18+ Sportsbooks Legal in the US
Most states require bettors to be 21, but roughly seven allow 18+ wagering. Here's which sportsbooks are available and what the rules are.
Most states set the minimum at 21. About seven do not. If you are 18 or 19 and looking to bet legally, your options are limited but real. Here is what you actually need to know.
Is there a federal minimum age for sports betting?
No. There is no federal minimum age for sports betting. The Supreme Court struck down PASPA in May 2018 and handed that authority to individual states. Each state sets its own threshold. The majority align with casino gambling law and require bettors to be 21 or older. Roughly seven states allow 18-plus wagering. Kentucky and Washington D.C. are among them.
One rule applies everywhere: what matters is your physical location at the time you place the wager — not your state of residency, not where you created your account. If you are standing in a state with a 21-plus rule, you cannot bet legally regardless of where you live. A VPN will not fix this. It will get your account closed.
Which states allow 18+ sports betting?
Approximately seven states permit 18-plus wagering as of 2026. Kentucky and Washington D.C. are confirmed examples. That said, venue-level policies can still enforce a 21-plus door policy at locations where alcohol is served. Always check the specific sportsbook's terms for your state before signing up. Legality varies, and state rules change. Check your state's gaming regulator directly.
Which sportsbooks accept 18+ bettors?
The major national operators — DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars — follow state law wherever they are licensed. If a state permits 18-plus betting, those operators generally do too. Read the full breakdown in our Best Online Sportsbooks in the US Right Now guide for current state-by-state availability.
| Sportsbook | Minimum Age (where 18+ states apply) | Notable Feature | Credit Cards Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | 18+ where state law permits | Deposit-match promos; live in most legal states | Yes (varies by state) |
| FanDuel | 18+ where state law permits | One of the two largest US operators by handle | Yes (varies by state) |
| BetMGM | 18+ where state law permits | Backed by MGM Resorts; licensed across numerous states | Yes (varies by state) |
What should 18+ bettors watch out for?
Welcome bonuses are restricted to one per household, IP address, or device at every regulated US sportsbook. Creating multiple accounts to grab repeated sign-up offers violates terms and will get your funds forfeited. Bonuses also come with rollover requirements — a 5× rollover on a $100 deposit plus a $75 bonus means $875 in total bets placed before you can withdraw anything. Read the fine print on minimum odds, eligible bet types, and expiry dates before depositing a dollar.
For deeper dives on the two biggest platforms, see our DraftKings Sportsbook Review: Bonus Terms, Odds, and Withdrawals and our FanDuel Sportsbook Review: Is It the Best US Betting App?. Common questions about how betting apps work are covered in the Sportsbook FAQ: Your Real Questions About Betting Apps Answered.
21+ only where required by state law. Availability and minimum age rules differ by state; confirm your state's current regulations before signing up. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.