Today we will take a more in-depth look at the legal gambling age in the US and why this information is important to know and understand. The state is often the one responsible for determining the legal gambling age, and so the result is that different states have different minimum ages for gambling. The legal gambling age differs from state to state due to how federal and state law works.įor those uncertain about the difference, federal law refers to laws applied to everyone in the US, while state law only applies to people in a specific state. Table on the minimum legal US gambling age state by state. For instance, if an underage gambler uses a fake ID to place bets at a casino, the state may also charge him or her with forgery, identity theft or other crimes.US Legal Gambling Age State by State US State Casino employees may also receive a charge for failing to check a person’s driver’s license or for allowing an underage individual to bet.Īccording to the Legal Beagle, underage gamblers may also be guilty of other offenses. If a parent, guardian or other person who has control or custody of the underage person allows a person under 21 years of age to gamble, that person may also receive a disorderly person charge.

If the person is under the age of 17 at the time of arrest, and if he or she has yet to obtain his or her driver’s license, the state may postpone the issuance of that person’s license by six months. A disorderly person conviction may result in a fine of between $500 and $1,000 and a driver’s license suspension. Per The State of New Jersey, Department of Law & Public Safety, if law enforcement catches an underage person gambling, that person is guilty of a disorderly person offense, which is a criminal charge. Regardless of the form of gambling, New Jersey law prohibits gambling for anyone under the age of 21. Gambling may involve poker, the slot machines or even a scratch-off ticket from the gas station. Gambling refers to any activity that involves playing a game of chance for money or some other desired outcome. If a person wishes to gamble in New Jersey, he or she should familiarize him or herself with state gaming laws. That said, state laws vary regarding the age at which a person may gamble as well as the penalties for underage gambling. Regardless of in which state a person lives or plays, gambling is a highly regulated activity restricted only to adults.

Age to gamble in nj