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All games involving money and luck, including poker, are categorized as gambling. Gambling is restricted for individuals under a certain age, and this also applies to poker. Legal Gambling Age poker games are subject to minimum age requirements, which determine the age at which players are allowed to participate.
In most states within the United States, the legal gambling age is players must be at least 21 years old to play poker legally. However, in some other regions, the age requirement may be lower, typically set at 18 years or older.
In this article, Phjoy will discuss the minimum legal gambling age for playing poker, not only in the United States but also in other countries.
Legal Gambling Age to Play Poker
It’s important to note that anyone can learn the rules and complexities of poker regardless of age. However, if you want to play for real money, there is always a minimum age requirement for legally participating in poker games, which depends on your location.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Play Poker in the United States?
In most states, the legal gambling age is 21 or older. However, laws vary from state to state.
Here are a few examples:
- Colorado – The minimum age for online poker websites, casinos, and poker rooms is 21.
- Idaho – Players must be at least 18 years old to play on all poker platforms.
- Oregon – Players aged 18 can legally participate in online poker and poker rooms, but the minimum legal age for traditional casinos is 21.
- South Carolina – Poker rooms allow players aged 18 and above, while cruise ship poker games require a minimum age of 21.
- Michigan – The age requirement ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the casino’s regulations.
These examples illustrate that while there are exceptions, nearly all poker platforms in the U.S. require players to be either 18 or 21 years old.
>> Read more: How to Accurately Read Football Odds: Key Tips to Remember
What Is the Legal Age to Play Poker in Other Countries?
Similar to the United States, each country has its own legal age requirement for poker. Below is an overview:
| Country | Minimum Legal Age |
|---|---|
| United States | 18 or 21 (depending on the state) |
| Canada | 19 |
| United Kingdom | 18 |
| Germany (and most EU countries) | 18 |
| Russia | 18 |
| Philippines | 21 |
| Japan | 20 |
| South Korea | 18 |
Important Note:
While some states in the United States may have varying age requirements depending on the poker platform, most countries follow a fixed minimum age standard.
Is Poker Legal Gambling Age-Restricted Even When Not Playing for Real Money?
Poker does not have age restrictions if you’re playing casually without using real money. However, “betting” is a core element of poker, which imposes age restrictions for participation.
Don’t worry! Even if you can’t visit a casino to play poker because you’re underage or don’t have the budget, there are alternative ways to enjoy the game.
Playing Poker at Home
You, your friends, and family members of any age can play poker at home, as long as real money is not involved. The only thing you need to do is keep track of points to determine the winner. This can be a fantastic game to settle arguments or assign chores!
Playing Poker Online
Online gambling can be one of the trickiest when it comes to age requirements, as there are cases of minors creating fake accounts to play for real money. However, there are plenty of websites where anyone can play poker online without involving cash.
The situation gets complicated when online poker forums begin offering real-money prizes or reward points for games.
Some sites host tournaments and offer cash prizes for players who secure a top-three finish at the final table. Even minors can legally participate in these tournaments and win some real money. However, if they attempt to withdraw and use the funds, the online poker site has the legal right to confiscate or freeze their earnings if they discover the player’s age.
Playing Poker in Poker Rooms
If online poker isn’t your preference, you can try playing in poker rooms. However, this requires you to meet the legal gambling age and, of course, involves real money. After all, the rake they collect from players betting real money is their primary source of income.
Online Poker vs. Casinos
If you’re underage, skip this section and stick to online poker platforms that don’t have a minimum age requirement. But if you’ve just turned 21, you can step into a casino! Some casinos host games where players compete for prizes or points instead of cash. There are no monetary rewards for winners, and the chips have no real monetary value.
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18 or 21? Welcome to the World of Poker at Phjoy!
Once you reach the legal gambling age either 18 or 21, you’ll have more options if you’re 21 and older. Age restrictions depend on the laws of your country or state as well as the platform you choose. If you’re under 21, we recommend checking the age requirements of the forums or platforms you plan to use. If you’re 18 but unable to visit casinos due to higher age restrictions or costs, why not create a free account with Phjoy today and enjoy their free games?
