Gambling Age by State In USA 2024
Among the states with legal gambling for individuals under 21, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, South Carolina (limited to cruise ships), and Washington have set their minimum gambling age at 18. However, in Las Vegas, you must be at least 21 years old to gamble, as mandated by Nevada law.
In terms of the typical age of gamblers, the majority fall between 18 and 24 years old. This age group is more prone to engaging in risky gambling behavior due to ongoing brain development. Until around the age of 24 or 25, the brain’s emotional and logical faculties are still maturing, which can make it challenging for individuals to make sound decisions.
Nevada holds the distinction of having the most gamblers, earning its reputation as the gambling capital of the world, primarily because of Las Vegas. The allure of Las Vegas draws millions of visitors each year, exceeding 50 million, all seeking their fortunes and experiences in the city’s vast array of casinos. This statistic underscores the immense popularity and enduring appeal of Las Vegas as the premier destination for gambling enthusiasts worldwide.
Gambling Age by State In USA 2024
The states where you can gamble at age 18 are Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, South Carolina (but only on cruise ships), and Washington.
In Las Vegas, you have to be 21 or older to gamble, according to Nevada law.
Most people who gamble are between 18 and 24 years old. This age group tends to take more risks because their brains are still developing, and they might not make the best decisions yet.
Nevada has the most gamblers. It’s known as the gambling capital of the world, especially because of Las Vegas. Over 50 million people visit Nevada each year to try their luck at casinos.
Gambling Age by State In USA 2024
We want to find out which states allow people to start gambling at the youngest ages. We’ll look at the minimum ages needed for different types of gambling, like casinos, bingo, betting on dogs and horses, playing the lottery, betting on races, and poker rooms. Then, we’ll list the top 10 states where you can start gambling at a younger age.
Here are the top 10 states:
- Idaho: 18
- Georgia: 18
- Minnesota: 18
- Montana: 18
- Oklahoma: 18
- South Dakota: 18
- Washington: 18
- Oregon: 18
- Michigan: 21
- California: 21
Gambling Age by State In USA 2024
State | Minimum Age for Casino | Minimum Age for Bingo | Minimum Age for Dogs and Horseracing | Minimum Age for Lottery | Minimum Age for Pari-Mutuel Betting | Minimum Age for Poker Rooms |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
California | Varies | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | Varies |
Michigan | Varies | 18 | 18 | 18 | 32 | |
Alabama | 21 | 18 | 18 | 21 | ||
Alaska | 21 | 19 | ||||
Arizona | 21 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Arkansas | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Colorado | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Connecticut | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Delaware | 21 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 21 | |
Florida | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | |
Hawaii | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 | |
Illinois | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Indiana | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Iowa | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 |
Kansas | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 |
Louisiana | 21 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 18 | 21 |
Maine | 21 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Maryland | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Massachusetts | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Mississippi | 21 | 18 | 18 | 21 | ||
Missouri | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Nebraska | 21 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 21 |
Nevada | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | ||
New Hampshire | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 18 |
New Jersey | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
New Mexico | 21 | 0 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
New York | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
North Carolina | 21 | 28 | 18 | 21 | ||
North Dakota | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Ohio | 21 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Oregon | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Pennsylvania | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Rhode Island | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
South Carolina | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | ||
Texas | 21 | 21 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 |
Utah | 21 | 18 | 21 | |||
Vermont | 21 | 21 | ||||
Virginia | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | |
West Virginia | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 | |
Wisconsin | 21 | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 | |
Wyoming | 21 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 21 |
Georgia | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | |
Idaho | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Minnesota | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Montana | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Oklahoma | 18 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
South Dakota | 18 | |||||
Washington | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Murder Rate by State 2024 https://usadatahub.com/murder-rate-by-state-2024/
Most Dangerous States 2024 https://usadatahub.com/most-dangerous-states-2024/
Gambling Age by State In USA 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I gamble at 18 in Vegas? Unfortunately, no. You must be at least 21 years old to gamble in Las Vegas or anywhere else in Nevada.
Can you gamble at 18 in California? While the legal gambling age in California is 18, many casinos restrict entry to individuals under 21 due to serving alcohol on-site.
Can you gamble at 18 anywhere in the US? The legal gambling age varies depending on the jurisdiction and type of gambling. Generally, the legal age for casino gambling and sports betting is 21, while activities like the lottery, daily fantasy sports, and horse betting often allow participants as young as 18. However, there are exceptions.
Can I gamble at 18 in Arizona? No, you must be 21 or older to gamble legally in Arizona, including participation in the state lottery. However, residents aged 18 and above can engage in some legally sanctioned online gambling sites within the state.
Source:
“Your Guide to Gambling by US State” – Casino.org Website: https://www.casino.org/gambling-age-by-state/
“Your Guide to the US Legal Gambling Age: Organized by States & Gambling Types” Website: https://www.casino.org/gambling-age-by-state/
Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act
“How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble?” – PokerNews Website: https://www.pokernews.com/news/2017/04/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-gamble-27597.htm