Gambling Machine and Sweepstakes Amendments Passes the Legislature

SALT LAKE CITY – This morning, the Utah Legislature passed S.B. 214, Gambling Machine and Sweepstakes Amendments, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne (D-West Valley). This legislation aims to close loopholes that allow illegal gambling operations to skirt the law in communities across our state.

All along the Wasatch Front, gambling machines have been set up in places such as convenience stores, laundromats, and beauty salons. The owners of these machines frequently target minority-owned businesses by convincing them they are legal, endangering their businesses and livelihoods. These operations also target low-income and working-class communities, preying on families least able to afford it. “This erodes civility, it erodes our communities, and it takes advantage of those who shouldn’t be taken advantage of,” Senator Mayne stated.

For further comment from Mayors from across our state who voiced their support for S.B. 214 in this Special to the Tribune.

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