It can be tough to find casinos available for players under 21-years-old. Luckily, there are quite a few options spread throughout the United States that allow bettors entrance from 18-years-old and up.
Whether you need this information for a road trip or you’re interested in the casino options nearest to you, we’ve got you covered.
The following is a breakdown of each state, separated by region, that allows 18+ players in full-fledged casinos.
East Coast
- Georgia- The Peach State has a unique caveat for this list: 18-year-olds can only play on casino cruises from the state. In Georgia, land-based casinos are prohibited, meaning the boat must first travel into international waters before any wagering is allowed. Emerald Princess Casino is the only option for such a trip, sailing out of Brunswick, GA.
West Coast
- California- Depending on the casino in California, the required age could be 18 or 21. For establishments that do not serve alcohol, 18-year-olds are generally allowed. This includes some of the state’s most popular spots, such as Barona Resort & Casino in San Diego.
Northwest
- Washington- To enjoy any of Washington’s many gambling options, including casinos, bettors only need to be 18. Some casinos still require patrons to be 21, so it would be best to ask before making the trip if you’re unsure. Overall, it looks as if not everything is gloomy in the Pacific Northwest with the casino options available.
- Idaho- Like its neighbor in Washington, Idaho offers all its wagering options to players 18 and up. Although the Potato State doesn’t have as many options as others nearby, there’s a solid congregation of facilities in the southeastern and northwestern parts of the state.
Southwest
- Oklahoma- Like many other states, some casinos in Oklahoma require players to be 21 while others will grant access to patrons 18 and up. Oklahoman casinos can offer blackjack, baccarat, and card-based versions of craps and roulette, among others. With such a huge array of casinos all over the Sooner State, it shouldn’t be hard to find one that allows 18+ players to enter.
Midwest
- Michigan- While commercial casinos in Michigan require players to be 21 or over, some tribal casinos in the state allow access to 18-year-olds. The following are 18+ in Michigan but always double-check when possible: Leelanau Sands, Turtle Creek, Island Resort, Ojibwa, Ojibwa II, Lac Vieux, and Soaring Eagle.
- Minnesota- For most casino betting options, except for popular non-card games like roulette and craps, Minnesota is a great state for 18-year-olds. Minnesota offers video slots, blackjack, and various other card games for all players 18 and up.
- Montana- The Treasure State has always been lax on gambling laws. Montana was even one of the four states that were exempt from the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act from 1992-2018. There aren’t really any restrictions here since all gaming is available to players 18 and up.
- South Dakota- Like Georgia, there’s an important caveat when gambling at 18 in South Dakota; it’s only available at Native American casinos that do not serve alcohol. Otherwise, the required age is 21. This drastically limits the casino options for 18-year-olds, but it does not completely eliminate them.
So no matter which part of the country you live in or plan to visit, there is an opportunity for casino gambling at 18-years-old. Ante up and ride!