of accepted banking methods. We strongly encourage bettors to use bitcoin as their preferred banking method due to it’s speed and hassle free processing.

Lastly, we cannot look past their Customer Support. It is prompt and accessible, coupled with knowledgeable staff. Their quality extends to other gambling forms – casino games and online poker rooms.

They are by far the premier sports betting site for Utah residents.

Key Information

• Established: 2011
• License: Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake,Canada
• Customer Support: 1-888-263-0000, Live Chat, Contact
• Mobile Devices: Apple, Samsung, Android
• Deposit Methods: Credit Card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Zelle, Voucher, Mastercard, VISA
• Payout Methods: Check, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Voucher, Wire Transfer
• Payout Times: 1 to 2 Business Days

BetOnline – Best Welcome Bonus

Welcome Bonus: 50% Up To $2,500

BetOnline also has a long history of providing exciting betting for Utah bettors.

They have a solid, reliable and easy to use betting platform that is safe and secure. Licensed and regulated by the Panama Gaming Commission, BetOnline has been exemplary with providing a professional sports betting service.

In terms of bonuses, there are four to choose from. Their Welcome Bonus of 100% up to $1,000 is very competitive, but there are also extra bonuses if you deposit with Bitcoin. Payout times are slightly behind those of Bovada, which places BetOnline as our close second favorite sports betting site for Utah.

Key Information

• Established: 2011
• License: Panama City, Panama
• Customer Support: 1-888-426-3661, cs@BetOnline.ag, Live Chat
• Mobile Devices: iPhone, Android, iPad
• Deposit Methods: Bitcoin, Mastercard, VISA, Amex, Wire Transfer, Check
• Payout Methods: Bitcoin, Check, Wire Transfer
• Payout Times: 1 to 5 Business Days

MyBookie – Best New Sports Betting Site

Welcome Bonus: 250% Up To $1,000

MyBookie hasn’t been around as long as Bovada or BetOnline, but that doesn’t mean its a poor second cousin.

Far from it.

MyBookie has quickly built a reputation as being one of the most popular sports betting site for US players. Licensed and regulated in Costa Rica, it has less stringent requirements than Canada or Panama. Don’t let this tarnish MyBookie’s honesty and integrity, because it has very good reviews and feedback from US sports bettors.

What makes MyBookie very attractive is their Welcome Bonus of 250% up to $1,000 – by far the best Welcome Bonus for Utah players.

Key Information

• Established: 2014
• License: Costa Rica
• Mobile Devices: iPhone, Android, Windows
• Deposit Methods: Bitcoin, Mastercard, VISA, Check
• Payout Methods: Bitcoin, Wire Transfer
• Payout Times: 1 to 5 Business Days

XBet – Best NFL Sport Bets

Welcome Bonus: 100% Up To $500

XBet is great for its NFL Live Betting options, hence is fantastic for those looking to bet on the NFL.

XBet is infact a brand of MyBookie, so you can be confident XBet is a reliable, safe and secure sportsbook. Being relatively new, it has yet to establish a reputation that can be compared with Bovada, but it is slowly getting there.

The Welcome Bonus could be better, particularly for a sportsbook that has yet to establish itself as a big player, and the pay out times can be lengthy depending on your payout method.

Overall we rank XBet as a good choice for Utah bettors, belonging in the top 4.

Key Information

• Established: 2013
• License: Curacao
• Customer Support: 855-219-5809,Live Chat, FAQ section
• Mobile Devices: iPhone, Android, Windows
• Deposit Methods: Bitcoin, Mastercard, VISA, Check
• Payout Methods: Bitcoin, Wire Transfer
• Payout Times: 1 to 5 Business Days

Sportsbetting.ag – Extensive history, Trusted and Safe

Welcome Bonus: 50% Up To $500

Sportsbetting.ag has been around the longest of our recommended sportsbook.

However, in 2012 it was acquired by BetOnline and became an extension of the BetOnline platform.

You will find that sportsbetting.ag therefore offers very similar odds to BetOnline, but the Welcome Bonus isn’t as competitive.

Sportsbetting.ag remains as a trusted, safe and secure sportsbook that accepts Utah bettors.

Key Information

• Established: 1998
• License: Panama City, Panama
• Customer Support: 1-888-843-902,  cs@sportsbetting.ag, Live Chat
• Mobile Devices: iPhone, Android, Apple
• Deposit Methods: Bitcoin, Mastercard, VISA, Check
• Payout Methods: Bitcoin, Wire Transfer
• Payout Times: 1 to 5 Business Days

Where can I place a Sports Bet in Utah

If you are wanting to place a sports bet in Utah, your only means of doing so is via online. There is no land based sportsbook that accepts any real money wagers. This is because law enforcement agencies are required to strictly monitor gambling activities physically within the borders of Utah.

Conversely, online sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated offshore are lawfully allowed to accept bettors from Utah.

As a result, you can place a bet at several sports betting sites that accept Utah residents.

How to choose a Sports Betting Site

When choosing a sports betting site there are many factors to take into consideration. Unlike online casinos, finding a sportsbook is much more individualized. This is because there are many strategies that you can implement when sports betting. This places different levels of weighting for each factor among bettors. Along with the sports betting options, there are Welcome bonuses and promotions, sport coverage, banking methods, safety and security and customer support to rank.

Sports Betting Bonuses

One of the most important considerations is the sports betting bonuses. This is often difficult to assess, because there are so many variations. Some will offer Match Bonuses will is similar to playing at online casino games. The Match Bonus is free credit provided by the sports betting site that matches your deposit. Often the bonus has Terms and Conditions which can stipulate that Wager Requirements are a one time bet, or many wagers on restricted sports.

Some sports betting sites include unique codes to claim a specific bonus. So make sure you use the correct code to claim the bonus that you want.

Ease of Sign Up

Signing up to create an account is simple.

As a Utah bettor, there should not be anymore than three steps to sign up and create an account. Please note, that when you withdraw you will be required to provide your Social Security Number and/or other forms of ID. This is only required on withdrawal and not necessary for sign up.

Deposits

When selecting an online sportsbook, make sure they offer the deposit method you want to use. Most Utah sports betting sites will offer the common and trusted deposit methods.

These include:

• Credit Cards – VISA, Mastercard, American Express
• Checks
• Wire Transfers

But some will now accept:

• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Paypal
• Neteller
• Skrill

Our preferred method of deposit is with Bitcoin (BTC). Bitcoin is one of the fastest, safest deposit methods that often has the best bonuses.

Payouts

It’s vital to assess the withdrawal methods, processing times, fees and limits for withdrawing your winnings. Remember that withdrawing requires your personal details and social security number.

The comparisons between site to site for Withdrawal Methods, Fees and Processing Times can be extensive. Some sports bettors are searching for low withdrawal limits, whilst others prefer low fees. Some sports bettors are flexible with their withdrawal methods and can switch between one or more.

Finding the blend between payout methods, fees and processing times can be difficult. However, in general cryptocurrencies are by far the best when considered holistically.

Processing Times

Without doubt, the traditional payment methods of check and wire transfer take the most time (up to 15 business days) while cryptocurrency is extremely fast and convenient (up to 2 business days).

Hence, we strong recommend choosing a sports betting site that has the option of paying out in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.

Types of Sport Bets

For the mainstream bettors choosing a sportsbook is relatively easy. They will all offer the four major US professional sports, and even college games. If you are looking for niche sports, then it may be a little harder. Esports has become popular for League of Legends, DOTA and OverWatch League, with the lesser known esports be harder to find.

Mobile Betting App

Many bettors are looking for a sportsbook with a mobile betting app. Some will offer it while some don’t. Those that don’t offer a mobile app instead have a dynamic mobile website which renders perfectly (as if it were a mobile app). Downloadable mobile betting apps are becoming a rarity as sports betting websites become dynamic with HTML5 coding.

You can now place a bet on any mobile device via a mobile site version with almost the same features and same efficiency as a mobile app.

Live Betting

Live Betting or Inplay betting is the new “in thing”. Bettors want the ability to bet while a game is live, for example at half time, on the next touch down or the make/break of the next free throw.

Make sure when choosing an online sportsbook, to pick one that offers live betting. Most do, but on rare occasions you may come across one that doesn’t. If that doesn’t bother you, then just ensure that all the other aspects of choosing a sports betting site are fulfilled.

Customer Service

The best online sports betting sites offer at least three ways of customer support. They include: email, live chat, toll-free customer support line, and FAQ section.

In addition, look for languages other than English, if you are a non-English speaking bettor. There are sports betting sites that can cater for Spanish, French, German, Chinese and various others.

A Lawyer’s Opinion

Nearly all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited in the state of Utah, including online gambling, casinos, race betting, poker, social gaming, and games with friends. Given the state’s strong religious community, it is unlikely the law will change any time soon. See Utah Code §76-10-1101 et seq.; Utah Code §4-38-1 et seq.

Sports Betting: Online betting on fantasy sports is legal in Utah, permitting FanDuel, DraftKings and others to operate within the state so long as they follow the regulations on operation. General sportsbook making, however, remains prohibited. Individuals who wish to make online sportsbooks, thus, must do so through platforms operating outside of the state.

Race Betting: All forms of race betting is prohibited in the state of Utah. Thus, individuals who wish to make race wagers must do so through platforms operating outside of the state.

Online Gambling: Online gambling, including participation in poker rooms, is not permitted in the state of Utah. Even land-based poker games and charitable events are not permitted. Thus, individuals wishing to participate in online gambling, including poker and other such games of skill, must place bets online through platforms operating outside of the state. Given the state’s strict stance on gambling, it is unlikely it will be one of the first to permit its online counterparts.

Online Gaming: Skill games are not permitted. Thus, individuals who wish to pay games such as Bedazzled must do so through platforms operating outside of the state.

Disclaimer:

The information in this multi-state research is made available by a licensed, U.S. attorney, and is for informational purposes only. We make no representations that the information is complete or correct in its entirety. It should not be construed as providing specific legal advice, and you acknowledge that no attorney/client relationship exists between us. This brief should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed gambling and entertainment lawyer in your state.

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