What is the legal gambling age?

One of the most common questions most online players ask is what the legal gambling age is across the world. We’ve created this simple guide so that when you go on holiday, you’ll be in the know. However, if you’re legally entitled to gamble, you’ll also be entitled to sign up at an online casino, make your real money deposit via a variety of payment options, and gamble to your heart’s content! 

What is the legal age of gambling in the following countries?

• USA
• Canada
• Europe
• South America
• Asia
• New Zealand
• Australia

Legal age for Gambling in USA

Most of the states in the USA and Canada have a legal gambling age of 18. There are exceptions however, Arizona, Iowa and Louisiana have set their allowed gambling age at 21 and Nebraska at 19. The legal required age can also change depending on the type of betting. People of Arkansas are allowed to play lottery games or  charity bingo if they’re over 18.

Legal age for Gambling in Canada

In Canada, with the exception of Manitoba, Quebec and Alberta where the legal gambling age is 18, all the other states allow gambling if you’re 19 or older. 

Legal age for Gambling in Europe 

The European Union has unified online gambling age restrictions and as a result, the legal age is 18 across all 43 countries. Greece is the only exception, to enjoy playing your favourite casino games online, you’ll have to be 23 or over. It wasn’t always this way, up until the late 1980s, many countries like France, Belgium and The Netherlands had a law that forbade people under 21 to participate in gambling. Although the official legal age is 18, you’ll still find some venues in Europe that won’t allow you to gamble unless you’re 25 or over. 

Legal age for Gambling in South America 

In South America, you’re allowed to enter casinos, play the lottery and bet on sporting events in all 15 countries, as long as you’re aged over 18. 

Legal age for Gambling in Asia 

Asia is one of the oldest civilizations and the birthplace of most of the available gambling games. The legal gambling age is set at 21, but there are exceptions. The legal gambling age in Georgia is 18 while in the Cocos Islands, you’ll need to be 18 to gamble. South Korea’s legal gambling age is 18 and Macao allows foreign tourists to gamble at 18, but nationals can only place their bets from age 21 upwards. 

Legal age for Gambling in New Zealand

The minimum legal age for gambling in New Zealand is set at 20 years or older; however you are allowed to place online sports bets from the time you turn 18.

Legal age for Gambling in Australia 

Although Australia has a troublesome history of gambling laws and legislation, the legal age to gamble has always stayed the same. If you’re 18 or over, you can gamble otherwise it’s deemed illegal. 

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