Why Do States Make The In-Person Legal Age To Gamble At A Casino At 21?

While some states have the legal in-person gambling age set to 18, many more have set it at 21. Since there is very little gambling in federal law, each state makes its own rules. Most of the time, states make the minimum age to gamble at an in-person casino 21 because there is alcohol being served on the casino floor. The legal drinking age is 21, so it is best to keep the gambling age consistent. Even though alcohol may be the primary reason, certain gambling laws within the state prohibit those under the age of 21 from gambling at an in-person casino due to state-specific legislation.

• Pro Tip: Many states that require players must be at least 21 years old to play in a casino do not check IDs when patrons enter the facility. This does not mean players who are underage should enter the premises and start gambling. It actually means the exact opposite. Players must show identification that proves that they are 21+ to claim their prizes. If a player is younger than 21 and gambling in a state that legally requires players to be 21+, the only thing that they can do there is lose money and not claim winnings. Colorado gambling laws provide a good example as to why players should always know the casino gambling age by state.