How Old Do You Have To Be To Gamble Online: A State-By-State Guide

Writer: Patrik Lidin Principal Writer and Editor / Head of Content

Experience: Sports Trader, Market Maker, Product Owner Sportsbook, Professional Gambler, Poker Player

Published: February 19, 2025, 5:51 PM Updated: 3 months ago

Reviewed by:   Expert review board

What Is the Legal Gambling Age in the US?

Key Considerations Regard Legal Age Requirements:

• Gambling age requirements vary by state and type of gambling.
• Online casinos are restricted to 21+ in all legal states.
• Sweepstakes casinos are generally accessible to 18+, but some states impose restrictions.
• Online sports betting is legal in many states, with most requiring 21+, while some allow 18+.
• Online poker is available in select states with a 21+ requirement.
• State lotteries and pari-mutuel wagering (horse & greyhound racing) typically allow players 18+.
• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is considered skill-based and is available for people aged 18+ in most states, though some require 21+.
• Underage gambling is illegal, with potential legal consequences for violators.
• Gambling age laws exist to protect consumers, prevent financial harm, and promote responsible gambling practices(1).
• Always check your state’s specific laws before engaging in any gambling activity.

Different Risk Levels

Online Casino Gambling Age by State

The minimum age for online casino gambling is the same across all states, with the highest possible restriction at 21 due to the inherent risks of casino gambling.

Key Takeaways of Online Casino Legal Age:

• Online casino gambling is only legal in seven states.
• All states that allow online casinos require players to be 21+.
• Offshore sites may accept players under 21 but operate in a legal gray area (can be considered illegal) and often lack adequate consumer protections. We don’t recommend using offshore sites; instead, we recommend legal US online casinos.

Legal Context for Online Casino Age Requirements

Online casino operations in states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,  Rhode Island, and West Virginia are strictly regulated to protect consumers. These regulations include rigorous age verification protocols to enforce legal gambling age requirements.

Most states require players to be at least 21 years old. Delaware employs a more nuanced approach: Certain games may be accessible at 18, while others require players to be 21.

These measures are designed to:

• Prevent underage gambling
• Ensure fair play
• Promote responsible gaming practices

Sweepstakes Casino Age by State

Sweepstakes casinos operate under a different legal model from real online casinos. They use virtual currencies and alternative reward systems rather than traditional gambling. Learn more about the sweepstakes casino model and the availability of sweepstakes sites.

Key Takeaways:

• Most social and sweepstakes casinos permit players to participate at 18+.
• These platforms typically avoid real-money transactions, allowing for lower age requirements.
• However, some jurisdictions might impose additional restrictions based on local regulations.

Legal Context for Sweepstakes Casino Age Requirements

Sweepstakes casinos and social gaming platforms bypass traditional gambling laws using virtual currencies. While players can win prizes, including cash prizes, the winnings are not typically considered real money gambling. This legal workaround permits many platforms to operate with a lower age requirement. Nevertheless, operators still comply with general laws and prohibit anyone under 18 from using the platforms. It’s worth noting that there is no regulatory oversight of sweepstakes casinos in the US, and you should be aware of what site you use.

Additionally, some states have imposed restrictions on sweepstakes casinos, including outright bans. For example, New Jersey is developing a regulatory framework for sweepstakes casinos. Moreover, the editorial team at JustGamblers has observed a trend in which some sweepstakes casinos are increasing their legal age requirement to 21 to align with the standards for real-money online casinos.

Online Sports Betting Age by State

The minimum betting age for online sportsbooks can vary, as shown in the state-by-state comparison table and infographic, from 18 to 21.

Key Takeaways:

• Online sports betting is legal in many states, with most requiring 21+.
• A few states allow sports betting at 18+.
• Major sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel operate under state licenses. These are two sportsbooks we recommend based on our tests and reviews.

Legal Context for Online Sportsbook Age Requirements

Online sports betting has expanded significantly since the 2018 repeal of PASPA, which enabled states to legalize and regulate sports betting independently. In regulated states, online sportsbooks must implement strict consumer protection measures, including robust age verification protocols.

Most jurisdictions, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, require bettors to be at least 21 years old. However, depending on local regulations, some states allow online sports betting for individuals 18 or older.

These sports betting age requirements are designed to:

• Prevent underage betting.
• Ensure fair play.
• Promote responsible wagering practices.

Online Poker Age by State

Online poker is available only in a select number of states where the game is fully regulated. Regulated sites require players to be 21 or older.

Key Takeaways:

• Online poker is legal in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
• All states require 21+.
• Multi-state agreements help create larger, more competitive player pools, requiring streamlined rules around legal age requirements.

Legal Context for Online Poker Age Requirements

Online poker is available in six states. Licensed US online poker platforms enforce strict consumer protection measures, including robust age verification protocols and regular audits to ensure integrity. Regulated jurisdictions require players to be at least 21 years old.

These online poker legal requirements are designed to:

• Prevent underage gambling.
• Maintain integrity and help mitigate social risks associated with online poker.
• Promote responsible gaming practices.

Horse Racing Gambling Age by State (Pari-Mutuel Wagering)

Betting on horse racing has a long tradition in the United States. Its legal status and age requirements can vary by state.

Key Takeaways:

• Betting on horse racing is generally available to those 18+.
• Online horse betting is legal in many states, but age restrictions can differ.
• Greyhound racing is banned in several states but remains legal in others.

Legal Context for Online Race Betting Age Requirements

Betting on horse racing relies on a specific regulatory framework based on the pari-mutuel system. In this system, all wagers are pooled together, and payouts are determined by the total pool divided among the winners. In regulated markets, state racing commissions or dedicated regulatory authorities enforce strict consumer protection measures, including robust age verification protocols for pari-mutuel wagering.

Most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to wager for race betting. In contrast, greyhound racing is subject to additional restrictions in some states due to animal welfare concerns, and in certain jurisdictions, it is prohibited altogether.

These legal measures are designed to:

• Prevent underage wagering.
• Ensure a fair and transparent pari-mutuel betting system.
• Promote responsible wagering practices.

Multi-Vendor Lottery Gambling Age by State

Multi-vendor lotteries are one of the most accessible forms of gambling in the US. Although the minimum age is typically 18, certain lottery games have exceptions.

Key Takeaways:

• Most states allow lottery ticket purchases at 18+.
• Certain lottery-related games, such as video lottery terminals, may have a higher minimum age of 21.
• Some states offer online lottery ticket sales with their own set of rules.

Legal Context for Online Lottery Age Requirements

State-run regulatory frameworks govern online lottery operations. In states that offer online lottery ticket sales, the state lottery commissions ensure transparency in ticket sales, prize distribution, and overall operations. These platforms implement strict consumer protection measures, including robust age verification protocols.

Most regulated jurisdictions require online lottery ticket purchases by participants at least 18 years old. State lottery commissions actively monitor these operations to ensure compliance with fair play and consumer protection standards.

These legal measures are designed to:

• Prevent underage online lottery participation.
• Ensure a fair and transparent lottery process and prize distribution.
• Promote responsible gaming practices.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Legal Age by State

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a unique form of competitive gaming that blends sports knowledge with strategic decision-making. In DFS contests, you build virtual teams composed of real athletes and compete for cash prizes based on their actual game performance. While similar to sports betting and gambling, DFS is primarily considered a skill-based activity and is subject to different legal age requirements than other forms of online gambling.

Key Takeaways:

• Most regulators consider DFS a game of skill rather than pure chance, which can affect its legal classification.
• You must be at least 18 in most regulated jurisdictions to participate in DFS contests.
• DFS's legal status varies by state. Some states offer fully regulated markets for DFS, while others impose additional restrictions or await further regulatory guidance.

Legal Context for Daily Fantasy Sports Age Requirements

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operates under a unique legal framework that often distinguishes it from traditional gambling. Many regulators classify DFS as a game of skill rather than pure chance, though the legal treatment can vary by state.

In states where DFS is legal, operators must implement strict consumer protection measures, including robust age verification protocols, to ensure that only eligible participants can compete.

Most regulated jurisdictions require participants to be 18 years old to enter DFS contests. However, some states may impose additional restrictions or have paused DFS operations pending further regulatory guidance.

These legal measures are designed to:

• Prevent underage participation.
• Ensure a fair and transparent contest environment.
• Promote responsible gaming practices.

Understanding Why Online Gambling Age Limits Vary

Gambling age limits are set for good reasons: balancing consumer protection depending on the associated risks.

Protection of Minors

Age restrictions exist to protect consumers from financial harm, compulsive gambling behaviors, and unfair betting conditions. Studies have shown that individuals under 21 are more likely to make emotion-driven gambling decisions(2), which is why higher-risk forms of gambling (like online casinos) are restricted to 21+ in every legal state.

Regulatory bodies enforce these limits to ensure that gambling remains fair, safe, and responsible.

Why 18?

In many cases, 18 is recognized as the legal age of adulthood, meaning individuals are legally responsible for their financial decisions. Certain lower-risk gambling activities, such as lotteries and pari-mutuel wagering (e.g., horse racing), are permitted at 18 because they involve fixed costs or pooled betting rather than fast-paced, high-stakes decision-making.

Why 21?

Higher-risk gambling, including online casinos and sportsbooks, is generally restricted to 21+. These activities involve continuous betting opportunities, greater financial exposure, and psychological risk factors. By enforcing a 21+ restriction, states aim to mitigate the risk of gambling-related harm among younger, more impulsive players.

Responsible Gambling

Equally important is the emphasis on responsible gambling. These laws also aim to ensure that individuals are mature enough to handle the risks associated with gambling. If you’d like to learn more about responsible gambling practices and resources, please visit our Responsible Gambling page.

Comparing Risk Levels Across Online Gambling Types

Different gambling types carry different levels of financial and psychological risk. This table provides an overview of how each category is assessed regarding risk exposure and legal age requirements.

Legal Consequences of Underage Gambling Online

Engaging in gambling before reaching the legal age is a violation of state and sometimes federal regulations. If an underage person is caught gambling, they could face several types of consequences:

• Depending on the state, underage gambling can lead to misdemeanor charges or other legal penalties, which might include fines, community service, or other legal sanctions.
• A record of underage gambling offenses can have lasting effects on an individual’s future opportunities, potentially impacting employment or educational prospects.

In some states, such as New Jersey, legislators are pushing for new rules regarding underage gambling to become a lesser charge with a primary focus on fines and to include persons that would have enabled or aided a minor to gamble online. 

Additionally, online gambling operators who fail to enforce age restrictions may have their licenses suspended or revoked and can be subject to significant fines.

How Online Gambling Age Verification Works

Legal online gambling platforms strictly enforce age verification to ensure compliance with state laws and protect minors from gambling. Here’s what you can expect when verifying your identity and age at online gambling sites in the US (KYC process):

1. Submission of personal information: you must provide details such as name, date of birth, and address during registration.
2. Uploading a government-issued ID: you must submit a valid driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Some sites may also require a selfie to confirm your identity and prevent fraud.
3. Cross-checking against official databases: gambling operators compare user data with government and financial records to verify age and identity. Third-party services such as Jumio or Onfido may assist in this process.
4. Payment method verification: depositing funds requires a bank card, bank account, or verified e-wallet, which adds an extra layer of verification. Some banks may block gambling-related transactions if the account holder is underage.
5. Additional security checks: the operator may request a second form of ID (e.g., a utility bill for address verification), a video verification call to confirm identity, or a compliance officer's manual review.
6. Approval or rejection: ✅ If verified → The player gains full access to the platform. ❌ If verification fails, → The account is blocked or flagged for review. ❗ If false information is used, the player may be permanently banned and reported.

FAQ How Old Do You Have To Be to Gamble Online

Sources and Resources

1. Gambling & Young Adults, accessed on February 10, 2025, <https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/safer-play/gambling-and-young-adults/>
2. Too Young to Gamble: Long-term Risks from Underage Gambling, accessed on February 12, 2025, <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10899-024-10319-1>