How old do you have to be to go to the casino
How old do you have to be to go to the casino
When it comes to casinos, the minimum age requirement is strictly enforced. The legal gambling age varies across jurisdictions, but generally falls between 18 and 21 years old.
In most of the United States, the legal gambling age is 21, with exceptions for certain Native American casinos. In Canada, the minimum age is 19 in most provinces, while in the United Kingdom it's 18. In most European countries, the legal gambling age is 18, although some countries have higher age limits for specific casino games.
Legal Gambling Age by Country
The legal gambling age varies by country, typically ranging from 18 to 21 years old:
- 18 : Austria, Canada (provinces and territories except Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec), Costa Rica, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- 19 : Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec
- 20 : Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
- 21 : Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, Denmark, Iceland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, South Africa, United States
Age Restrictions for Specific Casino Activities
Gambling:
The legal gambling age varies by state but is typically 21 years old. However, some casinos allow minors to play certain games, such as slot machines and video poker, provided they are supervised by an adult.
Alcoholic Beverages:
The age limit for purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages in a casino is typically the same as the legal drinking age in the state. This is usually 21 years old, but it can be lower in some states.
Sports Betting:
The legal age for sports betting varies by state, but it is typically 21 years old or older.
Table Games:
The age limit for table games, such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, is typically the same as the legal gambling age in the state. This is usually 21 years old, but it can be lower in some states.
Exceptions and Special Considerations
While the general casino age limit is 21 in most jurisdictions, there are exceptions and special considerations to be aware of.
In some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, the minimum age to enter a casino is 18. However, this does not always apply to all areas of the casino. For example, in the UK, you must be 21 to play slot machines, but only 18 to play other games such as blackjack and roulette.
There are also some exceptions for special events. For example, some casinos may host events specifically for younger adults, such as 18-20 year olds. These events may have different age restrictions than the regular casino.
If you are unsure about the age limit for a particular casino, it is always best to check with the casino directly.