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Las Vegas, the Sin City, is one of the most fun-filled locations in the US. With numerous casinos to keep everyone’s adrenaline flowing, it is a place to visit if you want real excitement in the States. Little wonder visitors troop in and out of Las Vegas regularly.
Sometimes, you find casinos that are very close to each other, which may be rare in places where casinos are uncommon. Other times, you might have to journey for several miles before coming across another land casino in these places. If you happen to live in a place where gambling is prohibited, then Las Vegas may sound like a coven of casinos to you.
However, despite how deep into casino Las Vegas is, some laws prohibit underage gambling in the state. So before you go on rushing into any casino in Las Vegas, finding out the gambling age will do you a world of good. Casinos here do not accept under-aged individuals; they get turned down immediately. You might wonder, what is the lowest age for gambling in Las Vegas?
Read on as this article has an answer to that question and other questions about gambling in the States.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble in Las Vegas
The gambling age for most regions is 18 because 18-year-olds are recognized as adults worldwide. Unfortunately, Las Vegas gambling laws have something else to say about that. Take a chill pill if you have been waiting to turn 18 to visit the much-talked-about casino finally.
Luckily for you, you don’t have to wait for too long after clocking 18 because the gambling age in Las Vegas is 21. Just three more years, and you are good to go. Again, if you want to try your luck elsewhere, the gambling law applies to everyone in Nevada.
Additionally, many of these hotels with casinos prohibit those under 21 from entering the venue. So, check out any hotel website in Nevada for age restrictions before booking. They all adhere to these laws to avoid legal trouble; you can do them a favor by avoiding the venue.
What’s more? 21 is also the drinking age in Nevada, and you know the strong connection between most gamblers and drinks. Because drinks are sold at most of these casino venues, they do not want to let in underage persons.
Which States Have Casinos?
After reading about the legal gambling age in Las Vegas, you might want to look for an alternative to Nevada. In the US, gambling has no fixed legal age; the acceptable age varies from one state to another. If you are not yet 21, there is still a chance for you to visit a casino in the US.
Nevada’s neighboring state, California, also has a gambling law similar to what is obtainable in Nevada. But the good news is you can visit other states apart from these two and have a fantastic casino experience before 21.
All the states in the US have casinos except a few states like Hawaii, Utah, and Kentucky.
Checkout this list of Casinos that accept 18 year olds in the USA
What State Can You Gamble at 18?
Even though many states in the US allow casinos, some have gambling laws similar to those in Nevada. You would have to be at least 21 before being allowed to gamble. Fortunately, some states allow gambling among young adults up to age 18.
We have compiled these states to help you know where to gamble for 18 years without legal trouble. In no particular order, here they are;
Alaska
In the northern borders of the US is Alaska, one of the states that allow 18-year-olds to be adults. Alaska is not just a place to go when you want the thrill of casino fun and winnings; it’s a land of beauty. There are many fun sights to see in Alaska, so even if a casino is not on your mind, Alaska is still a place to be.
With about ten casinos in the state, you don’t have to drive for too long before locating one. 18-year-olds can gamble as they want in this state. However, the restriction on alcohol consumption is still applicable here. You can gamble, but you are not allowed to drink alcohol till you are at least 21.
Minnesota
This is another state on the northern borders of the US, and just like Alaska, it allows 18 years to gamble in casinos. Due to the low gambling age here, you will find lots of young adults in casinos. To cap it all, you can play any game you choose in casinos if you are 18 and above.
But you cannot wager in verticals; it’s prohibited in Minnesota. So, no matter your age, so long as you are here, you will never be able to wager in verticals. It’s one thing to consider before gambling in Minnesota, especially if wagering in vertical is your thing.
Lastly, the restriction on drinking is still applicable here. You will have to be at least 21 years old before you can be allowed to enjoy alcoholic drinks while gambling.
Florida
Florida’s gambling laws have managed to gain the reputation of being the most complex in the US. But that notwithstanding, you can still find some verticals to gamble on so long as you are up to 18. Young adults are allowed to bet on horse racing and lottery.
However, casinos in Florida might turn 18 years away because alcohol consumption is widespread in casinos. Since 18 years are not permitted to drink in Florida, casino owners prefer to turn those below 21 away. This is to avoid an incidence of underage drinking.
New York
Being one of the most popular and populous states in the US, it has many fun places to entertain everyone. Even though there are few casinos in New York, people here still enjoy the casino thrills online and offline. The gambling age in New York is 18. However, some casinos have raised the age to 21.
Considering that the drinking age in New York is 21, we can understand why some casinos do not allow people below 21 inside. If the casino allows, 18-year-olds can place bets and even participate in a lottery.
Wyoming
When it comes to gambling, this is a small but mighty state. Despite having just a population of around 580,000, it beats many big states in the US in gambling. While many states have raised the age bar to stop young adults from gambling, Wyoming lowered it.
So long as you are up to 18, you are free to gamble as you want; the gambling laws here make you a capable adult. Every legal vertical in casinos is yours to enjoy at any given time. Also, there are lots of casinos scattered all around Wyoming.
However, the drinking age is still 21, like in New York and other states. Still, you will find casinos that will let you in but will not serve you alcoholic drinks.
Idaho
Another state with a flexible gambling age restriction is Idaho. You can gamble on all verticals if you are 18 and above. It is spelled out on most casino websites here that 18-year-olds are allowed into the venue. So, you can check out the casino site before deciding to storm the casino.
Casinos like the Clearwater Casino have managed to raise the gambling age in Idaho to 21, so you will have to be 21 before going.
Washington
Many casinos that are scattered all over Washington accept 18-year-olds. It is a good place to start your gambling career and feed your lust for casino games. However, it is worth mentioning that just like some other states, some casinos in Washington do not accept 18-year-olds. The best you can do is check out their website for age restriction details to avoid disappointment.
How Old to Gamble in California?
Despite having the reputation of being one of the most liberal in terms of gambling, the casinos here have managed to make that a myth. According to the gambling laws here, 18-year-olds can gamble without restrictions. But some casinos here have raised the age bar slightly, too.
These casinos would turn down anyone below the age of 21. No doubt, these casinos have their reasons, one of which is because of the age restrictions on drinking. Lots of these casinos serve alcoholic drinks, and it is illegal to serve people below 21 alcohol.
So they expect you to return when you can enjoy casino games alongside drinks. However, there are some casinos here that have stuck to the legal gambling age of 18. These casinos include Gold County and Barona Resort and Casino.
Why Gambling Age is Important
It is essential to know the restrictions the law has imposed on you regarding gambling. The knowledge will save you from embarrassing moments of getting turned away at the entrance of a casino. But even if you cannot gamble in Nevada, there are still some other states where you can gamble comfortably.
Casinos that allow 18-year-olds to gamble in the States are numerous and scattered. So, if you are 18 and would love to gamble in Nevada, you might be eligible in neighboring states.
To conclude
After reading this article and knowing the states that allow 18 years to gamble, don’t just go there immediately. Take your time to find the casinos that do not raise the age bar higher than what the law says. Also, remember to stay off alcoholic drinks to avoid legal issues while playing as an 18-year-old. Cheers to the thrills and more wins.
