Last updated on: November 13th, 2023
Legal Sports Betting Age By State
The legal sports betting age by state in the US is one of the single biggest concerns for some. Underage gambling is a major offense in 2023 giving fines. Sportsbooks are strict about sports gambling ages but federal laws give no guidelines. Instead, each state has an age that sportsbooks and players must abide by. While the number depends on the book, there are still many legal sports betting sites taking 18 year old players. 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. The majority of sites with legal sports betting have a required age beyond that and this page breaks down where to bet at 18 Vs 21. Next time somebody asks, “How old do you have or bet to bet on sports”, it is important to know that the answer depends on the market. This page will help out by breaking down the legal sports betting age by state.
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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 – 18
- 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 – 18
- 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.
#1
Bovada Sportsbook
Best Odds For NFL Betting At 18
Bovada is one of the best 18 and up NFL betting sites that accept US players. 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 sports betting site.
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
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, as they are two of the best NFL betting sites for the entire all season.
Betting Age To Bet On NBA Basketball
Those looking to partake in legal NBA betting and are curious about the required betting age have come to the right place. The age for NBA betting, like 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. Where to bet at 18 Vs 21 comes down to the state you reside in.
Betting Age To Bet On College Football
There is not a universal legal age for college football betting, 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 age for MLB betting is 18 but most state-sanctioned sportsbooks require patrons to be at least 21. Legal betting sites that allow US bettors and are licensed overseas usually set their age requirement to 18. However, the legal sports betting age by state is still important to know and abide by for MLB betting.
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 but you cannot get in on the action unless you meet the horse betting age. 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.
Where Can I Bet On Sports At 18?
- Kentucky
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Washington, D.C.
- Wyoming
The Risk Of Underage Sports Betting
There is a real risk to not abiding to the legal sports betting age. Either at online sports betting sites or at retail operations, the risk is severe. Heavy fines from gaming commissions make operators take the legal sports betting age by state serious. Bettors run the risk of permanent banishment on top of hefty fines. Expect to forfeit all winnings too. We recommend everyone knowing the legality of where to bet at 18 Vs 21.
Best Deposit Methods For Bettors 18 And Up
Being 18 and looking to get money into an account starts with choosing from many sports betting 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. 18 and up sports betting sites that take US players can also accept credit cards. 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 Sports Betting Sites At 18
Bettors are quick to deposit and withdrawal rather than leaving their money in. In these cases, getting a guaranteed payout at 18 years old is imperative. Read through each legal sportsbook’s terms and conditions to ensure you are in line. There are many sports betting payout options at online sportsbooks taking 18 and up players in the US.
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 |
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.
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.