Legal gambling age in every US state & where you can gamble

Local casinos

There is little nationwide licensing or regulation of US gambling as a whole, with the exception of tribal gaming, which is authorized by the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Each US state is in charge of regulating its own gaming entities. Most states have established gaming commissions or lottery boards to oversee the gaming activities there.

Online casinos

The legality of online poker and casino sites in the US also depends on which state you’re in. Some states like New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware have set up their own online poker and casino sites.

These state-run online casinos have the best safety and security for players because they’re subject to stricter licensing laws within the US. Some offshore casinos also accept US players and are regulated by various e-gaming licensing bodies located around the world.

Local casinos

A 2005 study showed that 85% of adults in the United States gambled at least once in their lives, and 80% of them had gambled in the past year. The exact number of people gambling in the US is hard to pin down precisely, but considering that gambling is estimated to be a $250 billion annual industry that supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide, you can bet it’s a huge number.

Online casinos

In 2007, according to a Topline Findings report, 23 million Americans played poker regularly, and 15 million of them played online for real money. Of those, seven million of them played online poker at least once per month. The number of Americans gambling real money on casino games online is estimated to be even bigger.

No, but like all gambling in the US, the laws around online gambling vary state to state. Always check with your local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

It will depend on which state you live in and where the casino operates from. We recommend checking with your local authorities before getting in on the action.

Local casinos

Yes. The United States government requires a 25% tax on gambling winnings that exceed $600 at a horse track, $1,200 at a slot machine or bingo game, $1,500 in keno, and $5,000 in poker tournaments.

Online casinos

The same rules apply to online casino winnings no matter where the internet gambling company is based. Players can often deduct losses to offset the amount of tax owed, but a tax specialist should help with that decision. In addition, state taxes are different in each state, so make sure you’re familiar with the local legislation.

Local casinos

All land-based US casinos use USD for betting and cashing out. They’re also able to exchange any other major currencies for USD on premises.

Online casinos

Even though they’re based in other countries, many international online casinos and poker sites operate using USD because it is a globally recognized currency. Players can deposit, play and withdraw in USD.

Local casinos

Casino gambling is heavily regulated in the United States, meaning all casinos and sportsbooks are subject to tons of oversight, rules and regular audits. Casinos are required by law to protect their customers’ money and pay out winning bets.

Online casinos

Players in the US who are concerned about playing at an international online casino or poker site should look for proper licensing, and a symbol from eCOGRA, when choosing which site to play at.

The eCOGRA symbol represents the approval of a major international oversight organization that conducts regular audits and ensures the site is operating fairly and protecting the safety and security of players.

Yes. The best online casinos that cater to American players use random number generators to ensure fair play. They also use encryption software to make sure that all player information is secure within the site. Check that the casino has a valid e-gambling license from an accepted regulatory body before you decide play.

Local casinos

If you suspect any unfair activity at a land-based casino, you can report it directly to casino security. You also have the option to contact the state gaming commission that oversees the casino you’re visiting.

Online casinos

Online gamblers can always report a site, or players on a site, to the company that holds the online casino license. Regarding off-shore casinos, Americans won’t be able to seek help from the US government because they don’t regulate them at the moment. But the licensing institution, along with any oversight organization like eCOGRA, will be responsible for looking into any concerns about unfair activity.

Just as the gambling laws in the US vary state to state, so too do the consequences for anyone caught gambling underage. In most cases, fines will be assessed and certain privileges, like a driver’s license, could be revoked. It can even involve prison time, so it’s best to ensure you know the minimum age in your area before placing any bets.