While many other states are rushing blindly over the gambling cliff, lawmakers in Utah are working to keep the insidious vice out of their state. 

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, (R-Orem) introduced a bill to block Internet gambling. The state measure is designed to preempt and federal efforts to legalize Internet gambling. Sandstrom said the bill is also needed to keep any Indian tribes (and their private equity bankers from Wall Street) from trying to establish a gambling operation in the state.

Utah and Hawaii are the only two states without ANY form of legalized gambling. Utah, of course, is home to a large Mormon population. That religion wisely prohibits members from wasting their time and money gambling. ”I think that defines who we and what we are as a state,” Sandstrom said of Utah’s anti-gambling status. “I think that’s one reason we’re so productive.”

Indeed, Utah is known for its beauty and high quality of life. Of course, Hawaii’s quality of life is not too shabby either. The lack of gambling certainly contributes to both states’ excellent quality of life. Both states are examples for lawmakers around the country that seem addicted to gambling as a misguided way to solve their problems.