About 49% of Americans view the gaming and gambling industry as favorable. It’s an industry that’s viewed as generating jobs and boosting the local economy. It’s also more accessible than ever, thanks to websites and apps.
However, more accessibility also means it’s harder to regulate. There’s a minimum age individuals need to be to participate in gambling. So, how old do you have to be to gamble?
This guide will explain the history of gambling laws and why they continue to be in place today.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Gamble?
The first step in knowing how to gamble legally is to know the minimum age requirement. The majority of states require you to be at least 21 to gamble. Two states do not allow gambling at all, Utah and Hawaii.
Several states have special exceptions for Indian casinos. The minimum age at these special casinos is 18. However, the games that you have access to can be limited.
If you decide to drive across the border into Canada, the minimum age is either 18 or 19, depending on the province you are in.
History of the Minimum Gambling Age
When America was first settled, games of chance were a popular way of raising revenues for universities, schools, and governments. While not all communities were in full support, they were generally accepting of these games. The British Crown tried to restrict these lotteries, and it was one of the tensions causing issues that led to the American Revolution.
As America grew and went through the western expansion, Civil War, and Prohibition, attitudes towards gambling began to polarize. More accepting cities welcomed gambling, and other areas became more restrictive. After World War II, the gaming laws became even more restrictive.
In recent history, the Federal Wire Act of 1961 and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 have further defined gambling restrictions.
How to Gamble Online
While physical casino locations will always have their place, many people are looking for more convenient gambling options. This has led to a rise in Online Gambling Sites and apps.
Online casinos can vary greatly depending on the state and country of origin of the website. There are also different restrictions depending on the type of gambling or betting you’re doing. Examples of this are traditional casino games, poker, and sports betting on pg slot 168.
Websites that the United States regulates have a minimum age requirement of 21. However, some states try to restrict this further by imposing a lower minimum age or outlawing all online gambling or betting. However, these restrictions are hard to enforce.
If you have any doubt about the requirements for a particular website, they will be communicated to you upon your attempting to enter the website.
Try Your Luck Today
As you can see, the answer to how old do you have to be to gamble is slightly more complicated than you’d expect it to be. The short answer is that you need to be at least 21 and sometimes at least 18.
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