Utah Code § 76-9-1402: gambling prohibition
The statute prohibits participation in gambling, fringe gambling and online gambling. It also sets criminal penalties and makes clear that Utah’s restrictions apply even if federal law authorizes forms of online gambling elsewhere.
Utah Code § 76-9-1401: sweepstakes definitions
The definitions cover promotions that may be entered with or without payment and that offer a chance-based prize. Critically, a sweepstakes offered for value or incident to a purchase can fall within fringe gambling.
A narrow exception for ancillary promotions
Some promotional activity may fall outside fringe gambling only when the statutory conditions are met. However, the exception restricts devices that simulate gambling, look or operate like casino machines, or use pretextual transactions to circumvent the law. Consequently, a no-purchase entry method is not a blanket exception for a casino-style website.
2026 updates to the definitions
Changes to § 76-9-1401 took effect on May 6, 2026. In addition, Utah’s 2026 H.B. 243 amended gambling definitions, including proposition betting. Neither development creates a general licence for online sweepstakes casinos.
Therefore, a website that appears accessible in Utah should not be described as legal or state-approved solely because its terms omit Utah from a restricted-state list.