UtahH.B. 2432026 General SessionHouseWALLET

Gambling Revisions

Sponsored By: Joseph Elison (Republican)

Signed by Governor

GamblingLaw Enforcement and Criminal Justice

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.

Arcades limited to non-cash prizes

Under this law, arcade-style games are legal when they only give an appropriate reward. Rewards can be a free, non-exchangeable replay, or toys and novelties worth under $100. Tickets or credits are allowed only if they can be redeemed for those non-cash prizes at the same facility or its franchises. Money, gift cards, and store credit are not allowed prizes. Amusement facilities must earn substantial revenue from these devices and cannot offer gambling or fringe gambling.

Crackdown on gambling-like machines

The law targets fringe gambling in businesses. Machines that give credits, gift certificates, or chances to win money or prizes are treated as fringe gaming devices, not amusements or vending. Video gaming devices are also covered if skill does not change play length, they track money or credits, and let you risk more for a bigger return. Devices built to dodge the law still count. Businesses that use these gambling-like machines face enforcement.

Gambling includes lotteries and prop bets

The law defines gambling as risking something of value on a chance-based outcome. Lotteries and proposition bets on specific actions or stats count as gambling. Legitimate sales and approved amusement devices are not gambling. A preview or pre‑reveal does not change that the result is chance.

Online and mobile gambling covered

The law covers gambling done on the internet or a mobile device. Online or app‑based gambling, fringe gambling, and gaming are treated the same as in‑person gambling. An internet service provider is a for‑profit company that sells internet access to Utah consumers. This definition supports enforcement and does not add new customer fees.

Rules take effect May 6, 2026

Beginning May 6, 2026, these gambling rules apply. Businesses and consumers must follow the new definitions and limits starting that date.

Tighter rules for retail promotions

The law sets strict rules for retail promotions and sweepstakes. A promotion must be short, tied to the store’s normal goods, and must not require a purchase to join or to get an edge. It cannot look or act like a casino game, including video poker or playing-card games, bingo, keno, lotto, 8‑liner, Pot O’ Gold, random-matching games, or games that reveal a prize while you play. A sweepstakes uses chance and can be entered with or without payment. A vending machine simply sells merchandise for full value with no chance. A prize includes gifts, services, or credits meant for a person.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Joseph Elison
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Brady Brammer
Republican • Senate
Ariel Defay
Republican • House
Steve Eliason
Republican • House
Raymond P. Ward
Republican • House
Stephen L. Whyte
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 128 • No: 9

Senate vote • 2/27/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Senate/ uncircled

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 19 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Senate/ circled

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 63 • No: 9

House vote • 1/30/2026

House Comm - Amendment Recommendation

Yes: 8 • No: 0