Where Can You Gamble at 18? (2026 Legal Guide)

If you’re on this page, you’re likely wondering if you can gamble at 18, and the answer is yes, you can. But the details depend on where you’re based and what type of gambling you’re trying to do. 

This guide covers the rules for gambling at 18 in both the U.S. and around the world, so you can see how gambling laws look where you are and how you fit in.

Why the Legal Gambling Age Matters

The legal gambling age sets the rules for who can play and when. It keeps underage gambling out of the picture and gives players a legal framework to follow.

Generally, online gambling starts at 18, while land-based casinos push the minimum age back to 21 because of alcohol sales. But that split isn’t universal. U.S. gambling laws vary from state to state tribal casinos may set their own age limits under their respective gaming compacts, and operators like FanDuel may raise the age even when the state allows online gambling at 18.  

Different games have different rules, too:

• Lotteries are almost always set at 18+ nationwide. 
• Poker is commonly 21+, as it tends to mirror in-person casino rules. 
• Horse racing is usually open to 18-year-olds, though some states bump that up to 21, like Texas. 
• Bingo and table games also have higher age requirements sometimes, depending on the venue.

Online casinos often start at 18 and over, although this can vary by state and by operator. You usually have to be 21 when using state-run sites to try out sports betting. Although there are some exceptions, like Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Many  also set the age to 18. Just remember that know-your-customer (KYC) identity checks are non-negotiable. 

The bottom line is that the gambling age limit depends on where you are and what you’re trying to play.

U.S. States Where You Can Gamble at 18

There’s no single coverall rule for gambling in the U.S., as it shifts by state and by game. The following sections break down where you can gamble at 18 so you can see exactly what applies to you. 

States allowing 18+ for certain forms (lottery, horseracing, bingo, poker)

The gambling age can significantly vary based on what games you play, or whether you’re betting on sports or bingo. You can check out our list below for more clarity on game-specific gambling ages. 

States allowing DFS

As Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is considered mostly a game of skill, you’re allowed to play at 18 or over in many states. The only exceptions are Alabama, Colorado (19), and Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Virginia (21).

States allowing 18+ Lottery

The lottery is predominantly 18+ with a few exceptions like Louisiana, Iowa, and Arizona, where it’s 21+. Utah and Hawaii forbid all types of gambling.

States allowing 18+ Bingo

Bingo is also predominantly 18+ throughout American states, but only at venues without alcohol licenses. Some states that don’t permit real-money bingo include Kentucky, Tennessee, Utah, and Hawaii.

States allowing 18+ Horse Racing

40 states permit 18+ wagers on in-person horse racing. The rest have either raised their age up to 21 or don’t allow horse racing at all. Here’s a list of the remaining states and their respective horse racing betting ages.

• Arizona (21)
• Hawaii (N/A)
• Indiana (21)
• Iowa (21)
• Nevada (21)
• New Hampshire (21)
• New Jersey (21)
• South Dakota (21)
• Texas (21)
• Utah (N/A)
• Virginia (21)
• Wisconsin (21)

States allowing 18+ Poker

States that allow in-person poker beginning at age 18 do so via casinos that don’t have alcohol licenses. You’ll find these kinds of poker rooms in the states below.

• California
• Florida
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington
• Wyoming

Since states can frequently update their gambling regulations, it’s always a good practice to check local laws before playing. These updates can affect age limits and what types of betting are permitted.

Online Gambling at 18

Only a few states let players gamble online at 18, and even then, it only applies to sports betting. Real money online casino gambling remains 21+ everywhere it’s offered. At the time of this writing, that list is made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

So you’re probably wondering: where can I gamble online at 18? Currently 32 states have legalized online sports betting, and five of these states permit online sports betting at beginning at 18. 

• Wyoming: Online sports betting at 18+
• Washington, D.C.: Online sports betting at 18+ (limited operators)
• Rhode Island: Online casinos and sports betting at 18+
• New Hampshire: Online sports betting at 18+
• Kentucky: Online sports betting at 18+

Many offshore sites are safe to play at, accepting 18+ players for both casino games and sports betting. Always stick with trusted, verified offshore sites. This ensures that your money, data, and payouts are handled the right way.

However, you’ll find some offshore sites out there that operate without a license. It’s best to avoid these completely.

International Gambling Age Laws

So where else can you gamble at 18? 18 is the average minimum gambling age worldwide. That said, there are some exceptions.

No minimum age is set where gambling isn’t legal. You can check out our snapshot below to help you understand the current legal landscape across various regions. These rules are fluid and can change quickly, and we always recommend checking local laws before gambling abroad. 

Common Exceptions & Grey Areas

Not every gambling rule fits neatly into a state or national framework. Here are a few areas where grey areas exist.

Tribal Casinos

Many tribal casinos operate under sovereign authority, which means they can set their own minimum gambling age that overrides the state’s laws. Some casinos align with the state, while others allow 18+ gambling even when the state standard is 21, like in California.

This is almost always the case at tribal casinos without alcohol licenses. It’s important to note that some games within casinos may have different age limits as well. Bingo often has lower minimum age than slots, for example.

Cruise Ships & International Waters

This is a unique example. Gambling rules are at the discretion of cruise ships once they enter international waters. Most cruise lines adopt an 18+ minimum gambling age, while others adhere to U.S. standards and set it at 21 for particular games. Policies vary by cruise line and itinerary, so it’s always good to check before you sail.

Private Poker & Charity Games

Depending on the jurisdiction, private poker games and charity events may not be governed by the same rules as commercial gambling. This is because laws are usually written to regulate businesses that offer games for profit, as opposed to private citizens holding games, so the enforcement priorities will differ.

There’s also the age-old debate of whether poker is a game of skill or chance. Some states have declared that poker is a game of skill. These include New York, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, and Nebraska. Even so, it’s always worth checking the local laws to become privy to how strictly these laws are enforced.

Local-level Rules

Some states have local county rules that may override the main state law. For example, Florida’s baseline gambling age is 21 for in-person casino games and 18 for lottery games, poker, bingo, and pari-mutuel betting.

However, because gambling is so heavily regulated within The Sunshine State, local municipalities can impose additional conditions on gambling, including altering the gambling age.

How Gambling Age Laws Are Enforced

Gambling age limits may seem straightforward: the state says 18 or 21, and that’s that. But that’s not the whole story. Regulators expect operators to run ID checks, keep spotless records, and follow all licensing rules to the letter. Even one slip and the casino operator could be looking at fines, audits, or even harsher penalties.

Penalties for Underage Gambling  

Underage gambling isn’t just a harmless slip. It can carry real consequences. Individual players may face fines, confiscated winnings, misdemeanor charges, community service, or bans from casinos. 

Regulators can hit casinos that allow underage gambling with steep fines, suspended licenses, or even gambling license termination. And, in extreme cases, enforcement failures can cross into broader legal troubles like lawsuits and criminal liability.

How to Check the Laws in Your State or Country

It’s always a good practice to visit official state or national gaming commission websites, and the American Gaming Association is a good place to start. Make sure whichever site you use is reputable so that you always have accurate information. We’ve compiled a list of trustworthy regulatory bodies below. 

Responsible Gambling for Young Adults

All players, including young adults, need to set limits and only gamble with money they can afford to lose. Gambling should always be a source of entertainment, and never a way to pay off debts or make a future investment. 

It’s easy to lose yourself when you’re in the midst of having fun. Make sure you watch for red flags like chasing losses or hiding your gaming from others. Resources are available, and you should never hesitate to stop playing and reach out to the responsible gambling resources below when needed. 

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is a trusted starting point for confidential support and referrals across the U.S.
• Gamblers Anonymous is a good peer-support program offering group meetings for people who want help.
• American Gaming Association is an industry organization that promotes responsible gaming standards and publishes useful guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Key Takeaways

Gambling at 18 is common in many countries, including most of Europe, Australia, Canada, and parts of the U.S., whose gambling laws significantly vary by state.

State, provincial, tribal, and local regulations can all set different minimum ages. On top of that, some games carry stricter age requirements than others. It’s smart to check the lay of the land before gambling if you’re not sure, just so you’re not caught off guard.

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