When you think of Utah, what do you think of? Probably mountains, but also one other thing-the LDS religion. Utah’s population is historically made up of a large percentage of LDS people, and that population often determines outcomes in politics.
In early 2024, a bill was introduced in Utah that, if passed, would have put the possibility of a lottery on a ballot for voters to decide.
The proposed Utah lottery would not have legalized any other “games of chance” or gambling, the proposal specifically stated that only a state lottery would have been allowed. Utah’s 2024 legislative session was quiet on the possibility of a Utah lottery, with the bill ultimately not being addressed this year.
While the outcome wasn’t surprising for most Utahns, it begs the question, what do the actual citizens of Utah think about Utah’s lottery rules?
To determine an answer to this question, I sat down with three people of different Utah backgrounds. I asked them three questions; (1) How long have you lived in Utah, (2) Would you consider yourself a person who would like to play the lottery, and (3) What do you think of Utah’s lottery rules.
First, I interviewed Chris Crossman who was born outside of Utah, and moved here after living in several different states.
He believed that he is a person that would like to play the lottery once in a while, and it was of his opinion that Utah’s lottery rules were too restrictive.
“I think Utah’s lottery rules are much too restrictive. I think they should let people decide if they want to play or not, they should let state citizens vote on it.”
He also had something to say about the economic benefits of a lottery in Utah.
“I also think the money that would be generated from taxes on something like that would benefit the state greatly. It would help us do a lot of programs we have trouble funding or the programs that just need funding. So, this would be a great source to help us get some of that money and I think it would be welcome in the state instead of people going out of state and spending all their money out of state to do something like this.”
Next, I interviewed Bette Jo Kirk who has lived in Utah for her entire life.
She also considered herself a person who would like to play the lottery and thought that Utah’s lottery rules were too restrictive, but she outlined a specific reason.
“I personally think of the lottery rules as being a little overboard and influenced by the general population of our state.”
Finally, I interviewed Angela Crossman who also has lived in Utah her entire life.
Like the other interviewees, she believed that she would play the lottery.
She also expressed a belief in the idea that Utah’s nonexistent lottery is keeping the state in the past.
“Utah needs to jump into the 21st century and go ahead and have a lottery.”
The overwhelming result of my interviews was an understanding that Utah residents want a lottery. They recognize the economic benefits that would come from one, and they see Utah’s lack of a lottery as an element of the past kept in place by those making the laws.
While the issue of a Utah lottery may never make it to a voter ballot, perhaps those in office will one day try their luck at fortune and make everyone millions.
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