Casinos provide a fun way to spend time with friends and family, as well as an opportunity to win some money. But it’s essential that you are of legal age in order to gamble in one. Learn more.
The minimum gambling age varies by state and type of gaming. Typically, you need to be 21 years or older in order to enter a commercial land-based casino. Furthermore, certain forms of gambling such as the state lottery, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), pari-mutuel betting and bingo require that you be 18 or older.
Setting a spending limit before entering the casino and only gambling with money that you can afford to lose will help prevent going over budget and increasing debt levels.
Some casinos allow underage players to visit the premises with valid ID and proof of age, which can be a helpful way for you to avoid arrest or fines.
You may find offshore casinos that provide an array of online casino games, poker rooms and sportsbooks even though they lack a license to operate in your jurisdiction. While this could be a viable option if you’re under legal gambling age, always consult with local authorities prior to signing up with any offshore operators.
No matter your state’s minimum gambling age, it is illegal for anyone under that age to engage in any form of gambling. This includes online gaming and land-based casinos alike; it’s especially true of racetracks, poker rooms, sportsbooks, and bingo halls.
In many states, underage gamblers can face a fine of up to $1,000 or even imprisonment. They may also be convicted of a crime if caught betting with minors or participating in underground gambling rings.
It is also essential to remember that gambling at a casino cannot be done using funds from your own bank account or credit card, as any casino that suspects you of being underage could report you to the police.
State-specific minimum ages for gambling vary, usually falling between 18 and 21 years old. There are exceptions to this rule such as the National Lottery and football pools.
Some countries and jurisdictions, such as China and Macau, have lower minimum ages for gambling purposes. These two popular gambling hubs welcome individuals from all around the globe.
You should be aware that some online casinos allow you to play for free. This can be an excellent opportunity to learn about various casino games and their workings without risking any money.
Alternatively, you could try playing on a fully-licensed online casino that has been reviewed by other gamers. This is often the best way to avoid fraudulent sites and guarantee you’re playing on an official platform.