What age can you legally bet on sports in every US state
These ages were compiled from the cited official sources but have not yet been independently verified by our editors. Always confirm against the regulator before acting. How we source and check this →
Legal Sports Betting Age in the US: State-by-State Breakdown
Sports betting is legal in many US states, but the minimum age to place a bet varies by state. Unlike federal laws that apply uniformly across the country, the legal age for sports betting is determined at the state level. This means the age can differ significantly depending on where you are. In most states where sports betting is legal, the minimum age is set at 21, but a handful of states allow betting at 18.
Key takeaways
- The legal sports betting age in the US is determined by individual states, not by federal law.
- Of the states we track, 15 set the sports betting age at 21, while 5 allow betting at 18.
- States that permit betting at 18 include Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Wyoming.
- The majority of states align the sports betting age with their legal drinking age, which is typically 21.
- Online and retail sports betting ages are the same within each state.
Why the Sports Betting Age Varies by State
The variation in the legal sports betting age across states is primarily due to how each state has approached the legalization and regulation of sports betting. Here are the main factors influencing these age requirements:
- State-by-State Legalization: The 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA allowed individual states to legalize sports betting. As a result, each state has crafted its own regulations, including the legal betting age.
- Alignment with Alcohol Service Age: Many states have aligned their sports betting age with the legal drinking age of 21. This is often done to simplify enforcement and ensure that individuals are of legal age for related activities on casino floors.
- Lottery vs. Commercial Sportsbooks: States with existing lottery systems, such as Rhode Island and New Hampshire, may have different age requirements for sports betting compared to states that have introduced commercial sportsbooks.
States Where the Sports Betting Age is 18
While the majority of states set the sports betting age at 21, a few allow individuals to bet at 18. These states include:
- Montana: The Montana Lottery oversees sports betting, and the legal age is set at 18. Learn more about Montana’s regulations on the sports betting age by state page.
- New Hampshire: The New Hampshire Lottery allows sports betting at 18. For more details, visit the ages section.
- Rhode Island: Rhode Island Lottery governs sports betting, and the age requirement is 18. Check the sports betting age by state for additional information.
- Washington, D.C.: The DC Office of Lottery and Gaming permits sports betting at 18. Details can be found on the ages page.
- Wyoming: The Wyoming Gaming Commission allows sports betting at 18. For more on Wyoming’s regulations, see the sports betting age by state guide.
States Where the Sports Betting Age is 21
The majority of states that have legalized sports betting set the age at 21. This includes:
- Arizona: Minimum age — ArizonaSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Colorado: Minimum age — ColoradoSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Illinois: Minimum age — IllinoisSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Indiana: Minimum age — IndianaSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Kentucky: Minimum age — KentuckySports betting 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Maryland: Minimum age — MarylandSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Massachusetts: Minimum age — MassachusettsSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Michigan: Minimum age — MichiganSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Nevada: Minimum age — NevadaSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Set by NRS 463 ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- New Jersey: Minimum age — New JerseySports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by N.J.S.A. 5:12A ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- New York: Minimum age — New YorkSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Ohio: Minimum age — OhioSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Pennsylvania: Minimum age — PennsylvaniaSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Tennessee: Minimum age — TennesseeSports betting 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
- Virginia: Minimum age — VirginiaSports betting 21Casino / slots 21Lottery 18Set by Official source ↗Verified against the source on 2026-09-16.
For states not listed, the age is set by the state’s regulator. Always confirm the current rule with your state’s gaming authority.
Online vs. Retail Sports Betting Age
In all states where sports betting is legal, the age requirement is the same for both online and retail betting. This means that if you are legally allowed to bet in a casino, you are also allowed to bet online. Conversely, if the age is 18 for retail betting, it is also 18 for online betting. This consistency is maintained to ensure fair and uniform regulation across different platforms.
How to Check the Current Rule
Given the dynamic nature of sports betting legislation, it’s crucial to stay updated on the current regulations in your state. Here are some steps you can take to verify the legal sports betting age:
- Visit the Official State Regulator’s Website: Each state has a regulatory body that oversees gaming activities. Visit their website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Links to these sites can be found on the law page.
- Consult Our Guides: Our sports betting age by state guide provides a comprehensive overview of the legal age in each state. Additionally, the ages section offers detailed information on age requirements for various gambling activities.
- Contact the State Regulator: If you have specific questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to the state regulator directly. They can provide authoritative answers and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal sports betting age in the US?
The legal sports betting age in the US varies by state. It is typically either 18 or 21, depending on the state’s regulations. For a detailed breakdown, visit our sports betting age by state guide.
Can I bet on sports online if I am under 21?
It depends on the state. In some states, the legal age for online sports betting is 18, while in others it is 21. Check the specific regulations for your state on our sports betting age by state page.
Is the sports betting age the same for all types of bets?
Yes, the age requirement is the same for all types of sports bets, whether they are placed online or in a retail setting. The age is determined by the state in which you are physically located.
Can I bet on sports in a state if I am from another state?
Yes, but you must be of the legal age in the state where you are placing the bet, not the state where you reside. Always ensure you comply with the local regulations.
What happens if I am caught betting underage?
Penalties for underage gambling vary by state but can include fines, loss of winnings, and even criminal charges. It is important to adhere to the legal age requirements to avoid these consequences.
If Gambling is Causing Harm, Help is Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, confidential help is available. Visit our help page for resources and support.
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.