Casino Age Requirements in Different Regions
| Region | Minimum Age Requirement |
| North America | 18 to 21 (varies by state) |
| Europe | 18 |
| Asia | 18 to 21 (varies by country) |
| Middle East | 21 (Gambling is illegal in most countries) |
| Australia | 18 |
| Africa | 18 to 21 (varies by country) |
Middle East
Both land-based and online casinos are illegal in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. However, the UAE has published laws and rules for legal gambling and online casino licenses. For example, the GCGRA is a UAE regulatory framework that has issued a lottery license.
Did you know the UAE will launch its first land-based casino in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027?
Besides, some Middle Eastern countries lie in the gray area. For instance, the national lottery is legal in Egypt, but the government prohibits all forms of gambling since it is a Muslim country. On the other hand, Lebanon has allowed gambling in land-based casinos.
The country’s most popular platform is Casino Du Liban. The legal age to play in this casino is 21 years. People also play games like slots at online casinos in Lebanon. Most platforms have licenses from international jurisdictions, such as the Malta Gaming Authority and Curacao eGaming.
North America
If you live in the U.S or Canada, and your age is 18 to 21, you can go to a casino. However, this depends on the state laws in the U.S. Most states require people to be 21 years old to go to a casino. The same is true for online casinos.
However, there are a few exceptions for online platforms offering eSports betting, soccer betting, horse racing, lottery, and DFS. The age requirement for these activities is under 20 in some states and 18 in other jurisdictions.
Europe
In most European countries, the legal age to go to a land-based casino or play online games is 18. However, some countries like Greece and Estonia have different laws. If you live in Greece, you must be 23 years old to play at a casino. On the other hand, Estonian casinos require players to be at least 21.
Licensing laws for land-based and online casinos vary across Europe. Each country has licensing and regulatory organizations that issue licenses and measure iGaming operations. For example, some of them are:
- The UK Gambling Commission
- The Malta Gambling Authority
- The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen)
Moreover, the GREF, which stands for Gaming Regulators European Forum, is an authority that oversees iGaming activities across Europe. The organization ensures casinos implement the best and most secure gambling practices.
Asia
The Asian casino market depends on local demand, tourism, and regulatory framework. For example, casinos in Singapore, Macau, and the Philippines attract gamblers from various countries due to the continuous surge in tourism. The legal age for casino games in these countries ranges between 18 and 21.
China prohibits gambling, but the country has laws for Macau to host land-based casinos. Macau has become Asian Las Vegas. Likewise, there are numerous online casinos and sports betting platforms in China.
According to the PIB, all forms of gambling and betting are illegal in India as per the Public Gambling Act of 1867. However, Goa and Sikkim have legalized gambling with strict rules. Muslim countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, and others have no room for gambling. Still, people play at online casinos and use secure payment methods like e-wallets and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to maintain anonymity.
Australia
The legal age to go to a casino in Australia is 18 years old or older. Generally, Australia has prohibited gambling promotion in all states. However, there are legal exemptions. For instance, gambling is allowed in licensed casinos.
Although Australia has legalized online sports betting, casinos that offer poker games are illegal according to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Thus, this causes many Australians to look for international casinos that offer games and betting with generous bonuses.
Africa
The legal age for gambling in most African countries is 18 years. However, most people don’t follow the rules, and instances of underage people have been recorded participating in casino-related activities. Countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania have passed regulations for online casinos. South Africa’s National Gambling Act 7 of 2004 has legalized licensed casinos and betting platforms in the country.
The legal age to go to a casino in South Africa is 18 years.
Final Words About Casino Age Requirements
I believe casino gambling and online gaming should be entertainment and not a source of income. That’s why responsible gambling is very important. Most countries worldwide are developing laws to legalize online casinos. Licensed platforms do not allow people under 18 to play games.
