Gambling Age By State: Minimum Age to Gamble in the USA 2024

• * Casinos serving alcohol impose a 21+ limit
• ~ Only online poker is legal; no online slots or table games
• ˠ Minors can participate under certain situations (e.g. accompanied by an adut or for games with non-monetary prizes)
• NONE No legal gambling age specified in state law
• ˣ Legal but not operational/unavailable in the state

The legal age for gambling in the US varies between states. As there are no federal laws that specify a minimum age, all jurisdictions set their own legal minimum as decided by state lawmakers.

Most states set the legal gambling age to either 18 or 21. However, many jurisdictions have different minimum ages for each type of gambling. For example, you might be able to purchase lottery tickets at age 18 but cannot enter a commercial casino until you’re 21. Online and offline gambling also have different rules, regulations, and age restrictions.

Takeaways

• The minimum gambling age in the US varies by state, as every jurisdiction has its own laws and regulations for the industry. The legal age is typically either 18 or 21 years old.
• Different forms of gambling also have different age restrictions. Most states impose a legal minimum age of 21 for casinos and sports betting but 18 for lotteries, bingo, daily fantasy sports, and pari-mutuel betting.
• Not all states have legalized and regulated all forms of gambling. For example, if you live in Hawaii or Utah, all gambling is prohibited regardless of your age.
• Only five states have legalized online casinos, all of which have a legal age limit of 21+. If you’re 18, you can still play by joining a real money online casinos. All the best offshore casinos and the age they require players to be are listed below.
• Before registering for an offshore casino, consult the laws relevant to your jurisdiction. As all states have their own rules, what is legal in one state might not be in another.

US States That Allow 18-Year-Olds to Gamble at Casinos

When we use the word “gambling,” most people think of playing slots or table games on the casino gaming floor. Most states in the US have an over-twenty-one threshold for casinos.

However, there are several exceptions. North Dakota allows people aged 19 to enter casinos, and thirteen states permit people aged 18 into casinos to participate in casino gaming in some way. These states are as follows:

• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington
• Wyoming

Most of these states only allow 18-year-olds to gamble at tribal casinos. Under federal law, Native American tribes have the right to sovereignty. This means they can set their age threshold to anything over 18 regardless of the state’s age restriction for commercial casinos unless a 21+ policy has been negotiated in the tribal-state compacts.

However, federal law also dictates that alcohol can only be consumed by people over the age of 21. As such, all casinos that accept players under 21 cannot serve alcohol on the premises. A few states also allow people under 21 to enter non-alcohol-serving commercial casinos.

Legal Gambling Age for Online Casino Gambling

Only six states have legalized and regulated online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. You must be 21 or older to register for regulated casino apps licensed in these states.

Thankfully, offshore casinos accept players from the US as young as 18. This makes them a fantastic option for anyone under the age of 21.

Below are the accepted gambling ages for all US players at the best offshore casinos for US players:

• * T&Cs state that players must certify that they are "at least 18 years old, or older in jurisdictions in which the minimum age for online wagering services is greater than 18." Therefore, for US states with a 21+ legal requirement, players must be 21 or older.
• ˣ T&Cs state that services are not intended for "people under 18 or the lawful age in their respective jurisdiction." This implies 21+ for states with a 21 minimym age for online wagering.
• ˠ T&Cs state, "If the age limit for gambling in your country is greater than 18 years, you declare that you are greater than the minimum age." Players from states with 21+ requirement for legal wagering must be 21+ or older.

Why Are Most Offshore Casinos 18+?

The legal gambling age varies around the world. For example, most countries in Europe have a minimum age to gamble set at 18. In Canada, the legal age for gambling is 19 for all types of wagering, from casinos to sports betting.

As offshore betting sites are located in foreign jurisdictions, they usually accept players as young as whatever the age restrictions are in the country in which they’re based. Common offshore jurisdictions like Curacao and Panama have their legal gambling age set at 18.

This makes offshore casinos an excellent choice for players aged 18+, as no regulated USA casinos accept people under 21. Offshore casinos also have several other perks, including a bigger selection of casino games and accepting cryptocurrencies.

Are Offshore Casinos Legal in the US?

As gambling laws vary by state, the legalities of offshore gambling sites depend on where you live. Some states have explicitly banned offshore gambling when updating their legislation. However, most states have ambiguous wording that puts offshore operators into a legal “gray area,” neither outrightly legal nor prohibited.

This ambiguity makes it possible to wager on these sites for real money, even if under the legally required minimum age imposed in your state. Most accept players from age 18, and no one from the US has ever been prosecuted for gambling offshore.

Are Offshore Casinos Safe?

Many offshore casinos are safe. In fact, all the ones we recommend have been vetted by our experts. They are licensed overseas, use SSL encryption technology, offer secure payment methods, and always pay out your winnings.

Unfortunately, rogue casinos do exist. To avoid playing at these sites and falling victim to scams, read our blacklisted casinos page. It highlights the main fraudsters to be aware of in the US gambling market.

Guide to Legal Gambling Age by State

If you want more information on the gambling options in your state, check out the information below. We’ve provided a summary of the state statutes surrounding the minimum age for all types of legal gambling in your jurisdiction – from casinos to sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering, lotteries, and charitable gaming.

NB: While we take care to ensure the information provided on this page is accurate, we are not professional lawyers. The following information does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Alabama

Alabama imposes a legal age of 19+ for almost all types of gambling permitted in the state. Unfortunately, AL is a conservative state with few legal options available. Your only legal options are:

Tribal Casinos

Commercial casinos are illegal in Alabama, meaning Native Indian casinos with Class II gaming are your only legal options for casino gambling.

The legal gambling age in Alabama is 19+, which also applies to tribal gaming in the state. However, you must be at least 21 to enter any casino venue. This is because they serve alcohol on the premises, and federal law dictates that alcohol consumption is for those over 21.

Daily Fantasy Sports

You can play daily fantasy sports at sites like DraftKings and FanDuel in Alabama as a 19-year-old. Alabama is one of the few states to outrightly legalize DFS after Gov. Ivey signed HB 361 into law in 2019, meaning the usual 18+ minimum for legal age for DFS is upped to the state-restricted 19.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Under Alabama Code §11-65-44, the legal age for pari-mutuel wagering at dog and horse racing tracks in Alabama is 19. However, in the counties of Greene and Mobile the legal minimum is reduced to 18 years old.

Charitable Bingo

Alabama allows bingo events for charitable and educational purposes only. The legal age for playing bingo in Alabama is set at 19. This age restriction also applies to anyone conducting or assisting with the running of charitable bingo events.

Alaska

Casinos and sports betting are banned in Alaska. Even local tribes are not permitted to offer tribal gaming on reservation land. Your only legal gambling options and their age restrictions are:

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS is not outrightly legalized or regulated in Alaska but is permitted as a “game of skill” rather than chance. Operators like DraftKings and FanDuel accept players age 18+.

Charitable Bingo & Pull-Tabs

Charity bingo is legal in Alaska for anyone aged 19 or older, as per Alaska Statutes §§05.15.180. Non-profit organizations are also permitted to sell pull-tab games for fundraising purposes, but this has a legal age restriction of 21 – the age limit was raised from 19 on June 26, 1993.

Arizona

Arizona has legalized and regulated most types of gambling, imposing a legal minimum age of 21 across the board.

Land-Based Casino Gambling

There are over 20 land-based tribal casinos in Arizona, offering slot machines and table games that readily welcome players age 21 or older. Charities can also host casino nights for fundraising purposes for people aged 21+.

Sports Betting

Gov. Ducey signed HB 2772 into law in 2021, legalizing online and in-person AZ sportsbooks. You must be 21+ to legally bet on sports in the state. The new legislation also specifically legalized DFS, which now also imposes an age restriction of 21 for players from Arizona.

Lottery

Prior to June 2003, Arizona Statutes §5-515 permitted lottery sales to people aged 18. However, it is now unlawful to sell or gift a lottery ticket to anyone under 21.

Players age 21 or older can purchase tickets for the Arizona State Lottery from licensed retailers in the state. You can also enter multi-state draws like Mega Millions at age 21, buying tickets in-person or online via the Jackpocket app.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

The legal age for pari-mutuel betting, both online and in-person, is set at 21. Arizona Statutes §5-112 states: “A permittee shall not knowingly permit a person who is under twenty-one years of age to be a patron of the pari-mutuel system of wagering.”

Bingo

Bingo is the only game you can legally play at age 18 in Arizona. You can play charitable bingo at events organized by non-profits. Arizona’s tribal casinos also run bingo events, but you must be 21 or older to enter the casino premises.

Arkansas

The minimum legal age for gambling in Arkansas varies between 18 and 21, depending on which form of gambling you’re undertaking:

Land-Based Casinos

There are no regulated online casinos in Arkansas, but several land-based casinos feature slot machines, video poker, and table game. To play any of these games on the casino floor, you must be at least 21 years old.

Sports Betting

Arkansas sports betting (retail and online) launched in 2022 after HB 1942 was signed into law the previous year. Lawmakers agreed to a legal minimum age of 21+. If you’re under 21, you can play at legal DFS sites like DraftKings from the age of 18.

Lottery

You must be 18 years or older the purchase lottery tickets in Arkansas. You can purchase tickets for the intrastate Natural State Jackpot and multistate games such as Powerball.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is legal in Arkansas if you’re 18+. Statutes §§23-110-405 says it’s unlawful for “any person under eighteen years of age to be a patron of the pari-mutuel or certificate system of wagering conducted or supervised by it.”

Online wagering at sites like TwinSpires is also permitted and imposes a 21 age restriction. Moreover, although all live dog racing has ceased, you can bet on greyhound races online via these sites.

Charitable Bingo & Raffles

Arkansas permits bingo games and raffles for charitable purposes for players aged 18 or older. The legislation reads, “no individual under eighteen years of age may play a game of bingo or purchase raffle tickets from a licensed authorized organization.”

California

California is one of the few states with a legal gambling age of 18 for all types of regulated gambling. There is not a regulated sports betting industry, but your other options are:

Casino Gambling

The legal age for casino gambling in California at licensed casinos and gaming clubs is 18. However, most require you to be 21 to enter the premises due to the sale of alcohol. This restriction is to prevent underage drinking rather than illegal gambling.

If you’re under 21, fifteen tribal casinos still accept players as young as 18. Examples include Casino Pauma, Eagle Mountain Casino, and Gold Country Casino.

Lottery

California Government Code §8880.52. says that “no tickets or shares in Lottery Games shall be sold to persons under the age of 18 years.” The legislation also prohibits the payment of prizes to minors, meaning you cannot gift a lottery ticket to anyone underage.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

The legal minimum age for pari-mutuel wagering in CA is 18, available at live race tracks, simulcast locations, and online. This was decided by the Racing Control Board rather than the legislature.

Charitable Bingo

The California Penal Code §326.5 states that “minors shall not be allowed to participate in any bingo game.” Minors are considered anyone under the age of 18, meaning non-profit organizations can run bingo nights for participants aged 18 or older.

Colorado

Colorado has legalized almost all forms of gambling aside from online casinos. The legal age ranges from 18 to 21 as follows:

Land-Based Casinos

You must be 21 to enter any commercial casinos in Colorado’s three mountain towns. The state’s two tribal casinos also impose the same legal age restriction. Available games for 21-year-olds include slot machines, video poker, and table games.

Sports Betting

Sports betting went live in Colorado in 2020 after Proposition DD was signed into law. Lawmakers allowed the launch of online and retail sportsbooks. Regulations set a minimum age of 21 for both: “No sports bet shall be accepted from a person under the age of twenty-one years.”

Lottery

In Colorado, you can purchase lottery tickets at 18; Colorado Revised Statutes §24-35-214 make it illegal for anyone to buy or sell tickets for intra-state or multi-state draws to minors. If your purchase a winning ticket illegally, your winnings shall be forfeited.

However, it is legal for lottery tickets to be gifted to people under 18 and receive their payout. The legislation reads: “The director may direct payment of the prize by delivery to an adult member of the minor's family or a guardian of the minor of a check or draft payable to the order of such minor.'

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Under Colorado Statutes §12-60-601, you must be 18 or older to legally purchase pari-mutuel wagering tickets in CO. Only people age 18+ can also redeem prizes.

Charitable Gambling

Bingo and pull-tabs are 18+ gambling activities in Colorado, but anyone aged 14+ can “assist in the conduct of bingo or pull tabs.” Colorado Statutes §12-9-107 states that alcohol cannot be given as a prize, ensuring players under 21 aren’t illegally given alcohol.

Connecticut

Connecticut is a pro-gambling state, having regulated and licensed all forms of gambling. Age limits range from 18 to 21.

Casino Gambling

Connecticut has two land-based casinos, both of which are Native Indian gambling venues. As gambling is only permitted on reservation land, the tribes can set their gambling age to whatever they like. However, both have agreed on a 21+ threshold.

HB 6451 was signed into law in 2021, which allowed the state’s tribes to offer online casinos. These sites have the same legal minimum age of 21.

Sports Gambling

The passing of HB 6451 also legalized retail and mobile sportsbooks.  To place sports bets in person or online, you must legally be at least 21 years old. You can also legally play fantasy sports at 18+.

Lottery

All lottery games are only available to people over the age of 18. You are only permitted to purchase tickets from licensed retailers.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Connecticut permits pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and jai-alai for people age 18+. However, without live racetracks in the state, you’re limited to online and off-track betting only. General Statutes §12-576 also prohibit anyone under 18 from being present in an OTB facility.

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

California permits charitable bingo and pull-tabs, imposing a legal minimum age of 18. You used to also be able to participate in charitable “Las Vegas nights” at age 18. However, legislation permitting charitable casino gambling was repealed in 2003.

Delaware

Delaware has legalized most forms of gambling, with the legal age set at either 18 or 21. However, some forms of charitable gaming can be enjoyed at 16 or 17.

Casino Gambling

You must be at least 21 to enter a land-based casino in Delaware. Without tribal gambling venues, your land-based options are the state’s three racinos. These offer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and slot machines.

Delaware was the first US state to legalize online poker and casinos, passing HB 333 in 2012. The legislation prohibits anyone under 21 from playing real money online casino games.

Sports Betting

Online and in-person sports betting is legal in Delaware if you’re 21+. The gambling laws state that “no credits may be redeemed by a person under twenty-one years of age… In the event an underage player attempts to claim any winning payout, the sports lottery agent should treat the wager as void.”

Lottery

Like most US states, you must be 18 to purchase lottery tickets in Delaware. However, this legal minimum age requirement has been written into the state constitution (Article 2, §17) rather than passed by new legislation, making it more rigorous than many other state restrictions.

While lottery sales are prohibited for minors, you can gift lottery tickets to underage gamblers under Delaware Code Title 29, §4810.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Dog race betting is illegal in Delaware, so there is no legal age minimum. For pari-mutuel horse race betting, the legal age is 18. You can place wagers at live racetracks, OTB facilities, or online.

Charitable Gaming

Delaware defines charitable gaming as “any game or scheme in which chance is the dominant factor in the game and a consideration is paid to play and a prize may be won.” Therefore, legal games include blackjack, stud poker, draw poker, and horse racing games.

An 18-year-old age limit is imposed for all of the above types of charitable gaming. However, you can play charitable bingo at 16 or 17 in Delaware if the prizes are merchandise rather than monetary.

Florida

Most types of regulated gambling in Florida accept players age 18 or older. However, full access to casinos requires you to be 21.

Casino Gambling

There are seven tribal casinos and a casino cruise ship in Florida. These are the only places where you can find real-money casino games played against the house. You can enter the premises at 18 but cannot enter areas of the gaming floor that have slots and table games unless you’re 21.

As an 18-year-old, you can legally place bets at Florida’s land-based card rooms. Here you can play poker for real money, but banked card games are banned.

Lottery

You can purchase lottery tickets for the Florida Lottery and multi-state draws at 18. Prizes can be given to minors if the ticket was “lawfully purchased and made a gift to the minor.”

Pari-Mutuel Betting

In Florida, pari-mutuel wagering for horse racing and jai alai is permitted. You must be at least 18 to participate in wagering. Still, you can attend pari-mutuel events as a minor if “accompanied by one or both parents or by her or his legal guardian” (Florida Statutes §550.0425).

Charitable Gambling

Florida Statutes §849.0931 states that “No one under 18 years of age shall be allowed to play any bingo game or instant bingo or be involved in the conduct of a bingo game or instant bingo in any way.” The same legal age requirement applies to charity pull-tab sales.

Georgia

Georgia has a minimum legal gambling age of 18 for all types of regulated betting in the state. The unique gambling laws create civil liability for underage gambling alongside typical punishments for illegal betting activity.

Cruise Ship Casinos

Although there are no land-based or online casinos in Georgia, 18-year-olds can legally gamble on riverboat casinos. You must present valid ID when boarding the boat.

Daily Fantasy Sports

No laws explicitly legalizing DFS are in place in Georgia, so there is technically no legal age requirement. However, sites like FanDuel and DraftKings accept players aged 18. They’re permitted in the state as a “game of chance.”

Lottery

Georgia Code §50-27-10 stipulates that you have to be 18+ to purchase lottery tickets, both for intrastate and multi-state games. Minors are also banned from using electronic lotto devices.

Charitable Gambling

Charity bingo and raffles are legal in Georgia when conducted by licensed non-profit organizations. Under Georgia Code §16-12-58, you must be 18+ to participate in the events. However, minors can play charity bingo if accompanied by an adult.

Hawaii

Hawaii has banned all forms of real-money gambling. Casino gambling, sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering, lotteries, daily fantasy sports, and charitable gaming are all prohibited; thus, no legal age requirement applies.

The only form of gambling permitted is social gambling. However, this is limited to people aged 18+. Hawaii Statutes §712-1231 states that “no minor be involved in the game.”

Idaho

The minimum gambling age for all forms of regulated gambling in Idaho is 18, as covered in Idaho Statutes §18-3801 and §54-2501.

Casino Gambling

Idaho is without a regulated online casino industry. However, seven Native American casinos in the state offer slots, video poker, and other casino games that you can legally enjoy aged 18.

Although Idaho has an 18+ legal requirement, some tribal casinos require you to be 21 or older to enter the premises. This is due to the operator’s alcohol license, as it’s illegal under federal law to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

Lottery

Idaho Code §67-7413 makes it illegal for retailers to sell lottery tickets to anyone under 18. Minors are also prohibited from purchasing tickets or redeeming prizes.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

Idaho Code §54-2512, it shall “be unlawful knowingly to permit any minor to use the pari-mutuel system.” In Idaho, minors refer to anyone under the age of 18. Therefore, you can place pari-mutuel wagers on horse racing events in Idaho at age 18+.

Charitable Bingo

Most bingo and raffles are for players age 18 or older; Idaho Code §67-7703 states that “no person under the age of eighteen may play bingo for a cash prize or in games where the prize exceeds twenty-five dollars.”

There is no legislation on legal ages for smaller, non-monetary charitable games, meaning that minors can play bingo for lesser prizes.

Illinois

There are two minimum gambling ages in Illinois – either 18 or 21 – depending on the type of regulated gambling you’re undertaking.

Casino Gambling

Charitable and riverboat casino gambling is legal in Illinois, but the minimum age limit differs. You can partake in casino gaming run by charities at 18+ (Illinois Revised Statutes Chapter 230, § 30/8).

However, you’re banned from entering the gaming areas on riverboat casinos under the age of 21 (Illinois Revised Statutes Chapter 230, §10/11). The only exception is for underage employees, who are welcome aboard but cannot “perform any function involved in gambling” as part of their job.

Sports Wagering

The Illinois Sports Wagering Act sets the legal age for sports betting at 21. This age restriction applies to wagering at retail and mobile sportsbooks.

If you’re only 18, you can legally participate in fantasy sports contests at sites like DraftKings.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

You must be at least 18 to place pari-mutuel bets on horse racing events in Illinois. Online horse race betting is also permitted for people aged 18+.

Lottery

Under the Illinois Gaming Act (Illinois Statutes §1605/15), you’re banned from purchasing lottery tickets in Illinois if you are under 18. It is also illegal for adults to buy tickets and gift them to minors, stating that “no person shall… buy a lottery ticket or share for any minor under 18 years.”

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

Like charitable casino gambling, charity bingo and pull-tabs are legal for anyone aged 18+. Minors can be in an area where these events are happening, but only when accompanied by an adult.

Indiana

Indiana state law makes most types of gambling legal, with the exception of online casinos.

Casino Gambling

Indiana has many types of casinos, including riverboat casinos, tribal casinos, commercial casinos, and racinos. All kinds of casino property require you to be at least 21 years old to enter the premises.

Sports Gambling

State-licensed sportsbooks in Indiana launched in October 2019. Both online and retail sportsbooks are limited to bettors age 21+. IA sports betting legislation also prohibits betting on athletes who are under the age of 18.

Eighteen-year-olds can play fantasy sports in Indiana. The state outrightly legalized and regulated DFS in 2016 (Senate Enrolled Act 339-2016) and established a minimum age of 18+.

Lottery

Intrastate and multi-state lottery draws are legal in Indiana for anyone over the age of 18. However, Indiana Code § 4-30-12-1 “does not prohibit the purchase of a lottery ticket for the purpose of making a gift to a minor.”

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

To place pari-mutuel bets on horse racing events, you must be 18. However, Indiana Code §4-31-6-5 states that the Racing Commission can license applicants who are 16+, as long as it is accompanied by a notarized statement from the parent or guardian.

Charitable Bingo

The regulations surrounding charitable gaming are detailed in the 68 Indiana Administrative Code 21.

This legal code states that “an organization may not permit a person less than eighteen (18) years of age to play or participate in an allowable event activity.” However, people under 18 can participate in non-gaming activities during the event.

Iowa

A minimum gambling age of 21+ applies to all forms of gambling in Iowa. This is dictated by Iowa Statutes §725.19, which states that “any person under the age of twenty-one years shall not make or attempt to make a gambling wager.”

Casinos in Iowa

As per the aforementioned law, you must legally be 21 or older to play slots and table games for real money in Iowa. Iowa used to permit 18-year-olds to gamble at riverboat casinos in the state, but the legal age was increased to 21 in 1989.

People under the age of 21 are also forbidden from entering or attempting to enter the gaming floor or wagering area (Iowa Code §99F.9), so all casinos have a strict over-21 policy.

Online & Retail Sportsbooks

To legally bet on sports in Iowa – both in-person and online – you must be 21+. You can legally bet on college sports teams with players under the age of 21. However, the state doesn’t allow proposition bets on individual college athletes.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Most US states allow 18-year-olds to enter fantasy sports contests. However, Iowa upholds its 21+ gambling policy for DFS tournaments.

Lottery

You have to be at least 21 years old to purchase Iowa Lottery tickets.

However, lottery tickets can be gifted to minors: Chapter 99G of the Iowa Code “does not prohibit the lawful purchase of a lottery ticket or share for the purpose of making a gift to a person who has not reached the age of twenty-one.”

Pari-Mutual Betting

Chapter 99D.11 states, “a person under the age of twenty-one years shall not make or attempt to make a pari-mutuel wager.”

Bingo & Charitable Gaming

The only exception to the strict 21+ age restriction imposed in Iowa Statutes §725.19 is related to charitable gaming. Under Chapter 99B, there is no prohibition of anyone under 21 from playing bingo, even for games with cash jackpots of up to $800. 

In Iowa, card games are also permitted for fundraising purposes. This is the only type of charitable gaming with a legal age requirement: “Participants in a card game tournament shall be at least twenty-one years of age.”

Kansas

Although a historically conservative state, the Kansas gambling industry has expanded over the past 15 years to include commercial casinos and sports betting.

Land-Based Casinos

Kansas is home to six tribal and four commercial casinos. The state’s four commercial casinos require you to be 21+ to enter the premises and play any of their games.

Five of the six Native Indian casinos also adhere to this age limit. However, the Golden Eagle Casino is one exception. Eighteen-year-olds can enter the casino gaming floor and play select Class II slot machines. This is permitted despite Kansas’ legal minimum set as 21 as the tribes enjoy sovereignty.

Sports Betting

Online and retail sports betting launched in Kansas in 2022 after SB 84 was signed into law. The new legislation set the legal age for sports wagering at 21 or older.

Lottery

You must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets in Kansas, both for multi- and intra-state draws. It is also illegal to gift lottery tickets to minors, who are prohibited from claiming any prizes won on a Kansas Lottery ticket.

Kansas Statutes §§74-8708, 74-8718, and 74-8722 also have additional wording that prohibits the Lottery from hiring anyone under 18 for appearing in lottery advertisements.  

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Pari-mutuel betting is legal in Kansas for anyone over the age of 18. The ban on children appearing in lottery commercials also applies to advertisements promoting pari-mutuel wagering.

Bingo and Pull-Tabs

You can play bingo at tribal casinos in Kansas. Most welcome players age 18 but bar bettors under the age of 21 from entering the casino gaming floor (The Golden Eagle Casino is the sole exception).

Eighteen-year-olds can also legally partake in charitable gambling events held by non-profits, such as charity bingo games and pull-tabs. As per Kansas Statutes §79-4706, minors are forbidden from helping with the running or organization of these charitable events.

Kentucky

All bettors in Kentucky must be 18 or older, regardless of the gambling activity. However, without commercial casinos or sports betting, your legal options are limited to the following:

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

There are plenty of options for horse race betting in Kentucky, such as wagering on the Kentucky Derby and other racing events at OTB facilities or online racebooks. All are legally accessible to people aged 18+.

Lottery

Kentucky Revised Statutes §154A.990 requires all lottery ticket purchasers to be 18+.

However, §154A.110 “does not prohibit the purchase of a ticket by a person eighteen years of age or older for the purpose of making a gift to any person of any age,” allowing lawfully bought tickets to be gifted to minors.

Charitable Bingo Games

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes §238.545, qualifying charitable organizations can legally conduct bingo events. All participants must be 18 or older unless “he or she is playing for noncash prizes and is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and only if the value of any noncash prize awarded does not exceed ten dollars.”

Casino-Style Games

Casino gambling is banned in Kentucky, but games of skill are permitted. Many slot-like games proliferated across Kentucky from 2021 onward, operating in a legal “gray area” as a game of skill.

These casino-like games can be found at racetracks and “casino” venues in the state and are available to 18-year-olds. However, HB 594 was signed into law in 2023 that banned these unregulated machines. Under this new legislation, playing these slot-like games is prohibited.

Louisiana

Louisiana has legalized all forms of gambling apart from online casinos. It imposes an over-18 restriction on charitable bingo and pari-mutuel wagering. For casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and DFS, you must be 21+.

Lottery

Louisiana used to have a minimum gambling age for lottery sales set to 18. This legal minimum was increased to 21+ in 1998. Adults can lawfully purchase tickets to gift to minors.

Casino Gambling

Under LA Revised Statute § 14:90.5, it is “unlawful for any person under twenty-one years of age to play casino games, gaming devices, or slot machines.”

It is also prohibited for people under 21 to enter the gaming area of riverboat casinos or gaming floors at pari-mutuel venues licensed to offer casino games. Anyone who violates the law shall be “fined not more than five hundred dollars and may be imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”

Sports Wagering

You must be 21 or older to wager at a regulated Louisiana sportsbook (Louisiana Statute 27 § 608). It is also a legal requirement for sportsbook operators to confirm that the player is of legal age before accepting their wager.

The launch of legal sports betting also legalized DFS in the Pelican State. You must be 21+ to enter paid fantasy sports contests.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

It is unlawful for any person under 18 to place pari-mutuel bets on horse racing events both off- and online. Accompanied minors may attend live racing events, but attendees aged 18 or younger cannot enter designated wagering areas.

Charitable Gaming

Louisiana state law prohibits people under 18 from assisting in “the holding, operation, or conduct of any game of chance.” However, there is no prohibition on minors participating in the events.

According to the Office of Charitable Gaming, “the law does not prohibit people under the age of 18 from playing charitable gaming activities. However, persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to play electronic video bingo devices.”

Maine

The minimum gambling age in Maine ranges from 16 to 21, depending on the type of gambling being undertaken.

Casino Gambling

You can play slot machines and table games at two land-based casinos in Maine. Maine Revised Statutes Title 8, §1031 imposes a legal age limit of 21 or older for these games.

The law also states that operators must “prohibit persons under 21 years of age from any area in which a slot machine or table game is located.” The exception is for licensed employees who can work in a casino from the age of 18.

Sports Betting

Maine legalized sports betting in 2022, allowing up to four mobile and ten retail operators. However, the Gambling Control Unit has yet to award any licenses. When sportsbooks go live, a minimum legal age of 21+ will apply for online and in-person wagering.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

The state allows betting at live racetracks, off-track betting locations, and online racebooks. You can legally place pari-mutuel bets on horse races at age 18. However, you can enter off-track betting facilities at age 16 (Maine Revised Statutes Title 8, §§275-D).

The law is strict over how close minors can get to betting windows, prohibiting a “person under the age of 18 within 15 feet of a betting window or other place for accepting wagers.” 

Lottery

In Maine, lottery tickets are only available to purchase if you’re 18+. Adults are also banned from buying tickets to gift to minors.

However, the law does not impose any real punishment for illegal lottery sales. There is no penalty for minors purchasing a ticket underage, and retailers who unlawfully sell lottery tickets are charged with civil punishments only.

Charitable Bingo

Charitable bingo or “beano” has a legal minimum age of 16. Children under 16 can attend bingo events if accompanied by a parent or guardian, but they cannot participate. Bingo licenses cannot be issued to non-profits that are “composed wholly or primarily of persons under 16 years of age.” (Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17, §319).

Maryland

The legal age for most forms of gambling in Maryland is 21. However, its state law has several unique quirks compared to other US jurisdictions.

Casino Gambling

Commercial casinos are a new addition to Maryland. Slots were legalized in 2008, and table games were prohibited until 2012. You have to be 21+ to legally enter a casino and play these games.

Under MD Criminal Law Code § 13-404, charities are also permitted to offer casino gaming, including card tournaments. To participate in the event, an individual must be at least 21 years old. However, “to volunteer as an operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 18 years old.”

Retail & Online Sportsbooks

Retail sportsbooks opened in Maryland in December 2021, followed by high-limit online sportsbooks in November 2022. You must be at least 21 to place sports wagers online and in person.

Interestingly, wagering on college sports is permitted despite many college teams having athletes under 21. In fact, there is no ban regardless of where they play, even for Maryland’s own teams. Betting on high school sports is illegal.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

Pari-mutuel wagering is legal at racetracks, off-track betting locations, and online in Maryland. To legally participate, you must be 18+.

Lottery

It is unlawful for retailers to sell lottery tickets to anyone under 18. Similarly, people under 18 are banned from purchasing lottery tickets. However, Maryland State Government Code §§9-124 does not prohibit “buying a State lottery ticket or share as a gift for a minor.”

Maryland also imposes a restriction on the age of lottery sellers, which must be 21 or older (Maryland State Government Code § 9-112).

Charitable Bingo

Maryland laws on bingo are unique. Individual statutes have been passed for each county rather than a single law governing bingo throughout the state. Some counties permit 16-year-olds to play bingo; others have a minimum age of 18.

Massachusetts

Most gambling options in Massachusetts mandate that you’re 21+. The lottery and pari-mutuel betting are permitted at 18 years old.

Lottery

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 10, §§29 sets a clear 18+ policy for lottery sales: “No ticket or share shall be sold to any person under age eighteen.” However, adults “may purchase a ticket or share for the purpose of making a gift to a person under age eighteen.”

Pari-Mutuel Betting

You can legally bet on horse races at age 18 in Massachusetts. Any operator permitting minors to participate in pari-mutuel wagering shall be “punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.”

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

Eighteen-year-olds are legally allowed to participate in charitable bingo, referred to as “beano.”

Minors are also explicitly banned from entering the building while events are on: “No person under 18 years of age shall be permitted in that portion of any building or premises of the licensee during such time as such game is being played.” (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 10, §§ 38).

Slot Machines & Table Games

You must be 21+ to partake in casino gambling in Maryland. Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 23 §§ 43 is clear on the penalties for underage gambling, punishing underage players with “a fine not to exceed $1,000.”

The legislation also prohibits adults from betting or collecting winnings on behalf of a minor. They can receive up to six months imprisonment and fines of $1,000.

Sports Betting

Massachusetts gambling laws prohibit anyone under 21 from wagering on sporting events. Mass. General Laws Chapter 23N § 13 reads, “An operator shall not accept a wager from a person who is less than 21 years of age.”

Unlike most states, the legal age for DFS in Massachusetts is also set at 21+.

Michigan

It is illegal in Michigan for anyone under 18 to gamble. However, some forms of gambling are limited to people aged 21+.

Lottery

Lottery tickets can only be purchased by individuals aged 18+. Under Michigan Compiled Laws §§432.29, licensees that knowingly sell tickets to underage players are guilty of a misdemeanor. Lawfully purchased tickets can be gifted to people under the age of 18.

Pari-Mutuel Race Betting

The “Racing Law of 1980” puts the legal gambling age for pari-mutuel wagering at 18.

Casino Gambling

The legal age for land-based casino gambling in Michigan ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the property in question. Casinos regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) impose a minimum age of 21. This is the minimum gambling age according to state law.

However, Michigan is home to several tribal casinos not overseen by the MGCB. Most tribal casinos have an 18+ limitation. Meanwhile, the Odawa Casino in Petoskey accepts players age 19+, and four Native American casinos have the same legal age limit as the state: 21.

Online casino gambling is also legal in Michigan. It is governed by the MGCB, meaning a 21 or older age limit applies for all real-money online slots, table games, and video poker games.

Sports Betting

According to the Lawful Sports Betting Act, an “authorized participant” for sports wagering is someone who is “at least 21 years of age.” Professional and college sports betting is permitted.

Charity Gambling

Charitable bingo and pull-tabs are legal in Michigan for players age 18+. Like lottery tickets, charity pull-tabs can be lawfully purchased and gifted to minors. (Michigan Compiled Laws §432.107a).

Authorized non-profits are also permitted to run “millionaire parties,” which are essentially casino nights. Michigan Compiled Laws §432.305 states that people under 18 cannot participate in the party as players, operate millionaire party games, assist in the conduct of the event, or even handle any type of casino gaming equipment.

Minnesota

Minnesota residents can legally start gambling at the age of 18. The exception is for commercial casinos that require players to be 21.

Casino Gambling

Minnesota has commercial and tribal land-based casinos. All commercial casinos have a strict 21 or older policy. However, the minimum gambling age at tribal casinos in Minnesota is 18. As the tribes have sovereignty, they can set their own legal age limits for gambling.

Some tribal gambling venues do have a 21+ limit due to alcohol licensing requirements.

Sports Wagering

Under current gambling regulation, Minnesota Statutes §609.75 and 609.76, sports betting is illegal. If it were to be legalized, a minimum age of 18+ is expected.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Minnesota Statutes §§240.25 reads, “A person under the age of 18 may not place a bet or present a pari-mutuel ticket for payment with an approved pari-mutuel system or participate in card playing at a card club at a licensed racetrack.”

Lottery

You can legally purchase lottery tickets in Minnesota at the age of 18.

Minnesota Statutes §349A.12 also prohibits people under 18 from redeeming a lottery prize, inferring that gifting tickets to minors is not allowed. This is confirmed in Subd. 5: “Nothing in this chapter prohibits giving a state lottery ticket as a gift, provided that a state lottery ticket may not be given to a person under the age of 18.”

Charitable Gaming

Non-profit organizations can conduct bingo, pull-tabs, and raffles for fundraising purposes. You must be 18 or older to participate unless “the underage person is accompanied by a parent or guardian.”

Mississippi

Mississippi is one of the strictest imposers of its minimum age limit for gambling. Underage players have to return the winnings, and operators cannot claim they thought the player was of age.

Commercial & Tribal Casinos

Mississippi has 26 commercial casinos and three tribal casinos. Regardless of the venue, the age requirement for casino patrons is set firmly at 21. People under this age are prohibited from playing casino games, collecting winnings, or being employed by the operator.

Under Mississippi Code §75-76-155, underage gamblers can be fined up to $1,000 and/or imprisoned in county jail for up to six months.

Sports Betting

The minimum gambling age for betting at state-regulated sportsbooks is 21. Mississippi has only legalized retail sports betting at licensed casinos; online sports wagering is prohibited.  

Charity Bingo Games

You can participate in charity bingo events at 18 in Mississippi. Underage players can join the games if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Interestingly, non-profits can choose to exclude anyone under 18 and prohibit them from entering the premises. (Mississippi Code §97-33-67).

Lottery

Anyone 21 years of age or older can play any of the Mississippi Lottery games, including scratch games, intrastate draws, and multistate draws.

Lottery tickets can be gifted to people under the age of 21. However, the claimant for winning tickets must be 21+. If a minor gifted a winning lottery ticket wins, a parent or legal representative must collect the prize on behalf of the child.

Missouri

Missouri is without online and retail sportsbooks and online casinos, but several land-based forms of gambling are permitted. The legal gambling age for these ranges from 16 to 21.

Lottery

Lottery tickets can only be sold to players age 18+. However, minors can collect winnings if gifted a lawfully purchased lottery ticket by an adult. Lottery game retailers cannot be under the age of 21,

Casino Gambling

Casinos in Missouri are not permitted to accept wagers from anyone under the age of 21. People under 21 are also prevented from entering the gaming floor and will be refused entry into casinos.

Missouri Revised Statutes §§434.060 has an interesting clause that recovers losses from underage casino gambling: “If any minor shall lose any money or property at any game, gambling device, or by any bet or wager whatever, the parent or conservator of such minor may sue for and recover from the winner such money or property, or the value thereof, so lost by such minor.”

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Missouri Laws §313.670 states that “no individual under the age of eighteen years shall knowingly make or attempt to make any wager on any horse race.” The use of the word knowingly is unusual; nevertheless, the legal age for pari-mutuel betting is 18+.

People under the age of 18 can be admitted into any pari-mutuel race area if accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.

Charitable Bingo

Charitable bingo is permitted in Missouri. You can legally participate in or conduct bingo at 16 (Missouri Revised Statutes §313.040). Under 16s can be in the area where the bingo event is being held when accompanied by a parent.

Montana

Under Montana Code §§23-5-158, the legal age for the entire gambling industry is 18. “A person under 18 years of age may not purposely or knowingly participate in a gambling activity.”

Land-Based Casinos

Eighteen-year-olds can enter casinos in Montana. However, the casinos are limited to offering slot-like games, including video bingo, video keno, and video poker. True slot machines and banked card games are illegal at any age in the state.

Lottery

The minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets in Montana is 18+. This same legal minimum applies to lottery retailers: “A person under 18 years of age may not sell lottery tickets, chances, wagers, or bets” (Montana Code §§23-7-110).

Anyone that does sell tickets to minors received a penalty of a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment in country jail for up to six months, or both.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

Betting on horse races is restricted to people over 18 only. Montana Code §23-4-301 states that it is “unlawful to permit a minor to use the pari-mutuel system.” Operators must also legally include an 18+ statement in all their advertising materials.

The same section of the law also outrightly illegalizes fantasy sports in Montana.

Sports Betting

Montana is one of the few US states that allow eighteen-year-olds to bet on sports. This applies to wagering at retail sportsbooks and online at the Sports Bet Montana app.

Charitable Gaming

You must be 18+ to play bingo in Montana. Montana Code §23-5-112 also prohibits people under 18 from being the “bingo caller” and drawing live numbers during the event.

Raffles held by charitable and non-profit organizations are the sole exception to the 18+ age limit for gambling in Montana; children under 18 are permitted to participate.

Nebraska

Nebraska has several different statutes for each form of legal gambling, with the minimum age set at either 18, 19, or 21+.

Lottery

Nebraska does not limit the age of retailers selling scratch tickets and games for the Nebraska Lottery Lotto. However, you must be 19+ to purchase tickets and redeem prizes. This is the only state in the US with this legal age limit – all others require players to be either 18 or 21.

Land-Based Casinos

Nebraska has tribal and commercial casinos, both of which impose a minimum gambling age of 21. The law also restricts those under 18 from entering a casino property.

Sports Wagering

Nebraska legalized its retail-only sports betting industry in 2021 by signing LB 561. However, the industry is not yet operational. The rules for the soon-to-launch sports wagering market have recently been approved, prohibiting gambling by “persons under the age of twenty-one.”

Moreover, Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act Title 296 prohibits a person under 19 from holding an occupational license. It will also be illegal to place wagers on “any sporting event where the majority of the athletes are under eighteen years of age” (13.003.09C A).

Fantasy sports providers are live in Nebraska, only accepting players age 19 or older.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

The Nebraska Legislature bans anyone under 21 from placing a pari-mutuel wager on horse racing events (Nebraska Revised Statutes §2-1207).

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

With the exception of limited-period bingo occasions, you must be 18 or older to play charitable bingo in Nebraska or purchase raffle tickets. Bingo workers must also legally be at least 18 years of age (Charitable Gaming Regulations, Chapter 35).

Keno is also legal in Nebraska. Under §35-613.01, you must be 19 or older to play or participate in keno. Any ticket sold to underage players is considered void and, if a winning ticket, will not be paid.

Nevada

Nevada has its minimum gambling age set at 21 for all types of gambling.

Nevada Revised Statutes §463.350 states: “A person under the age of 21 years shall not play, be allowed to play, place wagers at, or collect winnings from, whether personally or through an agent, any gambling game, slot machine, race book, sports pool or pari-mutuel operator.”

Casino Gambling

The minimum age of 21 applies to all forms of casino gaming. This includes land-based casinos and regulated operators offering legal online poker (online casino gaming is illegal under current law). Under Section 205.460, it is also prohibited for underage players to enter gambling establishments.

In Nevada, breaking the law on gambling is considered a misdemeanor offense. It carries up to six months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

Sports Betting

As per Nevada Revised Statutes §463.350, the legal age for sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering is 21. People under 21 are also not allowed to “loiter or be permitted to loiter” at any licensed racebook or pari-mutuel betting venue.

Lottery

Despite Nevada being the home of Las Vegas – infamous for its luxury casinos – it is one of five states without a lottery. If a state lottery were to launch, we expect the 21 age limit to apply.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a statewide 18+ age restriction for all types of gambling.

Lottery

New Hampshire Revised Statutes §287-F:8 prohibits the sale of lottery tickets to people under 18. However, it is legal to lawfully purchase a ticket to gift to a minor.

Charitable Casinos & Bingo

Real casino gambling is illegal in New Hampshire. However, charities can run “casino nights” for fundraising purposes. This is the only legal way to play games like blackjack and roulette (slot machines are not permitted).

An age restriction of 18+ applies for charitable casino gaming. No one under 18 is allowed to be admitted to the premises where games are being conducted unless they’re being held at a carnival. In this case, minors can attend events when accompanied by an adult (RSA §287-D:14).

Charitable bingo and pull-tabs also have an 18+ policy (New Hampshire Revised Statutes §§287-E).

Sports Betting

Mobile and retail sports betting is permitted in New Hampshire. NH Revised Statutes § 287-I:1 defines an “authorized sports bettor” as an “individual 18 years of age or older who is physically present in the state of New Hampshire when placing a sports wager.”

Online operators are also legally obliged to provide age verification measures to “block access and prevent sports wagers by persons under the age of 18 years” (Revised Statutes § 287-I:7).

Horse Race Betting

New Hampshire Revised Statutes §284:33 limits pari-mutuel betting on horses to “minors.” Under state law, this is considered to be people under the age of 18.

New Jersey

The minimum age limit in New Jersey depends on the particular gambling activity you’re undertaking.

Land-Based & Online Casinos

New Jersey Statutes §5:12-119 bans anyone “under the age at which a person is authorized to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages” from entering and gambling at casinos in Atlantic City. The legal age for drinking is 21 throughout the US, as per federal law.

Anyone participating in underage gambling in New Jersey will be fined $500 to $1,000 and have their driver’s license suspended for six months. Parents or guardians who allow their children to gamble can also be charged with a disorderly persons offense.

In line with other types of casino gambling, the legal age for online casinos and online poker is 21.

Sports Betting

In New Jersey, a person placing a wager on a sports event shall be at least 21 (P.L. 2018, Chapter 3). It is also illegal to place bets on high school sports teams, but you can wager on international sporting events in which persons under the age of 18 make up a minority of participants.

The legal age for fantasy sports drops to 18+ under New Jersey Administration Code § 13:45A-36.9.

Lottery

You have to be 18+ to play the New Jersey Lottery. Adults can purchase tickets to gift to minors, but the lottery urges parents to “think twice about gifting Lottery tickets to children.”

Charitable & Amusement Gambling

New Jersey Administration Code § 13:47-7.8 prohibits organizations from allowing anyone under 18 to conduct or play bingo games. Any operator that breaks the law could lose its license.

An age limit of 18+ applies to other forms of charitable gambling (raffles, casino nights, and armchair races) and amusement gambling (New Jersey Statutes §5:8-32). However, children under 18 can legally participate in amusement games with non-cash prizes.

New Mexico

New Mexico imposes a legal age requirement of 21+ for casinos and sports wagering but 18+ for lottery games, charitable gambling, and pari-mutuel betting.

Casino Gambling

All legal land-based casinos in New Mexico are tribal gaming venues or state-licensed racinos. The minimum age for partaking in any form of casino gambling is 21+.

People under 21 are also prohibited from entering land-based casinos. Section 15.1.10.15 of the New Mexico Code puts the responsibility of preventing underage gambling in the hands of the operators. If an underage gambler attempts to claim winnings, the game is considered void.

Sports Wagering

New Mexico has a retail-only sports betting industry. As long as you are over 21, you can legally place bets at any licensed sportsbook. These are all located at tribal casinos; it is only through the tribal-state compacts that sports betting is permitted.

Lottery

New Mexico Statutes §§6-24-15 illegalize minors buying a lottery ticket. However, persons under 18 years of age “may receive lottery tickets as gifts.”

It is also illegal for retailers to sell lottery tickets to anyone under the age of 18 (Statutes §§6-24-32).

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Under §15.2.7.8 from the New Mexico Racing Commission, “no person under eighteen years of age is permitted to purchase or cash a pari-mutuel ticket.”

Charity Bingo & Raffles

The New Mexico “Bingo & Raffle Act” doesn’t specify any age restrictions; there is no age limit for playing bingo or entering a bingo hall. However, operators can set their own age limits for games.

New York

In New York, you can legally engage in most forms of gambling at age 18. However, some casinos have a 21+ policy.

Casino Gambling

The legal gambling age for casinos in New York is 18. However, commercial casinos require you to be 21 or older to enter the premises due to alcohol licensing. Tribal casinos that serve alcohol also abide by the 21+ restriction.

Therefore, eighteen-year-olds are restricted to casino gambling at racinos or tribal casinos that don’t serve alcohol. “Casino night” fundraisers are also legal in New York and open to players aged 18.

Sports Wagering

In-person and online sports betting are legal in New York. Players must be over the age of 21 (New York Codes § 5329.19).

Lottery

New York Tax Law §1610 states that “No ticket shall be sold to any person under the age of eighteen years, but this shall not be deemed to prohibit the purchase of a ticket for the purpose of making a gift by a person eighteen years of age or older to a person less than that age.”

Any lottery retailer found to sell tickets to minors is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Charitable Gaming

New York General Municipal Law §195-a illegalizes anyone under the age of 18 from playing any game of chance run by a non-profit organization. This applies to charity casino nights, bingo games, raffles, and other accepted gambling games.

Children age 16+ can perform non-gaming activities related to the conduction of a bingo event (New York General Municipal Law §486).

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

NY Pari-Mutual Wagering & Breeding Law § 108 prohibits operators from allowing “any person who is actually or apparently under eighteen years of age to bet on gaming activity.”

North Carolina

North Carolina has legalized most forms of gambling. Most have an age requirement of 21, but there are some legal options for 18-year-olds.

Tribal Casinos & Bingo

There are two Indian casinos in North Carolina. You must be 21 or older to be allowed to play any Class III casino games. The law is also strict on allowing anyone under the age of 21 inside the casino building, including non-gambling areas (restaurants, gift outlets, etc.).

Cherokee Tribal Bingo is a bingo-only destination. As a Class II game, eighteen-year-olds are permitted to play bingo at this venue.

Sports Betting

You must be 21 or older to legally be on sports in North Carolina. There are currently only retail sportsbooks in the state, but mobile sportsbooks could come sometime in 2023.

The legalization of sports wagering also permitted pari-mutuel wagering on horses at tribal casinos, which was previously banned. However, betting in greyhound races remains illegal under State Statue § 14-309.20. As the only place to make wagers is at casinos, a 21+ age limit applies.

Lottery

North Carolina General Statute 18C-131 prohibits (1) the sale of lottery tickets to anyone under the age of 18 and (2) the purchase of lottery tickets unless you’re 18+. Illegal sale or purchase of lottery tickets is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Charitable Gaming

State Statutes § 14-309.5 on bingo do not specify any age restriction.

North Dakota

North Dakota has three legal ages for gambling – 18, 19, and 21 – depending on which type of gambling you’re engaging in.

Lottery

Players must be at least 18 years old to purchase and redeem lottery tickets. You’re also prohibited from gifting tickets to minors under State Statutes § 53-12.1-08, which makes sense considering children cannot legally redeem prizes.

Unlike many other states, North Dakota has no age restriction on the age of lottery sellers: “Any employee, regardless of age, may sell a lottery ticket.”

Casino Gambling

There are no commercial or online casinos in North Dakota. However, tribal and chartiable casinos are permitted under current law.

The legal age for gambling at tribal casinos in North Dakota has recently dropped from 21 to 19. Governor Doug Burgum signed new compacts into law to lower the legal age limit. Under the agreement, you can enjoy a full range of Class III games at 19+.

Charitable casinos are governed by North Dakota Century Code §53-06.1-03. According to the law, pull-tabs, punchboards, calcuttas, paddlewheels, and poker are for people aged 21+.

Sports Betting

Sports wagering is legal in North Dakota through tribal gaming compacts. The recently amended tribal-state agreements outrightly require all sports bettors to be 19 or older. Unfortunately, mobile sports betting is illegal.

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

Charitable pull-tabs fall under charitable gaming and require players to be 21 or older. For charitable bingo events, you legally need to be 18+ to participate unless accompanied by an adult.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

North Dakota has different age restrictions on pari-mutuel wagering, depending on where the betting takes place. It imposes a legal age requirement of 18+ when placing pari-mutuel bets on horses at race tracks, whereas a 21+ policy for OTB locations.

Ohio

The gambling age in Ohio ranges from 18 to 21, although a hilarious minimum age of 60+ is required for the operation of senior bingo games.

Commercial Casinos & Racinos

The legal age for casino gambling in Ohio is 21. It is also forbidden for anyone under 21 to enter a casino. Licensed casino operators are guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree for permitting anyone less than 21 years of age to enter the facility (Ohio Revised Code §3772.99).

Employees at commercial casinos can be between the ages of 18 and 21 and work in a gaming area. However, their duties must be non-gaming related (Ohio Rev. Code §3772.24).

Sports Betting

HB 29 was signed into law in December 2021, legalizing online and retail sports betting in Ohio. The industry is governed by R.C. Chapters 3770 and 3775 of the Revised Code, which sets a legal age requirement of 21+.

Ohio law is also strict on advertising sports betting to minors. Advertisements may not target individuals under the age of 21, and failure to comply may result in administrative action.

Lottery

“No person shall sell a lottery ticket to any person under eighteen years of age, and no person under eighteen years of age shall attempt to purchase a lottery ticket.” Ohio Rev. Code §3770.08.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

You have to be 18+ to participate in pari-mutuel wagering on horse races. However, you can legally attend live race events at age 16+. Children under 16 can also be admitted when accompanied by an adult. (Ohio Administrative Code §3769-4-07).

Bingo Games

Under the Ohio Revised Code §§173.121, you must be 21+ to participate in bingo games conducted at multipurpose senior centers. To operate the games, a minimum age of 60 applies.

For other forms of charitable bingo, the minimum age requirement is 18 (Rev. Code § 2915.09.1).

Oklahoma

Oklahoma doesn’t yet have legal sports betting, but there are plenty of regulated gambling options in the state – all of which you can enjoy as an eighteen-year-old. 

Tribal Casinos

Aside from VLTs at Oklahoma racetracks, all casinos are on tribal land. Indian casinos can set their minimum age to 18+ under the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act (IGRA), and many OK casinos accept players age 18. However, venues that serve alcohol have a minimum age of 21+.

It is not prohibited for minors to enter the casino premises. However, they must be accompanied by an adult and cannot be on the gaming floor, even with adult supervision.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

Oklahoma laws ban anyone under 18 from placing pari-mutuel wagers. Accompanied children are welcome at racetracks but prohibited from entering gaming floors at racinos.

Lottery

Individuals under 18 are prohibited from purchasing tickets for any lottery game.

Title 3A,  Section 72 of the Oklahoma Lottery Laws also makes it illegal to pay out prizes on any ticket purchased by a minor. However, you are allowed to “lawfully purchase tickets or shares from making a gift of lottery tickets or shares to another” – which includes gifting to minors.

Bingo Games

Under the Oklahoma Charity Games Act, you must be at least 18 years old to participate in charitable bingo games unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Oregon

Oregon Revised Statutes §163.575 make it a crime to induce, cause, or permit a person under 18 years of age to participate in gambling. However, some forms of gambling require you to be 21+.

Tribal Gaming

The Oregon constitution prohibits commercial casinos, but Native American casinos are permitted. You can legally enter tribal casinos in Oregon at the age of 18. However, although the legal age for gambling is 18, land-based casinos that serve alcohol require players to be 21 or older.

There are also certain games that are off-limits to anyone under the age of 18. You have to be 21+ to play poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Meanwhile, bingo games at Indian casinos are legal at 18.

Sports Betting

Online sports betting is only available via the Oregon lottery, meaning there is one sportsbook app in the state: DraftKings. The legal age for online sports betting at DraftKings Oregon is 21.

Retail sportsbooks are also permitted at tribal casinos. Again, a legal age requirement of 21+ applies, but the rules on the types of bets are slightly different at tribal sportsbooks. Most notably, you are permitted to wager on college sports in-person but not on the DraftKings app.

Lottery

The Oregon Lottery runs standard lottery games and regulates video lottery terminals (VLTs) at licensed retailers in the state.

Lottery tickets can be bought and redeemed by players age 18+, whereas VLTs are limited to people over the age of 21 (Oregon Revised Statutes §§461.250). Lottery game retailers must also be over the age of 18, according to §§461.300.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

You can legally place pari-mutuel wagers at the age of 18 in Oregon. However, “no person shall purchase a mutuel wagering ticket or receipt for or on behalf of a person under 18 years of age.”

Under ORS §§462.190, people under 18 are also banned from entering race courses at any time wagering is permitted unless accompanied by an adult. Children age 14+ are allowed to enter if they are an employee of the track. 

Charitable Gaming

Bingo cards and raffle tickets can be sold to people under 18, but only when a parent or guardian is there to witness the purchase.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the few US states to have legalized all forms of gambling.

Land-Based Casinos

There are several age restrictions for land-based casino gambling in Pennsylvania outlined in PA Code § 513a.2. People under the age of 21 are forbidden from:

• Entering the gaming floor (unless 18+ and employed by the casino)
• Placing wagers on slot machines and table games at state-licensed casinos
• Collecting winnings or recovering losses from gambling activities. (Any winnings won by underage gamblers are used to support problem gambling).

§ 513a.3 also makes it illegal for land-based casinos to allow players under 21 to enter the casino. They must remove under-21s from the venue and refuse to pay winnings.

Online Poker & Casinos

Online poker and casino gambling were legalized in 2017 with the passing of the Expanded Gaming Act. The legal age for internet gaming is “21, which mirrors the minimum age for gaming in a Pennsylvania casino,” according to the PA Gaming Control Board.

Sportsbooks

Title 58 of the PA Code § 1401.8 states that “no person under the age of 21 may engage in sports wagering.” Breaking this law is considered a criminal offense in Pennsylvania.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

The legal age requirement for pari-mutuel betting on horses is 18. PA Consolidated Statutes Title 3 § 9340.a does allow under-18s to attend racing events if accompanied by an adult. Employees under the age of 18 are permitted at the racetrack.

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

No person under the age of 18 shall be permitted to play bingo unless accompanied by an adult (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 10 §305).

Lottery

Pennsylvania Statutes Title 72 § 3761-309 clearly state that “no ticket or share shall be sold to any person under 18 years of age.” Any lottery retailer that knowingly sells tickets to under-18-year-olds can be fined up to $500.

Gifting tickets to minors is legal, so long as the ticket is lawfully purchased by someone 18+.

Rhode Island

All legal forms of gambling in Rhode Island have a minimum age requirement of 18 or older.

Commercial Casinos

The only casinos in Rhode Island are two commercial casino properties. You must be 18 or older to play slot machines, table games, or poker at either venue.

Rhode Island General Laws § 42-61.3-2 impose punishments for both underage gamblers and anyone that allows underage gambling. Minors playing or attempting to play casino games are referred to family court, whereas those accepting wagers from under-eighteens are punished with up to one-year imprisonment and/or up to a $1,000 fine.

Online & Retail Sportsbooks

Under Rhode Island General Laws § 42-61.2-3.3, people under eighteen are prohibited from participating in sports wagering. This rule applies to retail and mobile sportsbooks.

Lottery

It is unlawful for anyone under 18 to purchase lottery tickets. However, Chapter 10 of the Rhode Island Lottery Regulations does not “prohibit the purchase of a ticket for the purpose of making a gift by a person eighteen years of age.”

Payments of lottery winnings can be made to minors in accordance with the “Uniform Transfers to Minors Act” Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 18-7.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

General Laws of Rhode Island §§41-4-2 allow pari-mutuel racing at licensed horse racetracks only. “Minors” are prohibited from betting, which refers to anyone under the age of 18. However, none of this matters – all live racetracks in Rhode Island have closed.

The only place to wager on horses in Rhode Island is at state-licensed sportsbooks.

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

You have to be 18 or older to play bingo in Rhode Island. There are no exceptions to this, even for childen accompanied by a parent or guardian. (RI Gen. Laws § 11-19-32)

South Carolina

Currently, the only forms of legal gambling in South Carolina are charitable gaming and the lottery. There is also a sole cruise ship casino, The Big “M” Casino, and fantasy sports.

Lottery

You must be 18 or older to legally purchase lottery tickets in South Carolina. However, anyone 18+ “may purchase lawfully lottery game tickets or shares to gift to a person of any age” (South Carolina Code § 59-150-210).

Prizes under $25,000 can be paid to minors with winning tickets, but anything over this amount must be paid to a conservator and help on their behalf.

Charitable Gaming

Under South Carolina Code Article 24 § 12-21, licensed charities and non-profits can legally operate bingo games for fundraising purposes. You must be 18 or older to participate in these events.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are not outrightly legal or regulated in South Carolina. However, operators are permitted to provide their offerings in the state as a “game of chance.” Players age 18+ can legally enter paid fantasy sports tournaments.  

Cruiseship Casinos

Casino gambling is prohibited in South Carolina, but cruiseship casinos can operate under the Gambling Cruise Act (SC Code of Laws § 3-11). You must be 21 or older to board the ships and wager on the gaming floor.

South Dakota

South Dakota has legalized most forms of gambling but is lacking online options. The legal age varies depending on the form of gambling in question.

Land-Based Casinos

All commercial casinos in South Dakota are located in Deadwood. Native Indian casinos can also be found outside of Deadwood on tribal land.

Both tribal and state-run casinos have a strict 21+ policy. South Dakota Codified Laws §§42-7B-35 states: “Any participant in any gaming shall be twenty-one years or older. No licensee may permit any person who is less than twenty-one years of age to participate in any gaming.”

Sports Wagering

You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in South Dakota, which is currently only available at retail sportsbooks. Using a fake ID when placing or redeeming a bet is classed as a Class 6 felony for the person placing the wager and the licensed operator. (SD Codifed L. § 42-7B-83).

SD Codified Laws § 42-7B-40 also requires at least one employee on a licensed premise to be over 21 years of age.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

South Dakota Codified Laws §42-7-76 prohibits “minors” from participating in pari-mutuel wagering. This means only people who are 18+ can legally bet on horse racing.

State Lottery

South Dakota Codified Law § 42-7A-32 requires players to be at least 18 years old to purchase tickets for lottery games. This includes scratch card games and tickets for lotto draws like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Dakota Cash. Tickets can be gifted to minors, but winnings must be paid to a parent.

Video lottery games are also legal in the state and regulated by the State Lottery. However, only people aged 21+ can play video lottery machines (South Dakota Codified Laws § 42-7A-48).

Under SD Codified L § 42-7A-13, lottery retailers must also “be at least eighteen years of age.”

Charitable Bingo

It is legal for non-profits to conduct bingo and raffles for fundraising purposes, governed by SD Codified Laws §22-25-25. The regulations do not set any parameters with regard to age.  

Tennessee

Until 2003, there were no legal forms of gambling in Tennessee; now, it permits sports betting, charity gaming, fantasy sports, and lotteries. The minimum age for each is as follows:

Sports Betting

Launching in 2020, sports betting is the latest form of gambling for Tennessee lawmakers to legalize. Tennessee Code § 4-51-301 states that anyone “who is twenty-one years of age or older and who is physically located in this state may place a wager in the manner authorized by law.”

The industry is online-only, meaning all legal wagers must be placed via one of the regulated sportsbook apps.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Tennessee outrightly legalized DFS in 2016 with the passing of the Fantasy Sports Act. The legislation states that “only players age 18 and over may participate in fantasy sports contests.”

Lottery

The lottery was the first form of legal gambling in Tennessee, the first tickets being sold in 2003. You must be 18 or older the legally purchase any type of lottery ticket or redeem lottery prizes. State lotteries and multi-jurisdictional draws are permitted.

Charitable Bingo & Raffles

Registered charitable organizations can run an annual “game of chance” fundraising event under the Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law. Participants must be 18+.

Texas

Texas is known for having a strict gambling industry. Under Penal Code §47.02, gambling is considered a criminal offense. The only exceptions are charitable gambling, pari-mutuel betting, the State Lottery, and tribal gaming.

Indian Casinos

You must be 21 to enter land-based casinos in Texas and play any casino games.

As gambling is illegal in Texas, the only casino properties are tribal casinos. The tribes are permitted to offer Class II gaming – which includes electronic bingo machines and non-banked card games – under the Indian Gambling Regulatory Act.  

State Lottery

Tickets for the lottery can only be purchased by people over the age of 18. However, adults can lawfully purchase tickets to gifts for people of any age.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

Pari-mutuel wagering is available to anyone age 18+ in Texas. You can place bets on live or simulcast horse racing. Texas is also one of the few states that allow live greyhound races and permit wagering on dog racing events.

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

Charitable organizations can conduct bingo games under the “Bingo Enabling Act” (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2011). The Act states that “an individual younger than 18 years of age may not play bingo… unless the individual is accompanied by the individual's parent or guardian.”

However, licensed non-profits can choose to introduce an 18+ policy and prevent minors from entering the premises. To conduct bingo games, you must also be 18 or older.

Utah

Utah has no legal gambling; the state is entirely without casinos, sportsbooks, a state lottery, racetracks, poker rooms, or bingo. Therefore, no one – no matter how old – can legally gamble in UT.

Utah Code Section 76-10-1102 also prohibits all forms of internet or online gambling. The legislation even prohibits legal gambling if federal laws were to change: “Regardless of whether a federal law is enacted that authorizes internet gambling in the states, this section acts as this state's prohibition of any gambling, including Internet gambling, in this state.”

Vermont

Vermont offers little in terms of gambling, illegalizing casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks. The state allows pari-mutuel wagering but has no racetracks, simulcast, or OTB facilities. As such, your only options are the lottery, fantasy sports, and charitable gambling.

State Lottery

The Vermont Lottery is one of the only legal forms of gambling in the state. Vermont Statutes Title 31 § 659 specifies that tickets cannot legally be sold to people “who have not attained the age of majority” – i.e., anyone under the age of 18. However, “tickets may be given as gifts to minors.”

Penalties for underage gambling are detailed in 31 V.S.A § 662. If caught, you will be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to two years, or both.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Vermont has outrightly legalized and regulated DFS, which is governed by Vermont Statutes Title 9 Chapter 116. Currently, you can participate in fantasy sports contests at 18.

Lawmakers might increase the legal age to 21. Bill H 127 – a proposal for legal sports betting in Vermont – is currently in discussion in the legislature. If passed, the industry would have a 21+ age requirement, and lawmakers have raised concerns about having two different age restrictions for DFS and legal sports betting.

Charitable Gaming

Non-profit organizations can operate “games of chance” (bingo, raffles, card games, and “break-open tickets”) under charitable gaming laws (31 V.S.A. § 1201 to 1208).

You must be 18 or older to participate in any of the events. Minors can work on the site — for example, selling food and drinks — but cannot work the games.

Virginia

Virginia has legalized all forms of gambling apart from online casinos. Age restrictions range from 18 to 21.

Land-Based Casino Gambling

You have to be over the age of 21 to participate in casino gambling or step foot in one of the state’s casinos. Virginia Code § 58.1-4122 states: “No person under age 21 shall be permitted to make a wager under this chapter or be present where casino gaming is being conducted.”

People aged 18 to 21 are allowed to work at casinos, but their duties must be non-gaming related.

Sports Betting

You can legally place sports wagers at retail and online sportsbooks in Virginia at the age of 21. Anyone knowingly accepting or redeeming a bet from an underage gambler is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor (Virginia Code § 58.1-4040).

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

§ 59.1-403 of the Code of Virginia makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to bet on horse racing events. You can legally enter a satellite facility under the age of 18, but only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

For histrocial horse racing on video gaming terminals, the legal age is 21 or older.

Lottery

Code of Virginia §§58.1-4015 prohibits the sale of lottery tickets to anyone under the age of 18. Redeeming tickets is also classed as an offense, with the licensee guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Unlike many states, Virginia has also made it illegal to gift lottery tickets to minors under VA Code §58.1-4016. It reads as follows: “Any person who knowingly gives a lottery ticket or share to any person under the age of eighteen years is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.”

Charitable Gaming

Several types of charitable gaming are legal in Virginia, including bingo, electronic bingo, and Texas Hold’Em “casino night” fundraisers.

Under VA Code § 18.2-340.26, charitable gaming on electronic devices is only available for players aged 21 or older. However, you can participate in non-electronic bingo, pull-tabs, and poker at the age of 18 (Virginia Code § 18.2-340.28).

Washington

The State of Washington has a clear 18+ threshold for all forms of gambling apart from bingo, raffles, and amusement games. The passage below is from the Revised Code of Washington § 9.46.228:

“It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen to play in authorized gambling activities including, but not limited to, punchboards, pull-tabs, or card games, or to participate in fundraising events. Persons under the age of eighteen may play bingo, raffles, and amusement game activities only as provided in commission rules.”

Casinos & Card Rooms

Although the legal age for casino gambling in Washington is 18 years old, some casinos impose an over-twenty-one limit. For example, the North Quest Resort & Casino states that it “restricts [its] gaming floor to guests 21 years or older.”

To avoid disappointment when arriving at a casino, ensure you check the house rules beforehand to ensure under-18s are welcome.

Sports Wagering

Sports betting is only available at tribal casinos. The passage of HB 2638 amended the tribal gaming compacts, allowing tribes to open retail sportsbooks. Washington Gambling Commission defines a “prohibited sports wagering participant” as “any individual under 18 years of age.”

Pari-Mutuel Betting

The statewide gambling age applies to pari-mutuel wagering: § WA Admin Code 260-48-530 states that “no person under the age of eighteen may purchase or cash any parimutuel ticket.”

It is also prohibited for unattended people under the age of 18 to enter pari-mutuel wagering areas. This implies that children are welcome at race tracks and betting locations but only when accompanied by an adult.

Lottery

Under the Revised Code of Washington § 67.70.120, lottery tickets cannot legally be sold to anyone under 18. However, minors can receive lawfully purchased lottery tickets as gifts.

Bingo & Pull-Tabs

An age limit of 18+ applies to charitable bingo, raffles, and pull-tabs. However, § WA Admin Code 230-06-010 permits children under 18 to participate in:

• Licensed bingo games when accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Bingo at carnivals and agricultural fairs
• Raffle sales for non-profit organizations fundraising for youth development causes, only when under adult supervision

West Virginia

West Virginia’s minimum gambling age ranges from 18 to 21. The state has multiple casinos, sportsbooks, racetracks, and even online casinos for you to enjoy.

Land-Based Casino Gambling

West Virginia has five land-based facilities that offer video lottery terminals (VLTs) and casino table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps. These are overseen by the WV Lottery and governed by §29-22C and §29-22A of the West Virginia Code.

WVC §29-22C-29limits access to table games to players over 21. It is also prohibited for people under 21 to enter or remain in designated table gaming areas at the state’s racetracks. Meanwhile, VLTs can be played at the age of 18+ (WVC §29-22A-9).

Online Casinos

West Virginia is one of the six US states with regulated online casinos after lawmakers passed the WV Lottery Interacting Wagering Act (WVC §29-22E-1) in 2019. Under the Act, you must be 21 or older to play online casino games.

Any casino licensee that permits an individual under the age of 21 to place online wagers is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for six months, or both.

Sports Wagering

According to WV Code §29-22D-15, the minimum legal age for sports betting is 21. This applies to placing a wager at a “licensed gaming facility where authorized sports wagering occurs” or “by means of electronic devices.”

Lottery

The West Virginia Code §29-22-11 makes selling lottery tickets to people under 18 years old illegal. However, gifting tickets purchased by people aged 18+ to minors is legal.

Anyone breaking this law shall be fined $50 to $500 or imprisoned for up to one year, or both.

Pari-Mutuel Betting

§19-23-9 of the West Virginia Code sets the legal age for pari-mutuel betting at 18 or older: “No licensee shall permit or allow any individual under the age of eighteen years to wager at any horse or dog racetrack.”

Charitable Bingo

West Virginia law prohibits people under 18 from playing charity bingo. However, children under 18 are legally permitted to attend bingo events with an adult relative (West Virginia Code §47-20-4).

Wisconsin

The legal gambling age in Wisconsin is 18. However, you must be 21 or older to play casino games at tribal gambling destinations.

Tribal Casinos

All casinos in Wisconsin are Native Indian casinos. Under current tribal-state compacts that permit tribes to offer Class III gaming, you must legally be 21 or older to enter the premises and wager on the gaming floor.

Previously, you were permitted to enter all tribal casinos at the age of 18. However, renewed compacts from 1998 onward raised the legal age to 21+.

Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks are only available at tribal casinos in Wisconsin. There is no overarching state legislation that manages sports betting – it has been negotiated through tribal compacts. Currently, three tribal agreements that allow sports wagering have been signed, each setting the legal age at 21+.

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

Pari-mutuel wagering is overseen by the State of Wisconsin under Chapter 562 of the WI Statutes. §§ 562.06 sets the legal gambling age for horse racing bets at 18: “No person under the age of 18 years may make a wager in any race or receive any payout on a wager.”

The law also makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to be admitted to a racetrack unless accompanied by an adult. The exception is for racetrack employees that can be employed from the age of 16+.

Lottery

Under Wisconsin Statutes §§565.17, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase lottery tickets. It is permitted to gift lottery tickets to minors, assuming the ticket was initially bought by an adult.

Charitable Bingo

Wisconsin Statutes §§563.15 outline restrictions on charitable bingo. The law prohibits minors from participating in bingo games unless an adult blood relative of the child is present on the premises at the time of the event.

To conduct or aid in the conduction of charitable bingo, you must be 18+.

Wyoming

Wyoming is one of the few jurisdictions to impose a statewide legal gambling age of 18 for casinos, sportsbooks, pari-mutuel betting, charitable gaming, and the lottery.

Native American Casinos

Casino gambling is illegal in Wyoming under WY Stat § 6-7-102. It states that “A person who engages in gambling commits a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both.” Therefore, commercial and online casinos are banned in the state.

For this reason, Wyoming is home only to tribal casino properties. They’re licensed to offer Class III gaming under current tribal-state compacts. A legal age of 18+ is required to enter or wager at any of the land-based casinos. 

Online Sports Betting

Wyoming has an online-only sports betting industry with four sportsbook operators currently available in the state. You need to be 18+ to participate: Under WY Statutes § 9-24-105, “no person under the age of eighteen years shall engage in online sports wagering.”

State Lottery

You must be 18 or older to purchase tickets through the Wyoming Lottery Corporation. Wyoming Statutes § 9-17-118, however, does allow lottery tickets to be gifted to people of any age, including minors (under-18s).

Pari-Mutuel Wagering

It is illegal for anyone under eighteen to place a pari-mutuel bet (Wyoming Statutes § 11-25-205).

WY Statutes § 11-25-201 also state that licensees may “not allow minors to open, own or have access to advance deposit pari-mutuel wagering accounts.” This prohibits anyone under 18 from having an account with an online racebook.

Charitable Bingo & Pull-Tabs

Charitable gaming is licensed in Wyoming under W.S. § 11-25-104(n). You need to be 18 or older to play bingo or pull-tab games.

Gambling Age by State: FAQs

How old must you be to gamble in the US?

The legal age for gambling in the US depends on the type of gambling activity you’re undertaking. Most states permit lottery games, charitable bingo, pari-mutuel wagering, and DFS at 18. Meanwhile, casino gambling and sports betting typically have a 21+ requirement.

However, the legal gambling age in the US is decided at a state level, so it’s entirely dependent on where you live. Use this guide to help figure out the legal options in your state.

Do you have to be 21 to enter casinos in the US?

Most casinos in the US require you to be at least 21. This is true even in states with a legal age for casino gambling of 18 due to alcohol being served on the premises. Nevertheless, some casinos do allow those under 18 to enter certain areas of the gaming floor.

Can 18-year-olds enter casinos that serve alcohol?

No, US commercial and tribal casinos that serve alcohol have a strict 21 or older policy. This age limit is in place because the legal age for drinking in the US is 21, as governed by federal law. Therefore, even if gambling is legal at 18 in your state, drinking alcohol is not.  

What is the legal gambling age for online casinos?

Online casinos are only legal in six states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. All these states impose a minimum age of 21 for online casino gambling. However, most offshore online casinos accept players aged 18 or older.

What happens if I am an underage gambler?

The punishment for underage gambling varies by jurisdiction as it’s dictated by state law. Most US states issue small fines ($100 to $1,000), community service, or probation. However, underage gamblers can face jail time.

Licensed operators that knowingly take wagers from underage players are also punished, often with heavier fines. They may also have their gaming licenses revoked.

Who regulates the gambling markets in the US?

In the US, gambling is regulated at federal and state levels. Each state in the US decides its own gambling laws and establishes its own regulatory bodies. The federal government mainly supports the enforcement of state laws and prosecutes illegal multi-state operators.

What types of gambling are available for 18-year-olds?

In most US states, you can legally purchase lottery tickets, place pari-mutuel bets, and enter fantasy sports contests at 18. A handful of states also have regulated 18+ land-based casinos and sportsbooks.

In terms of online gambling, offshore casinos are your best option. As these gambling sites are outside US jurisdiction and don’t need to comply with state laws, they tend to accept players 18 or older – even if the legal gambling age in your state is 21.