Utah – 2010
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Utah – 2015
Utah – 2018
Utah – 2020
Utah – 2021
Utah – January 2024
Utah is unique when it comes to horse racing betting. Nearly two-thirds of its residents are Mormons, who historically oppose all forms of gambling. This makes Utah the most restrictive U.S. state for gambling, with no legal gambling operations whatsoever. Utahns looking to gamble must travel to neighboring states or use offshore betting sites.
No local options exist for betting on horse races, not even online. If you’re interested in wagering on horse races, you can either visit a more gambling-friendly neighboring state or place bets through offshore sportsbooks.
These offshore sites are regulated by their host countries’ laws, allowing them to offer betting services to Utah residents. These platforms often provide a full range of gambling activities, including sports betting and casino games, all unavailable through Utah-based providers. Choosing the right site is crucial, as not all are reliable or safe. Our experts have reviewed many offshore sites and can guide you in selecting trustworthy options.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2011
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$750 Cash Bonus
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2001
|
100% Free Play
|
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|
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2002
|
55% Cash Bonus
|
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2001
|
$250 Free Bet
|
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|
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2014
|
50% Free Play
|
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1996
|
$500 Cash Bonus
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Resources:
Table of Contents
Is horse racing betting legal in Utah?
Betting on the races was legal for a little less than two years, from 1925 to 1927. Other than that, Utah has not allowed gambling of any kind in its state since the early days when it was settled by Mormons. The religion opposes gambling of any type and so does the state’s law.
Because of this, the only way to bet on horses while in Utah is to use an online racebook located offshore and which is not subject to the state’s strict prohibitions on gambling. These offshore platforms can provide a wide range of different perks and benefits, including a wide range of betting markets and some great bonuses.
Betting on Online Horse Racing in Utah 2024 FAQs
Are there horse races in Utah?
Utah has horse racing but on a limited scale. There are county fair races and some tracks that host events, like Laurel Brown Racetrack in South Jordan. However, Utah lacks large, commercial tracks with regular betting due to strict state gambling laws.
Is there horse racing all year round?
Horse racing isn’t available all year round at most tracks. Racing seasons vary based on the type of track (thoroughbred or harness) and region. Some states with warmer climates or indoor facilities have longer seasons, while others are limited by colder weather.
Can I bet on horses in Utah?
In order to bet on horse racing in Utah, you will need to use an offshore sportsbook like BetAnySports or BetOnline.
Where can you bet on the Kentucky Derby in Utah?
With an offshore betting site, you can access a wide range of betting markets on the Kentucky Derby and other big races.
Is Utah the only state that doesn't allow gambling?
No, Utah is not the only state that doesn’t allow gambling. Hawaii also prohibits all forms of gambling. Both states have strict anti-gambling laws and do not have any form of legalized gambling, including casinos, horse racing or lottery.
Ranking the Top 10 Betting Sites for Horse Racing in Utah
Our expert panel thoroughly evaluated dozens of sportsbooks and decided on a top 10 for the best racebooks in Utah. Here’s a look at the list, in order:
- BookMaker – Best all-around site for horse race betting in Utah
- Heritage Sports – Offers VIP service for all race bettors
- Bovada – Racebook loyalty program is the best in the state
- BetOnline – Offers cashback rebate program for wagering on horse racing
- BetAnySports – Cashback and payout boosting programs for racebook players
- JustBet – Easy-to-use interface lets you bet quickly
- BetUS – Previews biggest horse racing events with video analysis and picks
- WagerWeb – Same-day payouts for Bitcoin users
- SportsBetting.ag – Among the largest betting limits around
- Everygame – The oldest online racebook in the world, with years of dependable betting
Every online sportsbook in our top 10 is located offshore. That means they are outside the jurisdiction of Utah law and U.S. gambling regulations. This allows them to serve customers, even in a state that is opposed to gambling to the level Utah is.
Each of the offshore gambling sites in our top 10 offers much more than just horse betting. They offer the opportunity to bet on professional and college sports. Most have online casinos with slot and table games and many also offer live dealer sections for casino games. Some sites have live poker rooms and some allow you to bet on novelty markets, like politics and entertainment.
None of those forms of gambling are legal in Utah state law. So there are no options available within the state, other than an offshore sportsbook.
Each of the online horse betting sites in our rankings has spent years developing a reputation of being safe and dependable. So you can trust them with your money. They’ll treat you right.
Reviewing the Best Utah Horse Racing Betting Sites
Most of the online horse betting sites in our rankings operate their racebook with the same software. So the process of actually placing a bet on a race will be very similar no matter where you go. There are plenty of other categories that our panel of experts used to differentiate the sites, however. Their betting lines and odds on races differ. There are also differences, at times large, in bonuses and promotions offered, the speed of their payouts and the quality of their customer service.
We’ll look at the pluses and minuses of each of the offshore gambling sites for Utah bettors that finished near the top of our best racebook ratings.
1. Caters to All Levels of Utah Horse Players: BookMaker
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$500 Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Rebate program returns up to 8% of your losses on a daily basis
- Odds post earlier than competition
Our experts were most impressed by Bookmaker.eu, which took the top spot in our rankings of the top online racebooks in Utah. It was the best all-around option, in their opinion, offering something for everyone.
BookMaker offers races from more than 50 tracks across North America, as well as some tracks overseas. They are usually the first racebook to have their odds posted. Bookmaker’s site is user-friendly and organized and the mobile platform works just as well as the full site.
Bookmaker is an ideal choice for all levels of horseplayers, regardless of how experienced they are or the size of their bankroll. Betting limits are among the highest in the state, while minimums are extremely low, starting as low as $1. That means that regardless of whether you’re an experienced gambler or newcomer, a high roller or a risk-averse bettor, you’ll find a betting level that suits you. Bookmaker also has earned a reputation for never cutting off a gambler who gets hot.
Additionally, BookMaker’s promos are competitive, including a cashback rebate that will return 3% of all of your losses on win, place and show bets. For exotic bets, it returns 8% of your losses. The losses are calculated on a daily basis. BookMaker also has a flexible set of welcome bonuses and the best loyalty program in the business.
2. Best Mobile Racebook in Utah: Heritage Sports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features
- Pays full track odds for major races, limits up to $1,000 at large tracks
- Mobile racebook site is one of the best in the state
Heritage Sports came in at No. 2 in our rankings. Our panel of experts declared it as the best site for VIP treatment of its racebook customers. That’s no surprise. Heritage Sports got its start as an invite-only gambling site. Even though it’s not limited to elites anymore, it still treats its customers that way. Its customer service is top-shelf and it has an impressive set of promotions for its current customers.
Heritage Sports’ racebook has action from over 60 different tracks from around the world. Races as far away as Ireland, England, mainland Europe, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and South Africa are available on a regular basis.
Betting limits are based on which track is hosting the event. There are 16 major tracks, with limits that go to $1,000. Another 14 tracks have limits of $500. Heritage Sports’ mobile-optimized site is user-friendly and responsive, allowing you to place your bets without delays. Pages load quickly and Heritage Sports offers a similar horse race betting experience on mobile devices as it does on the full site. There’s also an online casino and reduced juice sportsbook available.
3. Top Notch Bonuses & Loyalty Program: Bovada
Best For
Trust
9.9/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
8.9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$750 Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Pays up to $100,000 for big races, $30,000 for others
- Deep menu of betting markets including racing futures and virtual racing section
Bovada has a racebook worthy of No. 3 in our rankings, but first, it’s worth noting everything else the wildly popular sportsbook has to offer. Bovada is known for its full casino experience. It has a huge online casino and it also boasts the busiest online poker room in America. Their sportsbook has more prop betting options than anyone else.
The racebook is just as impressive as the other features at Bovada. It offers races from America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa and Australia. Taking a page from the sportsbook, it has a huge selection of different betting options for races, including one of the largest menus of futures betting on races coming up on the schedule.
Bovada also steps it up for the biggest races of the year. It pays up to $100,000 on the three Triple Crown races and up to $30,000 on other major races throughout the year. If you can’t find enough live races to meet your needs, Bovada also has a virtual horse racing section, which features imaginary races with a selection of animals, from horses to greyhounds to camels.
The promo code at Bovada can be used to unlock a generous welcome bonus. They match 75% of your first deposit, up to $750. The rollover requirement is extremely low, which makes their welcome bonus a better deal for many bettors than books that offer a higher dollar amount. There’s also a loyalty points program that covers both sports and race betting.
4. Top Racing Rebate Program in UT: BetOnline
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
9.2/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$250 Free Bet
Key Features
- Posts futures odds for Triple Crown and Breeders Cup weeks ahead of time
- $25 risk-free horse race bet for new customers
BetOnline finished fourth in our ratings but got a special citation from the panel of experts for having the best rebate program in Utah. They return 4% of what you wagered on straight horse racing bets (win, place or show) and 9% on exotic bets. That’s not a percentage of your losses—it’s a percentage of the amount you bet, meaning you get it back, whether you win or lose. It’s a rebate on your losing bets and a little boost to your profit on your wins.
BetOnline has action from the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and Ireland, France, South Africa and Japan. It also offers more obscure events like Swedish harness racing. For fixed odds races, like the biggest races on the calendar BetOnline offers the most favorable odds of any of the major books and it publishes them weeks ahead of time, giving you plenty of time to do your research and get ready.
BetOnline also has an online poker room on the third busiest network in America, a sportsbook with opinionated lines and an online casino. BetOnline offers a $25 risk-free horse bet for signing up. There are also some BetOnline promo codes that are frequently available which bettors can take advantage of.
5. Reduced Juice Sportsbook with Reliable Racebook: BetAnySports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Cash rebate of 3% of amount bet on straight bets, 6% on exotics, can go as high as 9%
- Welcome bonus can be used anywhere on site
BetAnySports just got a bump up from our panel of experts, who raised its grade from an A to an A+. In addition to a reduced juice sportsbook, BetAnySports offers an online casino and, of course, a racebook.
You can bet on races from most major tracks in the United States and beyond the borders. The limits are some of the highest in the state and their cash rebate program returns 3% on straight bets and 6% on exotics. That applies to the total amount bet, regardless of whether the best won or lost. It increases based on your betting volume and tops out at 9%.
There’s also a “Plus 10%” promotion at the racebook, which gives you an additional 10% on top of your payout for races at certain tracks.
BetAnySports offers a flexible set of welcome bonuses and the money can be used anywhere on the site, unlike other offshore books, who limit the bonuses to the sportsbook or casino. They match 25% of your initial deposit, up to $500 and the rollover requirement is relatively low, although they also have a rollover on your deposit.
The Best Online Horse Racing Betting Sites in Utah Compared
Our experts looked at a number of different factors in determining the rankings of the 10 best online racebooks in the state. Here’s a look at some of the most important ones, along with a quick explanation of some horse racing terminology.
Horse Racing Fixed Odds
Fixed-odds betting is popular for some of the biggest horse racing events in the sport. We looked for sites that posted odds as early as possible for major races like the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup Classic. We also looked for sites that had the most favorable betting odds for gamblers.
Horse Racing Betting Markets
There are two types of bets you can place in the horse racing industry: Straight bets and exotics.
A straight bet is a bet on one horse in one race. You can pick it to finish first (win), first or second (place) or first, second or third (show). The payout is obviously higher if you bet to win.
Exotics are combination bets that involve multiple horses, either in a single race or in several races.
Some common exotics are:
- Exacta: You must pick the top two finishers, in order, for a race.
- Trifecta: Picking the top three finishers, in order
- Superfecta: Requires the top four finishers, in order. Super High Five is the top five.
- Boxed Exacta: Also known as an Exacta Box, you pick multiple horses to finish in the top two spots in a single race. It often refers to picking two horses to finish in the top two in either order (straight exactas require you to also pick the order), but you can structure the box to include three or more horses and if any combination of them finish in the top two, you win. There are also Trifecta Boxes.
- Daily Double: You pick the winners of two races in a row. It’s not two separate bets — The bets are linked, like on a sports parlay, so you only win if you pick the winners in both races. Three races would be a Pick 3 and so on. Just like with parlays, payouts are higher because the bets are linked.
Live Horse Racing Betting
Some racing sites have live simulcasts of races, so you can watch the action. Most races aren’t televised nationally, so this feature lets you know the results of your bet in real time. Also, for major horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby, the live interface at these sites will have extra information to help you make decisions on the fly.
Horse Racing Betting Promotions
Most horse racing sites offer a variety of promotions. One of the most popular ones is a cash-back rebate, which returns to you a percentage of what you lose. Some rebate programs return a percentage of your entire betting volume, not just the losing bets.
Usually, exotic bets have a higher rebate percentage than straight bets.
Special Features for Wagering on Horse Racing
Doing research to decide which horses to bet on is known as handicapping a race. When you go to a track in person, you can get a racing form that shows you information like bloodlines of the horses racing and past performance history for the horses and their jockeys.
Many of the top online racebooks in Utah give you that type of data, including performance and bloodline information. Offshore sportsbooks, which are providing a number of different gambling options in addition to a racebook, may not have as extensive a set of performance data as other sources, but it helps provide some help to your handicapping work.
Horse Racing Welcome Bonus
Almost every racebook offers a welcome bonus to new customers. Usually, the bonus amount is determined by matching a percentage of your initial deposit. Welcome bonuses may be limited to certain areas of the sportsbook, so you’ll have to make sure your bonus can be spent on horse racing.
User-Friendly Design
The user interface should be organized in a fashion that makes sense, allowing you to easily find the races and betting markets you’re looking for. The process to place bets should be fast and easy and the mobile betting platform should have all the functionality of the main site.
Best Utah Horse Racing Betting Sites
The factors above were the areas where the top 10 online betting sites separated themselves from the pack. Below, we discuss some of the basic requirements that a site needed to have to even be considered in our rankings. If a site didn’t measure up in any of these categories, it was dropped from consideration. Every racebook in our top 10 performs well in the following areas.
Brand Reputation
The top online horse betting sites have all been taking bets for years, if not decades. Their reputation for treating bettors right has been earned over that time and they have a long history of paying out on time and in full. Every site in the top 10 is reliable, safe and trustworthy.
Payment Options
The top-rated online horse racing betting sites offer a number of different banking methods for deposits and withdrawals. The list of methods includes credit cards and debit cards, bank wire transfers, e-wallets like Skrill and cryptocurrency options. Delays and fees should be kept to a minimum. Payouts should be fast and easy.
Safety & Security
Every racebook in the top 10 is safe and secure. People sending their money to an overseas internet sportsbook need to be able to trust that their money is safe, so if there was any question, we eliminated the sites from consideration immediately.
Speed & Ease of Use
Odds can change right up to race time and new information can change who you want to pick. So there are times you’ll want to place your bet at the last possible moment. In order to do that, you have to trust that your bet will be processed in time. The sites in our top 10 all are known for being able to place bets quickly and easily. Pages load quickly and there are no glitches, delays or crashes.
Customer Service
The top sites need to be able to respond quickly and efficiently if there is an issue. Most of the sites in our top 10 offer 24/7 customer service in multiple languages. There should also be different ways to contact support, including phone, live chat and email. Hold times should be short and the agents should be professional and able to help you.
Utah Horse Racing – What Bettors Must Know
There are two primary ways to bet on horse races: Fixed odds and pari-mutuel.
Fixed odds are usually only used for major races like the three legs of the Triple Crown, the Breeder’s Cup and the Santa Anita Derby.
Fixed odds work just like futures odds in other sports. The horses in the field are assigned odds of winning, placing and showing. Bettors know ahead of time exactly how much they stand to win.
Smaller tracks and less popular races — meaning all but a handful of races — use pari-mutuel odds to calculate payouts.
In pari-mutuel betting, all the money bet on each market goes into a large pool. A small percentage is taken off the top by the racing industry and the rest of the money is split among the winning tickets. That means you won’t know the exact amount you’ll win until after the race is over and you cash in your ticket.
Betting Odds for Horse Races
For fixed-odds races, there are two different ways odds might be listed: the American format and the fractional format.
Fixed Odds for Horse Racing Betting in Utah
The American format is basically moneyline betting. The odds for each horse are listed as a number with a plus or minus sign. If the number has a plus sign, it tells you how much you would win (in profit) on a $100 bet.
For example, +500 means that a $100 bet would win you $500. (You also get back the $100 you bet, so you would collect a total of $600.) The higher the number, the bigger your payout and the less likely it is that the horse will win, in the eyes of the oddsmakers.
If you don’t bet $100, the payout is scaled based on that ratio. So if you bet $10 on a +500, you’d earn $50 in profit.
When the number starts with a minus sign, it tells you how much you’d have to bet to win $100. So, odds of -110 mean that you’d have to risk $110 to earn $100 profit on a win. Minus signs are reserved for heavy favorites. Because there are so many horses in a race, it’s rare to find a horse with a minus sign.
Fractional odds are the more common way to list horse racing fixed odds. You multiply your bet amount by the fraction to calculate your potential profit.
For example, a horse with 7/2 odds would earn $350 profit on a $100 bet (100 x 7/2 = 350).
Pari-Mutuel Betting in Utah
Pari-mutuel betting is by far the most common type of horse race betting. And, unlike fixed odds, there aren’t a lot of other forms of gambling that use it. Powerball and Mega-Millions payouts, perhaps.
Your bet goes into a pool of money. The racing industry gets a percentage and then the remaining money gets divided up evenly (based on the wager amount) among the winners. Tracks and racebooks (like the lotteries) can estimate what the potential payout will be prior to the start of the race, but the exact final amount of your winnings will be unknown until after the race is over and the payout is calculated.
Pool Betting on Utah Horse Races
Pool betting is another term for the pari-mutuel system. You’ll often hear it used, but the terms are interchangeable.
Horse Racing Bet Types Explained
Win
The most common type of bet. You have to pick the horse you think will win the race.
Place
Your bet wins if the horse you bet on finishes in the top two. The payout for a place bet will be smaller than a Win bet.
Show
Your bet pays off if your horse finishes in the top three spots. The payout is smaller than a place bet or a win bet.
Exacta
You pick the two horses that will finish in first and second place. You have to pick them in the correct order. If you want to bet on the top two horses, regardless of order, you’d need an Exacta Box.
Trifecta
You pick the top three finishers in order. You can also do a Trifecta Box.
Superfecta
You pick the top four finishers in order.
Daily Double
Basically, a two-race parlay. You pick the winners of back-to-back races. Both horses need to win for your bet to pay off. The payout is higher than if you just made and won two independent bets on the races.
Pick 3/4/5/6
Similar to a Daily Double but with three, four, five or six consecutive races.
Utah Horse Racing Betting Terms
Horseplayers have their own language. Here’s a brief glossary of terms:
- Across the board – Putting three bets on the same horse– to win, to place and to show. If the horse finishes first, all three bets will pay off.
- At the post – The horses are lining up to start the race and, just as importantly, betting windows are about to close.
- Blinkers – Restrict a horse’s field of vision. The horse will typically wear them if it is easily distracted.
- Claiming Race – A race where every horse in the field is up for sale.
- Dead Heat – Two or more horses finish in a tie.
- DQ – A horse has been disqualified for some type of foul or infraction
- Exotic bet – Bets that involve multiple horses and combine multiple outcomes, such as an exacta or trifecta.
- Favorite – The horse believed to have the best chance of winning — according to bookmakers— Will also have the lowest potential payout.
- Fixed Odds – Published odds stating exactly how much a winning bet will pay out.
- Furlong – One-eighth of a mile. Often the way race distances are reported.
- Length – Refers to the full length of a horse. It’s used to describe a horse’s lead or margin of victory (i.e. he won by three lengths). If less than a horse’s length separates two competitors, other measurements that can be used are a head, a neck or a nose.
- Morning Line – The track handicapper’s estimate of what the pari-mutuel payout will be.
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering – The primary method used for horse racing payouts. All money wagered goes into a pool, which is split between winners.
- Purse – The total prize money awarded to the owners of the horses in a race. The winning horse earns its owner the largest slice.
- Tote Board – A digital board at the track that highlights the payouts for each market on the most recent race.
- Triple Crown – The three leading races for three-year-old horses in America: the Utah Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Utah Horse Racing Betting Calculator
A fixed-odds bet is similar to a bet in any sportsbook market. You will know exactly what the payout will be if your bet wins. With pari-mutuel betting, however, the amount of a winning bet won’t be known until after the race.
You can, however, try to figure out your potential winnings by looking at the percentage of money wagered on your horse and converting that into a probability.
Utah Horse Racing Odds Chart
The following chart shows the odds (American and fractional) and payout for a $2 bet at different levels.
| Horse Racing Odds | $2 Wager Payout | Implied Probability of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 (-500) | $2.40 | 83.33% |
| 1/4 (-400) | $2.50 | 80% |
| 1/3 (-300) | $2.60 | 75% |
| 1/2 (-200) | $3.00 | 66.67% |
| 4/6 (-150) | $3.33 | 60% |
| 1/1 (-100) | $4.00 | 50% |
| 2/1 (+200) | $6.00 | 33.33% |
| 3/1 (+300) | $8.00 | 25% |
| 5/1 (+500) | $12 | 16.67% |
| 10/1 (+1000) | $22 | 9.00% |
| 50/1 (+5000) | $102 | 1.96% |
As you can see, odds of (-500) and odds of (+5000) are the extreme opposites that you will find when betting on horse races.
Utah Horse Race Tracks
Despite the state’s firm opposition to gambling, Utah does offer horse racing, although many of the tracks have closed over the years.
Laurel Brown Race Track
The only track that offers regular racing in Utah is located in South Jordan.
History of Horse Race Betting in Utah
- 1992: A statewide ballot is held in Utah to legalize pari-mutuel betting, but it fails with a 61-39 margin against it.
- 1927: Despite generating $129,000 in revenue for the state over a period of 19 months, Utah makes horse racing and pari-mutuel betting illegal again.
- 1925: The horse racing ban is lifted and pari-mutuel betting on races is legalized by the Utah state legislature.
- 1913: Governor William Spry signs the bill into law making horse racing illegal in Utah.
- 1875: More than two decades before statehood, Utah passes a law making all forms of gambling illegal.
- 1851: The Utah state constitution includes a ban on gambling, 45 years before Utah becomes a state.
- 1847: As the first Mormons settle in Utah, the state outlaws gambling as the Mormon population grows.
- 1800s: Several casinos operate in Utah to cater to the demand for gambling from the state’s first residents who were silver miners.
Utah Horse Racing Betting Bonuses
Here’s a look at the different types of bonuses offered by online gambling sites:
Welcome Bonuses & Deposit Match Bonuses
The most common bonuses offered are welcome bonuses for new customers and deposit match bonuses. They usually match a percentage of your first deposit, anywhere from 50% to 200%. It’s important to take note of any rollover requirements, which say how many times the bonus amount must be wagered before you can withdraw the money. For instance, a 5X rollover on a $1,000 bonus means you can’t withdraw the bonus money until you’ve bet at least $5,000 (five times the bonus).
Free Bets
These are sometimes referred to as risk-free bets or bet insurance. If you lose the bet, the site returns the amount you lost in the form of free bet credit.
Loyalty/VIP
These are programs to keep customers actively betting. Usually, customers are awarded points for betting activity, which can then be redeemed for money or other perks.
Rebates
Another program that rewards loyal customers. The site returns a portion of what you’ve lost as a cash rebate or site credit. Some sites offer rebates on your betting volume, meaning even your winning bets earn cash back.
Bonus Terms and Conditions at Utah Horse Racing Betting Sites
Bonuses are not free money. Most have some type of requirements or other strings attached. There may be minimum deposit requirements or minimum bet amounts in order to be eligible for them. Some bonuses can only be spent in certain areas — for instance, a sportsbook-only bonus or a casino online bonus. There also is often an expiration date for the bonus money, as well as rollover requirements.
Rollover Requirements
This refers to how many times you need to play your bonus money before you can withdraw it. For instance, Bovada has a relatively low 6x rollover requirement. That means you have to wager six times as much money as you’ve received as a bonus before you can cash it out. For instance, if you get a $100 bonus, you need to play at least $600. Some rollovers are as high as 30x, meaning you’d have to bet $3000 to withdraw your $100 bonus.
Tips to Start Betting at Horse Racing Sites for Utahans
Registering a new account at an offshore racebook is fast and easy. The whole process takes a few minutes:
- Go to Bookmaker, our top-rated site or another site in our top 10.
- Hit the “Join Now” button. Fill out the registration form which asks for simple personal information. You might need to verify by having a code sent to your phone.
- Choose a deposit method and enter your information and the amount of your deposit. Be sure to put in the promo code to collect your welcome offer.
- Find “Racebook” at the top of the page and then browse the upcoming races.
- In order to place a straight wager, just check the win, place or show box next to the horse you want to bet.
- Use the separate tabs to create an exacta, trifecta or superfecta.
- Type the amount you want to bet and click “Place Bet.”
Due to the absence of legal gambling options, Utah sports betting enthusiasts often travel to neighboring states or use offshore sportsbooks. Our experts have reviewed the top 10 Utah sports betting sites to help residents find the best platforms for their betting needs.
Explore our guide to discover the top options for sports betting in Utah.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1996
|
$500 Cash Bonus
|
|||
|
|
2011
|
$750 Cash Bonus
|
|||
|
|
2001
|
100% Free Play
|
|||
|
|
2002
|
55% Cash Bonus
|
|||
|
|
2001
|
$250 Free Bet
|
|||
|
|
2014
|
50% Free Play
|
|||
|
|
1996
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Latest Update
March 2024:
HJR24, filed by Birkeland, is not passed by the House and filed.
Utah Betting Apps FAQs
Can I gamble online in Utah?
You can not gamble online with a state-regulated betting site due to Utah’s gambling laws. However, you are perfectly within your rights to use an offshore sportsbook or casino, such as BetOnline or Bovada.
Can you do DraftKings in Utah?
DraftKings is not available in Utah for betting or daily fantasy sprots contests. To bet on sports, players can cross state lines or head to an offshore site like BookMaker.
Can I use sports betting apps in Utah?
Utah residents can only bet on sports using an app or mobile site offered by any offshore sports betting websites. State law prevents any providers in the state from offering a means to gamble, so your only online options are located overseas.
Why is there no gambling in Utah?
There is no legal state-regulated gambling in Utah because the state’s residents are mostly Mormons and they view gambling as immoral. This means your only legal options for gambling are with offshore sites or offshore mobile sites, as in-person sports betting and gambling are unavailable.
Where can I gamble in Utah?
Because there is no in-person betting or online gambling with a state-regulated online site, you will need to use an offshore mobile sportsbook or offshore mobile site. These offshore sports betting sites, including Heritage Sports and BetAnySports, do not fall under the state’s gambling laws.
Can you bet on Bovada in Utah?
Despite Utah’s strict gambling laws, Bovada is available for residents of Utah to enjoy. In fact, it is our top-rated site for gambling in Utah.
Table of Contents
Best Utah Betting Apps
Our expert panel rated and graded the best online sports betting apps and mobile-optimized sites and ranked the 10 best ones available in Utah.
Each site and app in our top 10 has a long history of safe and reliable play. They also offer betting markets in all major sports, with leagues, teams and games from around the world. There’s also a deep menu of betting methods, including parlays, teasers, player props, live betting, point spreads and moneylines:
- BetOnline – Offers the fastest payouts in Utah
- Bovada – Best mobile platform overall
- Heritage Sports – Features one of the best live betting platforms in the industry
- BetAnySports – Provides a reduced juice model for bettors
- Everygame – Provides a reduced juice model for bettors
- WagerWeb – Offers same-day payout for Bitcoin users
- SportsBetting.ag – Provides weekly promotional offers for loyal customers
- BetUS – Offers higher welcome bonuses and VIP service to Utah bettors
- JustBet – Features a clean and intuitive mobile betting platform
- BookMaker – Provides great opportunities for sharp bettors in Utah
With a wide range of betting options, competitive betting odds and generous bonuses, each of these mobile sites and mobile sports betting apps can provide bettors with a top-notch experience.
The History of Sports Betting in Utah
The history of sports betting in Utah is characterized by a consistent and enduring opposition to gambling in all its forms. This timeline traces the state’s stance from the early 1800s, where casinos catered to silver miners, to the steadfast anti-gambling position upheld in 2024:
March 2024
HJR24, filed by Birkeland, is not passed by the House and filed.
February 2024
State Representative Kera Birkeland files a bill that would allow residents to vote on a state constitution amendment to legalize the lottery.
January 2024
State Representative Kera Birkeland voices her support for a state lottery.
2021
Utah reaffirms its position against all forms of gambling, including sports betting, in response to increasing legalization efforts across the United States.
2015
Utah congressman John Chaffetz introduces a bill that would ban online gambling across the United States. It doesn’t pass.
2018
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA, Utah maintains its prohibition on sports betting, reiterating the state’s long-standing anti-gambling position.
2020
Utah passes a law banning “fringe gambling machines,” slot machines that include a game of skill to skirt gambling laws. The lawmaker introducing the bill calls the machines a “cancer in the community.”
2012
Utah passes a law saying that the state would keep internet gambling illegal, even if federal law eventually permits it.
2010
Utah officials increase enforcement against illegal gambling operations, including underground sports betting, reflecting the state’s commitment to its anti-gambling laws.
Early 2000s
Clubs open in the state offering poker and bingo, using a loophole in the law by claiming they are charging admission for dining, with free gaming. The state cracks down on the new clubs and the vast majority close.
1992
Utah again tries to legalize pari-mutuel betting with a statewide ballot, but it fails by a 61-39 margin.
1927
Despite the fact that it provided $129,000 in revenue to the state over 19 months, Utah passes a law making horse racing and pari-mutuel betting illegal again.
1925
The state legislature overturns the horse racing ban and also legalizes pari-mutuel betting on races.
1913
Horse racing is made illegal in Utah as Governor William Spry signs the bill into law
1875
Still more than 20 years before statehood, a law is passed declaring all forms of gambling to be illegal.
1851
45 years before Utah becomes a state, a gambling ban is included in the state constitution.
1847
The first Mormons settle in Utah. As the population of Mormons grows, the state makes gambling illegal.
1800s
Many of Utah’s first residents were silver miners and several retail casinos were in operation to meet the demand for gambling.
As discussions continue, Utah’s history serves as a testament to the state’s unwavering approach to gambling laws, standing as an outlier in the evolving landscape of sports betting in the United States.
Reviews of the Best Sports Betting Apps in Utah
Each member of the top 10 does several different things well, which is why they impressed our panel of experts enough to earn a spot in the rankings. But none of them are exactly the same as any other one. The sites all have different areas of expertise.
Another detail to consider is that most of the sites reviewed don´t offer a native app, instead, they focus on optimizing their mobile site which tends to be more reliable when it comes to sports betting. Learn more about these top-notch sites below:
1. BetOnline: Fastest Payouts in Utah
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
9.2/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$250 Free Bet
Key Features:
- Best opinionated lines in Utah
- Online casino with a large selection of titles
BetOnline is one of the few sites available in Utah that offers opinionated lines. That means that the odds on either side of the cutoff are not symmetric. They might be -112/-108 or -113/-107. This offers gamblers an opportunity to make more money from their bets. BetOnline also offers unique bonuses that bring even more value.
BetOnline has an outstanding mobile site with a clean interface. Outside of the online sportsbook, The site has a busy poker room that is part of the third-largest online poker network in the United States and includes a standalone app. There’s also an online casino with more than 500 different games available.
2. Bovada: Great Variety of Prop Betting
Best For
Trust
9.9/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
8.9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$750 Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- More prop bets than anyone else
- America’s busiest live online poker room
Bovada is home to a top-ranking sportsbook, racebook, casino and the busiest poker room in the United States. Bovada also takes bets on other non-sports markets, like entertainment and politics. Bovada’s prop builder lets sports betting fans customize bets on game and player stats.
They also keep things simple with low rollover requirements, making it easier for bettors to claim their winnings without hassle.
The mobile platform at Bovada has all of the features from the full site. New Bovada customers can take advantage of a menu of options for welcome bonuses, along with much lower rollover requirements than the rest of the industry. The best Bovada promo codes have a 5x rollover, which is more than twice as low as its competitors.
3. Heritage Sports: Top Mobile Site for Live Betting
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features:
- Our choice for the best live betting platform
- Offers reduced juice lines
Customers can expect to feel like VIPs with the Heritage Sports app. It got its start as an invite-only elite gambling site and has evolved to offer 24/7 customer service, fast payouts and a cashback rebate program to all players.
Heritage Sports also gives gamblers a discount with their reduced juice betting lines of -108, instead of -110, on many sporting events. Along with the reduced juice and rebates, new players can claim a deposit match and get other promos like a free bet on their birthday and reload bonus cash.
Using Heritage on a mobile device offers the same experience as the full site. That goes for Heritage Sports’ sportsbook, as well as the mobile casino, which has a live dealer section.
4. BetAnySports: Best Reduced Juice Model in Utah
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Best reduce juice and value for bettors
- One of the best customer service departments
One of the primary reasons the BetAnySports app received an A+ from us is that it is one of the best values in Utah thanks to its reduced juice model. Players at BetAnySports will find odds as favorable as -105/-105.
BetAnySports can afford to offer its discounts by cutting overhead in other areas. Bonuses and promotions for current customers are not as generous as some competitors offering less favorable odds.
BetAnySports offers a clean, uncluttered site that makes finding and placing bets a breeze. The platform’s customer service is also top-notch, ready to assist with anything from account setup to withdrawal processes.
5. Everygame: Worldwide Menu of Sports to Bet On
Best For
Trust
9.5/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
8.5/10
Customer Service
8.6/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$500 Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Mobile interface is state of the art after a recent upgrade
- Biggest selection of international sports, leagues and games
When it comes to reputation, you won’t find an online option that’s better than Everygame. They are the world’s oldest online gambling site, with nearly 30 years in the business. Throughout all that time, they’ve been treating customers fairly and paying out in full and on time.
Old doesn’t mean outdated, however. The Everygame app began its days as Intertops, but it has changed with the times, including a rebranding that gave the site its new name, as well as brand-new, cutting-edge software.
Everygame offers bettors a vast array of international sports, covering events from every corner of the globe. For casino enthusiasts, the platform boasts an extensive collection of casino games, ranging from classic slots to thrilling table games, catering to all types of players seeking a top-notch gaming experience.
Is sports betting legal in Utah?
The only legal option for sports betting in Utah is through offshore sportsbooks. These sites provide a secure and accessible way for Utah residents to place bets, offering a wide range of betting options and attractive bonuses.
Utah stands out as one of the most opposed states to gambling, with no legal sports betting options available within its borders. The state’s large population of Mormons, who settled there in the 1840s, influences this stance, as their religion outlaws all forms of gambling. As a result, there are no casinos of any kind in Utah, including tribal casinos, despite the significant Native American population.
Unlike other states moving toward legalizing some forms of gambling, Utah’s strict position is unlikely to change anytime soon. This leaves Utah residents with only offshore sites left.
Offshore sportsbooks operate under their own countries’ gambling laws, meaning they are not subject to Utah’s restrictions or U.S. Federal regulations. Offshore sportsbooks provide a legal and accessible way for Utah residents to enjoy sports betting, offering a wide range of betting options and competitive bonuses.
How We Rank the Best Utah Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
When rating the top offshore betting sites in Utah, our experts considered several key factors. Here’s what makes these sites stand out:
- Mobile Betting Experience: Top sites ensure a smooth betting experience on mobile devices, mirroring the full site’s functionality. They offer fast-loading apps and mobile pages, easy navigation, clear layouts and readability on small screens, complete with handy shortcuts for quick access.
- Sports Betting Apps: Quality apps deliver a seamless experience, similar to their website counterparts. They open swiftly, facilitate quick online betting and provide a secure, reliable interface. Expect a comprehensive range of sports, banking options and bonus offers.
- Mobile Betting Bonuses: While diverse bonuses are great, the highest amount isn’t always the best choice. The top sites provide various options, letting you pick the bonus size and rollover terms that suit you. From risk-free bets to free plays, these sites offer benefits tailored to your needs, with clear information about maximums, percentages, minimum deposits, rollovers and expiration dates.
- Live Mobile Betting & Streaming: For live betting enthusiasts, these sites offer quick-loading pages and delay-free bet placement. Many also feature live streaming, allowing you to watch and track your bets in real-time.
- Banking Options: Top sites make depositing and withdrawing funds quick and hassle-free, minimizing delays and fees. A wide range of payment methods, including cards, e-wallets, online bank transfers and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, ensures convenient transactions. Some even offer perks like same-day payments for crypto bets.
- Customer Service: Issues are resolved swiftly, thanks to 24/7 customer support. With friendly, professional agents, these sites ensure help is always at hand, whether through phone, email or live chat.
- Security: Security is non-negotiable. The leading sites boast impeccable security records and long-standing reputations. They are committed to keeping your data safe and any site with security concerns is immediately ruled out.
Choosing the right site involves weighing these factors to find a platform that aligns with your preferences and needs, ensuring a top-notch betting experience.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Utah
Utah sports fans have a range of options when it comes to placing bets on their favorite teams, both locally and from nearby states. Whether you’re into football, basketball, baseball or hockey, there’s always a game to follow and bet on. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular sports to bet on in Utah.
Football – NFL
While Utah doesn’t have its own NFL team, fans here are passionate about football, often rooting for nearby teams like the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos, with their strong history and multiple Super Bowl appearances, are a top choice for many in the region. The Raiders, with their recent move to Las Vegas, have also gained a following. Betting on NFL games is common, with fans placing wagers on everything from point spreads to moneylines, especially during the excitement of the Super Bowl.
College Football
College football holds a special place in Utah, with the Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars being the most popular teams. The Utah Utes, especially in recent years, have been a strong contender in the Pac-12, drawing significant attention from bettors. BYU, with its rich football tradition, also sees a lot of action, particularly during their rivalry games. Fans enjoy betting on these matchups, with options ranging from point spreads to individual player performances.
Basketball – NBA
Basketball is huge in Utah, and the Utah Jazz are at the heart of it. The Jazz have a dedicated fan base, and their games attract a lot of betting interest. Whether it’s regular season matchups or the playoffs, betting on the Jazz is a favorite pastime. Fans often place bets on point spreads, total points and key player performances. The team’s history of success and competitive play makes them a popular choice for basketball fans.
College Basketball
College basketball is also widely followed in Utah, with the Utah Utes and BYU Cougars leading the charge. Both teams have strong basketball programs, and their games, especially during March Madness, are prime targets for bettors. Wagering on point spreads, totals and player performances is common, and the excitement of the NCAA tournament adds to the thrill of betting.
Baseball – MLB
Though Utah doesn’t have an MLB team, baseball fans in the state often support nearby teams like the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The long MLB season provides plenty of opportunities for betting, from run lines to player props. Fans enjoy following these teams and placing bets throughout the season, especially during key matchups and the playoffs.
Hockey – NHL
Hockey might not be the first sport that comes to mind in Utah, but the Colorado Avalanche have a solid following among local fans. The Avalanche, with their recent success and exciting gameplay, draw interest from bettors, particularly during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Betting on moneylines, point spreads and total goals are common, making hockey an exciting option for those looking to diversify their betting interests.
Popular Sports Teams in Utah
While gambling on sports is frowned upon, to say the least, Utah still has plenty of sports for fans to watch. The state is home to several major league teams, with the NBA’s Utah Jazz being one of the most popular teams and who have made the NBA Playoffs each of the last six seasons. Another professional sports team, the Real Salt Lake MLS soccer team, has also called the state home since 2004.
There are also plenty of minor-league baseball, soccer and basketball teams in the state. When it comes to NFL betting, most Utah residents support the Seattle Seahawks, or other teams that college players were drafted to like the Denver Broncos.
Utah is also home to seven Division I college sports programs. Brigham Young and Utah are probably the two most well-known, nationally BYU won the 1984 championship in football and has produced several successful quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer and Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Steve Young and Jim McMahon.
The University of Utah is a member of the prestigious Pac-12 conference. The Utes have made the Final Four in basketball four times (most recently in 1998) and they won the 1944 national championship.
Selection of Promotions & Bonuses Available in Utah
Online sportsbooks want you as a customer and they’re willing to pay to lure you. Whichever site you choose, you should be offered a variety of different welcome bonuses that are available to first-time customers only. Once you’ve signed up, sites also offer loyalty programs to keep their customers happy.
Here are some of the most common types of bonuses:
Welcome Bonuses
Almost every sports betting mobile site and online sports betting app offers a sign-up or welcome bonus to sports fans opening an account for the first time. It’s the most common type of bonus awarded in the industry.
Usually, an online sportsbook will match a portion of your first deposit. It ranges from as low as a 50% match, meaning that if you deposit $500, they’ll give you an additional $250, all the way up to a 200% match, which would mean your $500 will get tripled when they match it with another $1,000.
Bonuses are usually capped at a maximum amount. They may have expiration dates or rollover requirements. Bonuses may also be limited to specific areas of the site — for example, a site may offer a maximum $1,500 bonus that must be used in the sportsbook and a separate $500 casino bonus.
Existing Customer Promotions
Sites also offer loyalty bonuses to keep current customers from straying to other sites. Reload bonuses are a popular type. They work the same as welcome bonuses and match a percentage of any additional deposits you make (to “reload” your account). Sites also offer cash-back programs, loyalty points programs, enhanced betting odds and risk-free bets.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are rare, but you’ll see them on occasion. The online sports betting site gives you free money, funding a few of your bets for free. They may offer you free bet tokens with an expiration date. No deposit bonuses are more common as a loyalty perk for current customers than a welcome bonus.
Risk-free Bets
Risk-free wagers are a common promotion. Sites will allow you to bet from a select range of wager options without worrying about losing money. Different online sportsbooks may call them free bets or bet insurance.
Usually, you place a bet using money from your account. If you win, it’s business as usual and you can collect your winnings just like with any normal bet. If you lose, however, the site will refund the money you bet, usually with a free bet credit.
It will likely come with rollover requirements and expiration dates, making it tougher to withdraw from your account.
Signing up for Mobile Sports Betting Apps in Utah
If you’re ready to get started betting on a wide selection of sports, it takes just a few minutes to register for a sports betting mobile site or app in Utah. The process is fast and easy. Here’s a quick guide.
- Open a Sports Betting Account: Once you’ve chosen the site you want to use, go to the homepage and click the “Join” button. You’ll have to register some basic identifying information. You may need to verify your identity by identifying a code sent to your phone.
- Choose a Payment Method: Once you’ve set up your account, you need to fund it. Go to the Cashier section and you’ll see a menu of deposit methods. Choose one and enter your account information and the amount for your initial deposit.
- Select a Player Welcome Bonus: Most sites offer a selection of possible welcome bonuses. Pay attention to the matching percentage, expiration dates, rollover requirements and maximums. If the welcome offer is a deposit bonus, you also might get additional bonus money for using cryptocurrency. Be sure to enter the promo code, if one is required, to collect your bonus.
- Choose a Betting Market: Now you’re ready to get started with mobile wagering. You can easily peruse the available sports betting markets and a wide range of bet types and make your first wager.
- Place your Bet: Submit your bet slip and you’ve placed your first wager.
With these steps, you’re all set to get started with sports betting in Utah. Enjoy the thrill of the game and bet wisely.
Mobile Sites vs. Sportsbook Apps for Betting in Utah
We’ve been talking about mobile-optimized websites and apps as if they were the same thing. While both are fantastic mobile betting options, as they allow you to wager from your phone or tablet, there are some differences between the two:
Mobile Site
Using a mobile online sports betting site doesn’t require that you download anything. Just go to a sportsbook’s mobile site directly from the browser on your phone. You just enter the sportsbook’s website URL and it will automatically load the mobile site if you’re using a device. You don’t need to do anything special to reach it.
Pros:
- Instant access and a simple process
- Doesn’t require any storage space on your device
- Doesn’t need to be updated
- Accessible on most devices — phone or tablet
Cons:
- The site may be down at times
- Not as secure as an app
Mobile App
To use an app, you must download and install the app on your phone or tablet. It will appear on your phone screen and you can use it by clicking the icon to open the app.
Pros:
- Start-up is quick and easy
- Security is better than using a mobile site
- Guaranteed to work on your device
Cons:
- Not all sites offer mobile betting apps
- Takes up storage space on your device
Utah Betting Apps & Mobile Sites for iOS & Android
Sports betting apps and mobile platforms in Utah should be accessible with all mobile devices — phones and tablets, new and old models, Android and iOS.
iPhone
To download online sportsbook apps in Utah, mobile users on iPhones should go to the Apple Store. There is a search function allowing you to find the app associated with your favorite sportsbook. Some online sportsbooks have a link that will take you to their app store listing.
If the online sportsbook you chose doesn’t have an iPhone app, you can create a mobile progressive web app on your device for free.
Android
Android users can download a site’s sports betting app from the Google Play Store. You can either search the store for the app or your favorite online sportsbook may have a direct link to the Google Play Store listing on their web page. If the site doesn’t have a native app, you can create a mobile progressive web app on your device.
Tips for Mobile Betting in Utah
Mobile betting in Utah offers convenience and flexibility, but it’s important to navigate this space wisely. Here are some practical tips to enhance your mobile betting experience:
- Choose Reliable Banking Methods: Ensure your betting app supports trusted banking methods. Using credit cards, debit cards or wire transfers can offer a secure way to manage your funds. Reliable banking methods mean fewer headaches with deposits and withdrawals. All of the offshore sites on our top-rated list have reliable banking methods.
- Understand the Terms for Deposits & Withdrawals: Each betting app has its own rules for money transactions. Some might process credit card payments instantly, while wire transfers could take longer. Each platform has variable withdrawal times depending on your deposit method. Knowing these details helps you plan your sports bets without unexpected delays.
- Set a Budget for Your Bets: It’s easy to get carried away with sports bets, especially when you have instant access through your mobile. Set a budget for your betting activities to keep your finances in check.
- Stay Informed About Fees: Some banking methods may involve additional fees. Understanding additional fees that may arise helps you avoid surprises and manage your betting budget more effectively.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a secure and enjoyable mobile betting experience in Utah. Remember, a little planning and knowledge go a long way when it comes to online sports betting.
Utah Betting Guides
Our experts have created a variety of guides that cover more than just the sports betting industry in Utah. For a comprehensive look at gambling in your area, check out the rest of our guides:
