Legal Age To Bet On Sports In The USA
Did you know that in most U.S. states, you must be 21 to bet on sports, but there are exceptions where you can bet at 18? It doesn't matter if you're 16, 18, 19, 21, or 50, ensuring you are within the legal age to bet on sports in the USA is vital. Each state sets its own rules but how old you have to be to bet on sports relies on a variety of factors such as who licenses the sportsbook, where they are located, and what their terms and conditions state.
- This page details how to bet on sports at 18, the sports betting age laws by state, and the best 18+ sportsbooks to use in America.
Sports Betting Age By State
Wondering the age for sports betting in the US? That depends on local gambling laws. Review the chart below to learn each sports betting age by state.
What States Allow Sports Betting At 18?
About a half-dozen states allow sports betting at 18. This includes Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington State, and Wyoming. Also, sportsbooks in the District of Columbia accept bettors at 18, as do tribal-run sportsbooks in New York.
Will Nevada Ever Lower Their Gambling Age To 18?
Whether trying to play table games at the casino or using a sportsbook, the gambling age in Las Vegas is 21. This is statewide and even includes horse racing, which generally requires bettors to be 18 elsewhere in the US. While there have been prior talks about lowering the Nevada gambling age to 18, nothing has been made official.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Use Bovada?
Bovada accepts Americans who are at least 18 years old. This is clearly stated in Chapter 1, Section 3 of Bovada's Terms of Service:
- 1.3 Minimum Age and Capacity Requirement: You must be not less than eighteen (18) years of age
Sports Betting Apps For 18 Year Olds
Pretty much all USA online sportsbooks are 18+ betting apps; however, state regulations can modify this to 21. Unless the sportsbook explicitly states they are a 21+ sportsbook, they will take you at 18. MyBookie is the only sportsbook app we've found that has a minimum age of sports betting at 21.
- MyBookie General Rules, Section 12: "You must be 21 years of age or older...to use our services"
FanDuel Age Requirement
Chapter 4 (Pre-Conditions to Opening an Account) under Part A of FanDuel's General Terms and Conditions states the age to bet on sports at FanDuel. Unlike Bovada, the betting age will be 18 or 21 depending on what state you're using the betting app. In most cases, you must be 21 to use FanDuel.
How Old To Use Fliff
You can be 18 and use Fliff but your location can change if you're eligible to play on their site or not. While Fliff is a social casino that is undergoing legal challenges across the US, they still accept players at 18. However, you must also know how old you have to be to sports bet at every location you open the app. Otherwise, you may be ineligible to play at Fliff.
Underdog Age Limit
One of the ways those under 21 have been accessing player props is with Underdog. Though they are considered a fantasy betting app, Underdog allows players 18 or older but adheres to state standards. Therefore, if you are 18 but in a state where the fantasy sports betting age is 21, you would be going against Chapter 23 of their Terms of Use.
Why Do Many 18-Year Olds Use Offshore Sportsbooks?
Many 18-year-olds turn to offshore sportsbooks because most U.S.-regulated sportsbooks require users to be 21 or older. Aside from the lower age requirement, the best USA sports betting sites also give users a safe sportsbook if they’re in a restricted state. Without state-based restrictions at offshore sites (no wagering on local college teams, for example), there are more betting lines to choose from.
- The main reasons bettors under 21 use offshore sportsbooks are looser ID checks and crypto-friendly transactions. Not needing to go through a bank and only using crypto for sports betting makes betting on sports under 21 much easier.
Are There Any Sports Betting Sites That Don't Require ID?
While there are a few online sportsbooks that don't check IDs, they generally aren't safe or legal to use. If you don't have to verify your location, identity, or address, the sportsbook may be running unlicensed. Some bookie sites operate this way and (though unregulated), bettors work out just fine - but the chances of getting a fast sportsbook payout out on your big win is less likely to happen.
USA Online Sportsbooks
U.S.A. Sportsbook Reviews
Banking Options
Different Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports
Legal Sports Betting
Can You Redeem Sportsbook Bonuses At 18?
Absolutely! If you’re 18 or older, you can confidently redeem sportsbook bonuses without any issues. Many online sportsbooks cater specifically to bettors under 21, and offer promotions to claim without any risk of getting blocked from the site. These sites don’t report user activity to U.S. authorities. So if you’re eligible to sign up, you’re eligible to claim the bonus—no strings attached. Here are the best bonuses for 18+ sportsbook sites.
How To Bet On Sports Under 21
If you are at least 18, you can sign up for offshore sportsbooks regardless of your state's sports betting age. However, you must be 18, as none of the online sportsbooks allow bettors under 18 to play. Still, this is a great way to start sports betting at adulthood without facing any legal repercussions.
What Happens If I Get Caught For Underage Sports Betting?
If you are 17 or younger and caught betting on sports, the consequences likely won't be too bad. Because you're a minor, the chances there are criminal charges are low. In most cases, the sportsbook will close your account, hold any funds in your account until you turn 21, or ban you from their website.
If you are 18+ but under 21 and caught sports betting illegally underage, the penalties depend on the state. Some laws on the operator and will fine the sportsbook for taking your bet. Other states with online sports betting will go after both the sportsbook and the bettor. In most states, underage gambling is a misdemeanor that goes on your criminal record. While a fine is often part of the punishment, you could also face a suspended license, community service, or pre-trail diversion programs.
- While it’s possible to beat the system, never think that you’re untouchable. Even Former Iowa State University quarterback Hunter Dekkers found out the hard way that underage sports betting has consequences.
Staying Current On Underage Betting Laws
Lawmakers in New Jersey considered a bill to change underage gambling penalties from a criminal offense to a civil one in 2024-2025. This would have imposed fines (from $500-$2,000) instead of criminal punishments. Addressing the increasing involvement of young people in gambling, states aren’t turning a blind eye to sports betting under age.
Can I Bet On College Football From My School's WIFI?
In most cases, American Universities do not block access to online sportsbooks on their public or password-blocked WIFI. However, keep in mind that some sportsbook apps (FanDuel + DraftKings) will restrict your ability to bet on college football games if your phone tells the site you’re within state lines. This is a sports betting rule different in each state so consider using a VPN for sports betting or joining an offshore site that doesn't have this issue.
What Casinos Can You Gamble At 18?
The majority of the country has a minimum casino gambling age of 21; however, there are a few exceptions. Keep in mind that the casino legal age for betting in person is different compared to online. With this, you'll find that most online casino sites that take USA players accept 18 year olds.
| Legal 18+ Casinos | New US Player Bonus | Go To US Betting Site | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 125% up to $1,250 (3X!) | |
 | 100 Free Spins! | |
 | 200% up to $3000 | |
 | 150% up to $1,500 | |
 | 350% up to $2500 |
How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy A Lottery Ticket?
Whether buying a lottery ticket online or in person, you must be at least 18 to purchase a lotto ticket. This is the same for Powerball tickets as well as scratch-offs and instant win games. Keep in mind some states (like Arizona) set a higher age to purchase lottery tickets (21), so always check local laws.
Ready To Bet?
Now that you know you can gamble online at 18, take it to the next level and decide what sport you're going to bet on. Here are 18 choices to choose from – perfectly in line with the legal age to bet on sports in the USA.