Utah Online Poker

Is Online Poker Legal in Utah?

Online poker seems to be illegal in Utah:

In Utah, a person is guilty of gambling if he:

• Participates in gambling;
• Knowingly permits any gambling to be played, conducted, or dealt upon or in any real or personal property owned, rented, or under the control of the actor, whether in whole or in part;
• Knowingly allows the use of any video gaming device that is in any business establishment or public place, and accessible for us by any person within the establishment or public place.

Since online poker is generally considered "gambling", it's reasonable to suggest that internet poker is illegal in Utah. Gambling is a class B misdemeanor, although it becomes a class A misdemeanor for any person who has been convicted for gambling twice.

How "gambling" is defined in the Utah state law:

"Gambling" means risking anything of value for a return or risking anything of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device when the return or outcome:

• Is based upon an element of chance, and
• Is in accord with an agreement or understanding that someone will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.

Utah Online Gambling Bill to Ban Online Poker

On Tuesday, 21st of February 2012, the Utah House of Representatives approved a bill that would make "gambling over the internet" a banned practice in the state. Even though gambling is already banned in Utah state law, this would make sure that online gambling will stay banned even if a federal legislation of online gambling comes along at some point.

On Monday 19th of March 2012, the Utah online gambling bill has been signed into law by the governor. Any person who gambles online is now guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

Where Can Players from Utah Play Online Poker?

Out of all US online poker rooms, only True Poker accepts players from Utah.