- On May 14, 2018, the United States Supreme Court found the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the federal law prohibiting states from authorizing sports betting, to be unconstitutional. It is now up to individual states to decide if they want to authorize and regulate sports betting in their state.
- States classified as “Legal – Not Yet Operational” have authorized sports betting, but have yet to launch. “Active or Pre-Filed Legislation” denotes jurisdictions where bills to legalize single-game sports betting have been pre-filed/introduced in the state legislature or where a voter referendum is scheduled.
Legal Sports Betting Age By State. For many new sports bettors, the minimum age requirement for legal sports betting is one of the single biggest concerns. Even at legal sports betting venues in 2021, 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. Legal Washington sports betting options. There are no sportsbooks open in Washington yet as Gov. Jay Inslee only signed the bill into law in March. While an emergency clause in the bill made sports betting legal immediately, the tribes still need to add sports betting into their compacts with the state. The state legalized sports betting via voter referendum on November 6, 2018. Issue 4 passed 54.1-45.9, and requires the state issue casino gaming licenses for one casino in each of.
For many new sports bettors, the minimum age requirement for legal sports betting is one of the single biggest concerns. Even at legal sports betting venues in 2021, 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
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.
New York Mobile Sports Betting
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 in 2021 will take place online during the 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?
Sports Betting State By State
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?
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.
Online Sports Betting By State
Which Online Sportsbooks And Betting Apps Do Not Check Age?
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.
When the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, it opened the door for every state in the country to legalize betting on sports— if the state wanted to. Some states were quick to act, others were not so quick, and a few have no interest at all.
But since 2018, 25 states have legalized some form of sports betting, either in-person, online, or both; sports betting has gone live in 20. Last year, Washington D.C. and five states took their first legal bets.
Three states had voters give their government the green light to move forward with legalizing sports. Whether that is online or in-person remains to be seen. But if states want to maximize their revenue potential, online and mobile betting is the wave of the future.
Online Sports Betting In 2021
So far, only 15 states have launched online sports betting. Michigan became the latest when it launched on January 22, 2021, with ten sportsbooks going online.
Virginia launched online betting the day before. FanDuel was the first to launch but has already been followed by DraftKings, BetMGM and BetRivers.
Prior to Virginia and Michigan, the last state to launch online betting was Tennessee in November 2020.
As for who is next, the obvious candidates are the five states that have voted to legalize sports betting but have yet to launch: Washington, North Carolina, Louisiana, Maryland, and South Dakota.
But Maryland is the only one of the five to approve of both online and in-person betting. However, legislation still needs to be passed and a regulatory framework established.
Maryland sounds like the most promising state to launch online betting next. Technically, Washington could beat them to the punch. But in Washington, mobile betting will only be allowed while physically on the premises of one of the state’s tribal casinos.
Future US Sports Betting States
Of the states where sports betting is legal but has yet to launch online, it is hard to say if any of them will make a move this year (if ever):
- It has been discussed in Arkansas, but there is no reason to think anything will change.
- Delaware was the first to legalize sports betting following the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 but has shown no interest in allowing online betting.
- New Mexico is not licensing online sportsbooks, but that could change if the Gaming Recovery Act proposed last year becomes law.
Technically, Mississippi and Montana have mobile betting, but only while bettors are present at a retail location.
With the outlook for online betting looking dim in many of the states where sports betting is legal, there is a good chance the next state(s) to launch online may be one that has yet to approve legislation. There are currently 12 states with legislation under consideration.
But many are only considering sports betting at retail locations. As for online betting, some of the more promising states include:
- Connecticut: It has been under discussion for some time with several bills on the table. The hold-up seems to be the inability of the state and tribal groups to figure out how to do it. DraftKings’ recent partnership with the Foxwoods Resort and Casino may speed things along.
- Massachusetts: The Bay State is another state where the problem does not seem to be whether they should legalize sports betting, but how. Last year, lawmakers tried to tie in a sports betting bill with Coronavirus relief. But other lawmakers favored making a separate bill altogether to approve sports betting. The interest seems to be there; it is just a matter of making it happen.
- Kansas: A bill made it through the Kansas Senate last February but stalled when the pandemic hit. Whether it is revived or not, there does seem to be substantial interest in legalizing betting online and at retail locations.
There has also been renewed interest in New York since Governor Cuomo decided to reverse course and support online sports betting.