The excitement of winning can draw people of all ages to casinos, but what age can you legally enter one?
Depending on where you live, the answer to this question may differ significantly. Some states have a minimum gambling age of 21 while others allow individuals as young as 18 to gamble.
At times, it may be difficult to comprehend all of the different options. In certain states, tribal casinos exist that have their own age restrictions for gambling. Learn more.
At casinos, the age to enter and leave the premises varies significantly from that of walking around its premises. Generally speaking, it’s recommended that you wait until at least 18 years old and in most cases until 21.
When seeking information regarding age requirements at your local casino, be aware that this will likely vary based on the state you reside in. Each jurisdiction has its own gambling laws and regulations which must be taken into consideration when asking about age restrictions.
Certain countries have more stringent age policies than others, making a visit to the casinos in those places an especially risky proposition for anyone under 18. That is why it’s always best to check the age policy before visiting any casino.
What Are the Legal Gambling Ages in the United States?
In America, legal gambling age is determined by federal law; generally speaking, 21 is considered to be the standard age; however, this age may differ by state.
Underage gambling can have serious repercussions, including fines or jail time as well as the potential loss of your gambling license.
Many players mistakenly assume they are old enough to play at a casino, but this is not always the case. In fact, some underage individuals may not even realize they’re breaking the law and could be unaware of their infraction.
In Canada, the age at which you can gamble varies from province to province; generally speaking, most provinces require that players be at least 19 years old. Some provinces, such as Alberta or Manitoba, have higher age restrictions so it’s important to know your province’s regulations before beginning play.
Under 18s are welcome at casinos in the UK, Australia and New Zealand but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Although these players aren’t permitted to gamble with real money, they can still participate in games and watch the action unfold on the floor.
In the UK, the legal gambling age for casinos is 18; in most other European countries it’s 21. Additionally, some Asian destinations like Macau and Hong Kong require players to be at least 21 years of age in order to play for real money.