Returning to our main question, does 21 and up allow casino in usa?
Sadly, no. While it's certainly easier getting a table or a slot machine where you stands, in the US, 21 is most definitely not the 'adult' age when it comes to casinos. The magic number here is 18/ 21 (it varies from state to state) and once you surpass it, you're an adult in the eyes of the law, able to vote, buy lotto tickets, serve in the army, and gamble (mostly).
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States Where The 21 Age Applies to Casino Gambling
In the US, the reason why the legal casino age is 21 (and one example as to why) is alcohol. A young adult of 18 can get married with the parent’s permission, but not old enough to gamble away their wife’s inheritance money in a smoky bar. Alcohol and casinos have always had a close relationship; one could even argue they’re inseparable.
Take Las Vegas, ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’, which is mostly visited by tipsy newlyweds and middle-aged adults trying to rekindle that youthful spark, all while stuffing slots with what little cash they have left after the wedding cake toppings started falling apart. If drinking and gambling are allowed, it increases revenue for the casino (more on that later), so separating the two would be financial suicide for any venue. It just isn’t done in the US, nor will it be in the foreseeable future. So, if you were hoping I’d say ‘yes, if you’re 21 and up does allow you in a casino’ - I’m sorry.
Now, this doesn’t mean that the legal age for gambling is the same across the country. As each state has the right to create its own laws regarding gambling, there’s quite the diverse landscape in terms of how old one must be to roll the dice. To make things a bit more confusing, Pacific Gulf Fisher CR00239414
So, what is the gambling age in a casino near you? Well, that depends on the state you live in. Let’s take a look at how things stand in some of them.
casinos for 21 and up in California
California boasts 65 casinos, all offering slot machines, roulette, baccarat, poker, blackjack, and other games. However, rules can differ from reservation to reservation if the casino is Native American. For instance, Category 1 casinos don’t require an age limit, while Category 2 casinos fall under California business regulations, meaning their minimum age requirement is 21.
Best Casinos near Miami, Florida - Gamblers BewareNew York Casinos at 21
For the most part, the Empire State requires its casino guests to be at least 21 years old. Some exempted locations are Raquette NY, Monticello, and Yellow Brick Road Casino where the minimum age is 18, but do keep in mind that policies may change over time, so it’s best to stay updated.
Florida Casinos for 21 and up
Like New York, most casinos in Florida require their visitors to be 21, although the Miami Dice promotion allows 18+ players to win a free trip to Florida if they score a goal against Denmark during the 2020 Euros. This promo was introduced by the BetVictor online casino, not an actual Florida casino, but still – it’s a thing.
Texas Gambling Age
While it may be the 10th largest economy in the world, Texas is unique in that it doesn’t have any casinos, at least not in the traditional sense. There are establishments that offer electronic games (slot machines, basically), but none of them are regulated by the state. Since the legal gambling age in Texas is 21 for bingo, horse racing, and native american casinos, my advice is that 21 year olds looking to gamble should probably look for entertainment elsewhere.
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In the last couple of years, Virginia has made great strides towards becoming a gambling hub. In 2020, lottery, bingo, fantasy sports, parimutuel betting on horses, and athletic contests were open to residents 18 and up. Historical horse racing machines required bettors to be at least 21, but according to , this might soon change.
Other States & US Territories
Washington DC is an interesting case as it requires those who wish to gamble at sportsbooks to be at least 18 years old, while casino guests need to be 21. Puerto Rico is another place with different rules for sportsbooks and casinos. Here, both require a birth certificate or any other document that states you’re at least 18. Guam and the US Virgin Islands are pretty straightforward - 21 and up casino is what you get in these territories.
Free Slots Games You Can Download Right NowWhy Is the Gambling Age Higher Than 18 in Most States?
As mentioned earlier, the reason why most states choose to make their casino scene off-limits to 18 year olds is alcohol. Even though underage individuals are not permitted to drink inside a casino, places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City are advertised as party destinations, with wild nights being an essential part of the experience.
Responsible gambling advocates agree that having a 21 and up casino rule helps minimize addiction-related issues, as young adults are a high-risk group. A study led by Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, showed that younger gambles are more prone to problem gambling than the older generation. “Olders” (35-64 y/old) and “seniors” (65+) are the ones who visit brick&mortar venues casinos the most without developing any sort of addiction problems.
What About Online Casinos for 21 and Up?
Unlike land-based casinos, online gaming websites don’t have a set legal gambling age - each individual state determines how low can the age range go. As you can imagine, getting on board if you’re under 18/21 is relatively easy, provided your chosen online casino hasn’t implemented various security measures to prevent underage gambling.
How to Stay Safe as an 18 Year Old at the Casino?
It is no secret that gambling can be addictive, especially to vulnerable demographics such as underaged individuals. Online casino operators are obligated by the Interactive Gaming Act of 1999 to implement various means of verification prior to registering a new user - these often include scans or photos of government-issued ID cards, passports, driving licenses, utility bills, bank statements, etc.
While this may seem intrusive, these procedures are put in place to ensure that everyone playing at an online casino is of legal age. Those who suspect a casino doesn’t abide by these rules should contact .
If you or someone close to you experiences compulsive gambling behavior, seek help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and special organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous can provide much-needed assistance in times of need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal casino age in the US? Which states follow the 21 and up casino rule? All of these questions and more will be answered below!
golden heart casino online1. Does 21 and up allow casino in usa?
No. While alcohol and gambling revolve around each other in the US, the national casino gambling age is not 21. Each state gets to decide for itself.
2. Which States Have a Legal Casino Age Limit of 21?
Quite a few. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming all have venues which are inaccessible to those under 21.
3. What States Can You Go to the Casino at 18?
Allergic to math? :P Just remember that 19 equals fifteen plus four, and you'll fit into several states, including Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia, and the Bahamas.
4. At What Age Can You Go to the Casino in Las Vegas?
You must be at least 21 years of age to visit a Vegas casino.
5. At What Age Can You Go to the Casino in Atlantic City?
Same deal as Las Vegas - 21 and up casino Atlantic City.
I hope this helped answer any questions you had about casino age requirements in the US. Don't forget to check out our list of !
Sources:
- PokerListings
- Global Payments Integrated
- Statista
- Legal Sports Report
- WTOP
- Harvard Health Blog
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- American Psychiatric Association
- National Institute of Mental Health
About the author
Peter Clayton
Peter is one of the skilled content writers who has been an integral part of the Content Rock stars team for roughly 3 years. He creates content for the gambling industry and has contributed to a number of magazines and websites. When he isn't busy managing his younger co-workers, Peter enjoys reading books, watching movies and listening to heavy metal music.
