Last updated on: December 18th, 2024
Legal Sports Betting Age By State
It is not difficult to learn the legal sports betting age by state. Generally, state-regulated sportsbooks are required by law to only accept players who are at least 21 years old. However, there are internationally-based legal online sportsbooks and sports betting apps for 18 year olds available in the US that are available in most states. Those sites follow the minimum international gambling age of 18 years old. That difference in the sports betting age requirement is important for people to know where to bet at 18 vs 21. Of course, there are a few exceptions and other state sports betting age laws that are important. We continue to break down the legal age to bet on sports by state below.
- State-regulated books like DraftKings and FanDuel are required by law to only accept players who are at least 21 in most states. But, there are other options like Bovada and BetOnline that are internationally-regulated 18+ sports betting sites and apps that are legal throughout the country and accept players from most states.
Best College Football Betting Sites
#1
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Use Bovada at 18 and up in over 35 US states today.
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#2
Use BetOnline At 18
One of the best 18+ sportsbooks for players in 49 states.
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#3
Top 21+ Sportsbook
MyBookie accepts players in 46 states starting at the age of 21.
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#4
Takes Players At 18+
Fast and secure sports betting site for players in 50 states at 18+.
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21+ Sports Betting
Use Xbet at 21+ in 46 states for all pro and college sports betting.
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States With 18+ Betting Sites
There are 18+ betting sites that are legal in every state throughout the United States with international-regulated sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline. There are also four states with 18+ sportsbook apps that are governed in those jurisdictions. Those states are Kentucky, New Hampshire, Washington DC, and Wyoming. If you are in one of those states, that means you can use sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars if they offer their services there.
Best 18+ Online Sportsbooks
#1
Bovada Sportsbook
Best Sportsbook That Accepts Players Who Are 18 Years Old Or Older
Bovada accepts players in more than half the country, and in the states that it takes players from it is the best sportsbook for users who are 18. The states that Bovada does not take players from are Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington DC, and West Virginia. If you are in one of those jurisdictions, we recommend you use BetOnline. In every other state, we suggest Bovada because it is safe, secure, and offers the best odds. In addition to being the best sportsbook, Bovada also has other real money 18+ casino, poker, and horse racing sections.
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#2
BetOnline Sportsbook
Great Sports Betting Site For 18+ Bettors
The best 18+ sports betting site outside of Bovada, BetOnline is a world-class sportsbook that is legal in 49 states (New Jersey is excluded). There are no limits as to what sports you can bet on at BetOnline, with many odds and bet types available for everything players could want to bet. Specifically, BetOnline is one of the best 18+ gambling sites for the NFL with many standard and alternative odds available for both players and games.
Rating:
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States That Require Bettors To Be 21 Years Old Or Older To Sports Bet
Outside of the four states that have locally regulated sportsbooks that accept 18 year olds, the legal sports betting age in each state is 21. That age only applies to state-regulated sportsbooks and not offshore betting sites such as Bovada which still rate out as the best sportsbook if you’re already 21. It is specifically important for those who want to use popular US-based sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel, but can’t and want to know how to bet on sports at 18. We list the most popular sportsbooks that only allow players who are at least 21 in most jurisdictions below.
States With A Legal Sports Betting Age Of 21 At Local Gambling Sites
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Popular 21+ Sportsbooks
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Borgata
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
- FanDuel
- Fanatics
- Hard Rock
- PointsBet
- WynnBet
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
Betting Age To Bet On The NFL
There is no specific legal sports betting age set by the NFL. NFL betting sites must abide by the same restrictions that other online sportsbooks must follow in each specific state. Typically the state-regulated sportsbooks can only accept players who are 21, while offshore NFL betting sites can accept users who are 18.
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.
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?
When you use offshore sportsbooks that are legal, you can bet from 18 and above. Also, there some locally regulated sportsbook states that offer that same page. 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?
The legal betting age at Bovada is 18 years old, regardless of the state. Bovada operates internationally and must follow the 18-year-old standard that has been established worldwide. There are a handful of states that Bovada does not accept players from regardless of their age. Those states are CO, CT, DE, DC, KS, LA, MD, MI, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and WV.