All You Need to Know About Las Vegas’s Age Laws
A trip to Las Vegas is something everyone should experience at least once. The famous lights of the Strip, the iconic casinos, and the vibrant atmosphere make it a truly unique experience. Even if you are the type of person who prefers a quiet game of online baccarat, you are bound to find plenty that appeal in Vegas.
However, while the city is famous for its gambling opportunities, not everyone can take a seat at the baccarat tables. Nevada has some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States, which you should be familiar with before booking your flights.
The Legal Gambling Age in Las Vegas
The legal age to gamble is 21 in Nevada. This is a state law that is strictly enforced across all forms of gambling, from casinos and sportsbooks to online games and poker rooms. Whether you’re entering a casino on the Strip, playing video poker at a bar, or betting online, you must be at least 21 to place a bet in Vegas.
The Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board take this regulation very seriously. Casinos face heavy penalties if they’re found allowing underage gambling, including fines that can total hundreds of thousands of dollars or even the loss of their gaming license. Similarly, individuals caught gambling underage can face legal consequences, including fines and potential jail time.
The legal gambling age varies across the United States, with some states allowing gambling at 18. This can lead to disappointment for those aged 18, 19, and 20 when they visit Las Vegas. The higher age is linked to the state’s strict regulation of its gaming industry, which is designed to ensure the safety, fairness, and credibility of gambling in the state.
Nevada’s laws also align with the federal minimum drinking age of 21. Since alcohol and gambling often go hand-in-hand, the law helps reduce risks associated with underage drinking. Casino floors are designed for adults, with alcohol freely served, and setting the gambling age at 21 keeps the environment consistent with these expectations.
What Happens If You’re Underage?
If you’re under 21, you cannot legally gamble or even loiter near the casino floor. Security is tight in Las Vegas, and anyone who appears underage is likely to be asked for identification. If caught gambling while underage, the potential penalties include fines of up to $1,000, jail time, and the likelihood of being escorted off the property.
There have even been cases where underage individuals have won jackpots only to have their winnings forfeited when their age was discovered. Fake IDs won’t help, as casinos are required to verify big wins through detailed identification checks.
Luckily, if you’re not old enough to gamble, Las Vegas offers plenty of entertainment beyond the casino floor. From live music to outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city.
Explore the Entertainment Scene
Las Vegas is home to world-class concerts, shows, and festivals. Many events are open to those 18 and older, including some of the city’s most famous music festivals, such as Life is Beautiful and the Electric Daisy Carnival. You can also enjoy performances by Cirque du Soleil and comedians performing at top venues.
Walking the Strip is an unmissable Las Vegas experience. Regardless of your age, you can enjoy the sights of casinos such as the Bellagio and Caesars Palace, watch the iconic fountains, or admire the famous neon signs. Just keep in mind that curfew laws apply to those under 18, so plan your adventures accordingly.
There is also plenty to do away from the Strip. If you are unable to gamble, take the opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead offer hiking, sightseeing, and water activities that make for wonderful day trips.
However, if your primary passion is baccarat and you already know that you must be 21 to gamble, then it is worth saving your Las Vegas trip for a future date.
