Turning 18 feels like a milestone, but when it comes to gambling, the rules aren’t always clear. Age limits vary widely across the USA, and knowing where you can gamble at 18 depends on the state, the type of gambling, and local laws.
We’ve researched legal age requirements across every US state to help you understand where 18-year-olds can legally place bets.
We also break down exceptions and tricky gray areas between ages 18 and 21, including casinos, sports betting, and online options.
States Where You Can Gamble at 18
In the United States, 11 states permit individuals aged 18 to participate in . These states include California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, South Carolina, and Washington.
However, the specific types of gambling allowed at this age vary by state and activity.​ Here’s the breakdown.
Land-Based Casinos
In certain states, 18-year-olds can legally participate in land-based casino gambling. The states and their specific regulations are as follows:​
- California: Some tribal casinos and card rooms are allowed. However, many establishments that serve alcohol may restrict entry to those 21 and older. ​
- Florida: Tribal casinos allow 18-year-olds to play poker and bingo. However, other casino games typically require participants to be at least 21. ​
- Georgia: While Georgia does not have land-based casinos, individuals aged 18 and over can legally gamble on cruise ships. ​
- Idaho: The minimum gambling age at all Idaho casinos is 18. However, some properties may set their own age restrictions at 21. ​
- Michigan: Some tribal casinos allow 18-year-old players, while commercial casinos in Detroit require you to be at least 21. ​
- Minnesota: All casinos in the state are available. ​
- Montana: All casinos in the state are available. ​
- New York: Some tribal casinos allow gambling at 18, while others may require you to be 21. ​
- Oklahoma: Some tribal casinos are available. However, many establishments that serve alcohol may restrict entry to those 21 and older. ​
- Washington: All casinos in the state are available. ​
Sports Betting
The legal age for sports betting varies across states. States that permit 18-year-olds to engage in sports betting include:​
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
In most other states with legalized sports betting, the minimum age requirement is 21.
Poker
States where 18-year-olds can legally participate in poker games include:​
- California: Certain card rooms and tribal casinos only. ​
- Florida: At tribal casinos. ​
- Minnesota: All casinos in the state allow 18-year-olds to play poker. ​
- Montana: At available casinos.
- Oklahoma: Many casinos permit 18-year-olds to play poker, though some establishments may set the minimum age at 21.
Horse Racing
Most states allow individuals aged 18 and over to bet on horse racing. Exceptions where the minimum age is 21 include:​
- Arizona: Betting on horse racing requires you to be at least 21. ​
- Iowa: The minimum age for pari-mutuel betting is 21. ​
- Nevada: Individuals must be 21 to participate in horse race betting. ​
- Texas: The legal age for betting on horse racing is 21.
States Where You Can Gamble at 18 Breakdown
Here is a list of states that allow people to wager at 18 and the types of betting allowed. States such as Nevada are not listed because 21 is the minimum age for any gambling.
| State | Casino | Sports Betting | Poker | Horse Racing | Lottery | Bingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Arkansas | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| California | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Colorado | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| D.C. | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Illinois | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Maine | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Missouri | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nebraska | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| New Hampshire | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| New Jersey | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New York | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ohio | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| South Carolina | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Texas | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Vermont | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
So, Can You Play at Online Casinos at 18?
In most USA states that have legalized online gambling, you must be 21 or older to play. This includes New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut, where the legal age applies to online casinos, poker, and sports betting.
However, there are some exceptions depending on the type of online gambling:
- Online Lottery: Many states allow players 18 and up to buy lottery tickets online. For example, Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, and Michigan let 18-year-olds access state-run lottery websites or apps.
- Horse Racing Betting: Online pari-mutuel horse race betting is legal in many states for players 18 and up through platforms like TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing. States like Florida, Ohio, and Oregon fall into this category.
- Offshore Casinos: While not regulated under US law, some offshore casinos accept US players who are 18 or older. Make sure to check the site’s terms and conditions to confirm they accept players your age.
🚨 Important: Even if a platform allows users aged 18+, you must follow your casino state laws. Some states explicitly prohibit any form of online gambling, regardless of the platform’s policies.
How Old Do You Have to be to Gamble in USA?
The official minimum age for gambling in the US is 18. But, in most states, that applies to playing the lottery or certain bingo games. Most land-based casinos require you to be 21, and laws vary at most horse tracks across the nation.
Here are two essential things to remember about real money wagering and age in the US. First, if you are 21 or older, you are good to go for any legal gambling. Second, if you are under 18, you are prohibited from betting.
Be Legal, Be Responsible, and Have Fun
In the face of the mishmash of laws on age and gambling, our best advice is to make sure you know the rules of the state where you plan to bet. That applies particularly if you are under 21 or traveling with kids under 21.Â
Or you should choose one of our suggested sites if you are 18 or older. Casinos enforce underage gambling rules because casinos can get their licenses revoked. But legal, responsible betting provides hours of great entertainment.
Gambling Age FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the gambling age.
How old do you have to be to gamble?
You have to be at least 18 to gamble. But the minimum age for certain types of wagering can be 21.
Can you gamble at 18 in Las Vegas?
You cannot gamble at 18 in Las Vegas. Nevada is a casino-heavy state and allows only people 21 and over to bet.
Can you gamble at 18 online?
You can gamble online at 18. Some non-US online sites may require you to be 21.
Can 18-year-olds play real money casino games?
Yes, 18-year-olds can play real money casino games. But that is mainly for online casinos.
What happens if I’m an underage gambler?
If you’re caught gambling underage, you could face fines, be banned from the casino, or even have your winnings confiscated. Some states may also charge it as a misdemeanor.
Who regulates the gambling industry?
Gambling is regulated at both the state and federal level, but most laws and enforcement are handled by state gaming commissions or control boards.
