Utah is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to gambling. Unlike most states, it does not license charities or nonprofits to run games of chance, so charitable pull tabs are simply not available here. The prohibition is rooted in both the Utah Constitution and the state criminal code, and it applies to bingo, raffles, and pull tabs alike. If you are looking for licensed pull-tab locations, you will not find any within Utah.
Are pull tabs legal in Utah?
No. Utah prohibits gambling in all of its forms, and pull tabs fall squarely inside that ban. Along with Hawaii, Utah is one of only a couple of states that allow no legal gambling of any kind, meaning no state lottery, no casinos, no sports betting, and no charitable gaming.
Because there is no legal framework for charitable or nonprofit gaming, Utah does not issue pull-tab licenses to anyone. There is no application, no permit, and no regulator to approve one. Selling or conducting pull tabs would be treated as illegal gambling under state law.
Why there is no charitable exception
Many states let veterans posts, fraternal clubs, churches, and other nonprofits run pull tabs and bingo as a licensed fundraising tool. Utah does not. State law contains no carve-out that would let a 501(c) organization, a charity, or a social club offer pull tabs even for a good cause.
This is a deliberate policy choice rather than an oversight. Utah's Constitution bars lotteries and gift enterprises, and the Legislature has consistently declined to authorize charitable gaming. As a result, fundraising in Utah relies on donations, sales, and events that do not involve wagering.
What the law says and who enforces it
The core rules sit in the Utah Criminal Code at Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 11, which defines gambling and makes it an offense. Under Section 76-10-1102, engaging in gambling is generally a class B misdemeanor, and repeat violations can rise to a class A misdemeanor. The statute also addresses so-called fringe gambling devices offered by businesses.
Because there is no gaming board to oversee legal play, enforcement runs through the criminal justice system. Local police and prosecutors handle violations, and the Utah Attorney General's office has publicly pushed to curb illegal gambling operations. The practical takeaway is simple: pull tabs cannot be run legally by anyone in Utah, so plan any Utah fundraising around lawful, non-gambling activities.
Where can I play pull tabs in Utah?
Pull tabs are not offered anywhere in Utah, since no bar, charity, veterans post, fraternal club, or other venue may legally run them.
Find a spot74 places to play pull tabs in Utah