Are There Casinos in Utah?
The Legality of Casinos in Utah
Utah is one of the few states in the United States that does not have any casinos. This is due to the state’s strong Mormon population, which views gambling as a sin. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Indian Reservations
The first exception is that casinos are allowed on Indian reservations. This is because the federal government has a trust responsibility to protect the rights of Native Americans, and this includes the right to engage in gaming. There are currently three casinos on Indian reservations in Utah:
- The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise operates two casinos in Utah: the Navajo Nation Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort in Blanding and the Navajo Nation Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
- The Ute Indian Tribe operates the Ute Mountain Casino in Fort Duchesne.
- The Paiute Indian Tribe operates the Cedar City Paiute Tribe Travel Center & Casino in Cedar City.
Limited Gaming Zones
The second exception to the ban on casinos in Utah is that limited gaming zones are allowed in certain areas of the state. These zones are located in areas that are heavily tourist-oriented, such as the ski resorts in Park City and Snowbird. The following games are allowed in limited gaming zones:
- Slot machines
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Craps
The Future of Casinos in Utah
There is currently no movement to legalize casinos in Utah outside of Indian reservations and limited gaming zones. However, this could change in the future if public opinion shifts.
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