Legal Age to Play in Casinos Across the USA
Have you ever wondered at what age you can legally try your luck at winning a fortune? No, it’s not the same age when you’re legally allowed to vote, which feels less risky than using a slot machine.
Navigating the legal age to play in a casino can be more confusing than a Las Vegas casino floor layout. In this complete guide, we’re unraveling the mystery.
Whether you’re a “newly-legal-to-everything” at the age of 18, a concerned parent, or a curious bystander, we’ve got you covered. From the neon lights of land-based casinos to the digital realms of online gambling, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the US gambling age, depending on each type of gambling.
Get ready to place your wager! It’s 2024; it’s time to play the game!
The Importance of Legal Age in Gambling
The age to go to a casino serves as a checkpoint for maturity, financial responsibility, and decision-making skills – things that even some adults are still mastering.
After all, navigating through a casino requires more than just an I.D.; it requires the wisdom to know that the house always wins and the restraint not to bet your life savings on a single blackjack hand.
So, as much as we’d love to let everyone join the party, there’s a good reason why the bouncer at the casino door is checking I.D.s. It’s not just about legal compliance; it’s about ensuring that gambling remains a fun, safe, and responsible activity. Who knows, the wait might make that first legal spin at the roulette wheel more thrilling!
As our boss always says:
“Remember, just because gambling is legal doesn’t mean you automatically can!”
Nationwide Standards vs. Gambling Age by State
In their quest to regulate the gambling industry, some states stick to the tried-and-true gambling age in the country of 21. You already know that the least common age for gambling is 18.
Others, eager to include more gamblers in their gaming net, lower the bar to 18 the minimum age requirement for gambling. This allows young adults to bet on their favorite sports or try their luck in a game of online poker, with or without parental supervision. All state laws vary from one to the other!
⚠️ Remember, casinos and sportsbooks are two separate forms of gambling. The age for casino gambling and sports betting may be different, depending on your state!
Legal Age for Land-Based Casinos in Every US State
44 states in the U.S. allow land-based live casino gambling for old-school casino games. For some, only retail or only tribal, others offer a mix of both. Again, every state varies.
| State | Minimum Legal Age to Gamble |
| Alabama | 21 |
| Alaska | 21 |
| Arizona | 21 |
| Arkansas | 21 |
| California | California’s minimum gambling ages are: 21 years old at tribal casinos. 18 years at tribal casinos without alcohol licensing. 21 for poker. 21 for bingo. 18 for bingo without alcohol licensing. 18 for horse racing. 18 for the lottery. |
| Colorado | 21 |
| Connecticut | 21 |
| Delaware | 21 |
| Florida | 21 |
| Georgia | 18* This age applies to cruises that offer gambling. |
| Hawaii | 21 |
| Idaho | 18 |
| Illinois | 21 |
| Indiana | 21 |
| Iowa | 21 |
| Kansas | 21 |
| Louisiana | 21 |
| Maine | 21 |
| Maryland | 21 |
| Massachusetts | 21 |
| Michigan | 18 years old for horse-race betting and lottery games. 18 years old at tribal casinos. 21 years old for casino-style games and sports betting, governed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). 32 years old for poker rooms and poker room tournaments. |
| Minnesota | 18 |
| Mississippi | 21 |
| Missouri | 21 |
| Montana | 18 |
| Nebraska | 21 |
| Nevada | 21 |
| New Hampshire | 21 |
| New Jersey | 21 |
| New Mexico | 21 |
| New York | 21 |
| North Carolina | 21 |
| North Dakota | 21 |
| Ohio | 21 |
| Oklahoma | 18 |
| Oregon | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 |
| Rhode Island | 21 |
| South Carolina | 21* This age applies to cruises that offer gambling. |
| South Dakota | 18* This age applies only to Indian casinos, the only legal casinos in the state. |
| Texas | 21 |
| Utah | 21 |
| Vermont | 21 |
| Virginia | 21 |
| Washington | 18 |
| West Virginia | 21 |
| Wisconsin | 21 |
| Wyoming | 21 |
Legal Age for Gambling at Online Casinos
You’ve got to be 21 years or older to play casino games online, that’s the average gambling age in the United States. This age requirement mirrors the land-based casinos, showing that while the platform may change, the need for a mature gambling age remains constant.
The six states that allow online gambling and their minimum age limits are:
| State | Minimum Legal Age to Gamble Online |
| West Virginia | 21 |
| Connecticut | 21 |
| Delaware | 21 |
| Michigan | 21 |
| New Jersey | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 |
| West Virginia | 21 |
| Nevada* (Poker Only) | 21 |
State-by-State Guide to Legal Gambling Age
When it comes to the legal gambling age state-by-state, many limit the minimum legal gambling age to 21. However, there are a few states with minute differences.
| State | Minimum Legal Age to Gamble |
| Alabama | 21 |
| Alaska | 21 |
| Arizona | 21 |
| Arkansas | 21 |
| California | 21 years old at tribal casinos. 18 years at tribal casinos without alcohol licensing. 21 for poker. 21 for bingo. 18 for bingo without alcohol licensing. 18 for horse racing. 18 for the lottery. |
| Colorado | 21 |
| Connecticut | 21 |
| Delaware | 21 |
| Florida | 21 |
| Georgia | 18* This age applies to cruises that offer gambling. |
| Hawaii | 21 |
| Idaho | 18 |
| Illinois | 21 |
| Indiana | 21 |
| Iowa | 21 |
| Kansas | 21 |
| Louisiana | 21 |
| Maine | 21 |
| Maryland | 21 |
| Massachusetts | 21 |
| Michigan | 18 years old for horse-race betting and lottery games. 18 years old at tribal casinos. 21 years old for casino-style games and sports betting governed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). 32 years old for poker rooms. |
| Minnesota | 18 |
| Mississippi | 21 |
| Missouri | 21 |
| Montana | 18 |
| Nebraska | 21 |
| Nevada | 21 |
| New Hampshire | 21 |
| New Jersey | 21 |
| New Mexico | 21 |
| New York | 21 |
| North Carolina | 21 |
| North Dakota | 21 |
| Ohio | 21 |
| Oklahoma | 18 |
| Oregon | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 |
| Rhode Island | 21 |
| South Carolina | 21* This age applies to cruises that offer gambling. |
| South Dakota | 18* This age applies only to Indian casinos, the only legal casinos in the state. |
| Texas | 21 |
| Utah | 21 |
| Vermont | 21 |
| Virginia | 21 |
| Washington | 18 |
| West Virginia | 21 |
| Wisconsin | 21 |
| Wyoming | 21 |
Legal Age for Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting isn’t considered retail or online gambling, but is just as equally legally challenged. The average sports betting age, like online gambling, is set at the age of 21 in most states. Remember, though, no two states are alike.
| State | Online | In-Person (Retail) | Legal Age |
| Arkansas | No | Yes | 21 |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Delaware | No | No | 21 |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Louisiana | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Maryland | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Mississippi | No | Yes | 21 |
| Montana | No | Yes | 18 |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | 18 |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| New Mexico | No | Yes | 21 |
| New York | No | Yes | 21 |
| North Carolina | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | 18 |
| South Dakota | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Tennessee | Yes | No | 21 |
| Virginia | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Washington | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Washington D.C. | Yes | Yes | 21 |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | 21 |
And here’s a fun fact for the multitaskers: if you’re using a trusted online casino operated by a company that also runs a sportsbook, one account is your golden ticket.
That’s right, a single sign-up will provide you with access to both the sports betting world and the online casino realm, depending on the operator. It’s like having a VIP pass to two exclusive clubs, except there’s no velvet rope and no need to tip the doorman.
Penalties and Consequences of Underage Gambling
Underage gambling is like sneaking into a movie you’re too young to see – it might sound thrilling, but the consequences can be more drama than you bargained for. In the world of gambling, playing before you’ve hit the legal age isn’t just a naughty secret; it’s a serious legal offense where more happens than just getting kicked out of a movie theater.
To give a list of potential consequences when a minor gets caught gambling:
- Fines up to $1,000 or more.
- A six-month driver’s license suspension
- Probation
- Community service
- Jail time
Getting caught can lead to long-term repercussions, like difficulty in finding a job or getting into college. It’s like a bad tattoo from your teenage years, but instead of a questionable ink choice, it’s a mark on your legal record.
- Driver’s License Suspensions: For underage gamblers under their state’s driver’s license age, their eligibility can be pushed out for six months. For those with a driver’s license, it can be suspended in full for up to six months.
- Parental Responsibility: Parents and guardians can also be charged as an individual under 18 is considered to be their responsibility.
- No Plea Bargains: In most states, plea bargains aren’t an option for caught underage gamblers.
Court Required
The only way to prevent automatic severe punishment is to go to court and fight the charges; however, retaining a qualified attorney can be an expensive commitment alone, outside of missing work commitments, stress at home, and other factors.
And it’s not just the underage gamblers themselves who face the music. Casinos, both land-based and online, that allow underage gambling can get hit with severe penalties, including fines, license revocation, and a tarnished reputation. It’s a high price to pay for not checking I.D.s at the door.
Please don’t assume it won’t be you, as an underage gambler, who gets caught. From student-athletes being caught and charged to even major, trusted online sportsbooks being forced to forfeit gambling winning earnings to underage gamblers, in our online-connected world, it is too easy to be caught.
Getting Age-Verified
The age verification process online is like a digital bouncer – thorough, uncompromising, and definitely not open to persuasion. It’s essentially identical to the process for sports betting as well.
Like approaching a car rental calendar or entering a bar, your I.D. has to be verified.
I.D.s are considered:
- Driver’s licenses (most common)
- Passports
- State ID cards
If going into a retail, land-based establishment, a bouncer typically will look over your I.D. to verify its legality. However, online, there is no bouncer! Well, there sort of is – in the form of I.D. verification software like IDMerit.
I.D. verification software takes a scan of your form of I.D. and verifies it is real and legal by checking the provided document against databases, and often a comparison of the photograph on the document to one taken while the verification takes place.
The Future of Gambling Age Laws in the USA
Peering into the crystal ball of the gambling world, what do we see for the future of gambling age laws in the USA? It’s like trying to predict the next big jackpot winner – exciting, a bit uncertain, but definitely worth a discussion.
- More States Joining the Online Bandwagon: It’s like the Gold Rush, but instead of mining for gold, states are digging for digital revenue. The fast development of the diverse range of online casino games we play today could mean more uniformity in online gambling laws in the US, eventually aligning the legal gambling age across both online and land-based platforms. We’ll likely start seeing online gambling and land-based gambling become more and more connected. One day, you may be able to gamble with your favorite casino even while sitting at home!
- A Push for Lowering Age Limits in Some States: Remember how the voting age once dropped from 21 to 18? It could be the same thing federally with the minimum gambling age in the US, making casino gaming legal at the minimum age of 18. Advocacy groups or lawmakers advocating for personal freedoms might argue that if you can serve in the military at 18, why not be able to play poker or bet on sports?
- Increased Focus on Responsible Gambling: With great power comes great responsibility, and as gambling becomes more accessible, there’s likely to be a stronger emphasis on responsible gambling initiatives. This might not change the legal age but could lead to more robust age verification processes and education programs, ensuring that when young adults step into the world of gambling, they’re well-equipped with knowledge and restraint to keep from going bust.
- Technology Leading the Way: Biometric verifications, AI-driven age checks – the future of age verification might be straight out of a sci-fi movie. These advancements could make enforcing the minimum legal gambling age more efficient. We’ve seen it rolled out in areas such as I.D. verifications for watching pornography already (and opposition to the idea of I.D. cards even existing.)
- Rising Popularity of eSports Betting: With the meteoric rise of eSports, we might see a separate set of regulations emerging specifically for this genre, lowering the minimum age to 18; after all, the current illegal betting market is estimated to sit at between $340 billion and $1.7 trillion anyway.
The Essential Role of Legal Age in Gambling
Understanding and adhering to these minimum gambling age laws is crucial. It’s the ace up your sleeve for a responsible and enjoyable gambling experience. It’s about respecting the laws designed to protect you, the player, and the integrity of the gambling industry. The good news is that with current laws, it looks like an “18-year-old mega-gambler” will not be a job description anytime soon.
And let’s remember these laws are as varied as the states themselves. What flies in Nevada might not pass in New Jersey, so keeping up-to-date with state-specific regulations is key. It’s like being a fan of multiple sports teams; you need to know the different rules and players to enjoy the game truly. Legal gambling age by state will vary, so always be certain your state is ready for you to play!
So, here’s our call to action for you, reader: Don’t leave your gambling knowledge to luck. Dive into the specifics. Visit our state-specific pages for the most accurate and detailed legal information to stay ahead of the game! If you’re 18 and looking to play, go play bingo with grandma at a non-betting bingo hall instead!
Additional resources:
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): While not a regulatory body, NCPG offers extensive resources on responsible gambling, including links to state-specific regulations.
- American Gaming Association (AGA): The AGA provides insights into the legal landscape of gambling in the USA, including age requirements.
- State Government Websites: Each state has its own regulatory body for gambling. For instance, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Nevada Gaming Control Board offer detailed information specific to their states.
- Online Casino and Sportsbook Sites: Legitimate online gambling platforms have detailed sections on their age verification processes. For example, websites like BetMGM or DraftKings provide clear guidelines on how they ensure legal compliance.