Sports Betting Age Requirements by State: Minimum Betting Age Guide

Introduction: What Age Do You Have to Be to Bet on Sports?

If you are interested in sports betting, age is one of the very first eligibility requirements you need to understand. Unlike many areas of law where federal rules apply uniformly, sports betting age requirements are set by each individual state. The minimum age to bet on sports varies depending on where you are physically located when you place your wager.

Most US states that have legalized sports betting require bettors to be at least 21 years old. However, a handful of states set the minimum age at 18. Knowing which rules apply in your state is essential because attempting to bet underage can result in serious consequences, including account closure, forfeiture of winnings, and potential legal penalties.

This guide breaks down sports betting age requirements for every state with legal sports betting, explains why the age threshold differs, covers how sportsbooks verify your age, and outlines what happens if you attempt to bet before you meet the minimum age. Whether you are approaching legal betting age or simply want to understand the rules before placing your first wager, this guide has you covered.

For a broader look at sports betting legality beyond just age requirements, see our complete guide to US sports betting laws.

How Sports Betting Age Requirements Work in the US

No Single Federal Betting Age

There is no federal law that establishes a uniform minimum age for sports betting in the United States. When the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, it gave each state the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting on its own terms. That includes deciding the minimum age for placing wagers.

This means the legal betting age depends entirely on which state you are in when you place your bet. It does not matter where you live or where your sportsbook account was created. What counts is your physical location at the time of the wager.

Why Most States Choose 21

The majority of states with legal sports betting have set the minimum age at 21. This aligns with other gambling age requirements in those states, particularly casino gambling. Since many states authorized sports betting through existing casino and gaming regulatory frameworks, adopting the same age threshold was a natural choice.

The age of 21 also aligns with the legal drinking age, and many retail sportsbooks are located inside casinos where alcohol is served. From a regulatory standpoint, maintaining a consistent age requirement across gambling activities simplifies enforcement and compliance.

Why Some States Allow 18

A smaller number of states have set the minimum sports betting age at 18. In most of these cases, the decision reflects specific regulatory or legal contexts:

• Tribal gaming compacts: Some states with tribal gaming operations adopted age 18 to align with existing tribal casino age requirements.
• Lottery frameworks: States that launched sports betting through their lottery systems sometimes adopted the lottery's existing minimum age of 18.
• Legislative choice: A few states simply determined that 18 was an appropriate age, consistent with other rights and responsibilities that begin at 18, such as voting and military service.

Online vs Retail: Same Age Applies

In nearly every state, the minimum age requirement is the same whether you bet online (through a mobile app or website) or in person at a retail sportsbook. There are very few exceptions to this, and in practice you should expect to meet the same age threshold regardless of how you place your bet.

States That Require Age 21 for Sports Betting

The majority of US states with legal sports betting require bettors to be at least 21 years old. The following table lists these states along with their betting formats.

State	Minimum Age	Online Betting	Retail Betting
Arizona	21	Yes	Yes
Arkansas	21	Yes	Yes
Colorado	21	Yes	Yes
Connecticut	21	Yes	Yes
Delaware	21	Yes	Yes
Florida	21	Yes	Yes
Illinois	21	Yes	Yes
Indiana	21	Yes	Yes
Iowa	21	Yes	Yes
Kansas	21	Yes	Yes
Kentucky	21	Yes	Yes
Louisiana	21	Yes	Yes
Maine	21	Yes	No
Maryland	21	Yes	Yes
Massachusetts	21	Yes	Yes
Michigan	21	Yes	Yes
Mississippi	21	No	Yes
Missouri	21	Yes	Yes
Nebraska	21	Yes	Yes
Nevada	21	Yes	Yes
New Jersey	21	Yes	Yes
New York	21	Yes	Yes
North Carolina	21	Yes	Yes
Ohio	21	Yes	Yes
Oregon	21	Yes	Yes
Pennsylvania	21	Yes	Yes
South Dakota	21	No	Yes
Tennessee	21	Yes	No
Vermont	21	Yes	No
Virginia	21	Yes	Yes
Washington	21	No	Yes
West Virginia	21	Yes	Yes
Wisconsin	21	No	Yes

This list represents the large majority of legal sports betting states. If your state requires age 21, that threshold applies to all forms of sports betting within the state, including online apps, retail sportsbooks at casinos, and kiosks at approved locations.

Some states on this list have specific nuances. For example, Mississippi and South Dakota offer retail betting only with no online option, while Tennessee and Vermont are online-only markets. Regardless of format, the age 21 requirement applies.

For full details on legality and available betting types in each state, see our state-by-state sports betting legality guide.

States Where You Can Bet on Sports at Age 18

A smaller group of states allows sports betting at age 18. If you are in one of these states, you can legally place wagers once you turn 18, though you will still need to pass identity verification.

State	Minimum Age	Online Betting	Retail Betting	Notes
Montana	18	Yes	Yes	Run through the Montana Lottery
New Hampshire	18	Yes	Yes	Operated by the NH Lottery
Rhode Island	18	Yes	Yes	State lottery operates sports betting
Washington, D.C.	18	Yes	Yes	DC Lottery runs GambetDC platform
Wyoming	18	Yes	No	Online only market

What These States Have in Common

You will notice that several of these 18+ states operate sports betting through their state lottery systems rather than through a traditional casino or gaming commission framework. Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. all run their sports betting programs through lottery infrastructure. Because state lotteries have historically allowed participation at age 18, the sports betting age in these states followed the same standard.

Wyoming took a different approach by creating an online-only sports betting framework with an 18-year-old minimum age as a deliberate legislative decision.

Important Caveats for 18-Year-Old Bettors

Even in states where the legal minimum age is 18, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Individual sportsbook policies: Some sportsbook operators may set their own minimum age at 21 regardless of the state minimum. Always check the terms and conditions of the specific platform you plan to use.
• Cross-state betting: If you are 18 and travel to a state with a 21-year-old minimum, you cannot place bets in that state. Your eligibility depends on where you are when you bet, not where you live.
• Tribal sportsbooks: Some tribal gaming operations in states with legal sports betting may have their own age requirements that differ from the state standard. Check with the specific tribal casino for their rules.

States Without Legal Sports Betting

As of early 2026, a handful of US states still have not legalized sports betting in any form. These include Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

If you are in one of these states, there is currently no legal way to bet on sports regardless of your age. Some of these states have pending legislation that could change the situation in the near future, while others like Utah have constitutional prohibitions against gambling that make legalization unlikely.

For the most up-to-date information on which states have legalized sports betting and which have pending legislation, check our complete guide to US sports betting laws. You can also explore state-specific legal guides for detailed information about individual states.

How Sportsbooks Verify Your Age

Every licensed US sportsbook is legally required to verify that you meet the minimum age requirement before allowing you to place real-money wagers. This process is part of a broader set of regulations known as Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Here is how the verification process typically works.

During Account Registration

When you sign up for a sportsbook account, you will be asked to provide your full legal name, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your home address. The sportsbook uses this information to run an automated identity check against public records databases.

In many cases, your identity and age can be verified instantly through this automated process. If the system can confirm your identity and that you meet the minimum age, your account will be approved and you can begin placing bets right away.

When Additional Verification Is Needed

If the automated check cannot verify your identity, you will be asked to submit documentation. Common documents accepted for age and identity verification include:

• Government-issued photo ID: A valid driver license, state ID card, or passport
• Proof of address: A utility bill, bank statement, or official mail showing your name and address
• Social Security documentation: In some cases, a photo of your Social Security card

The sportsbook will typically review your documents within 24 to 72 hours. Until verification is complete, you may be able to deposit and place bets, but you will not be able to withdraw winnings.

Geolocation and Age Verification

In addition to verifying your age, sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm you are physically located in a state where sports betting is legal. This check happens every time you open the app or attempt to place a bet. Even if you are verified as meeting the age requirement, you still cannot bet if your device places you in a state where sports betting is not legal or where the minimum age is higher than your current age.

For a detailed walkthrough of the full age verification process, see our guide on how sportsbooks verify your age. If you want to understand the broader identity verification process beyond just age, our sports betting identity verification guide covers everything from KYC requirements to document submission.

What Happens If You Try to Bet Underage

Attempting to bet on sports before you meet the minimum age requirement carries serious consequences. Sportsbooks, state regulators, and the law all treat underage gambling as a significant violation.

Account-Level Consequences

If a sportsbook discovers that you are underage, the most immediate consequence is account closure. This typically involves:

• Immediate suspension: Your account will be locked and all betting activity will be halted.
• Forfeiture of winnings: Any winnings you have accumulated may be confiscated. Sportsbooks generally have terms of service that void all wagers placed by underage individuals.
• Deposit returns vary: Whether you get your original deposits back depends on the sportsbook and state regulations. Some operators return deposits minus any losses, while others may not return funds at all.
• Permanent ban: You may be permanently banned from that sportsbook, even after you reach the legal age. Some operators share information through industry databases, which could affect your ability to open accounts with other sportsbooks in the future.

Legal Consequences

Beyond losing your account and winnings, underage betting can have legal ramifications:

• State penalties: In some states, underage gambling is classified as a misdemeanor offense that can carry fines. Penalties vary by state, but fines can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Criminal record: A gambling-related offense on your record, even a minor one, can affect future employment, education, and housing opportunities.
• Third-party liability: If a parent, guardian, or other adult helped an underage person access a sportsbook account, that adult may face separate legal consequences, including fines and potential criminal charges.

Using Someone Else's Account

One common way underage individuals attempt to bet is by using an account registered to an adult family member or friend. This is a violation of every sportsbook's terms of service and creates problems for both parties:

• The account holder risks permanent account closure and potential legal consequences for facilitating underage gambling.
• The underage user has no legal standing to claim winnings or dispute account actions.
• If identified, both parties may be reported to state regulators.

The bottom line: attempting to circumvent age requirements is not worth the risk. The consequences extend well beyond simply losing access to a betting account.

Preparing to Bet When You Reach Legal Age

If you are approaching the minimum betting age in your state, there are several things you can do to prepare so that you start your sports betting experience on the right foot.

Get Your Documents Ready

Before you sign up for a sportsbook account, make sure you have the following:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
• Access to the last four digits of your Social Security number
• A home address that matches your ID
• A bank account or payment method in your name for deposits and withdrawals

Having these ready will speed up the registration and verification process considerably.

Learn the Basics Before You Bet

Rather than jumping in on your first day of eligibility, take time to understand how sports betting works. Learn about the different bet types, how odds work, and how to read lines. Understanding the fundamentals before you start wagering with real money will help you make more informed decisions and avoid costly beginner mistakes.

For a complete walkthrough of how to get started with legal sports betting, including account setup, identity verification, and placing your first bet, see our guide to betting on sports legally.

Set Limits From Day One

Every licensed US sportsbook is required to offer responsible gambling tools. Take advantage of these from the moment you create your account:

• Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Wager limits: Cap the amount you can bet in a given period.
• Loss limits: Set a maximum you are willing to lose before your account is temporarily restricted.
• Time limits: Set reminders or session time limits to manage how long you spend betting.
• Self-exclusion: If you ever feel your gambling is becoming a problem, self-exclusion programs allow you to voluntarily ban yourself from betting for a set period.

Starting with conservative limits is the best approach. You can always adjust them later as you gain experience and develop a better understanding of your betting patterns. Sports betting should be treated as paid entertainment, not as a way to make money.

Bankroll Management Basics

Decide on a bankroll, the total amount of money you are willing to risk on sports betting, before you start. This should be money you can afford to lose completely without affecting your financial obligations.

A common guideline is to risk no more than 1 to 5 percent of your total bankroll on any single bet. This approach, known as unit-based betting, helps protect you from losing your entire bankroll on a bad streak and keeps you in the game long enough to learn and improve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to bet on sports in the US?

The minimum age to bet on sports varies by state. Most states with legal sports betting require you to be at least 21 years old. However, a few states including Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Wyoming allow sports betting at age 18. The age requirement that applies to you depends on the state where you are physically located when you place your bet.

Which states allow 18-year-olds to bet on sports?

As of early 2026, five jurisdictions allow sports betting at age 18: Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Wyoming. Most of these states operate their sports betting programs through state lottery systems, which traditionally allow participation at age 18.

Can I create a sportsbook account before I reach the minimum age?

No. Sportsbooks verify your age during the registration process by checking your date of birth against public records databases. If you do not meet the minimum age requirement, your account will not be approved. Attempting to use a false date of birth is a violation of the sportsbook's terms of service and may result in a permanent ban.

What happens if I bet on sports while underage?

If a sportsbook discovers that you are underage, your account will be immediately closed. Any winnings you have accumulated will likely be forfeited, and you may be permanently banned from the platform. Depending on your state, you could also face legal penalties including fines. Using another person's account to bet while underage creates additional legal problems for both you and the account holder.

Do online and retail sportsbooks have the same age requirements?

Yes, in nearly every state, the minimum age is the same for online and retail (in-person) sports betting. If your state requires age 21 for sports betting, that applies whether you are using a mobile app, a sportsbook website, or placing a bet at a physical sportsbook window inside a casino.

Why do most states require age 21 to bet on sports?

Most states set the sports betting age at 21 because they regulate sports betting under the same frameworks used for casino gambling, which has traditionally required age 21. Aligning the betting age with the casino age simplifies regulation and enforcement. Since many retail sportsbooks are located inside casinos where alcohol is served, the 21 threshold also provides consistency with the legal drinking age.

Can a parent or guardian place sports bets for me if I am underage?

No. Placing bets on behalf of an underage person is a violation of sportsbook terms of service and may be illegal in your state. The adult account holder risks permanent account closure, forfeiture of funds, and potential legal consequences. Every bet placed on a sportsbook account must be placed by the verified account holder.

How do sportsbooks know if I am old enough to bet?

Sportsbooks verify your age through a combination of automated identity checks and manual document review. When you register, your name, date of birth, and Social Security information are checked against public records databases. If the automated check does not confirm your age, you will be asked to upload a government-issued photo ID. For more details on the verification process, see our guide on how sportsbooks verify your age.