House approves bill outlawing online gambling

SALT LAKE CITY — The House approved a bill Tuesday intended to make it clear that online gambling is illegal in Utah — even if Congress changes the law.

“I think it’s critical that we keep Utah free of any gambling. This is the time to act,” the sponsor of HB108, Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, said.

The Utah Constitution already prohibits gambling but Sandstrom said the state could be affected if Congress decides to legalize online gambling.

His bill requires the governor to notify Washington that, should a new federal law pass allowing states to permit online gaming, Utah isn’t interested.

“This is a states rights bill,” Sandstrom said.

He warned that allowing any type of gambling in the state would open up the possibility of Native American- owned casinos in Utah. Utah and Hawaii are the only states that ban all gambling.

“The bill is “not taking away any rights,” Sandstrom said, but “preserving no gambling in the state.”

Some concern was raised about how the bill would be enforced, including whether the Utah Attorney General’s office would need more resources to go after those who break the law. Sandstrom acknowledged enforcement would be difficult.

The bill was approved 61-9 and now goes to the Senate.