In the ever-evolving landscape of sports betting across the United States, Utah stands out as one of the staunchest opposers. The state, with its deep-rooted Mormon beliefs, has remained unwavering in its prohibition against B&M sportsbooks in Utah.
While neighboring states may embrace gambling reforms, Utah maintains its position, rooted in its history of rebuffing such activities – from refusing partnerships with native tribes for gaming compacts to declining the opportunity to establish a state lottery.
Thus, for those residing in Utah with aspirations of partaking in sports wagering, a journey beyond the state’s boundaries is a necessity.
While the Beehive State remains steadfast in its opposition to Utah land-based sportsbooks, its neighboring states present opportunities for those Utah residents with a penchant for sports wagering. Venturing beyond the borders unveils a world of premier sportsbooks waiting to be explored.
In this guide, we delve into the three top-tier land-based sportsbook options in Colorado, ensuring that even if home turf doesn’t cater to their desires, Utahns needn’t venture far to find a world-class betting experience.
Join us as we spotlight these standout establishments, making it simpler for Utah residents to make an informed choice on their next sports betting excursion.
Address: 240 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422.
Phone: (303) 582-1771
Launched on May 1, 2020, The SuperBook at The Lodge Casino in Black Hawk is a collaboration between the Las Vegas-based Westgate Resorts and SuperBook. Situated on the casino’s second floor, this sportsbook offers a rich betting landscape on global sports.
With 28 HDTVs, a lively sports bar, poker machines, and a state-of-the-art wagering system, it shines a spotlight on Colorado teams while maintaining competitive odds.
Superbook at The Lodge caters to a broad spectrum of sports aficionados. From the intense matchups of the NFL and NBA to the precision of MLB games, the dynamic of NHL events, and global favorites like soccer and tennis, bettors have ample choice.
Popular bet types available include moneylines, point spreads, over/unders, prop bets, and the excitement of live in-game betting.
Other than its sportsbook, The Lodge provides a range of amenities including a comprehensive spa, indoor and outdoor pools, various dining venues, and assorted bars. Guests can also utilize the fitness center and business facilities.
Address: 299 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Phone: (720) 589-0600
Established as a significant stride in bridging the transatlantic sports betting landscape, the Betfred Sportsbook at Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado, stands as a testament to global partnerships in the gaming industry.
Having made its debut on June 16, 2020, this venture was solidified months prior, in January 2020, coinciding with the burgeoning legal sports betting wave in Colorado.
Nestled on the casino’s second floor, patrons are welcomed into a spacious 1,200-square-foot area equipped with 12 self-service kiosks, 4 dedicated betting windows, and a commanding LED video wall showcasing live odds and vital game data.
Behind this endeavor is Betfred, a veteran British bookmaker with an influential footprint in the UK and Ireland since 1967, now making significant inroads into the U.S. market.
At the Betfred Sportsbook, patrons can wager on a vast array of sports, from football, basketball, and baseball to tennis, golf, and MMA. The betting types range from straightforward money lines and point spreads to intricate parlays, futures, and prop bets, catering to both novices and seasoned bettors.
Beyond the sportsbook, visitors to the Saratoga Casino in Black Hawk have several other entertainment options to explore. The casino features over 1,000 slot machines, 50 table games, and a dedicated poker room for those looking to try their luck.
Additionally, a range of restaurants and bars are available, catering to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that guests have a comprehensive entertainment experience.
Address: 111 Richman St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Phone: (720) 946-4000
Visitors to Ameristar Black Hawk Casino have the option of exploring the Barstool Sportsbook. Located in Black Hawk, Colorado, the sportsbook opened on May 1, 2020, following Colorado’s legalization of sports betting.
Barstool Sportsbook is a venture of Barstool Sports, an American digital media company with a focus on sports and pop culture. Headquartered in New York City, it operates under the ownership of Penn National Gaming. This Colorado sportsbook is a result of a partnership between Barstool Sports and Ameristar Casinos.
The Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Black Hawk occupies 1,500 square feet, equipped with 12 self-service betting kiosks and 4 betting windows. An LED video wall displays current odds and game details.
At the Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Black Hawk, patrons are not limited to just mainstream sports. While the NFL remains a dominant choice, bettors also have access to events in cricket, rugby, boxing, and even darts. International competitions, ranging from the Tour de France to the English Premier League, offer diverse betting opportunities.
In terms of betting types, the straightforward moneyline remains a staple. Beyond that, Barstool Sportsbook presents more nuanced options like teasers, where bettors can adjust point spreads or over/unders to their advantage. Round robin betting, popular among those who like to play multiple selections, is another highlight.
Beside the Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Black Hawk, the Ameristar Casino offers gaming variety. Dining options abound with The Grille serving upscale dishes, while the Backstage Bar and Grill offers casual fare. For spirits enthusiasts, The Whiskey Bar has a curated selection, and craft beer lovers can explore local brews at Black Hawk Brewery.
In Utah, the options for legal offline UT sportsbooks are notably scarce, and the prospects for future establishments seem bleak. For residents eager to bet, many turn to offshore online sportsbooks as an alternative. It’s worth noting that these Utah online sportsbooks are secure and licensed, ensuring a safe betting environment.
In Utah, while there are a handful of race tracks, none currently offer Utah sportsbooks for betting enthusiasts. For those eager to indulge in Utah sports betting, we recommend exploring offshore bookies that provide UT no deposit bonuses. This offers a viable and enticing alternative for those looking to place wagers from the state.
Here is list of race tracks in Utah:
There are no casino resorts in Utah with sports betting available. However, if you’re willing to take a few hours’ drive, neighboring Colorado boasts several Casino Resorts that offer Sports Betting facilities:
For gaming enthusiasts seeking an alternative, consider diving into casino action from the comfort of your home by signing up with one of the available Utah online casinos.
There are no cruise ships or riverboats in Utah. The closest cruise ships are on the nearby Great Salt Lake, but they are not technically in Utah.
There are a few companies that offer boat tours on the Colorado River, but these are not cruise ships or riverboats. They are typically smaller boats that offer tours of the river and its surrounding attractions.
If you are looking for a cruise experience, you will need to travel to another state. Here is some nearby alternatives:
| Riverboat Name | State | Address |
| American Queen Steamboat Company | Missouri | 300 N. Front St., St. Louis, MO 63102 |
| Belmond: The Grand American | Missouri | 100 S.W. Second St., Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63102 |
| Celebration Belle | Tennessee | 100 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103 |
| Gateway Clipper Fleet | Ohio | 101 E. Fourth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Gray Line Riverboats | Louisiana | 1 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Mississippi Queen | Louisiana | 1 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Paddlewheeler Natchez | Mississippi | 100 S. Canal St., Natchez, MS 39120 |
| Red River Queen | Louisiana | 100 Texas St., Shreveport, LA 71101 |
| Savannah River Queen | Georgia | 110 W. River St., Savannah, GA 31401 |
For sports betting enthusiasts in Utah, we recommend turning to Utah betting apps. These Utah sports betting sites offer a diverse range of betting action, allowing you to place wagers on a multitude of sports including:
Due to Utah gambling laws, residents are left without local alternatives for brick-and-mortar Utah sportsbooks.
However, the bright side is that neighboring states, just a few hours’ drive away, offer a variety of bet types, including:
Utah, despite not having a multitude of major professional sports teams, takes pride in its assortment of college teams competing at different levels. The state’s ardor for sports becomes evident in the enthusiastic support these collegiate teams receive during their competitions.
| Team | Sport | League |
| Utah Jazz | Basketball | NBA |
| Real Salt Lake | Soccer | MLS |
| Utah Royals FC | Soccer | NWSL |
| Utah Grizzlies | Hockey | ECHL |
| Salt Lake Stallions | Football | AAF (defunct) |
| University of Utah Utes | Football/Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| BYU Cougars | Football/Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Utah State Aggies | Football/Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Weber State Wildcats | Football/Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Southern Utah Thunderbirds | Football/Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Dixie State Trailblazers | Football/Basketball | NCAA Division I |
While the Utah Jazz remains the primary major professional team in the state, as demonstrated above, Utah takes pride in its assortment of college teams that attract devoted local support.
Utah’s strong prohibition on gambling is deeply rooted in its constitution, largely influenced by the state’s Mormon heritage. The only brief exception was in 1925 when pari-mutuel horse race betting was permitted but was later repealed in 1927.
Despite having eight federally recognized tribes, Utah did not form compacts when the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passed. They also abstained from joining the Multi-State Lottery Association.
In recent years, rather than relaxing these strictures, Utah legislators have tightened the gambling prohibition. Those who engage in any form of gambling, online or offline, are potentially subject to misdemeanors with varying penalties.
Playing poker for real money, even within the confines of one’s home, is illegal in Utah. The increased popularity of this card game post-2003 led to stricter enforcement of the existing rules. Online poker, even on offshore Utah poker platforms, is explicitly banned.
However, these poker platforms accept players from Utah, and the general consensus is that the situation remains in a gray area.
Casino games, both offline and online, are outlawed in Utah. Residents keen on indulging often travel to West Wendover, Nevada. However, for those considering online avenues, even offshore Utah casino apps are deemed illegal, carrying with them class B misdemeanor charges upon detection.
Traditional Utah sports betting and horse race betting are strictly prohibited. Any attempt to sidestep this prohibition, including accessing offshore Utah sportsbooks, can lead to a class B misdemeanor charge.
Major DFS platforms operate in Utah, not due to leniency but rather legislative oversight. If Utah ever deliberates a DFS bill, it’s expected to expand the existing gambling ban to encompass paid DFS contests.
Engaging in these contests might be against the law, especially if the state views them as chance-based rather than skill-based.
Utah is one of the few states without a lottery. Obtaining tickets via lottery concierge services is considered unlawful gambling.
While live Utah bingo has found a way to exist in a few places in Utah, it’s a gray area that operators tread cautiously. For instance, a Salt Lake City restaurant once used bingo to boost patronage, offering cards with meals.
However, legal complexities arose, highlighting the challenging environment for such games. Online bingo, much like other forms of online gambling in the state, remains illegal.
There are no Indian gaming tribes in Utah. The state of Utah prohibits all forms of gambling, including tribal gaming.
The closest Indian gaming tribes are located in the neighboring states of Arizona, Nevada, and Wyoming. These tribes operate a variety of casinos, including slot machines, table games, and bingo.
In Utah, gambling addiction is taken seriously, and there are several avenues of support for those facing this challenge. From nationwide helplines to local resources, assistance is at hand for individuals who need it.
Remember, if you or a loved one is grappling with gambling addiction, it’s vital to reach out. Help is available, and recovery is possible. And always keep in mind to gamble responsibly.
There is no Utah sports betting, or gambling of any kind, in Utah. So, there are no sports betting taxes in Utah.
However, if Utah sportsbooks were to be legalized in Utah, the state would likely impose a tax on sports betting winnings. The exact rate of the tax is not yet known, but it is likely to be similar to the rates imposed by other states that have legalized sports betting.
For example, Nevada imposes a 6.75% tax on sports betting winning and New Jersey imposes a 10.75% tax on sports betting winnings.
If sports betting were to be legalized in Utah, the state would likely set the legal age for sports betting at 21, which is the legal age for gambling in most states.
Yes, Utah residents have faced legal consequences for gambling on offshore platforms, such as fines and community service. Nonetheless, if choosing this route, it’s crucial to select reputable offshore online bookies that prioritize user safety.
In Utah, the primary options for gambling enthusiasts are to travel to neighboring states with legalized gambling or explore safe online sportsbooks that hold international licenses.
US gambling laws vary significantly from state to state. While sports betting has been embraced and legalized in many states, there are no legal changes on the horizon for sports betting in Utah.
Yes, daily fantasy sports (DFS) is legal in Utah.
The repeal of the PASPA: Sports Protection Act did not affect Utah’s gambling scene because Utah sports betting is still illegal.
No, gambling of any kind, including Utah sports betting, is illegal in the state. The only form of betting permitted in Utah is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), but participants must be at least 18 years old.
If you gamble in a neighboring state where betting is allowed, you aren’t violating Utah laws. But be informed that Utah might still penalize you if they discover you’ve gambled elsewhere.
Presently, there’s no legislation in the pipeline to legalize sports betting in Utah. However, there’s a growing chorus of support for its legalization, so there might be developments in the future.
Online gambling on a UT sportsbook occurs via the internet, while land-based gambling is at physical venues like casinos.
Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.
