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14.07.2024
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How Old to Play In Casino
Each jurisdiction in the world has its legal gambling age. Yet, because there are numerous places around the world and in the United States where you can indulge in casino gaming, the question is, “How old do you have to be to play in a casino?” read on!
To help you find more information on the gambling age in your jurisdiction, we have provided you with this guide to the legal gambling age in the USA and other countries worldwide.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age in the United States?
The legal gambling age varies depending on the state and the gambling activity you want to engage in. In most states in the US, and certainly in Nevada, you have to be at least 18 or 21 to play in a casino or you should play at Fairgo casino. For example, the gambling age in Vegas is at least 21 for all available activities, including playing casino games. Presently, there are 35 states where you can gamble online with 21+ years and 22 states that allow 18+ players. Below is a table of the gambling age by state in the USA. Here is a list of online casinos in the USA.
| States | Casino | Poker | Sports Betting |
| Alabama | 21 | 21 | – |
| Alaska | 21 | – | – |
| Arizona | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Arkansas | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| California | 18-21 | 18-21 | 18 |
| Colorado | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Connecticut | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Delaware | 21 | 18-21 | 17 |
| Florida | 21 | 18 | 18 |
| Georgia | 18 (on cruise ships) | 18 | – |
| Hawaii | 21 | 21 | – |
| Idaho | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Illinois | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Indiana | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Iowa | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Kansas | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Kentucky | – | – | 21 |
| Louisiana | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Maine | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Maryland | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Massachusetts | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Michigan | 18-21 | 18 | 18 |
| Minnesota | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Mississippi | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Missouri | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Montana | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Nebraska | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Nevada | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| New Hampshire | 21 | 18 | 21 |
| New Jersey | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| New Mexico | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| New York | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| North Carolina | 21 | 21 | – |
| North Dakota | 21 | 21 | – |
| Ohia | 18-21 | 18-21 | 18 |
| Oklahoma | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Oregon | 21 | 18 | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Rhode Island | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| South Dakota | 18 (at a tribal casino) | – | – |
| South Carolina | 21 (on cruise ships) | 18 | |
| Tennessee | – | – | – |
| Texas | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Utah | 21 | 21 | – |
| Vermont | 21 | 21 | – |
| Virginia | 21 | 18 | – |
| Washington | 18 | 18 | – |
| West Virginia | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Wisconsin | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Wyoming | 21 | 21 | 18 |
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Most American States Set the Legal Gambling Age at 21
In most states of the USA, a person is only considered an adult after attaining 21 years of age. This law dictates an individual’s legal status in society and is the basis for the legal gambling age in America.
In other words, if individuals under their age indulge in online casino gaming and rack up a huge gambling debt, their parents would be legally obligated to pay for them. For this reason, the gambling age in the USA is 21. Nevertheless, some states have made adjustments. For example, depending on the gambling activity and at what age an individual is considered an adult.
Minimum gambling age for other countries
Different countries worldwide have the authority to set their specific gambling limits and restrictions and, by extension, set the legal gambling age across their jurisdiction. Below is an overview of popular destinations worldwide and their set gambling age.
The United Kingdom
It is one of the most liberal markets in online gambling. The legal gambling age in the U.K. is 18.
Europe
In Europe, there are many jurisdictions, each with its own laws governing gambling. Most European countries have set a gambling age of 18; however, some countries such as Denmark and Estonia allow individuals at least 16 to participate in pre-selected betting contests. On the other hand, Portugal has a legal gambling age of at least 21 years.
Australia
You must be 18 y.o. to gamble and participate in sports betting and other legal casino gambling activities in Australia. Although online gambling faces major restrictions in the country, players from this jurisdiction can legally revel in sports and horse racing betting. If you are 18 years old, try these biggest Australian casinos.
Hong Kong and Macau
Other than the national lottery, China restricts any other type of gambling. However, Hong Kong and Macau are considered special administrative regions in China where gambling activities are legalised, and we wrote about gambling in Asia. To gamble in these regions, you must be at least 18 years old.
Should I gamble If I Am Underage?
If you are caught gambling and are not of legal gambling age, you might be legally prosecuted or put your guardians/parents in great trouble with the law. A gambler who doesn’t meet the legal gambling requirement is committing a crime for all intents and purposes, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
For instance, according to the Texas gambling laws, you’ll get a fine from 4500 to $1000 placed on your criminal record. In addition to that, your driving license can be suspended. It is even worse for the casino operator if you are underage. The government can blacklist the casino brand by rebuking their license and shutting down the gambling operation.
Thankfully, you can register and gamble through offshore online casino operators who provide a comprehensive casino lobby even if they may not have a license to operate in your country/state. This is a great alternative if you do not meet the legal gambling age. However, you should thoroughly check with your local state authorities to ensure that it is legal and safe.
Related: New USA friendly online casinos
FAQ
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How old Do I Have to Be to Gamble in the U.S?
The legal gambling age in the U.S. varies depending on your state of residence. Generally, you must be 18-21 years old to wager at a legal online casino.
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Why are Age restrictions so Important?
Gambling addiction is a problem for some people. You wouldn’t want your 13-year-old kid messing up and becoming an addict to wagering. The law should be strict to prevent adolescent teenagers from getting in trouble and wager all their parent’s salaries. The US and other countries gambling age is almost always greater than 16.
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What Penalty Do I Face If I Am Caught Gambling Underage?
Indeed, there is a penalty for underage gambling. In the US, it goes for both the player and the casino operator. However, the penalty varies in size and severity across different states.
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What is the legal age to gamble in a casino in Australia?
The legal age for gambling in a casino in Australia is 18 years old. This applies to all types of gambling, such as casino games, betting, and buying lottery tickets.
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Are there any casinos in Australia that accept players under 18?
It is illegal for anyone under 18 age to gamble. All casinos in Australia strictly enforce the legal gambling age.
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Can Australian players gamble online if they are 18?
Yes, Australian players who are 18 or older can legally gamble at online casinos that accept Aussies. I recommend you to read our casino reviews for Australians.
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What forms of ID do Australian casinos accept for age verification?
Casinos typically accept several forms of ID for verification: driver’s license, passport, or proof of age card. Note that documents must be valid and show your full name and date of birth.
