Do sportsbooks set a higher age than the law requires?
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Do sportsbooks set a higher age than the law requires?
Yes, licensed sportsbooks can set a higher minimum age for betting than the legal minimum required by their jurisdiction. This means that even if the law allows betting at 18, a sportsbook may choose to only accept customers who are 21 or older. The stricter of the two ages — law or operator terms — is the one that applies to you.
Key takeaways
- Sportsbooks can set higher age limits than the legal minimum.
- The stricter age limit — law or operator terms — is the one that applies.
- Reasons for higher age limits include risk management and licensing conditions.
- Always read the operator’s terms and your jurisdiction’s laws.
- Age limits vary by state in the US and are consistent across the UK.
Understanding the legal and operator age limits
When it comes to gambling, there are two sets of rules that determine the minimum age: the law of the land and the terms set by the operator. The law sets a legal minimum age, which is the youngest age at which you are legally allowed to gamble. However, operators can set their own terms and conditions that require customers to be older than this legal minimum.
For example, in the United States, the legal gambling age varies by state and by type of gambling. In New Jersey, the legal age for sports betting is
Why do operators set higher age limits?
Operators may choose to set a higher age limit for several reasons:
- Risk management: Older customers are often seen as less risky in terms of responsible gambling and potential legal issues.
- Licensing conditions: Some jurisdictions or licensing bodies may require operators to set higher age limits as a condition of their license.
- Payment partners: Payment processors and banks may have their own age restrictions or requirements that operators must comply with.
- Reputation: Operators may want to project a more responsible image by setting higher age limits.
Age limits by product and jurisdiction
Age limits for gambling are not uniform across different types of gambling or jurisdictions. Here, we break down the age limits for sports betting, casino games, and lottery in various US states and the UK.
US states age limits
The table below shows the minimum age for sports betting, casino games, and lottery in the US states we track:
| State | Sports betting | Casino | Lottery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 21 | 21 | – |
| Colorado | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Illinois | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Indiana | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Kentucky | 21 | – | 18 |
| Maryland | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Massachusetts | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Michigan | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Montana | 18 | – | 18 |
| Nevada | 21 | 21 | – |
| New Hampshire | 18 | – | 18 |
| New Jersey | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| New York | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Ohio | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Rhode Island | 18 | – | 18 |
| Tennessee | 21 | – | 18 |
| Virginia | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Washington, D.C. | 18 | – | 18 |
| Wyoming | 18 | – | 18 |
UK age limits
In the United Kingdom, the legal age for all forms of gambling, including sports betting and casino games, is 18. This is consistent across the country and is enforced by the UK Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act 2005, Part 4.
How to check the current rule
To ensure you are complying with both the law and the operator’s terms, follow these steps:
- Identify your jurisdiction: Determine which state or country you are in, as age limits vary.
- Review the law: Check the legal age for the type of gambling you wish to engage in. You can find this information on our /ages/ page or through your local regulator’s website.
- Read the operator’s terms: Visit the sportsbook’s website and read their terms and conditions. Look for sections on age restrictions or eligibility.
- Compare the two: The stricter of the two ages is the one you must adhere to.
- Seek clarification if needed: If you are unsure, contact the operator’s customer service for clarification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal gambling age in the US?
The legal gambling age in the US varies by state and by type of gambling. For example, in New Jersey, the legal age for sports betting is
Can operators set age limits higher than the law allows?
Yes, operators can set age limits higher than the legal minimum. The stricter of the two ages is the one that applies to you.
Why do some sportsbooks set higher age limits?
Sportsbooks may set higher age limits for reasons such as risk management, licensing conditions, and payment partner requirements. They may also do so to project a more responsible image.
Is the age limit the same for all types of gambling?
No, the age limit can vary depending on the type of gambling. For example, in Colorado, the legal age for sports betting is 21, while the lottery age is 18.
What happens if I lie about my age?
Lying about your age is illegal and can result in legal consequences. It is important to always be truthful about your age when gambling.
Can I gamble online if I am under the age limit?
No, gambling online while under the age limit is illegal and can result in legal consequences. Always ensure you are of legal age before participating in any form of gambling.
Get help if gambling is causing harm
If gambling is causing harm to you or someone you know, it is important to seek help. Confidential help is available at /help/. Remember, gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of stress or financial difficulty.
Spotted something out of date? Ages and rules change. If a figure here looks wrong, please tell us — we check every report against the official source.
This is information, not legal advice. Gambling law changes often. Check the cited statute and the relevant regulator, and speak to a qualified professional about your own situation.