All You Need to Know About Underage Gambling

Advances in technology have accelerated the growth of online gambling, but the rapid spike in the number of betting sites is also fueling underage gambling. Many young people are lured to these sites by promises of riches, while others log on out of curiosity.  

In all 50 states, gambling is prohibited for individuals under the age of 18, and in many states, you need to be 21 or older to place your first bet. These regulations exist for a reason. Studies have shown that many of those introduced to gambling at a young age tend to develop a gambling addiction later in life. Unfortunately, most parents aren’t aware of the scope of the problem. That’s why we’ve gathered all the information you’ll need to protect your children.  

US Gambling Age

Underage gambling, as a legal term, refers to any gambling by an individual who is under the legal age to bet. In more than a dozen states, gambling is legal for persons who are 18 or older. In some states, 18-year-olds are restricted to land-based casinos where alcohol is prohibited. But in most states, the legal gambling age is 21.

In the state of New Jersey, which is home to Atlantic City – one of the country’s top gambling destinations – a person has to be at least 21 to gamble. The gambling age in Vegas, Nevada is also 21.

Here is a list of states where the legal gambling age is 18:

• California 
• Florida (restricted to bingo and poker at tribal casinos)
• Idaho
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• Washington
• Wisconsin (restricted to two tribal casinos)
• Wyoming
• Georgia (only casinos on cruise ships)

Rules on underage gambling at a casino or any other venue are very clear. Any violations of these laws are taken very seriously and can have grave legal implications. 

But by legalizing online gambling, a growing number of states are making it increasingly difficult to prevent minors from betting. The table below shows some of the different legal gambling options in different states.         

Whatever the gambling options in individual states, online gambling by underage people is still illegal. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with both state betting laws and federal gambling laws. 

In some states, an 18-year-old is allowed to sit at a card table, while in others you can do little more than purchase a lottery ticket at that age. One interesting fact is that five states – Nevada, Utah, Alaska, Alabama, and Hawaii – don’t even have a lottery. Meanwhile, Hawaii and Utah are the only two states where gambling is illegal.

The Underage Gambling Problem in the US

Some children are exposed to gambling simply by watching friends and relatives play poker and other games. Interestingly, a significant percentage of underage gamblers watch gambling advertisements on television at least twice per week. With some minors, these experiences arouse a sense of curiosity, while others start gambling to make money.   

Problems with underage gambling in the US are already extensive, but things are getting worse thanks to the internet and the lack of parental guidance. 

Research shows that a growing number of high school and college students are gambling. They usually place bets on football games and other sports events. Some do it for the thrill of winning, while others see it as an avenue to make quick cash.   

According to some studies, high school students tend to be satisfied with smaller sums of money. However, the stakes are higher for college students. Many try to cover their tuition fees or their living expenses through underage gambling. 

College athletes are also prone to becoming underage gamblers due to their competitive nature and their desire to be the best. But in many cases, things turn sour very quickly, and students accumulate debt before falling into depression and developing anxiety.

The research indicates that underage college students are more likely to have problems with gambling than adults, with 6% of college students likely to become problem gamblers. According to underage gambling statistics, 2.1% of all Americans between the ages of 14 and 21 show signs of problem gambling. 

Different States, Different Laws

The severity of the punishment for those who get caught gambling underage depends on where the infraction takes place. For instance, in Atlantic City in New Jersey, gambling is strictly prohibited for minors, and any violations could result in a hefty fine and a suspension of the individual’s driver’s license.

If an underage gambler decides to try his luck in a Vegas casino, he can face misdemeanor charges. In the state of Washington, the punishment for underage gambling includes a $125 fine and community service. 

Many underage gamblers rely on fake IDs to gain access to gambling venues. So, are casinos strict with fake IDs? Absolutely. In all 50 states, using a fake ID can land you in jail. Even if a minor manages to gain access to a casino with a fake ID, he’ll still be subject to an ID check when he tries to collect his winnings. Getting caught with a fake ID at a casino and underage gambling can have serious consequences. In some cases, it can result in a permanent criminal record.   

If a minor makes a fake ID with the help of an adult for the purpose of gambling, both individuals could face criminal charges. Many young people don’t think about the lasting consequences before they commit their first underage gambling offense. 

They simply don’t realize how stressful and overwhelming underage gambling charges can be on their entire families. Some think they can play a few games in Las Vegas just because they’re close to turning 21. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t offer any leeway. Anybody who commits underage gambling offenses will likely end up with a criminal record. 

The importance of parental guidance cannot be understated in these situations. Parents need to warn their children about the dangers of gambling at a young age. They should also talk to their children about the potential legal consequences of such actions.   

Parents also need to keep in mind that they too can face criminal charges if their child is underage and is charged with gambling as a minor or using a fake ID. 

There are a number of software solutions that can help parents restrict their children’s access to gambling sites. These can also protect the child from ads about online betting platforms. 

If you’re aware of any minors gambling online, it’s crucial that you inform the operator about these offenses. If you don’t know how to report underage gambling, simply contact the gambling venue that the minor is using, and the site’s management will take the appropriate measures. In most cases, the site is obligated to notify both law enforcement and the child’s parents.

After all this talk about legal consequences, you might be wondering, is gambling a felony? The answer is no. Adults can gamble as much as they like, but they should always do so responsibly and make sure they’re setting the right example for their children.