Online Poker in Utah – Is It Legal? Get $5,000 + at UT Poker Sites

We know that Utah online poker fanatics are always searching for the best gaming options. There may be so many websites offering poker right now, but how will you pick the best one for your unique gambling style?

Only a few sites are worth your consideration, and we’ve listed them here. These casinos offer numerous poker variations, reliable payment options, and special bonuses. Therefore, Utah players should only expect tailored and rewarding gaming products while playing online. This guide looks at how Beehive State residents can take advantage of the different poker gambling websites available to them. But first, we’ll unveil our top list.

Best Offshore Poker Sites
BetOnline Poker logo

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Ignition Poker logo

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Utah Online Poker Gambling at a Glance

There are no domestic Utah online poker options or in-person poker rooms in Utah currently and this looks unlikely to change in the near future. We give you the rundown on the current poker laws in the state below:

  • Legal Poker: Inland (no options), Online (offshore sites only)
  • Minimum Age to Play Poker in Utah: 18 (through offshore sites)
  • Offline Poker Rooms: Not applicable
  • Online Poker Sites: Offshore only
  • Estimated Poker Revenue: Not applicable
  • Permitted Online Domestic Poker Operators: Not applicable
  • Licensing Fee: Not applicable
  • Tax Rate: Not applicable
  • Tax Funded: Not applicable

The Best Online Poker Utah Sites

Not every poker site you’ll find will suit your specific gambling needs. Some Utah online poker hubs are so far from perfection, and you’ll definitely be disappointed. But we know all the tell-tale signs and will help you dodge these bullets. We have taken numerous aspects into consideration and created a list of only the best poker websites suitable for Utah players.

  1. BetOnline – All-round best features for Utah online poker.
  2. Bovada – The best assortment of online poker Utah
  3. Everygame – Frequent exciting poker tournaments.
  4. Ignition – Generous bonuses and promotions for online poker in Utah.
  5. Sportsbetting.ag – Our favorite site for fast payouts.

Utah Online Poker Sites Reviewed

The verdict is out—six online poker websites dominate the Utah market. But what do these platforms have to offer? He’s a brief exposé of the cream of the crop.

1. BetOnline – Best All-round features for Utah Online Poker

Inaugurated in the 1990s, BetOnline has an unblemished history of excellent customer service and reliable payouts. The gambling platform has maintained its good reputation and also managed to keep up with the latest industry trends. BetOnline has the most ideal poker rooms for players who don’t compromise on convenient and safe gambling practices.

Utah Online Poker - BetOnline

BetOnline throws a magnificent red-carpet welcome for all new poker players with a cool 100% match bonus of up to $1,000. You can collect this bounty and several ongoing BetOnline promo codes and enjoy great tournaments such as the Bad Beat Jackpot to win a share of $50,000. Or, for a chance to win $1,000,000, you can join a Sit & Go tournament.

This Utah online poker site has the widest selection of poker variations, including Texas Hold’em, No Limit Omaha, and 7 Card Stud. The games are powered by Connective Games, one of the most successful gaming software designers on the market.

What we like:

  • Attractive welcome bonus for poker players.
  • Wide variety of poker games.
  • Reliable payment options.
  • Tournaments with big jackpots

What we don’t:

  • Not enough regular poker promotions.

2. Bovada – the best assortment of Online Poker Utah tournaments

Get ready for the most exhilarating poker adventure. At Bovada, poker fans can join a tournament every day. The gaming site runs well over 100 tournaments, which means there’s a lot of cash to be won. Bovada runs exciting Sunday Majors compared to most other online poker real money Utah websites.

Utah Online Poker - Bovada

Established in 2004, this site maintains its reputation as a platform with the quickest payouts. Bovada offers convenient banking methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency. Rest assured, all your activity will stay confidential. Bovada uses the latest data encryption technology.

As for the welcome offer, new players receive a magnificent 100% up to $500. You can use more promo codes available on the website to unlock rewards, such as the Bitcoin welcome bonus, which goes all the way to $3,750. Don’t forget that the customer support team is super friendly and available 24 hours a day.

What we like:

  • More poker tournaments than other sites in its class.
  • Customer support is available 24/7.
  • Wide range of deposit methods.
  • Extra crypto bonuses

What we don’t:

  • The welcome bonus could be higher.

3. Everygame – Great and frequent Poker tournaments

Everygame has been operating since the mid-nineties and is one of the most experienced sites on our list. There is a lot to look forward to when using this Utah online poker platform. First, the welcome bonus—a whopping 200% up to $1,000— triples your initial bankroll. After this, you can claim other regular promotions, such as reloads and special giveaways.

Utah Online Poker - Everygame

The real centerpiece of the poker room is the assortment of tournaments, especially the jackpots. Players have fun in the Sunday Sundowner event, where they can claim part of the $10,000 pot or join other high-roller tournaments to win a share of $150,000 or more. You will also find the Soft Poker Series, which pays out up to $70,000.

Other brilliant features you’ll enjoy on the Everygame poker website include helpful customer support and a very efficient instant-play mobile poker platform. The game lobby features poker variants such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7-card Stud, and Telesina. There is also a top casino and sportsbook that users can use all from the same account.

What we like:

  • Triples your bankroll when you make your first deposit
  • Players will earn Poker points as they go.
  • Good selection of rewarding Poker tournaments.
  • High roller tournaments

What we don’t:

  • There are no private tables.

4. Ignition – Excellent bonuses and promotions for online poker in Utah

You deserve a boost, and Ignition Casino is happy to give you one. All new customers are entitled to an incredible 150% up to $1,500. So, if you find yourself without much to do in Salt Lake City, simply open an account with Ignition Casino and join one of the exciting poker tournaments.

Utah Online Poker - Ignition

Ignition lights up your excitement with promo codes for existing customers. Players can take advantage of the $2,500 weekly Poker Freerolls. At the same time, you can enjoy the Bad Beat bonus while collecting points for Ignition Rewards. When you deposit with Bitcoin, the betting platform has even more perks for you. Ignition has a great mobile app to help players enjoy the best online poker in Utah on their iOS or Android smartphone and tablets.

What we like:

  • Great welcome offer.
  • $2,500 weekly Poker freerolls.
  • Generous Bitcoin bonuses.
  • Reliable mobile app for poker players.

What we don’t:

  • Poker software needs an update.

5. Sportsbetting.ag – Our favorite site for fast payouts

Few things are as exciting in online gambling as getting instant access to your winnings. SportsBetting ensures that you can cash out your winnings without delay. The team carries out a standard confirmation process, but they always transfer your cash expeditiously. SportsBetting supports the most popular card, eWallet, and crypto payment methods like Visa, ecoPayz, and Bitcoin.

Utah Online Poker - Sportsbetting

The website has a 100% Poker welcome bonus of up to $1,000. With your funds doubled, you can enjoy the different poker games such as Omaha, 3-card, Pai Gow, and Texas Hold’em. You can also enjoy multiple tournaments with regular promo codes to help fund your gaming activity.

When players step inside the SportsBetting poker room, they will discover an exciting world of gaming. Enjoy the Bad Beat Jackpot for a chance to win life-changing prizes or participate in the frequent Sit-and-Go tournaments. You can catch up with the Main Event on Sundays, which comes with a $150,000 guaranteed for a minimum stake of just $100.

What we like:

  • Fast and easy cash-out process.
  • Lower rake than competitors.
  • Wide range of poker tournaments.

What we don’t:

  • Charges transaction fees for some withdrawals.

More on gambling in Utah…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Utah in our expert guides below:

Online Poker Utah – The Top Sites Compared

Although numerous websites accept players from the Beehive state, not all come close to hitting the mark. We checked all the casinos on our list of top poker sites for credibility and efficiency. We consider a raft of features using time-tested benchmarks before picking the absolute best online poker real money Utah platforms. We compared different poker platforms for bonuses, tournament availability, and game variety, as shown below.

Site Poker Bonus Poker Tournaments Table Limits Freerolls Poker Variety
BetOnline

 

Poker Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $1,000 $0.05 – $250 20+ plus cash tables including Caribbean Stud, Omaha, Texas Hold’em, 3-card
Bovada

 

100% up to $500 $0.05 – $250 12+ plus cash tables including Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Low
Everygame 200% up to $1,000 $0.05 – $150 15+ plus cash tables including Caribbean Stud, Pai Gow, Omaha Hi-Lo, Texas Hold’em.
Ignition

 

150% up to $1,500 $0.02 – $250 15+ plus cash tables including Caribbean Stud, Pai Gow, Omaha Hi-Lo, 3-card, 5-card
Sportsbetting.ag

 

100% up to $1,000 $0.05 – $100 20+ plus cash tables including Caribbean Stud, Omaha Hi-low, Texas Hold’em, 3-card

Is Online Poker Legal in Utah

Now, let’s answer the burning question—how favorable are the existing Utah online poker laws? US federal laws on gambling authorize individual states to formulate statutes and regulate their respective gambling industries. In recent years, several states have made strides towards reforming their gambling laws. Some have even legalized pretty much all forms of online and land-based gambling. Sadly, for Beehive State residents, Utah is still one of the most restraining states regarding gambling regulation.

State laws define gambling as risking any value on the outcome of a contest, scheme, or gaming device. This is an expansive definition, but it does not explicitly restrain online gambling sites, especially with offshore operators. One thing is clear—poker involves risking money. So, we cannot claim that online poker is legal in Utah. The state hasn’t licensed any internet-based gambling platforms. One option for eager gamers would be to take a short drive over the weekend to neighboring states and access legal poker rooms.

There aren’t many proposals to repeal the Utah online poker ban. As Utah gambling laws are mum on offshore betting websites, players from Salt Lake City and other towns have taken to websites like SportsBetting, Ignition Casino, and Bovada for convenient poker gambling options.

Video Poker

As you probably know, video poker is a video game built into a casino kiosk that is quite similar in size to a slot machine. The game is based on the concept of a 5-card draw, but outcomes are determined by a computerized device. Online poker works in the same manner as the in-person card game. You can also join other players at a virtual table.

With video poker, players place bets then receive 5 cards, and they can then discard one of the cards or even all five. The game pays out when the player’s hand matches a winning combination. Although you won’t find video poker kiosks in the state, you can log on to Utah online poker sites such as Bovada or BetOnline to enjoy some exciting video poker titles.

Casual Poker

Most forms of gambling in Utah remain illegal, but if you are looking to spend some quality time with your friends who share in your passion for the game of poker, you are in luck. A casual game of poker may not be very lucrative, but it will equip you with the right kind of skills. When you play with your friends long enough, you can sharpen your craft and then move to professional online poker games for Utah players.

The state stipulates that casual poker must not involve a rake and that the participants are real friends. Professional poker players are restricted from participating in these home games. And no individual must make significant returns from the pot. Some Utah residents also enjoy poker through an office pot or at local bars that do not require a buy-in. Some of these tournaments are legal grey areas.

Utah Poker Laws

US Federal law allows each state to make its own gambling statutes. And some locations in the country have made most types of gambling legal, while others are still lagging behind. As we cited before, Utah currently has stringent gambling laws, and most forms of gambling are prohibited.

While many states have commissioned Tribal casinos, there are no brick-and-mortar casinos in the Beehive State. There are no legitimate card rooms or poker rooms, and residents can only enjoy home games or office tournaments. Because Utah is not as densely populated as some of its neighbors, fewer operators are interested in opening a casino here. As far as we could see, poker Utah laws will likely remain frigid, as no significant proposals have come through.

Online Poker Guides State by State

Utah Poker – Live and in Person

Gamers in the Beehive State have very few gambling opportunities while within state lines. There isn’t even a lottery ticket retailer or a racetrack to place pari-mutuel bets, and sports betting shops aren’t on the menu either. There is basically no in-person gambling in Utah, which is why online gambling is very important.

The only other way to access a legal live poker room is by visiting nearby states that have legalized poker. The closest land-based Poker rooms will take you a couple of hours to drive there from Salt Lake City.

Utah Online Poker Laws

When it comes to online poker, Utah laws remain inflexible. However, you can participate in no buy-in poker tournaments at bars or other public places. The state also allows citizens to organize casual poker games at home with friends. However, you have to be at least 21 years old to participate in such tournaments.

Online poker and all other forms of online gambling are yet to be regulated under Utah state laws. The sparsely populated region has not recently indicated that it will loosen its grip on the Utah online poker ban. Instead, in 2014, the state revisited the statutes and explicitly outlawed online gambling. It may be a really long time before the Utah residents will have a locally-regulated online poker industry.

It is undeniable that poker is a popular game among Utah residents. That is why offshore poker websites are an important market force. The state does not permit any operator to run an online gambling establishment. However, offshore sites are not based on American soil, so the government cannot regulate them. This has created a rather interesting grey area that enables punters from Utah to play their favorite poker games online for real money.

Online Poker Utah

Although under the state laws of Utah, gamers cannot play poker in person, residents can travel to Nevada and play at the nearest casinos. Playing poker in a physical Poker room is enthralling and connects players to each other. However, you will find that playing at physical establishments also puts you at a disadvantage.

Playing online saves you a lot of time and a lot of cash as you do not need to take a journey. You simply visit the poker room from your PC or mobile device. Playing this way opens up plenty of opportunities for players. Here are some of the perks you can expect to enjoy while playing online poker.

Claim Poker Bonuses for Online Players

While poker rooms will have some sort of reward system for frequent patrons, these offers will not usually be as rosy as those for online poker rooms. Poker websites will grant you attractive welcome bonuses, which are usually a once-off deal. However, you will also get to enjoy seasonal promotions such as the Bad Beat Jackpot from BetOnline. The only requirement for a welcome offer is to create an account and make a minimum deposit.

Enjoy More Game Variety

Casino sites typically offer more gaming options, and you won’t need to wait for an open table. You’ll find numerous poker variants, and switching from one table to another will only take a few clicks. When you play at sites such as SportsBetting, you will also enjoy more flexible table limits.

Keep Track of Hands

Managing your bankroll well means that you can stay in the game for much longer and increase your chances of winning. However, while playing in a live poker room, keeping count of all your hands may prove to be cumbersome. As part of the rules, you will not be allowed to take down notes during an in-person poker game. However, while playing online, you can easily monitor your wins and losses. Players use built-in stats at well-designed websites like Bovada to make more informed decisions.

Making Online Poker Utah Deposits

Online gamblers are always concerned about the security of their transactions. Players can relax in Utah online poker gaming as all the sites on our list have dependable payment options that ensure safe and convenient deposits and withdrawals. The recommended sites on this page use the best data encryption technology to fight against cyber fraud.

We took our time and examined each website, paying attention to the various payment options each site has. We also researched crucial issues such as payout time frames. The table below is a simple representation of our findings.

Site Payment Options Accepting Crypto Deposit

Time

Withdrawal

Time

Limits
BetOnline MasterCard, Visa, Money Order, Neteller, Bitcoin, Skrill, Bank Wire, Check 0-2hours 1 – 48 hours $5 – $250
Bovada Visa, MasterCard, Rapid Transfer, Check Up to 15 minutes 1-24 hours $2 – $250
Everygame Bitcoin, Visa, Neteller, MasterCard, Skrill, Litecoin,  EcoPayz Up to 10 minutes 1 – 48 hours $5 – $150
Ignition Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Up to 15 minutes 1 – 24 hours $5 – $250
SportsBetting Visa, Money Order, MasterCard, Neteller, Bitcoin, Skrill, Bank Wire Up to 15 minutes 1 – 48 hours $5 – $100

Playing Online Poker in Utah

Since you can’t play at brick-and-mortar locations in the Beehive State, it is essential to find an online poker casino that speaks to your personality. Utah online poker sites are plentiful, but we created a list to make it easier for you to make the best pick. The choice is yours, but here are a few hints to help you out.

If you’re the kind of player who quickly gets bored if they play the same game over and over, we recommend BetOnline. This site has a wide selection of poker games and keeps releasing new ones. BetOnline is an all-rounder, as it also offers sports betting opportunities and has high-performance online casino gaming software. One area this site lacks is loyalty rewards, and that’s Bovada’s specialty. The online poker platform offers the best loyalty perks and is great for players who prefer private tables.

If you want your dollar to go a little further, try sites such as SportsBetting and Everygame. You will get the lowest table limits making your bankroll last longer. These two platforms, along with BetOnline, are all perfect for tournaments as well as freerolls. However, it’s BetOnline that serves the best real-money games in town. You can enjoy some regular Sit and Go tournaments throughout the year.

So, what’s Ignition suitable for? Well, in addition to a bevy of bonuses and promotions for poker players, the platform offers an excellent mobile app, ideal for iOS and Android devices. If you love playing on the go, Ignition will easily be your favorite.

Tips for Online Poker Real Money – Utah

There can never be a guarantee that you will always win. However, some strategies can make your gaming pleasure more pronounced. Here are a few tips for Utah online poker gaming.

  • Know when to fold – If your opening hand is weak, fold and rejoin the game when your cards are stronger.
  • Avoid using side bets – side bets are not usually encouraged. Try to stay on track with the game.
  • Start off with small stakes – as a beginner, you do not want to risk it all before you have the know-how. Therefore, start with small wagers, build your bankroll, then move to riskier bets.

How to Play Online Poker in Utah

Okay, are you ready to start your quest for the ultimate Utah online poker experience? By taking the next few steps, you can set up your account now, put on your best poker face, and get ready to have some fun.

Step 1: Sign up

The first step you have to take is to register for the account. All you have to do is pick a site that’s most appealing to you. Click on the Sign Up or Join Now button. Then the site will request some of your personal information, such as your full name, email address, date of birth, and state or region. Submit your details. You will immediately receive a confirmation message in your email.

Utah Online Poker - Sign Up

2. Complete the Verification process.

You should follow the verification link to complete your registration. Furthermore, Utah online poker sites like BetOnline will request that you submit copies of your identity particulars such as a passport or driver’s license. The website will also need proof of address in the form of a bank statement or bill.

3. Choose a deposit method

Most of the sites on our list have multiple payment options that you can use. The most common deposit method is the credit card. However, there are other terrific options to make your deposit. You can also use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin. After you’ve selected a deposit method, simply input the amount you wish to deposit and complete the transaction. Usually, the site will offer you an option to choose a welcome bonus.

Utah Online Poker - Deposit

4. And you are good to go!

Now that you have a funded account and a bonus to give you a head start, you can start enjoying your favorite Utah online poker games and win big. You can join a tournament right away. However, if it seems a little too intimidating for you, you may want to play the games in demo mode for practice.

Utah Online Poker - Start Playing


Other Online Poker Guides you Might Like

Learn more about the different types of online poker games and options available online and where to best enjoy them:


Utah Legislative Resources

People that would like to learn more about the current poker and gambling legislation or voice their opinions on the matter to their local or state representative can utilize the link below:

Utah Gambling Resources

If you believe that you, a friend, a family member, or anyone else you know has a gambling issue then we encourage you to use the links below to seek advice and assistance.

Conclusion – Playing Online Poker Utah

Utah has one of the most rigid laws when it comes to gambling. Formally, no type of gambling is allowed in the Beehive State. Most US jurisdictions allow lotteries and other forms of charitable games like raffles and bingo. There is no Utah lottery to speak of. Poker and other casino-style card games are explicitly banned in Utah, whether online or in person. Some punters may opt to take a two-hour drive to neighboring states for a live poker experience. However, offshore sites offer better options, convenience, and bigger bonuses.

We’ve taken the time to carefully select a top list of the best Utah online poker sites. Each site has its unique perks, but BetOnline has overall excellence. While Utah online poker laws are yet to be realized, a grey area exists as players can play at offshore sites not based on Utah soil. Now that you know the ins and outs of playing poker in Utah, what’s left is to choose your preferred gambling website, claim your bonus, and start gaming away.

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FAQ

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Ernest Masuka is a casino gaming expert, having worked as a casino floor manager and written in-depth online gaming guides and reviews for the past 5 years. He enjoys playing new casino games and betting on different sports to better understand what bettors want in the perfect bookie. His work appears on publications like www.business2community.com and www.sportslens.com.

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