How Old You Have To Be To Play Casino?
The gambling industry has always had everyone on their toes when it comes to the levels of entertainment it provides, now seeing more joining players than it ever did. However, this kind of activity involves a certain degree of risk-taking, which really isn’t for everyone. This is why you’ll find the gambling world is strategically highlighted with carefully set-in-place rules that are meant to protect both the players and the game providers.
What You Need to Know About the Legal Gambling Age?
Having said this, as much as you may want to start gambling to your heart’s desire, you first need to get acquainted with the rules and regulations surrounding the type of gambling you’re interested in. Perhaps the most important of all (and the first to take note of) is the legal age for gambling. After all, you won’t be permitted to gamble if you’ve been caught on the wrong foot and would like to try your luck before the law actually allows you to.
However, not all states are created equal and they will each have their own say when it comes to establishing the legal age for gambling. In fact, you may find this to vary from continent to continent, as the cultural background and views can be wildly diverse from one corner of the world to another.
Wherever you may find yourself in the world then, either as a tourist or on a more permanent basis, you’ll need to know what the views on gambling are in that specific region. While these regulations don’t differ too greatly when you travel across the globe, it’s helpful to know what each region considers to be the legal gambling age:
Oceania
Countries from Oceania all have 18 as their reference point when it comes to the legal age for gambling. While this seems to be the indisputable norm for Australia, Palau, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea has no regulations around the legal age for gambling.
You’ll also need to be at least 20 years old if you’d like to gamble in New Zealand casinos and at least 18 if you want to try your luck either at horse racing or Instant Kiwi in this country.
Europe
Most countries in Europe have also set 18 as their minimum requirement when it comes to the legal gambling age. Whether we’re talking about several gaming machine categories, scratchcards, gambling in casinos or playing the lottery, countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, Romania and France all require players to have already turned 18.
Greece and Estonia, however, will require you to be 21 before you engage in gambling activities. Portugal’s gambling laws are complicated with each casino having its own say if the player needs to be at least 18 or 25.
Africa
When it comes to Africa, things get a bit more nuanced, since some countries will have different legal gambling ages in place, while others prohibit engaging in gambling activities altogether.
For example, Senegal, Uganda, Ghana, Botswana, Angola and Mozambique all require you to be at least 18 to gamble. Other countries such as Egypt, Namibia and Cote d’Ivoire will require you to be at least 21, while Nigeria will allow you to be 20.
On the other hand, it’s completely illegal to gamble in countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Mauritania, Libya and Algeria. These gambling age restrictions apply to both online and offline gambling opportunities, so even if you’re using a reputable mobile casino, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Asia
Asia is no different in establishing its legal gambling ages, with some countries requiring 18 as the minimum age and others, 21. In some countries, it’s altogether illegal to gamble. Having said this, Israel, Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Russia allow you to be 18 to officially gamble, while countries such as Lebanon, Malaysia and India will require you to be at least 21 years old. In Syria, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bahrain, for instance, it’s completely illegal to gamble.
North America
One of the most prolific continents in gambling and in gambling development, North America will also have differing legal ages for each state. While most countries require you to be 18 years of age before you gamble, including some states of the US, the Dominican Republic will allow you to gamble if you’re over 13.
South America
When it comes to South America, it’s important to remember that every country here will require you to be at least 18 to gamble. The one country that stands out though is Brazil, where it’s completely illegal to gamble in casinos, but where you are allowed to play the lottery if you’re over 18 years of age.
As you can see, traveling across the world will have you encounter different legal ages for gambling, specific to that region. Make sure you become familiar with your local gambling laws and gamble responsibly wherever you go.