In the U.S., each state sets its own age of majority. Most set this at 18, but some select other ages. When someone reaches this age, she comes into many adult rights and responsibilities. However, federal age restrictions do not follow state age-of-majority laws for voting, drinking and smoking.

For many new sports bettors, the minimum age requirement for legal sports betting is one of the single biggest concerns. Underage gambling is viewed as a major offense that can prompt heavy fines or even jail time for sports betting operators, so sportsbooks are extremely strict about who they allow to gamble. Federal law provides fairly extensive guidelines for most forms of gambling, but it has always left the specificity of legal gambling age requirements to individual states. International online sportsbooks are free to set their own limits, but domestic providers are subject to state age requirements.

Some states offer limited forms of gambling (bingo, charity games, etc.) starting well before the age of 18, but all states require that players be at least 18 years old to bet on sports. 35 states set their legal gambling age higher than 18, which is unfortunate for sports bettors. Thankfully, even in these states, legal sports betting is available to all players who are 18 years old as long as they use international online sportsbooks.

Use Sports Betting Sites When 18 To Bet On NFL

Due to the differences between each state, you cannot just assume that you can gamble at any certain age. Most states have a strict gambling age requirement of 21, and all states are actively enforcing these gambling laws. It’s also illegal for businesses to run gambling websites and to solicit online bets. Even companies handling transactions for cyberspace bettors can face federal charges. Our strategy for tackling illegal online gambling—as a key enforcement agency—is to start with the companies providing the services in the first place.

The Houston Texans have an incredibly rough opening couple weeks. Week 1, they played the Kansas City Chiefs and got demolished, and Week 2 they’re set to face off against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans offense looked much worse without Deandre Hopkins, who got off to a great start in Arizona. They’ll have a lot to handle on that end facing off against the Baltimore defense, and the Texans defense showed no real ability to stop Patrick Mahomes, which makes them questionable against Lamar Jackson. This is an interesting game, but the Ravens are deserving favorites.

Sports Betting Ages By State

Each of the states with sports betting is different, but the legal sports betting age by state is almost always 21, while the legal lottery and pari-mutuel betting age is usually 18 (except for Alabama, where all gambling ages are 19 for some reason). The following age minimums for sports betting are what you should stick to, listed alphabetically by state. (Note: The states with an age range indicate areas where there is a different limit for commercial vs. tribal casino gaming and betting, and you can typically err on the side of the lower age.)

  • Alabama Betting Age – 19
  • Alaska Betting Age – 19
  • Arizona Betting Age – 21
  • Arkansas Betting Age – 21
  • California Betting Age – 18-21
  • Colorado Betting Age – 21
  • Connecticut Betting Age – 21
  • Delaware Betting Age – 21
  • Florida Betting Age – 21
  • Georgia Betting Age – 21
  • Hawaii Betting Age – 18
  • Idaho Betting Age – 21
  • Illinois Betting Age – 21
  • Indiana Betting Age – 21
  • Iowa Betting Age – 21
  • Kansas Betting Age – 21
  • Kentucky Betting Age – 18
  • Louisiana Betting Age – 21
  • Maine Betting Age – 21
  • Maryland Betting Age – 21
  • Massachusetts Betting Age – 21
  • Michigan Betting Age – 18-21
  • Minnesota Betting Age – 18-21
  • Mississippi Betting Age – 21
  • Missouri Betting Age – 21
  • Montana Betting Age – 18
  • Nebraska Betting Age – 21
  • Nevada Betting Age – 21
  • New Hampshire Betting Age – 21
  • New Jersey Betting Age – 21
  • New Mexico Betting Age – 21
  • New York Betting Age – 21
  • North Carolina Betting Age – 21
  • North Dakota Betting Age – 21
  • Ohio Betting Age – 21
  • Oklahoma Betting Age – 18-21
  • Oregon Betting Age – 18-21
  • Pennsylvania Betting Age – 21
  • Rhode Island Betting Age – 18
  • South Carolina Betting Age – 21
  • South Dakota Betting Age – 21
  • Tennessee Betting Age – 18
  • Texas Betting Age – 21
  • Utah Betting Age – 18
  • Vermont Betting Age – 18
  • Virginia Betting Age – 18
  • Washington Betting Age – 18-21
  • West Virginia Betting Age – 21
  • Wisconsin Betting Age – 21
  • Wyoming Betting Age – 18

Legal Sports Betting Age At Land-Based Sportsbooks

Generally speaking, the legal sports betting age at land-based sportsbooks is 21 years old. Now that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) has been overturned, each state is allowed to set its own age minimums for its own sports wagering industry. Most states have chosen 21, as this aligns well with their existing gambling policies at the venues where new sports betting lounges are opening. In some ways, it’s silly to sort out any legal sports betting age by state, as almost all of them seem to be in agreement on this one point (and only this one point, truth be told).

The caveat here comes when the entirety of a state’s gambling market is tribal in nature, with casinos located totally on sovereign tribal land (i.e. reservations). In these states, there are often added challenges to getting new sports betting laws passed, as the tribes tend to have sweeping exclusivity deals as part of their state compacts. It is conceivable that in such states, where sports wagering is limited to tribal venues, that the sports betting age would be 18, in line with most pari-mutuel and lottery age minimums nationwide.

Legal Sports Betting Age At Online Sportsbooks

The legal sports betting age at online sportsbooks can be different depending on where you live. For example, Rhode Island, Oregon, and New Hampshire only require people who are using online sportsbooks to be 18 years old or older. However, in places such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, you have to be 21 years old or older in order to use legal sports betting sites. A general rule of thumb to follow is to check your state’s casino gambling laws as those are the ones usually used to define the required sports betting age.

When it comes to using online offshore sportsbooks, those sites usually require users to be 18 years old or older. However, if your state’s sports betting laws require bettors to be 21 years old or older than you will have to follow that guideline before using offshore options. This will ensure that you are totally safe when using these sites, otherwise, you may run the risk of running into trouble down the line. These offshore sites take underage gambling very seriously and those that are caught betting as a minor will have their winnings confiscated and their account terminated.

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Betting Age To Bet On College Football

When it comes to betting on your favorite college team, online sportsbooks will have all the games that players would like to choose and bet from. There are plenty of prop bets that you can choose and most of the time these games are close and could turn out to help players win a lot of money. The age requirement is one thing that is very important and when it comes to online sportsbooks, all players have to be is 18 and older to sign up. So as exciting as it is to bet on your favorite college football team, make sure you’re old enough to place big wagers.

Betting Age To Bet On Basketball

With the NBA Season starts just weeks away, knowing the legal NBA betting age in your state is incredibly important. While it varies from state to state, most states requiring bettors to be at least 21 years old or older in order to wager, knowing the legal gambling age is a great way to be fully prepared to go into the NBA season. International sportsbooks operate legally in every state, even those that have yet to regulate legal sports betting in their legislations. With online sportsbooks, you can bet on your favorite NBA team by being at least 18 years old. Underage sports betting is prohibited and bettors who attempt to bet on the NBA while not being old enough could run into some trouble. It is important to know the legal age to bet on the NBA in your state before you try and wager.

Age To Bet On MLB Baseball

All American players must be at least 18 years old to bet on MLB baseball games, while bettors in some states have to be at least 21 years old to bet with state-licensed sportsbooks. With the coronavirus limiting the capability of most brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, most MLB betting will take place online during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. You will be required to provide proof of valid, government-issued ID before you can withdraw winnings from betting on baseball.

The Risk Of Underage Sports Betting

Underage gambling is strictly prohibited, and the act of such can result in real legal troubles. This is why knowing and understanding your state’s gambling laws is incredibly important. If you are caught attempting to bet on sports while under the required betting age by your state, then you run the risk of being permanently banned from the sportsbook, fined by the courts, or legally persecuted. Illegal gambling of any kind can result in misdemeanor or even felony charges. It Is an unnecessary risk to take place in underage gambling as the negatives are life-altering. Waiting until you are in the legal gambling age in your state is the best way to go.

Legal Horse Betting Age

The legal horse betting age is the same as it is for sports betting on the list above. Horse betting is one of the reasons that legal gambling ages exist in the first place, so it is no wonder that they use the same laws as casinos and sportsbooks. Overall, if you are 21 then you can bet on horses and are old enough to bet on sports anywhere in the world. If you are over 18, then you are only old enough to bet on horses in these states.

Alabama – California – Hawaii – Kentucky – Michigan – Montana – Oklahoma – Oregon – Rhode Island – Tennessee – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washigton – Wyoming

Why Is There A Minimum Age Limit To Bet On Sports?

When it comes to betting on sports inside of a casino sportsbook, there is often an age restriction because the sportsbook will serve alcohol on the premises. In order for the casino to keep their liquor license and comply with the federal law, everyone in their building must be 21 or older. Certain states, such as Rhode Island, have sportsbooks that accept bettors as young as 18 because the sports betting laws will allow them to. When it comes to betting on sports online most of the sites in the US will set their age restriction according to the state that they are based in. When using on offshore sports betting site, most of them will set their minimum age at 18 because that is the legal age to gamble in the country that they are based in.

How Do I Verify My Age To A Sportsbook?

With both land-based and online sportsbooks, you will need to provide legal documentation that shows you are legally old enough to bet on sports. This can be a standard government-issued ID. It is also a requirement at international sportsbooks, with online sports betting operations requiring ID in order to prevent you from making multiple accounts as well as ensuring they are sending the payments to the correct person. It is not a difficult process to prove your age at sportsbooks and if you are looking to bet on sports you must have documentation proving your age.

Is There An Age Limit To Go Inside Of A Sportsbook?

Yes, and as of right now, almost every legal land-based sportsbook in the US requires anyone trying to enter the venue to be 21 or older. Only Rhode Island, New York, and Montana will allow bettors as young as 18 to enter their sportsbook. Some casinos have their own betting apps or post their odds on their website so you can view lines from there, but in order to physically enter the casino or racino you must meet their age requirement.

Will I Get In Trouble If I Am Sports Betting Underage?
Yes, and the penalties range by state and by the sportsbook. If you are caught betting on sports underage at a land-based sportsbook you could, at the very least, be charged with a misdemeanor, forfeit your winnings, and pay a fine to the state. If you’re caught betting underage through an online offshore sportsbook you will forfeit any winnings in your account and potentially be banned for the site for life.
Where Can I Bet On Sports Under 21?

As of right now, your only land-based options would be in Rhode Island and New York. Once Montana launches their sports betting operations those would become an option as well. The same goes for sports betting in New Hampshire. Oregon will let those 18 years old or older to use the lottery’s mobile sportsbook known as Scoreboard. Some states that are working on sports betting legislation are aiming to set the legal gambling age at 18 as well. We will update you as soon as we have confirmation on which states do so. Online offshore sportsbooks will normally accept members 18 or older, but it is best to comply with the age requirement set by your state. If you take a look at the list above, we have laid out which states you can start online sports betting under the age of 21.

What Is The Legal Age For Horse Betting?

Most states have set the legal age for horse race betting at 18 or older. This includes betting on live races and simulcast races. However, there are a handful of states, such as Arizona, that require pari-mutuel bettors to be 21 or older. There are even some states that say you have to be 19 or older to bet on the ponies, so be sure to check your state laws. Most online racebooks will require their users to be at least 18 or older in order to bet on the races.

Which Online Sportsbooks And Betting Apps Do Not Check Age?
The answer is none, and in the off chance that you do find one that doesn’t check, we suggest that you steer clear of it. Online sportsbooks that do not check age show that they lack the care to abide by their countries laws and could be an outright scam. If you are under the age of 18 or 21 we suggest that you wait and study the industry so that when you become of the legal age in your state you will be well-versed in sports betting and ready to start winning.
What Is The Legal Betting Age At Bovada?

Bovada only requires that users be at least 18 years old, no matter what state they might live in. But, Bovada does not accept any players from Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, New York or Nevada. Players in all other states should still consult the betting age in their state and know if their age limit is higher. Though it is good to understand your local betting age, there has not been any reports of a single person arrested for underage gambling online. There are, however, consequences for someone who fails to meet minimum betting ages at Bovada or any other online sportsbook.

The legal gambling age in Washington varies based on the location and type of gambling, but there are gambling options available to any player who is at least 18 years old. On this page, inquisitive gamblers will find everything they need to know about the legal age for various gambling activities in Washington state, along with an overview of some of the best providers of each one. It will also cover legal online gambling, poker, horse betting, the lottery, and more.

In Washington, the vast majority of legal intrastate gambling goes through tribal casinos owned and operated on Indian reservations. The state legislature has been strict about protecting pre-existing gaming compacts, and nontribal casinos are extremely limited in what they can offer. Unfortunately, this has limited the consumer choice and accessibility for Washington gamblers, especially given that the legislature has pushed back against all attempts to authorize statewide online and mobile gambling. Many players have instead turned to online casinos/sportsbooks, which are not bound by state or federal law.

Washington Ages For Gambling
Legal Sports Betting Age in Washington21
Legal Casino Age in Washington18/21
Legal Poker Age in Washington18
Legal Lottery Age in Washington18
Legal Horse Betting Age in Washington18
Legal DFS Age in Washington18
Legal Bingo Age in Washington18/21

What Is The Legal Gambling Age At Casinos In Washington?

Statewide, the legal age for all kinds of gambling, including casino gambling, is 18. Every casino in Washington is free to set its own age restrictions, however. Many casinos increase their age requirement to 21 so they can allow drinks on the gaming floor and maximize the value of their alcohol license. There are currently six brick-and-mortar casinos in Washington that allow 18-year-old players:

  • BJ’s Bingo & Gaming
  • Chewelah Casino
  • Lancer Lanes Fun Center and Casino
  • Royal Casino
  • Swinomish Casino & Lodge
  • The Last Frontier Casino
  • The Last Frontier Casino

18-year-old Washington residents can also bet with online casinos like Bovada and Slots.lv, which are not subject to the limitations of either physical space or a liquor license.

Legal Online Casinos For Washington Residents

While there is no state-run online gambling, Washington residents can still legally gamble with numerous online casinos. These online casinos are actually more robust and fully featured than most brick-and-mortar casinos, owing to their global player base of millions of people. Economies of scale and the virtual nature of online casinos allow them to offer more betting options with better payout rates at lower costs. Some of the best online casino brands in the world are trusted brands like Bovada, Slots.lv, MyBookie, and 5Dimes.

Slots.lv - Over 200 Slots To Pick

Like most online casinos, Slots.lv accepts all players who are at least 18 years old. The main selling point of Slots.lv is obviously its slots, and it doesn’t disappoint with over 230 different slots to choose from. Players also have access to a variety of different table games like blackjack and baccarat, as well as other miscellaneous games like bingo and keno. Players can also take part in daily tournaments offering huge rewards relative to the buy-in. The biggest draw of Slots.lv is how player-focused and convenient it is. With a fully-featured mobile site, 24/7 customer support, and fast and easy deposit and payout options, Slots.lv sets a high bar for online casino gaming.

Lucky Red - Accepts All Washington residents

Despite the legal climate in the state, Lucky Red Casino still accepts residents from the state of Washington. Those who live in Washington and are above 18 may join the this casino. A 400% bonus is awaiting new players, giving up to $4,000 dollars in free cash. As one of the best online casinos, Lucky Red has some of the highest security measures around. Many deposit methods can be used. Try Lucky Red and see what all the fuss is about and learn why Washington residents prefer it.

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Legal Washington Online Casinos

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Washington Sports Betting Sites

In the 2019-2020 legislative session, Washington lawmakers considered a bill, SB 6277, that would have authorized tribal casinos to operate statewide mobile sports betting platforms, but it was left to die in favor of a more conservative sports betting bill. While the slow, incremental rate of change for Washington gambling legislation is disappointing, it is at least encouraging to see change. In the meantime, online casinos are a strong alternative option

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What Is The Legal Sports Betting Age In Washington?

Federal

Washington does not yet offer state-sanctioned sports betting, but it is likely to pass SB 6394, which will allow sports betting at licensed tribal casinos. Presumably, the minimum age for sports betting will be 18 when it passes, but if betting is restricted to casino premises, 18-year-old players could still end up locked out. All Washington residents 18 and older can bet with online sportsbooks right now, however.

Legal Sports Betting Sites For Washington Residents

The only sports betting sites available to Washington residents right now are those based outside of the United States. These sportsbooks cater to a global audience, and that size allows them to offer bets on everything from the NFL playoffs down to European table tennis. They also offer superior odds to local sportsbooks as well, because their bets aren’t so horribly skewed by regional biases. The best incentive online sportsbooks offer is probably their promotional bonuses, which give players the chance to double or even triple the value of their deposits.

Bovada - College And Pro Seattle Team Betting

Bovada accepts all Washington players who are at least 18 years of age, for both casino and sports gambling. There are no restrictions on betting offerings, so Evergreen State players can bet on every team from the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks down to the FCS’s Eastern Washington University, as long as Bovada is offering odds on them. Bovada also offers other betting options, including pop culture events like the Oscars and American election results.

Legal Washington Online Sportsbooks

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What Is The Legal Poker Age In Washington?

Like every other type of gambling, the legal poker age in Washington is 18, but individual establishments are free to impose their own restrictions and limit their player base to 21 and up. There are 51 total poker rooms throughout the state. Washington residents 18 and older can also play using online poker sites.

Legal Poker Sites For Washington Residents

Washington law doesn’t currently allow casinos to offer online poker to players, but residents can still play online poker with websites that operate outside of U.S. jurisdiction. Most major online gambling firms offer at least a few variations of online poker. The best options is probably 5Dimes because it offers more poker variations than comparable websites, including Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Hi/Lo, three-card, and more.

BetOnline Poker - Trusted By Washington residents

BetOnline is one online poker room that has not pulled from the Washington market. You are entitled to join in on the most powerful poker rooms online if you join BetOnline's poker site. You can receive a 50% Poker Reload Bonus up to $250, which you can receive regardless of which deposit option you chose - VISA, MasterCard, Digital Pay, or Bitcoin. BetOnline Poker has tables of every type of game, so you should never be without an option to enjoy and make money while doing so.

Legal Washington Poker Sites

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What Is The Legal Gambling Age To Bet On Horses In Washington?

Washington horse betting, also known as pari-mutuel wagering, is restricted to people 18 years old and up. There are five full-time horse racing tracks in Washington, the most famous of which is Emerald Downs in Auburn Valley. State law allows only one off-track betting parlor per county in Washington, and none can be located within twenty miles driving distance of an actual track.

Horse Betting Sites For Washington Residents

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Major international sportsbooks offer the option to bet on numerous horse races around the world, from relatively small regional races to globally broadcast mega-events like the Dubai World Cup. One of the best horse betting options in the world is Bovada. Alternatively, Washington is one of the states eligible for pari-mutuel wagering via a domestic website called TVG, although players must be at least 21 to do so.

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How Old Do I Have To Be To Play The Lottery In Washington?

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Anyone who is at least 18 years old can purchase lottery tickets or scratch-offs in Washington. There are seven different jackpot lottery games and 10 different scratch-offs available to Washington residents. Proceeds from lottery purchases go directly into a fund that supports education, infrastructure, and more.

What Is The Legal Gambling Age For DFS In Washington?

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are not legal in Washington, one of only a handful of states with such a restriction. If you live in Washington and want to voice your support for legal DFS, consider contacting your local state representative.

Online Bingo For Washington Residents

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If you like bingo and you must play online, know that you may do so. This form of online gambling also does not stray from the legal gambling ages in Washington. As such, you have to be 18 years of age or older in order to participate. As with over forms of gambling in the state, you can be prosecuted for gambling online in Washington.

Vic's Bingo - Top Washington Bingo Site Online

Vic's Bingo is the one bingo hall that we suggest above any other. By accepting a large number of deposit options, Vic's bingo makes gambling through this site as easy as possible. A 150% match bonus is awaiting those players who first sign up and make their first deposit through Vic's Bingo. If you join you will be able to collect this bonus on both your first and seconds deposits. If you adhere to the legal gambling ages in Washington, you will be able to play all the games offered at Vic's Bingo hall.