How Old Do You Have To Be To Gamble? Find Out State by State

The legal gambling age in the United States varies by state and type of gambling activity. Most states require individuals to be 21 years old to enter and gamble in casinos, while some allow gambling at 18.

This variation stems from different state regulations and the influence of federal laws.

Federal vs. State Gambling Laws

While federal law doesn’t explicitly set a universal gambling age, it does impact how states regulate gambling. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) allows tribal casinos to set their own age limits, though they typically follow state guidelines.

The legal age for gambling is determined by individual states, leading to varying requirements across the country.

Why Most States Require Age 21 for Casino Gambling

The 21-year age requirement for casino gambling in most states stems from several factors:

1. Alignment with alcohol service: Most casinos serve alcohol, and maintaining the same age requirement simplifies enforcement.
2. Cognitive development: Research suggests the brain continues developing until approximately age 25, particularly areas involved in decision-making and risk assessment.
3. Financial responsibility: By age 21, individuals typically have more financial experience and stability.
4. Historical precedent: Following the end of Prohibition, states set 21 as the legal drinking age, which influenced casino age requirements.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Gamble

Online gambling age requirements generally mirror those of physical casinos in each state where it’s legal. Key points about online gambling:

1. Legal online casinos require age verification during registration
2. Federal Wire Act restrictions apply to interstate gambling
3. Each state sets its own online gambling regulations
4. Offshore gambling sites may have different age requirements but often operate in legal gray areas

States Where You Can Gamble at 18

Several states allow some forms of casino gambling at age 18:

1. Washington (tribal casinos)
2. Minnesota (tribal casinos)
3. Idaho (tribal casinos)
4. Montana (limited stakes gambling)
5. Oklahoma (some tribal casinos)
6. Wyoming (some tribal casinos)

However, it’s important to note that specific venues within these states may still set their own age requirements.

State-Specific Requirements

California Gambling Age Requirements

California maintains strict gambling age requirements:

• Card rooms and casinos: 21 years
• State lottery: 18 years
• Horse racing: 18 years
• Tribal casinos: Generally 21 years

Nevada (Las Vegas) Gambling Age Requirements

Las Vegas and all of Nevada require:

• All casino gambling: 21 years
• Sports betting: 21 years
• Poker rooms: 21 years
• No exceptions for international visitors

New York Gambling Age Requirements

New York’s regulations specify:

• Commercial casinos: 21 years
• Tribal casinos: 21 years
• Lottery and racetracks: 18 years
• Video lottery terminals: 18 years

Florida Gambling Age Requirements

Florida enforces the following ages:

• Commercial casinos: 21 years
• Tribal casinos: 21 years
• Poker rooms: 18 years
• Lottery and pari-mutuel betting: 18 years

Types of Gambling and Their Age Requirements

Different forms of gambling often have varying age requirements within the same state:

Lottery and Scratch Cards

• Most states: 18 years
• Some states (Iowa, Louisiana): 21 years
• Nebraska: 19 years

Pari-mutuel Betting (Horse Racing, Dog Racing)

• Majority of states: 18 years
• Notable exception: Nevada (21 years)

Bingo

• Most states: 18 years
• Some tribal facilities may require 21 years

Sports Betting

• Most states with legal sports betting: 21 years
• Some states allow sports betting at 18

Poker Rooms

• Varies by state and venue
• Some states allow 18+ in poker rooms while requiring 21+ for other casino games

Cruise Ship Gambling

Cruise ship casinos typically follow these guidelines:

• In international waters: 18 years
• While docked in US ports: Follow port state’s age requirements
• Different rules may apply on foreign-flagged vessels

Tribal Casino Age Requirements

Tribal casinos operate under specific conditions:

1. Federal recognition grants tribes gambling rights
2. State-tribal compacts may influence age requirements
3. Tribes can set stricter requirements than state law
4. Most follow state age requirements for consistency

Enforcement and Verification

Casinos employ strict age verification methods:

• Valid government-issued photo ID required
• Secondary identification may be requested
• Electronic verification systems
• Regular compliance checks
• Severe penalties for violations

Penalties for Underage Gambling

Consequences of underage gambling can include:

1. Criminal charges
2. Fines
3. Forfeiture of winnings
4. Casino bans
5. Impact on future gambling privileges

Legal Alternatives for 18-20 Year Olds

Where available, legal gambling options for those under 21 include:

1. State lotteries
2. Pari-mutuel betting
3. Bingo
4. Charitable gaming events
5. Specific tribal casinos
6. Social casino games (no real money)

Future Trends in Gambling Age Requirements

Several factors may influence future age requirements:

1. Online gambling expansion
2. Interstate gambling agreements
3. Federal legislation developments
4. Public health research
5. Changing social attitudes

For the most current and accurate information about gambling age requirements in your area, consult your state’s gaming commission website or legal resources.

Remember that gambling regulations can change, and venues may set stricter requirements than state minimums.