While Utah is one of the few states in the US that doesn’t have any sort of gambling legislation, consumers still seem to find a way to meet their needs. This is even more prominent as technology grants access to platforms within and outside the state.

One of the most important developments in the history of gambling in the United States was the signing of Assembly Bill 98 into law in 1931 by Nevada Governor Fred Balzar. This came in the wake of the Great Depression, and in the decades that have followed, the gambling sector in the US has only boomed. But despite this, a few states are being left behind.

The States With No Gambling Legislation

In the US, states need gambling legislation put in place to facilitate the growth and legal operation of the industry. 27 States offer legalized commercial gambling, and 33 states allow for tribal gambling.

Currently, there are only four states that have no such legislation and thus, see their residents shut out of the gambling space. These are South Carolina, Georgia, Utah and Hawaii.

These States have neither tribal nor commercial casinos, and this has seen the industry lose out financially. In 2024 alone, the gross revenue for the gambling industry in the US was over $115 billion. Through this revenue, taxes are generated for various states, and this, in turn, can be used for goodwill and welfare projects. This is besides the impact in terms of job creation and tourist attraction.

How Utah Residents Are Coping

Even though Utah remains one of the few U.S. states without gambling legislation, many residents turn to online platforms that operate outside local regulations. These sites offer a range of real-money casino experiences that are accessible and secure.

As noted by Viola D’Elia in her review of the most popular sites, platforms like these are recognized for their generous bonuses, fast payouts, and accessibility across most U.S. states.

Some Utah residents who want an in-person casino experience may also travel to other states for vacation and enjoy their services there. States like Nevada and New Jersey are huge gambling hubs supported by legislation. New Jersey got in on the action in the 1970s, establishing Atlantic City as a similar hub for casinos.

Is Change Coming?

Utah has held out against all forms of gambling for years, but will the tide turn soon? It is worth looking at current trends in the gambling industry, which has seen other forms of wagering become legalized. A Supreme Court ruling in 2018 has seen all but 12 states in the US allow for sports wagering, which is becoming even more popular. Then there is the rise of igaming, which is essentially wagering online. So far, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan have legalized iGaming, and more states will likely follow suit.

Then there is the rising consumer demand, which will see more Utah residents want to enjoy these sorts of services within their home state. Only time will tell, however, if the government will heed these demands and make a change in legislation.