Underage Gambling is rightfully a legal offence in many countries worldwide, which is why sportsbooks pay special attention to the legal betting age. The sports betting legal age in the US is 21, although states can make up their laws. In some, the betting age limit is lower at 18. Of course, that’s not always the case in Europe, where the matched betting age might significantly differ.
Why is the betting age important besides legal requirements? Sportsbooks may set up a betting age joining bonus which will only be available to players over 21. That, along with the mandatory KYC verification, means you won’t be able to cheat the betting site for a bonus. In general, you will be able to bet over the age of 18, but as we said, the age for sports betting varies by country.
What Is a Betting Age?
Betting age is a pretty self-explanatory term. It describes the legal age for punters to bet at online and land-based betting shops. It’s a practical term for sportsbooks that must state the betting age by law. You won’t find many betting sites without age verification since the law requires them to set a betting age and bypass illegal scenarios.
That’s why you should always check the betting age by the state if you want to abide by the law. Unlike in the past, sportsbooks will require KYC age verification, so you won’t be able to cheat your way to betting and bonus hunting unless you pass the age requirement for sports betting.
Betting Age by USA States
The age limit for betting sports in the USA varies. But, in general, it is set to 21 years of age, with only four states lowering the bar to 18. Those are Rhode Island, Washington, New Hampshire, and Montana. This one passes for both online and land-based sports betting.
The age limit for betting on boxing in Vegas is 21, too, so regardless if you prefer online or going to casinos and sportsbooks, you will need to state your legal age.
Legal Betting Age in Other Countries
The United States’ online betting sites’ age is one thing, but the laws in other countries are another. In short, 21 is the age limit in most countries, but some allow punters to bet from 18. You won’t find any country lowering the bar below 18. And we’re all delighted it’s that way because underage Gambling can lead to unforeseen consequences.
Youngsters are still not mentally adapted to those challenges. Many believe in sure winnings, which is a fable, so there’s a reason why governments around the world have set the minimum age to at least 18.
United Kingdom
The minimum sports betting UK age is 18. It’s the same for any form of online gambling. The United Kingdom has some of the strictest laws for betting and Gambling. It also has the top governing body in online Gambling – the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, which sets the legal gambling age rules.
Ireland
Horse betting is a big hit in Ireland, especially among the youth. According to the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 156, the horse betting age was pushed from 16 to 18 and has stayed like that. It means you can’t go to the races or watch them live if you’re under 18 years old in Ireland.
Canada
Similar to the United States’ online betting sites age, Canada’s different states and provinces set their laws. The minimum age is 18 in Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba, while all the other regions, such as Ontario and Saskatchewan, have raised it to 19.
India
Online Gambling is not regulated in India, but horse racing and pari-mutuel betting are. Per Indian laws, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to bet on sports or casino games.
New Zealand
The legal age to bet on sports in New Zealand is 18. It refers to casino gambling and sports betting, with fines of over $500 for anyone who tries to place a bet below that age.
Australia
The land down under has set the minimum betting age to 18. Players aged 18 and over can place bets online and in land-based sportsbooks and casinos operated by the government.
Kenya
The Kenya minimum sports betting age is 18 and over. There are no restrictions on placing bets on any sport or playing in online casinos that accept Kenyan players.
South Africa
Like in Kenya, the minimum matched betting age limit in South Africa is 18. Online Gambling is regulated in the country, and bets are accepted on all sports you can think of.
Sportsbooks Betting Age Requirements
The sportsbook should follow the legal minimum betting age. Of course, the sportsbook only follows the state/country terms it is based in. Simply put, you can’t be on sportsbooks with a legal age of 18 if your country allows Gambling for ages 21 and up. Different sportsbooks will have a different age limit – let’s check out the most popular ones below.
Fanduel Age Requirement
The Fanduel sportsbook age limit is set at 18+. The popular bookie follows the requirements of every state it’s legal in, which means you have to be 21 and over in Iowa, Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, or 19 and older in Alabama. Fanduel is one of the finest sportsbooks on the market, offering a variety of sports to bet on with thousands of fixed odds and live betting markets, live streams, and plenty of bonuses you can’t refuse. It’s also a premier fantasy betting site, which, unfortunately, isn’t live in all states.
As a competitor, DraftKings offers excellent odds on all sports, including among the best odds for the Super Bowl. You must be at least 18 years of age to sign up at DraftKings and bet. The DraftKings age limit is the same as most popular sportsbooks, including Fanduel.
Bovada Age Limit
Bovada’s betting age limit is 18, the same as other betting sites.
Of course, you should take note of the legal sports betting age by state, but in general, you can’t bet at these sportsbooks if you’re under 18.
Mybookie Age Limits
No surprise here – MyBookie’s legal betting age is set at 18. The sportsbook notes that it’s the minimum age required, with the legal age in your jurisdiction also playing a role. Mybookie may not be as big as DraftKings or FanDuel, but it has solid lines and odds across different sports.
If you’re looking to join a new betting site and you’re 18 and over.
Caesars Sportsbook Age
Here’s something different – Caesars sportsbook’s age limit aligns with the US betting age in some states. It’s set higher than the other bookies on this list at 21. We’re perfectly OK with the higher age requirement, as we believe 18 years is too young for sports betting.
Land-Based vs Online Sportsbooks
Land-based betting shops and online sportsbooks can define their betting age limit, but it must comply with the country’s legal requirements. In short, don’t expect to find many countries that allow Gambling and betting under the age of 18. It’s the minimum in most jurisdictions. For example, there’s no singular law defining the minimum betting age in the USA. States are free to decide on their own, and those requirements must be followed by land-based bookie shops and online betting sites.
As mentioned, the minimum is typically 18. Some sites like Caesars keep the age minimum at 21, so you can’t sign up if you’re 18, 19, or 20. Here’s the thing about land-based casinos or sportsbooks – they often raise the bar higher. For example, in Vegas, you’ll find that many casinos keep the minimum betting age limit at 25, even if the state allows players over 18 to gamble.
That’s a decision by the operator and typically applies to residents rather than tourists. We have got to keep tourism alive.
Responsible Gambling
You should gamble responsibly if you pass the minimum matched betting age limit. Responsible Gambling is a concept many sportsbooks stick to. The Responsible Gambling Council is dedicated to reducing gambling risk and preventing addiction. In a time where online sports betting is available straight from your pocket or the comfort of your home, there’s never been a more critical time for such an idea.
The Responsible Gambling Council has rules all partners must follow. It has a variety of tools that punters can use at their disposal to limit the time they spend in online sportsbooks. These include self-exclusion tools, deposit and bet limits, and an option to block the site for longer.
If you believe your gambling habit needs to be controlled, you should use them immediately. Better yet, talk to the customer support team that can point you in the right direction.
Final Words
The betting age is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re looking to join a new bookie. Passing the betting age horse racing betting requirements is one thing, but what the sportsbook allows is another. If you don’t pass the age limit, you’re betting illegally. There’s no point in lying – the KYC verification check will uncover your true intentions.
We hope our betting age guide clears any doubts regarding the legal age limit for betting on sports online. Stick to it, and you’ll never fall into trouble with your favourite bookie.
