State Senator David Hinkins is advocating for legal horse race betting in Utah, arguing that it is a game of skill rather than chance, similar to playing the stock market. He believes that pari-mutuel betting, where bets are pooled and distributed to winners, falls outside the state’s constitutional prohibition on games of chance. The last time horse race betting was legal in Utah was nearly 100 years ago, and a previous attempt to bring it back in 1992 was opposed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and failed.

Hinkins’ proposed measure, SB 156, would require voter approval in any county that wants to allow pari-mutuel betting. He argues that legalizing horse race betting would help revive the horse racing industry in Utah, which has been in decline. However, the bill has not yet been assigned to a committee for a hearing at the Capitol, indicating that it may face challenges in gaining support and moving forward.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has historically opposed gambling in any form, including government-sponsored lotteries. While Hinkins is pushing for legal horse race betting as a way to boost the state’s economy and preserve the horse racing industry, the bill’s progress remains uncertain as it has not yet advanced in the legislative process.