Overview of age limits and specifics of gambling regulation in different countries
Navigating the rules of the iGaming sector can be challenging, especially with the variety of regulations that apply across different regions. In some countries, even individual states or provinces have their own gambling laws, each with unique age restrictions and specific exceptions.
For players, it’s essential to understand the legal framework in their region to avoid breaking the rules and to ensure they are playing legally. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions about where and how to play.
USA
Online gambling in the United States is regulated by three major federal laws:
- UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act)
- IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act)
- UIGA (Unlawful Internet Gaming Act)
The minimum age for most forms of gambling, including online casino games, poker, and sports betting, is 21 years. However, states have the authority to set their own regulations, which means the required age can differ depending on where you live. Some gambling activities, like horse racing, lotteries, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), often have a lower minimum age, with players sometimes allowed to participate at 18 years old. These exceptions vary by state, so it’s important to check local laws before playing.
Canada
Gambling in Canada is regulated at the provincial level, meaning each province sets its own rules for online and land-based gambling. Only British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec are authorized to issue licenses for online gambling platforms. However, players in Canada can legally access foreign-licensed online casinos, as there is no federal restriction on using international gambling sites.
The legal gambling age in Canada depends on the province. In most provinces, the minimum age for online casinos is 19, but in Alberta, Manitoba, and Québec, players can legally gamble at 18. These differences make it essential for players to check the local age requirements before accessing online gambling platforms.
New Zealand
Gambling in New Zealand is overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs, which enforces the rules set out in the Gambling Act 2003. The rules are stricter for physical casinos compared to online platforms.
- For land-based casinos, the minimum age is 20 years.
- For online casinos, the minimum age is 18 years.
Unlike some countries, New Zealand allows players to access foreign-based online casinos without legal restrictions. However, breaking age-related rules can result in fines or a ban from entering land-based casinos.
UK
The United Kingdom has one of the most regulated gambling industries in the world, governed by the Gambling Act 2005 and enforced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This regulatory body oversees all gambling operators and enforces strict compliance rules.
The legal gambling age in the UK is 18 years for most forms of gambling, including:
- Sports betting (both online and retail);
- Land-based and online casinos;
- Bingo halls and online bingo;
- Lotteries, including the National Lottery.
Operators that fail to comply with these age restrictions face heavy fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges.
Germany
Gambling in Germany is governed by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which was signed in 2021 by the heads of all German states. The treaty is enforced by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), also known as the Joint Gambling Authority of the States.
The minimum legal age for gambling in Germany is 18 years for most forms of gambling. However, in the regions of Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, the minimum age for entry into land-based casinos is 21 years.
Players who gamble on unlicensed websites or at unlicensed land-based venues face severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
France
The legal age for gambling in France was reduced from 21 to 18 years in 1987. Online gambling was later legalized in 2010, and it is now regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), a national regulatory body established in 2020.
France’s gambling laws operate under a system of general prohibition with exceptions, meaning most forms of gambling are restricted unless explicitly authorized. The ANJ does not issue licenses to online casinos, but French players can legally access foreign-operated gambling websites.
From what age can I play at land-based casinos and online casinos?
If you want to play at a land-based casino in the US, you must be at least 21 years old. However, Native American casinos may have different age limits, often set at 18 or 19, depending on the state. In Canada, gambling laws vary by province, affecting age requirements for both online and land-based casinos. France and the United Kingdom have a unified minimum age of 18 for both land-based and online casinos. In Germany and New Zealand, age restrictions for land-based casinos are stricter. In Germany, the minimum age is 18 in most regions, but 21 in Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg. In New Zealand, players must be 20 to enter land-based casinos, while online gambling is allowed from 18.
| Country | Acceptable age in casinos | Acceptable age in online casinos |
|---|---|---|
| U.S.A. | 21 (for most states)
18 (Minnesota, Washington, Montana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming) |
21 |
| Canada | 19 (for most states)
18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec) |
19 (for most states)
18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec) |
| New Zealand | 20 | 18 |
| UK | 18 | 18 |
| Germany | 18 (for most regions)
21 (Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg) |
18 |
| France | 18 | 18 |
At what age can I bet on sports?
Sports betting is legal in around 30 states in the USA, where the minimum age is typically 21. France legalized it back in 1985, setting the age limit at 18. Canada regulates sports betting at the provincial level, with age restrictions of either 18 or 19 depending on the region.
The TAB (Totalisator Agency Board) is the sole authorized provider in New Zealand, allowing bets for those 18 and older. Germany’s online sports betting market is projected to reach $2.12 billion in 2024, with a legal betting age of 18. The UK leads with sports betting as the most popular form of online gambling, expected to generate $4.56 billion in revenue in 2024, and the minimum age is 18.
| Country | Permissible age |
|---|---|
| U.S.A. | 21 (for most states)
18 (Kentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Washington D.C.) |
| Canada | 19 (for most states)
18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec) |
| New Zealand | 18 |
| UK | 18 |
| Germany | 18 |
| France | 18 |
What age is it legal to bet on Daily Fantasy Sports?
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a distinct segment of sports betting with varied regulations across countries. In the US, it is legal in many states, including those where traditional sports betting remains prohibited. Major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel dominate the market in Canada, operating in most provinces except Ontario, where stricter rules apply.
DFS remains unregulated in New Zealand, but players can still access foreign betting websites without restriction. Both the UK and France categorize DFS as a form of sports betting, making it subject to their gambling laws.
In Germany, the regulatory body Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder classified certain DFS formats as illegal gambling in 2023.
| Country | Permissible age |
|---|---|
| U.S.A. | 18 (for most states)
19 (Alabama, Nebraska) 21 (Louisiana, Iowa, Arizona, Massachusetts) |
| Canada | 19 (for most states)
18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec) |
| New Zealand | 18 |
| UK | 18 |
| Germany | 18 |
| France | 18 |
At what age can I play online poker?
Online poker is available in several U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada.
In Canada, players can legally access online poker sites licensed and regulated by provincial authorities.
The UK, Germany, and France have national-level licensing systems for online poker, ensuring it is fully regulated.
For players in New Zealand, foreign-operator poker sites are accessible without restrictions.
| Country | Permissible age |
|---|---|
| U.S.A. | 21 |
| Canada | 19 (for most states)
18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec) |
| New Zealand | 18 |
| UK | 18 |
| Germany | 18 |
| France | 18 |
At what age can I bet on horse racing?
In the United States, the minimum age for betting on horse racing is typically 18, though some states may have different rules.
In Canada, the legal age depends on the province, with limits set at either 18 or 19.
For countries like New Zealand, the UK, Germany, and France, the age requirement is 18 for betting on horse racing, whether at racetracks or online.
| Country | Permissible age |
|---|---|
| U.S.A. | 18 (for most states)
21 (Iowa, Nevada, Texas, Arizona) |
| Canada | 19 (for most states)
18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec) |
| New Zealand | 18 |
| UK | 18 |
| Germany | 18 |
| France | 18 |
At what age can I play the lottery?
In the United States, most states allow participation in lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions starting at 18.
In Canada, lottery tickets and scratch cards are generally available from 19, though regulations may vary by province.
New Zealand has unique lottery rules: games like Lotto, Play 3, Keno, and Bullseye have no age restrictions, while Instant Kiwi and Instant Play tickets are available from 18, and Daily Keno can be played starting at 17.
In the UK, Germany, and France, both traditional and online lotteries are restricted to players aged 18 and older.
| Country | Permissible age |
|---|---|
| U.S.A. | 18 (for most states)
19 (Nebraska) 21 (Louisiana, Mississippi, Arizona, Iowa) |
| Canada | 19 (for most states)
18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Québec) |
| New Zealand | 18 (Instant Play, Instant Kiwi)
17 (Daily Keno) No restrictions (Lotto, Play 3, Keno and Bullseye) |
| UK | 18 |
| Germany | 18 |
| France | 18 |
Age limits are key to protecting young people from gambling addiction and potential financial problems
Age restrictions play a key role in protecting young people from gambling addiction and financial issues. Responsible gambling is a central focus of many operators, with information about it often available in casino reviews or directly on gaming websites.
Adhering to age limits is crucial not just for legal reasons, but because gambling operators implement strict age verification measures. Violating these rules can lead to account suspension or permanent bans.
The legal gambling age typically ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the country. However, exceptions can exist for specific regions or different types of gambling activities within the same country.
Before registering at an online casino or placing a sports bet, it’s essential to check the regulations in your jurisdiction to avoid breaking the law or facing fines.
