Could Online Gambling Be in Play in Utah?

Given the huge Mormon community in Utah, non-Mormon residents have held very little hope that any form of gambling would ever be allowed within the state's borders. To date, that has proven to be true time and again. With the recent news that a key lawmaker is preparing lottery gaming legislation, there might be a glimmer of hope.

Legislation to Legalize Lotteries on the Way in Utah

State House Rep. Kera Birkeland has indicated through the press that she intends to reintroduce lottery legislation at some point during the first 2025 legislative session. The goal would be to get the legislation passed and ready for presentation to voters during the 2026 election cycle.

Before voters can vote on this type of measure, a Constitutional Amendment would have to be passed. That's the kind of legislation that Birkeland plans to put before House members.

According to Birkeland, far too many tax dollars are going to neighboring states from Utah residents who want to play the lottery and participate in other forms of retail and online gambling. Given the fiscal challenges that Utah is currently facing, the Representative feels now is the time to wrestle that tax revenue back into Utah for the benefit of the residents.

It's noteworthy that Utah borders no less than five (5) states where lotteries and or other forms of retail and online gambling are permitted by law. That would include Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming. It's not difficult for Utah residents in border communities to hop in the car and head off to gamble.

About Her Legislative Solution

To target border-crossing gambling, Birkeland intends to propose legislation that will only permit lotteries in counties where residents have easy access to other states.

The number one obstacle such legislation will face is the age-old argument about the potential of gambling to bring societal problems to the forefront. That's why she wants to present this county-by-county proposal as a compromise. In a press release, Birkeland told the press:

“There’s still those saying that this is, you know, really going to decay morally our state, and to them, I just hope that this compromise is showing we’re not again changing behaviors; we’re just capturing those same behaviors within our state limits.”

It's also worth mentioning that fears do exist that passing lottery legislation will eventually open the door to sports betting and casino gambling, retail and online.

Stiff Opposition Will Be Waiting

As one of only five (5) states that haven't passed lottery legislation, Utah lawmakers are more restrictive than lawmakers in other states. A powerful Mormon community is certainly driving that restrictiveness.

At this time, there seems to be very little support in the Senate for any kind of legislation that mentions any form of gambling. Gov. Spencer Cox has also expressed his concerns on this subject matter. Just the same, there is evidence that the gambling mood in Utah might be softening. This might well be the right time to hit with gambling-related legislation as revenue needs are at their high point.