Attorney general backs expanding Utah gambling definition to cover ‘prop bets’
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Summary
The committee recommended House Bill 243 to add proposition betting to Utah’s definition of gambling. Attorney General Derek Brown told senators that new app-based ‘prop bets’ blur the line with traditional gambling and should be clearly covered by state law.
Representative Lisonbee told the committee HB 243 adds proposition betting to the state’s legal definition of gambling to address rapidly evolving betting apps and 'prop bets.' He framed the change as aligning statute with modern offerings and protecting young people and consumers.
Attorney General Derek Brown said technology and app design have blurred the line between traditional sports wagering and new proposition wagers. Brown said recent offerings designed to look like trading or futures are, in practice, betting: “If that sounds like a distinction without a difference, it absolutely is in my mind, and it is gambling.” He described targeted advertising to college students and other examples where apps try to present bets as lawful trading.
No public witnesses appeared in opposition in the room; the sponsor explained the constitutional prohibition on gambling remains in effect and that the bill simply clarifies the statutory definition. Senator Musselman moved the committee to favorably recommend HB 243; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: HB 243 was recommended favorably by committee and will be reported to the Senate for further consideration.