How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble Online? Legal Gambling Age
How old is too old - or not old enough?
Understanding the legal age for online gambling is crucial for anyone looking to participate in casino games, slots, poker, bingo games, and other online forms of entertainment where wagering is involved.
The legal age for casino gambling can vary significantly from country to country and sometimes even within regions of the same country. Our extensive PokerNews gambling guide will explore the legal gambling ages (including minimum gambling age) for online platforms in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and various South American countries, providing a comprehensive guide to help you stay within the law.
How Old to Gamble Online - What You'll Learn:
Can You Gamble at 18?
As you will read in our article, this is a tricky question to answer, as the regulations around age limits and the legal age at which someone can gamble differ from country to country. However, broadly, no, in the majority of countries, you are not able to gamble at the age of 18 years old, including going to a casino or gambling online.
With some exceptions, most countries opt for a slightly higher age limit of 21, but again, this can be more subtle, in that specific games are available to those of 18 or older (such as lottery-type games), and then other games are available only to those of at least 21.
Read on below to find out the specific differences between the countries with the biggest online casino markets.
Gambling Age in the United States
As many people know, the United States is the biggest online gambling market in the world, with $19 billion dollars wagered online in 2023.1 Due to this, the regulation of specific states varies and is largely based on the political governance of a particular region, and specific business interests in each state.
Federal Regulations for Online Gambling
In the United States, federal laws provide a framework for online gambling and legal sports betting, but as we've already said, much of the regulation is left to individual states.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 restricts financial transactions related to online gambling but does not define the legal gambling age. Instead, it is up to each state to set its own regulations.
State-Specific Regulations for Online Gambling
The legal age for online gambling in the U.S. varies by state. Here's a breakdown of state law for specific regions with online gambling:
- Nevada: 21 years old for gambling in NV, currently limited to online poker.
- New Jersey: 21 years old for casino games and poker, but 18 for lottery and horse racing.
- Pennsylvania: 21 years old for casino games, sports betting, and poker.
- Michigan: 21 years old for all forms of online gambling, including online sports betting, online casino games, and daily fantasy sports (DFS).
- West Virginia: 21 years old or older to participate in all forms of online gambling in the state, including sports and casino games.
These state-specific regulations highlight the importance of checking local laws before participating in online gambling activities.
Take a look at our interactive US Online Casino guide to find out about where you can play online right now.
Play NowTribal Casino Gambling Age Limits
The age limit for gambling at tribal casinos in the USA is generally 18 years old, but there can be exceptions.
There is currently no federal law for age limits when gambling at tribal casinos, and as tribal casinos operate on sovereign tribal land, they have their own regulations and own rules.
Each tribe determines the minimum gambling age for their casino through tribal council rulings or compacts with the state. 18 is the most common age, but some tribes may set it higher, particularly if they don't serve alcohol.
Some states have compacts with tribes that require tribal casinos to adhere to a minimum age of 21, which aligns with the legal gambling age for commercial casinos in that state.
Gambling Age in the United Kingdom
Online gambling, including playing casino games, is now widespread in the UK, and there are specific regulations in place to govern the age of players.
UK Gambling Commission Regulations
The UK Gambling Commission oversees all gambling activities in the United Kingdom, ensuring that they are conducted fairly and legally. The legal age for online gambling in the UK is typically 18 years old. This includes online casinos, horse racing, sports betting, playing bingo, and poker. However, the minimum age for lottery gambling, such as playing the National Lottery and scratchcards is 16.
The UK has stringent verification processes to enforce these age requirements, ensuring that minors are not able to gamble online if they do not meet the legal age.
Gambling Age in Canada
Canada is also home to some of the largest online casino sites in the world, and each province provides its own regulations around online gambling, lottery games, daily fantasy sports and the minimum age of players.
Provincial Regulations
In Canada, gambling regulations are determined by each province:
- Ontario: 19 years old for both online and land-based casinos.
- British Columbia: 19 years old for all forms of gambling.
- Quebec: 18 years old for both online and land-based gambling.
The legal age for online gambling is consistent with the age for land-based gambling within each province, reflecting regional autonomy in setting these laws with regard to the minimum age requirement.
Gambling Age in Brazil and South America
The last few years have seen an explosion of online gambling in South America, in particular in Brazil, which legalized online gambling for sports betting and casino games in December 2023.
While some forms of gambling were legal before, this new law specifically allows for regulated online casinos and sports betting in Brazil. However, it's important to note that regulations are still being developed, and licensing hasn't begun yet.
Country-Specific Regulations
Gambling regulations in South America vary widely:
- Brazil: Currently, online gambling is not explicitly regulated, but proposed legislation suggests an age of 18.
- Argentina: The legal age for gambling varies by province, generally set at 18.
- Chile: The legal age for gambling is 18.
South American countries are increasingly regulating online gambling, and it’s important to stay updated on the latest legal changes.
International Comparison for Online Gambling Age
When comparing the legal gambling ages across different regions, it’s clear that cultural and legal factors play significant roles. In most jurisdictions, the legal age is either 18 or 21, reflecting local culture particular to that country, and 'societal norms' about when individuals are considered mature enough to engage in gambling activities.
Learn the best strategy for video poker, including our tips on playing smarter.
Play NowWhy Knowing the Legal Age is Important
We hope that we've demonstrated why knowing about legal online gambling is important, but just in case, here is a quick recap.
Legal Consequences of Gambling Underage
Underage gambling can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and criminal charges for both the player and the operator. It is crucial to adhere to legal age requirements to avoid these penalties.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling practices are essential for preventing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable individuals. Many resources are available for those who need help, and operators often provide tools to ensure that their platforms are used responsibly.
Always Gamble Responsibly
Take a look at our guidance on Responsible Gambling and playing safe.
Understanding the legal age for online gambling is essential for staying within the law and ensuring a safe gambling experience.
By familiarizing yourself with the regulations in your region, you can enjoy online gambling responsibly and avoid potential legal issues. Whether you’re in the U.S., the UK, Canada, or South America, make sure to verify the legal age requirements before you start playing.
Online Gambling Legal Age FAQs
Can you gamble at 18?
In most jurisdictions you cannot gamble at 18. The legal gambling age is typically set at 21 for casinos and other forms of real money gambling like sports betting.
What is the legal age for online gambling in the United States?
The legal age for online gambling in the United States varies by state. In most states, the legal age for casino games and poker is 21, while some states allow lottery and horse betting at 18. Always check your state's specific regulations before gambling online.
How old do you have to be to gamble online in the United Kingdom?
In the United Kingdom, the legal age for most online gambling activities, including casinos, sports betting, and poker, is 18. However, you can participate in the National Lottery and scratchcards from the age of 16.
What is the minimum age for online gambling in Canada?
The minimum age for online gambling in Canada is determined by each province. Generally, it is 19 years old in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, and 18 years old in Quebec.
Are there any exceptions to the legal gambling age in the US?
Yes, there are exceptions. For example, some states allow individuals aged 18 to participate in lottery and horse racing betting, while the age for casino games and poker is typically 21.
Can minors access online gambling sites with parental permission?
No, minors cannot legally access online gambling sites, even with parental permission. Gambling operators are required to verify the age of all users and restrict access to those who are underage.
How is the legal age for online gambling enforced?
Online gambling operators are required to implement age verification processes to ensure that all users meet the legal age requirement. This often involves checking government-issued identification documents and using third-party verification services.
What are the penalties for underage online gambling?
Penalties for underage online gambling can include fines, account suspension, and potential legal action against both the minor and the gambling operator. It's crucial to adhere to the legal age requirements to avoid these consequences.
