House moves to 'clearly' outlaw illegal gambling

House members passed a bill Wednesday that "clearly" outlaws illegal gambling in Utah.

Utah's constitution prohibits gambling, only one of two states with such a hard stand.

But some private clubs, or fraternal organizations or bingo/dining businesses have backed into the gambling business.

House sponsor Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, said his bill clearly says that while some card games, tournaments or bingo games may be played, no money or anything else of value could be charged for players to get in, or win, the games.

Some bingo parlors have been charging the price of a dinner to play. Some card games have been charging a flat fee, like $20, to play in a Texas Hold'em tournament.

HB104 says anyone can just ask to play in the poker game or get a bingo card and pay nothing to do so.