U.S. gambling age verification: Compliance, risks, and 2025 tips

The rise of online gambling

The U.S. gaming industry has earned overwhelming recognition as a growing, value-adding segment of the economy. In fact, 85% of Americans now acknowledge the casino gaming industry as a growth driver, while 76% believe it has a positive impact on the U.S. economy, according to the latest American Gaming Association report. As participation rises across sectors — from sports betting and iGaming to physical casinos — the opportunity for economic contribution grows, but so too do the challenges around responsible gambling.

As interest and participation rise across all verticals — from sports betting and iGaming to land-based casinos — so does the urgency to balance growth with responsibility.

This responsibility begins with regulatory compliance, particularly in age verification. As online gambling becomes more accessible due to mobile platforms and consumer demand, ensuring only eligible participants gain access is no longer just a checkbox on a compliance form — it's fundamental to preserving trust, mitigating fraud, and shielding underage or vulnerable users from harm.

Federal regulations provide the backbone of online gambling governance. The Wire Act of 1961 remains a foundational law, prohibiting the transmission of bets and wagers via wire communication for sporting events. Although traditionally applied to sports betting, its implications continue to shape the digital gambling environment. Meanwhile, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 reinforces the legal framework by prohibiting gambling businesses from accepting payments connected to illegal online gambling. While UIGEA doesn’t directly address age requirements, it emphasizes the need to comply with state-level laws, many of which include strict age verification mandates.

Amid these federal statutes lies a fragmented landscape of state-by-state gambling laws and rapidly shifting compliance standards.

Let’s explore in this blog how Veriff helps gaming operators navigate this complex regulatory landscape, implement best-in-class age verification, and build safer, more trusted experiences for players.

Why age verification matters

The rise in online gambling has prompted lawmakers to set stringent age verification measures. The stakes are high, as allowing minors to gamble can lead to legal repercussions for operators, tarnished brand reputation, and societal harm. Regulatory bodies across the US have thus mandated online gambling platforms to implement effective solutions to verify users' ages before accessing gambling services.

The U.S. age verification landscape: Fragmented and fast-evolving

In the United States, age verification laws for online gambling are primarily determined at the state level, leading to variations in legal requirements across the country. However, several overarching trends and regulations have emerged to ensure the protection of minors and promote responsible gambling practices.

State-specific age requirements:

Minimum age variations: The legal age for gambling varies by state and type of gambling activity. For instance, while many states set the minimum age at 21 for casino gambling, others allow individuals aged 18 to participate in certain forms of gambling, such as lotteries or pari-mutuel betting. Operators and players must be aware of their respective states' specific age requirements. For this purpose, we would like to provide a few examples of state-specific age requirements that gambling businesses need to be aware of:

Minimum age variations: The legal age for gambling varies by state and type of gambling activity. It's essential for operators and players to be aware of the specific age requirements in their respective states. For this purpose, we would like to provide a few examples of state-specific age requirements that gambling businesses need to be aware of:

Strict 21+ enforcement states

Certain states mandate that users must be at least 21 years old to participate in most forms of online gambling:

• New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan

These states enforce a strict 21+ age requirement for all online gambling activities. Advanced security measures like advanced identity verification measures and geolocation verification are used to confirm user identity and location, especially in states like New Jersey.

18+ exceptions and nuanced access

While 21+ is the standard in many states, some allow younger players in specific contexts:

Montana and Rhode Island

• Individuals 18 and older can engage in certain gambling activities, such as lotteries and charitable games, depending on the venue and regulations.
  

Ohio

• Casinos: 21+ for slots and table games at commercial casinos and racinos
• Lottery, Pari-Mutuel Betting, Charitable Bingo: Open to those 18+
  Ohio maintains clear age boundaries, offering a broad range of legal gambling activities for both age groups.
  

Texas

• Tribal Casinos: Limited, typically require 21+
• Lottery, Pari-Mutuel Betting, Charitable Bingo: Accessible to those 18+
  Texas restricts most gambling, with only a few legal pathways available for those meeting the minimum age.
  

New York

• Casinos: Mostly 21+, but some allow entry at 18 if alcohol isn't served
• Sports Betting: Legal for those 21+
• Lottery, Pari-Mutuel Betting, Charitable Bingo: Open to players 18+
  New York provides a wide array of gambling options, with age thresholds depending on venue and activity type.
  
  

Massachusetts

• Casinos and Sports Betting: Require 21+
• Lottery, Pari-Mutuel Betting, Charitable Bingo: Available to individuals 18+. The state offers comprehensive gambling access with age limits tailored to specific activities.
  
  

Prohibited states

Utah

Gambling in Utah is not just prohibited—it's criminalized at multiple levels. The state has one of the most uncompromising stances on gambling in the United States. Under Utah Criminal Code § 76-10-1102, all forms of gambling are illegal, whether conducted online or offline, and regardless of verification systems or regulatory frameworks applied elsewhere.

This is particularly significant because gambling offenses are embedded in the Utah Criminal Code, not just administrative or regulatory law. This means that violations are prosecuted as criminal acts, and individuals involved can face severe legal consequences:

• Engaging in gambling is classified as a class B misdemeanor.
• Possessing or transferring gambling records can elevate the offense to a class A misdemeanor.
• Operating a gambling enterprise—even facilitating access to gambling services—can be charged as a third-degree felony, which carries more severe penalties including potential prison time.

What makes Utah’s approach especially notable is its zero tolerance. Unlike other states that carve out exceptions for charitable gambling, social gaming, or heavily regulated online platforms, Utah forbids all of it. Even offering a gambling platform or service to someone within the state could expose operators to felony charges.

For any business or digital platform operating in the identity verification or fintech space, understanding Utah's strict anti-gambling stance is critical—compliance isn't just a best practice, it’s a legal imperative.

Federal regulations and compliance

• The Wire Act of 1961 is the main federal law regulating online gambling in the United States. It prohibits wire communication systems to transmit bets, wagers, or related information for sporting events or contests. Historically, the Wire Act has been interpreted as applying exclusively to sports betting, excluding other forms of online gambling like casino games or poker.
• Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006: This federal law prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with unlawful Internet gambling. While UIGEA does not specify age requirements, it underscores the importance of compliance with state laws, including those related to age verification. For a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding online gambling in the United States, including its implications for operators and consumers, see this comprehensive overview: Legal and Regulatory Framework for Online Gambling in the United States.

Technological measures for age verification:

• Advanced verification systems: Online gaming operators are increasingly adopting sophisticated age verification technologies, such as biometric authentication and real-time database checks, to accurately verify users' ages and identities. These measures help prevent underage access and ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Age verification is a critical component of regulatory compliance for online gaming platforms. Operators are required to implement rigorous checks to ensure players meet the legal age requirements. These systems not only reinforce responsible gaming practices but also safeguard businesses from penalties related to non-compliance.

Consequences of non-compliance

Ensuring compliance with age verification protocols is crucial for gambling operators in the United States. Failure to prevent underage gambling can result in substantial penalties, including significant fines, suspension or revocation of licenses, and reputational damage. Regulatory authorities at both federal and state levels enforce these measures rigorously to protect minors and uphold the integrity of the gambling industry. For instance, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has imposed fines totaling $150,000 on three casinos for 12 incidents where individuals under the age of 21 accessed gaming floors and participated in gambling activities.

In summary, while state-specific regulations primarily govern age verification laws for online gaming and gambling in the US, there is a clear emphasis on implementing robust verification systems to prevent underage gambling and ensure compliance with both state and federal laws.

What are the biggest challenges for operators? 

Navigating the age verification landscape presents unique challenges for online gaming and gambling operators. Unlike physical casinos, where visual ID checks occur, online environments rely solely on technology-driven measures. Fraudulent identification, identity theft, and synthetic IDs are just a few hurdles operators must overcome to ensure proper age verification. Implementing cutting-edge verification solutions—such as biometric checks, real-time ID document authentication, and artificial intelligence-driven fraud detection—has become essential to building a compliant and responsible online gaming environment.

Tools of the trade: Veriff’s compliance-first age assurance suite

Age assurance involves methods to ensure that users accessing online content, services, or platforms meet the appropriate age requirements. It consists of two main approaches: age estimation and age verification. 

Age estimation uses passive data signals, such as behavioral patterns, device data, and technologies like behavioral biometrics or voice and facial analysis, to predict a user’s age without extensive data collection or privacy infringement. 

On the other hand, age verification relies on official documents, biometric checks, or database records (e.g., credit bureaus) to confirm a user’s age, ensuring compliance with age-restricted services. Innovative solutions, like real-time facial analysis, further enhance age assurance by providing accurate predictions and validation without requiring document uploads.

AI-powered verification

Veriff leverages AI and machine learning algorithms to accurately verify the identity and age of users, reducing the risk of underage access. Our intelligent technology detects and prevents fraudulent attempts, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standard. Veriff’s Identity and Document Verification solution combines AI-powered automation with reinforced learning from human feedback, and if required, manual validation. With support for more than 12,000 document specimens from more than 230 countries and territories, we offer speed, convenience, and reduced friction to convert more users, mitigate fraud, and comply with regulations. Matches government-issued documents and address proofs with public registries and proprietary databases. 

Cross-linking & fraud network intelligence

Flagging repeat underage offenders and detecting fraud patterns:

Veriff’s fraud pattern detection features offer a robust multilayered defense against fraudulent activity, helping businesses protect their platforms with minimal friction for genuine users. The FaceBlock tool prevents individuals suspected of fraud from reaccessing a business by adding their facial biometrics to a blocklist. CrossLinks strengthens protection by using document, device, network, and behavioral data to identify and flag potential connections between different sessions, shielding businesses from high-risk users and organized fraud rings. Additionally, Industry CrossLinks extends this protection by leveraging Veriff’s global network of customers to uncover broader fraud patterns and block repeat offenders across different organizations, delivering even higher security.

Multi-layered verification solutions

Veriff offers advanced solutions, including biometric authentication, to enhance the reliability of age verification. This ensures a robust verification process, while reducing manual intervention and minimizing errors.

Global compliance

Our solutions are designed to meet the regulatory requirements of various markets, providing tailored compliance for the online gaming and gambling sectors worldwide. Veriff stays ahead of evolving regulations, enabling businesses to operate confidently in any region.

Final thoughts: The future of responsible gaming starts with smart verification

In conclusion, age verification in the online gaming and gambling industry is a critical element in ensuring regulatory compliance, protecting minors, and maintaining public trust. As online gaming grows, operators face mounting pressure to implement sophisticated age-checking technologies to prevent underage access and mitigate legal and reputational risks. From state-specific regulations to adopting biometric authentication and real-time identity verification systems, the landscape is becoming more stringent and technologically advanced. Moving forward, striking a balance between seamless user experiences and robust security will be key, as the industry and regulatory bodies seek to uphold integrity and responsibility in an increasingly digital environment.

As gambling regulations continue to evolve in the U.S., staying ahead means implementing robust, scalable, and intelligent age verification solutions. Veriff is here to help you stay compliant, stop fraud, and deliver seamless gaming experiences—without compromise.

 FAQ

1. How old must you be to gamble in the US?

The legal gambling age in the US varies by state and activity. Most states allow participation in lottery games, charitable bingo, pari-mutuel wagering, and daily fantasy sports (DFS) at 18. However, casino gambling and sports betting typically require individuals to be 21 or older. Check your state's specific laws for detailed guidelines.

2. Do you have to be 21 to enter casinos in the US?

Most US casinos require patrons to be 21 or older, even in states where gambling is legal at 18. This restriction often relates to the sale of alcohol on casino premises. Some casinos may permit 18-year-olds in certain non-alcoholic areas of the gaming floor.

3. What is the legal gambling age for online casinos?

Online gambling, including casino games and poker, is legally available in several U.S. states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with Rhode Island set to launch in 2024. Nevada, while a pioneer in gaming, limits its online offerings to poker only. As more states consider legalization, the landscape of online gambling continues to expand, offering greater access and opportunities for regulated play across the nation. These states impose a minimum age of 21 for online casino participation. Offshore online casinos, however, may accept players as young as 18.

Disclaimer: While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here, this guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.