In this article, we aim to provide some insight into one of the most frequently asked questions in the US gambling community:
Where can I gamble at 18 in the US?
There are ample opportunities, including casino gaming, bingo, poker, lottery, and online sites, but gambling in the States has many restrictions, one of them being legal age.
We will be taking you through gambling laws for land-based casinos and online sites as well as the best casinos to begin this new adventure. It is undoubtedly an exhilarating journey that includes bouts of excitement, loads of thrills, and delightful casino gaming, not forgetting a couple of bucks to fill your pockets or maybe even your bank account.
Gambling Laws Concerning Minimum Age
Casino gambling in US states has variable minimum age requirements. Some casinos state 18 as the minimum while others have it set at 21, which is the legal drinking age. Many gambling venues offer alcohol sales, and it is easy to see why these establishments try to match the two age limits. It is difficult to decide if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but it’s safe to say that the under 21s are at a disadvantage.
Gambling is not regulated at the federal level, rather, each state has the mandate to set its own gambling laws. Also, power is often delegated to local communities within the state, letting them take charge of their gambling decisions, and this is the root cause of the disparity.
Having to wait three years after finally becoming a recognized adult can be frustrating, we’ve been there. To lend a hand, we have compiled a list of states allowing 18+ gamblers.
| State | Casino | Poker |
| Alabama | 21 | 19 |
| Alaska | 21 | – |
| Arizona | 21 | 21 |
| Arkansas | 21 | 18 |
| California | 18/21 | 18/21 |
| Colorado | 21 | 21 |
| Connecticut | 21 | 21 |
| Delaware | 21 | 21 |
| Florida | 21 | 18 |
| Georgia | 18 | 18 |
| Hawaii | 18 | 18 |
| Idaho | 18 | 18 |
| Illinois | 21 | 21 |
| Indiana | 21 | 21 |
| Iowa | 21 | 21 |
| Kansas | 21 | 21 |
| Kentucky | 18 | 18 |
| Louisiana | 21 | 21 |
| Maine | 21 | 21 |
| Maryland | 21 | 21 |
| Massachusetts | 21 | 21 |
| Michigan | 18/21 | 18 |
| Minnesota | 18/21 | 18 |
| Mississippi | 21 | 21 |
| Missouri | 21 | 21 |
| Montana | 18 | 18 |
| Nebraska | 21 | 21 |
| Nevada | 21 | 21 |
| New Hampshire | 21 | 18 |
| New Jersey | 21 | 21 |
| New Mexico | 21 | 21 |
| New York | 18/21 | 18 |
| North Carolina | 21 | 21 |
| North Dakota | 21 | 21 |
| Ohio | 21 | 21 |
| Oklahoma | 18/21 | 18/21 |
| Oregon | 21 | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 | 21 |
| Rhode Island | 18 | 18 |
| South Carolina | 21 | 21 |
| South Dakota | 21 | 21 |
| Tennessee | 21 | – |
| Texas | 21 | 21 |
| Utah | 18 | 18 |
| Vermont | 18 | 18 |
| Virginia | – | 18 |
| Washington | 18/21 | 18 |
| West Virginia | 21 | 21 |
| Wisconsin | 18/21 | 21 |
| Wyoming | 18 | 21 |
According to the table above, you will realize that certain games within the same state also have varying acceptable ages. The online lottery sets the legal age limit at 18, and the same goes for bingo. Pari-mutuel betting varies but generally leans towards the 18+ margin.
Land-Based Casinos
Whichever state you live in, you will most likely find some gambling entertainment for those under 21. However, when land-based casinos are concerned, we are dealing with a minority. Only a handful of states open their casino doors to 18-year-olds.
Most tribal and commercial establishments seem to prefer moving along the lines of 21 and older.
The states that allow legal 18+ gambling in land-based casinos are:
- California
- Florida
- Georgia (cruise shops only)
- Idaho
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Online Casinos
There are so many legal grey areas here, and there is probably nowhere else in the world in the same situation. Even though casino gaming has been making leaps in recent years, online casinos are still largely unregulated. Las Vegas may be nicknamed sin city, but the majority of US stated are governed by conservative and moralistic views which consider gambling to be unacceptable behavior or, worse still, tag it an outright crime.
Only about a dozen states have locally licensed online casinos, and they generally follow the online standard of 18 years. While this is good news for younger players, confusion arises when the state gambling age contrasts with the online minimum.
The number of times online gaming bills have been proposed and shut down is hard to keep track of so this vast grey area may not be going away anytime soon. Fortunately, this is more beneficial than not. These states pay no attention to online gaming activities so residents can play online casino games at offshore sites that accept US players.
Offshore Casinos
As for offshore casino gaming, Washington and Connecticut are the only states that have explicitly banned the practice. Anywhere else in the country it is either legal or unregulated. These casinos operate on international borders, so they implement the global standard for online gambling, which is 18 years.
Here, you have another medium to kick-start your journey. If you are shut out of the casino, poker or bingo lobby in your state, then you could try an offshore online casino, if the option is legal. Otherwise, you may have to get into the car or get on a plane to the nearest 18+ casino available. If you have a passion for the game, then this should not be a barrier to getting the casino experience that you’ve been yearning for.
Protocols For Confirming Minimum Age
Players often have to present an ID to prove their age before entering poker rooms, bingo halls, tribal and commercial casinos across the country. For locally regulated online casinos, the same procedure is done over the internet. You will need to send a photo or upload a file of your government approved ID before you start playing at the site or before you cash out any winnings.
US casinos all advocate responsible gambling and underage gamblers may be fined or charged with a misdemeanor.
The New Generation of Gamers
The casino industry is growing steadily within the country, and the new generation is quickly jumping on the moving train. Previously thought to be an activity for the older generation, recently casinos have realized the need to follow modern trends to attract a new customer base. We hear about social gaming, gamification, and even virtual reality. Slots are released regularly, each one more sophisticated and feature-packed than the next.
As games and casinos keep changing so are gambling laws. Someday it may be possible for a universal gambling age to be set at 18 for all states and for all games. For now, you will have to make do with the options at your disposal. In our opinion, there is plenty for budding gamers to sink their teeth into.
