Game | Winning Numbers | Details |
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Lotto 6/49 |
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Lotto Max |
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Guaranteed Million Draw |
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Daily Grand |
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Atlantic 6/49 |
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Bucko |
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Keno Atlantic |
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Tag |
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MaxMillions |
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MaxMillions 2 |
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Lotto 4 |
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Utah is one of only a handful of US states that does not operate a state lottery.
In fact, Utah is one of two states that prohibit all forms of gambling outright.
This guide explains why Utah has no lottery, what the law says, and how residents who want to play must look to neighboring states or other alternatives.
Overview
Topic | Answer |
---|---|
State lottery | No |
Legal gambling in Utah | None. Utah is one of two states with no form of legal gambling at all. |
Buying lottery tickets in Utah | Not allowed. Selling or buying lottery tickets is a criminal offense. |
Online lottery in Utah | Not allowed. Online participation is treated the same as in-person gambling. |
Scratch-offs in Utah | Not allowed. Scratch tickets are considered gambling. |
How residents play anyway | Travel to neighboring states such as Idaho or Wyoming to purchase tickets. |
Taxes on out-of-state wins | Federal taxes apply. You will likely owe state taxes where you purchased the ticket and in Utah as well. |
Legal basis | Utah Constitution Article VI, Section 27 prohibits lotteries and all games of chance. |
Does Utah have a lottery?
No. Utah is one of five states without a state lottery, and it is one of two states with no legal gambling of any kind.
All games of chance are prohibited under Utah law.
Why Utah does not have a lottery
The Utah Constitution forbids the legislature from authorizing any game of chance or lottery.
Article VI, Section 27 states that the legislature shall not authorize any game of chance, lottery, or gift enterprise for any purpose.
This constitutional bar is the foundation for Utahās blanket prohibition on lotteries and gambling.
Can you buy lottery tickets in Utah?
No. State law treats gambling and related acts, including selling or buying lottery tickets, as criminal offenses.
A person who participates in gambling or who solicits, requests, commands, encourages, or intentionally aids another person to gamble can be held criminally liable.
Where to buy lottery tickets if you live in Utah
Many Utah residents travel to nearby states to purchase tickets.
During large Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots in 2018, border towns in Idaho saw heavy traffic from Utah.
Stores in Franklin and Malad, Idaho, reported significant increases in Utah customers seeking tickets.
Can you play the lottery in Utah?
You cannot legally play lottery games within Utah.
Residents who wish to participate typically purchase tickets in neighboring states.
Some players also travel to jurisdictions that permit online lottery, then register with online lottery agents to play through those services.
Can you play other state lotteries from inside Utah?
No. You cannot legally play or purchase tickets for another stateās lottery while physically inside Utah.
State law prohibits any form of gambling within its borders, including buying tickets online or through third-party sellers.
To play legally, you must cross into a neighboring state and buy your ticket there.
Does Utah tax lottery winnings?
If you win after purchasing a ticket out of state, federal income taxes apply, which typically means 24 percent withholding.
You will likely have to pay state taxes for both Utah and the state where you bought the ticket.
This is in addition to federal obligations.
Is online gambling allowed in Utah?
No. Utah law does not distinguish between online and in-person gambling.
Buying tickets or participating in games of chance online is not permitted within Utah.
Does Utah have scratch tickets?
No. Scratch-off tickets are considered gambling and, therefore, are not allowed in Utah.
Scratch games are offered in neighboring states, which is why many Utah residents cross state lines to buy them.
Will Utah ever get a state lottery?
It remains uncertain.
There is public interest, as seen in the demand at border retailers, and some lawmakers have discussed initiatives to legalize a lottery.
However, there is strong resistance, and changing the constitution would be difficult, so any change would likely need to come through a residentsā initiative.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions about the Utah Lottery and gambling laws, with clear answers to help you understand what is and is not allowed.
Does Utah have lottery?
No. Utah does not operate a state lottery and prohibits all games of chance. The constitutional ban prevents the legislature from authorizing a lottery.
Where to buy lottery tickets in Utah?
You cannot buy lottery tickets in Utah. Many residents travel to neighboring states such as Idaho or Wyoming to purchase tickets at licensed retailers near the border.
Can you buy lottery tickets in Utah?
No. Selling or buying lottery tickets within Utah is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Aiding someone else to gamble can also lead to liability.
Does Utah tax lottery winnings?
Yes, taxes can apply. Winnings are subject to federal income tax, commonly with 24 percent withholding, and you will likely owe state taxes both where you purchased the ticket and in Utah. Plan for both federal and state obligations when you claim a prize.
Can you play the lottery in Utah?
You cannot legally play lottery games within Utah. Utah residents who wish to play typically buy tickets in neighboring states or travel to jurisdictions that allow online lottery participation.
Is online lottery allowed in Utah?
No. Online participation in games of chance is treated the same as in-person gambling under Utah law. Buying tickets online while in Utah does not avoid the prohibition.
Does Utah offer scratch-off tickets?
No. Scratch-offs are considered gambling and are not offered in Utah. Many players buy scratch tickets after crossing into neighboring states.
Will Utah change its lottery policy soon?
There is interest among some residents and legislators, but strong resistance persists. Because the prohibition is written into the constitution, change would be challenging and would likely require a residentsā initiative.
References
Utah Criminal Code: Gambling (Section 76-10-1102)
H.J.R. 24: Proposed constitutional amendment (2024)
H.J.R. 24: Proposal to amend Utah Constitution (Lotteries)Ā
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