Sports betting has grown massively in recent years in the US. Since the removal of PASPA in May 2018 paved the way for state-authorized sports betting, many operators seized their chance and now have a foothold in numerous states across the country. The best US sportsbooks provide numerous betting opportunities for anybody living in a legal gambling state, where you can wager on your favorite sports in a multitude of ways.
Sports betting adds a layer of excitement to any event, it can transform a game you didn’t really have much interest in to one you will be watching intently. If you choose to bet on the teams you support, it builds that connection even more if they win and you earn some money in the process.
But, betting is still a young industry in the United States, and many people are unsure of the legalities of the activity, particularly what age you must be to legally place bets. This guide explains all you need to know about the legal age requirements for gambling in the US.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in the US?
There is no straightforward answer to what is the legal gambling age in the US, as the age requirement varies by state. Each state legislates its own laws and while the federal age requirement stands at 18, many states have decided to raise the minimum age threshold to 21. In terms of gambling, federal laws provide the framework for laws and regulations, then the state adapts these laws to local contexts.
To make matters even more complex, states establish different minimum ages depending on the type of gambling activity. Most states set the legal betting age for sweepstakes casinos, the lottery and bingo at 18, while the legal age for sports betting, casino gaming and poker is usually set at 21.
State-by-State Guide For Legal Sports Betting Ages
Here is a guide to the legal sports betting age requirements across the various states. If you live in one of the following states, you can legally place wagers and claim the bonus bets that sportsbooks provide.
- Arizona: 21
- Arkansas: 21
- Colorado: 21
- Connecticut: 21
- Delaware: 21
- Florida: 21
- Illinois: 21
- Indiana: 21
- Iowa: 21
- Kansas: 21
- Kentucky: 18
- Louisiana: 21
- Maine: 21
- Maryland: 21
- Massachusetts: 21
- Michigan: 21
- Nevada: 21
- New Hampshire: 18
- New Jersey: 21
- New York: 21
- Ohio: 21
- Oregon: 21
- Pennsylvania: 21
- Rhode Island: 18
- Tennessee: 21
- Vermont: 21
- Virginia: 21
- Washington, D.C.: 18
- West Virginia: 21
- Wyoming: 18
As you can see, the key thing to remember is that the legal age for sports betting ranges from 18 to 21. It is also important to note that laws change, so make sure you stay updated with the latest news and regulations in your state. Doing this will help you avoid betting scams and keep you protected.
While on the subject of safety, it is vital that you use each sportsbook’s responsible gambling tools so you don’t mismanage your bankroll. All credible betting sites have whole pages dedicated to helpful information to assist with problem gambling. They will also have tools such as time-outs and betting limits so you can manage your betting sessions accordingly.
Legal Online Sports Betting Age
As we have mentioned above, the legal sports betting age ranges from 18-21 depending on which state you live in. But it is also important to consider there are two categories of online sports betting, and both are regulated differently in regards to the minimum legal betting age.
Online sportsbooks: If you want to bet the spread, moneyline, futures, prop bets and parlays, the majority of legal sports betting states have set the age limit at 21. The states that have placed a lower age limit of 18 for these activities are Rhode Island, Washington D.C., Oregon, New Hampshire and Wyoming.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): DFS sites are not classified as traditional sports betting sites, so the rules are more lenient. They are legal in 45 states and you only have to be 18 in most of those states to play. The only states to not legalize DFS sites are Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada and Washington.
There are only a few states where this minimum age is raised to 19 or 21, as detailed in the table below.
| States Where DFS Legal Age is Higher | |
|---|---|
| 19+ DFS Legal Age | 21+ DFS Legal Age |
| Nebraska | Arizona |
| Alabama | Florida |
| Iowa | |
| Louisiana (select parishes) | |
| Massachusetts | |
Understanding Interstate Gambling Laws
In the United States, all gambling laws are state-specific. For example, in New Hampshire, players can participate in various gambling activities at the age of 18. However, if you live in New Jersey, most gambling forms are only legal for those over 21. If you are under 21 and visit New Jersey from New Hampshire, you will not legally be allowed to place a sports bet.
How Do Online Sportsbooks Verify a Bettor’s Age?
Before you can deposit to any online sportsbook, you must submit some personal details to verify your identify, including your age. These details include:
- Full name
- Address
- Valid ID
- Utility bill to verify address
- Social security number
The operator will review these documents upon submission and will notify you when everything has been checked and cleared.
If you meet the minimum age requirements in your state, you can sign up to any of the legal and licensed US sportsbooks listed below, claim your welcome bonus and start betting on your favorite sports and leagues.
Avoid Offshore Sportsbooks
If you are currently living in a sate without legalized sports betting, you may be tempted to delve into the world of offshore sportsbooks, however, they come with significant risks. These sites do not have the prestige and security of licensed US sites, so automatically they are a risky choice. One of the most common mistakes that people make is not doing their research on a betting site before signing up and placing bets, which can lead to losing lots of money.
Make sure you always do your due diligence, read reviews and only sign up with betting sites that are fully licensed to operate in the United States.
