Weiler, R-Woods Cross, said many gas stations and convenience stores in Utah offer what look like slot machines — where people put in money, push a button, and hope spinning symbols will match for cash jackpots, just like Las Vegas machines.
While Utah outlaws risking anything of value for an uncertain return — “any game of chance” — he said these games slip through a loophole in the law. Besides offering a chance at a jackpot, for every dollar deposited they also issue a $1 gift card that may be used for merchandise at one website.
“I have talked to several people who have seen these devices and said, ’How can these possibly be legal, and why would the Utah Legislature allow this type of business activity to be conducted?