Last updated on: May 11th, 2023
Legal Sports Betting Age By State
The legal sports betting age in the US is one of the single biggest concerns for some. Underage gambling is a major legal sportsbook offense in 2023 giving fines or jail time. Sportsbooks are strict about sports gambling ages but federal laws give no guidelines. Instead, each state has a legal sports betting age that sportsbooks and players must abide by. Legal sports betting sites can also have their own limits. But, often they state you must follow your state’s sports betting age law. Gambling (bingo, charity games, etc.) starts at 18 in some places. But states with legal sports betting often say its 21.
Sports Betting Ages By State
Some states explicitly state who can be an “authorized participant” for legal sports betting. Each of the states with sports betting is different but the legal sports betting age by state is almost always 21 like in Michigan. Here are the following age minimums for sports betting listed alphabetically by state.
Note: Some states have an age range. This can vary due to betting sports at commercial vs. tribal casinos. Also, sportsbook casinos that serve alcohol will always limit players to 21.
- Alabama Betting Age – 19
- Alaska Betting Age – 21
- Arizona Betting Age – 21
- Arkansas Betting Age – 21
- California Betting Age – 21
- Colorado Betting Age – 21
- Connecticut Betting Age – 21
- Delaware Betting Age – 21
- Florida Betting Age – 21
- Georgia Betting Age – 21
- Hawaii Betting Age – 21
- Idaho Betting Age – 21
- Illinois Betting Age – 21
- Indiana Betting Age – 21
- Iowa Betting Age – 21
- Kansas Betting Age – 21
- Kentucky Betting Age – 21
- Louisiana Betting Age – 21
- Maine Betting Age – 21
- Maryland Betting Age – 21
- Massachusetts Betting Age – 21
- Michigan Betting Age – 21
- Minnesota Betting Age – 21
- Mississippi Betting Age – 21
- Missouri Betting Age – 21
- Montana Betting Age – 18
- Nebraska Betting Age – 21
- Nevada Betting Age – 21
- New Hampshire Betting Age – 18
- New Jersey Betting Age – 21
- New Mexico Betting Age – 21
- New York Betting Age – 21
- North Carolina Betting Age – 21
- North Dakota Betting Age – 21
- Ohio Betting Age – 21
- Oklahoma Betting Age – 21
- Oregon Betting Age – 21
- Pennsylvania Betting Age – 21
- Rhode Island Betting Age – 18
- South Carolina Betting Age – 21
- South Dakota Betting Age – 21
- Tennessee Betting Age – 18
- Texas Betting Age – 21
- Utah Betting Age – 18
- Vermont Betting Age – 18
- Virginia Betting Age – 18
- Washington Betting Age – 18
- Washington DC Betting Age – 18
- West Virginia Betting Age – 21
- Wisconsin Betting Age – 21
- Wyoming Betting Age – 18
Legal Sports Betting Age At Online Sportsbooks
The legal sports betting age at online sportsbooks varies by location. Rhode Island, New Hampshire and others set their sportsbook age requirement at 18, though. Most places like New Jersey or Pennsylvania limit you at 21.
| Rank | Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
75% Up To $750 Read Review | Visit Bovada! |
| 2 |  |
50% New Member Bonus!Read Review | Visit BetOnline! |
| 3 |  |
50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit MyBookie! |
| 4 |  |
100% Up To $300Read Review | Visit Xbet! |
| 5 |  |
50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit SportsBetting! |
#1
Bovada Sportsbook
Best Odds For NFL Betting At 18
Bovada is one of the best sportsbooks for NFL betting at 18 years or older. Bovada hosts betting odds for every game each week and player props, futures bets, and more. You can bet at Bovada at 18 so long as you follow your state’s laws. Odds for the Super Bowl winner gives you winning potential at this 18+ online sportsbook.
Rating: 
- 18 To Bet
- Game Props
- Good Customer Service
#2
BetOnline Sportsbook
Crypto Betting At 18 Plus
BetOnline offers the most extensive options for crypto betting and all 17 of their crypto deposit methods are available for players 18 and up. The best currency available for players starting at 18 is Bitcoin but all of their crypto options have bonuses available and have no fees involved for deposits or withdrawals. When using cryptocurrency for transactions at BetOnline the processing time is typically instant but should never take longer than 24 hours at most. Crypto betting is the best way for BetOnline players over the age of 18 to fund the sportsbook.
Rating:
- Crypto Bonuses
- Crypto Betting In 48 States
- No Fees With Bitcoin
#4
SportsBetting Sportsbook
Bet From Your Phone At 18 Years Old
If you are one that is never home and watching sports from your phone or any other mobile device, SportsBetting has you covered with a top-tier mobile betting site that can be used from several devices. As long as your device has access to the internet, all you have to do is access their web browser and go to the sites URL and log in as normal as you would on a desktop computer. The great thing about their site as well is that they do not have a downloadable application that would take up space on your device.
Ratings:
- Efficient Site Layout
- Full Mobile Betting Suite
- Available Customer Service
- Trustworthy Banking Options
- Fast Payout Times
Best Deposit Methods For Bettors 18 And Up
Being 18 and looking to get money into a sportsbook account start with deposit methods. Bet at 18 with Bitcoin, alt coins like Dogecoin, SHIBA, ADA, ETH and more. These provide the most security in a hassle-free environment. Using credit cards at 18 to bet on sports can be a route taken too. But no, you can’t use your parent’s credit card to bet sports online – use your own, or try a different method.
Limits For Bovada Deposits
| Payment Method | Min Deposit | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin/Litecoin | $10 | $5,000 |
| Tether/Ethereum | $50 | $5,000 |
| Mastercard/Visa | $20 | $1,500 |
| Bank Transfers | $50 | $450 |
| MatchPay (Cash App, Zelle) | $20 | $1,000 |
Withdrawing From Legal Sportsbooks
Bettors are quick to deposit and withdrawal rather than leaving their money in. In these cases, getting a guaranteed payout for 18 years old is imperative. Read through each legal sportsbook’s terms and conditions to ensure you are in line. There are many payout options for online sportsbook players in the US at 18.
Limits For Bovada Withdrawals
| Payout Method | Min Withdrawal | Max Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin/Litecoin | $10 | $9,500 |
| Ethereum/Tether | $50 | $2,500 |
| Check By Courier | $100 | $3,000 |
| MatchPay | $20 | $1,000 |
| Bank Wire | $1,500 | $9,500 |
How To Bet On NFL When 18 Years Old Or Older
With a packed 2023 NFL season, many online sportsbooks accept bettors 18 and up. Bovada and BetOnline operate in many jurisdictions for players 18 and older. Use Bovada or BetOnline for game lines, prop bets, or future wagers for betting on the NFL all season long.
Betting Age To Bet On Basketball
Those looking to partake in legal NBA betting and are curious about the required betting age have come to the right place. NBA betting, like betting on any sport, depends on each state’s regulation. Most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old or older. There are a few markets that accept bettors who are at least 18, however. Checking your state’s legal betting age is the best way to know the legal requirement to partake in basketball betting.
Betting Age To Bet On College Football
There is not a universal legal betting age for college football, with states having a minimum required age range of 18 to 21. Even if a state has regulated betting set at 21, there are online sportsbooks like Bovada that will accept wagers from college football bettors over the age of 18. No matter which type of sportsbook is being used, college football betting is one of the most popular forms of legal betting because of the moneyline and spread bets that are up for grabs.
Age To Bet On MLB Baseball
The minimum betting age for MLB betting is 18 but most state-sanctioned sportsbooks require patrons to be at least 21. Online sportsbooks that accept all US bettors usually set their age requirement to 18 regardless of the state so these popular books may be the best option to those looking to wager in a state that requires you to be 21.
Legal Horse Betting Age
Legal horse betting is much more open to 18 year olds. Betting on horses at 18 is a national pastime. Racetracks would embrace the whole family coming and watching the events. These states accept wagers from 18-year-old patrons.
Alabama – California – Hawaii – Kentucky – Michigan – Montana – Oklahoma – Oregon – Rhode Island – Tennessee – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washington – Wyoming
Legal Sports Betting Age At Land-Based Sportsbooks
Most land-based sportsbooks will be the same as the online age to bet sports. In the place serves alcohol, expect it to be 21+. If it’s a tribal casino or doesn’t have a bar, then consider looking into it.
The Risk Of Underage Sports Betting
There is a real risk with sports betting underage. Either at online sportsbooks or at retail operations, the risk is severe. Heavy fines from gaming commissions make operators take the sports betting age serious. Bettors run the risk of permanent banishment on top of hefty fines. Expect to forfeit all winnings too. We don’t recommend anyone to place a bet while under the legal sports betting age.
Sports Betting Age FAQs
Why Is There A Minimum Age Limit To Bet On Sports?
Inside a casino sportsbook, there is alcohol on the premises. To keep their liquor license and everyone in their building must be 21 or older. Certain states have sportsbooks taking 18 year olds, 19 year olds, and 20 year olds too.
How Do I Verify My Age To A Sportsbook?
With both land-based and online sportsbooks, you will need to provide legal documentation that shows you are legally old enough to bet on sports. This can be a standard government-issued ID. It is also a requirement at international sportsbooks, with online sports betting operations requiring ID in order to prevent you from making multiple accounts as well as ensuring they are sending the payments to the correct person. It is not a difficult process to prove your age at sportsbooks and if you are looking to bet on sports you must have documentation proving your age.
Is There An Age Limit To Go Inside Of A Sportsbook?
Yes, and as of right now, almost every legal land-based sportsbook in the US requires anyone trying to enter the venue to be 21 or older. Only Rhode Island, New York, and Montana will allow bettors as young as 18 to enter their sportsbook. Some casinos have their own betting apps or post their odds on their website so you can view lines from there, but in order to physically enter the casino or racino you must meet their age requirement.
Will I Get In Trouble If I Am Sports Betting Underage?
Yes, and the penalties range by state and by the sportsbook. Betting on sports underage will likely come with a fine or misdemeanor. Betting underage at an online sportsbook makes you give up your winnings.
Where Can I Bet On Sports Under 21?
Currently, the states that offer land-based sports betting to those under 21 include Rhode Island, New York, Montana, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C.
What Is The Legal Age For Horse Betting?
Most states have set the legal age for horse race betting at 18 or older. This includes betting on live races and simulcast races. However, there are a handful of states, such as Arizona, that require pari-mutuel bettors to be 21 or older. There are even some states that say you have to be 19 or older to bet on the ponies, so be sure to check your state laws. Most online racebooks will require their users to be at least 18 or older in order to bet on the races.
Which Online Sportsbooks And Betting Apps Do Not Check Age?
What Is The Legal Betting Age At Bovada?
Bovada only requires that users be at least 18 years old, no matter what state they might live in. But, Bovada does not accept any players from Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, New York or Nevada. Players in all other states should still consult the betting age in their state and know if their age limit is higher. Though it is good to understand your local betting age, there has not been any reports of a single person arrested for underage gambling online. There are, however, consequences for someone who fails to meet minimum betting ages at Bovada or any other online sportsbook.