When travelling to Las Vegas, it’s essential for visitors to be well-informed about the city’s rules, especially the Las Vegas gambling age.
Amidst the glittering lights and mesmerizing allure of Las Vegas, there’s no denying that the city’s world-famous casinos are at the heart of its attraction. They promise thrills and potential fortunes with every hand of cards, roll of the dice, or spin of the roulette wheel.
So whether you’re planning your first trip or need a refresher, here’s what you should know.
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Understanding the Las Vegas Gambling Age
In Las Vegas, the legal age to gamble is 21 years old. This rule is strict and applies to both locals and tourists, regardless of where they come from and the gambling age in their home country or state. It’s worth noting that this age limit is standard across all of Nevada, in fact across all of North America.
Why 21 and Not 18?
While some countries allow individuals 18 years and older to engage in gambling, the state of Nevada stands firm with its 21-year age limit for all forms of gambling. This includes playing slot machines, table games, sports betting, and poker.
The decision ties in with the state’s liquor laws – in Vegas, casinos and alcohol go hand-in-hand. Since the drinking age in the U.S. is 21, it makes sense for the gambling age to align with this to ensure a consistent age policy across casino establishments.
Checking Identification
Casinos in Las Vegas take the age restriction seriously. Expect to be carded if you look young or if there’s any doubt about your age. As a first time visitor to the US, I didn’t know what “carded” means, it’s simply an ID check. Foreign visitors should ideally carry their passports, as some casinos might not accept foreign driver’s licenses as valid ID. Failure to produce valid identification can result in you being asked to leave the gaming area, or even the casino altogether.
Under 21? Enjoy the Family Friendly Vegas Attractions!
If the Las Vegas gambling age restriction excludes you from the casino floors, don’t despair. Las Vegas offers a plethora of other exciting experiences:
FlyOver Las Vegas
FlyOver Las Vegas is a unique experience that can be enjoyed right on the Las Vegas strip. It’s a thrill ride offering unique perspective of various landscapes and is not to be missed. See Spotlight.Vegas for tickets.
Fly LINQ Zipline
If you’ve tried the FlyOver, but hunger for the real thing, then maybe you’ve got the nerve to try the Fly LINQ zipline. Fly LINQ is the only zipline located on the Las Vegas Strip and has you soaring 12 stories above the LINQ Promenade at speeds up to 35 mph!
Other Ideas
These are just a very, very small selection of the things to do in Las Vegas for the under 21’s. You could also:
- Catch one of the many world-class shows, from magic performances to musicals.
- Visit attractions like the High Roller Observation Wheel or the famous Bellagio Fountains.
- Explore themed hotels, each with its unique attractions and spectacles.
- Dive into the vibrant nightlife, with clubs that cater to the 18+ crowd.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas, with its glitz, glamour, and promise of big wins, is a dream destination for many. However, it’s essential to be aware of and respect the Las Vegas gambling age restriction. Remember, Vegas isn’t just about gambling though – the city offers a diverse range of attractions, ensuring that visitors of all ages will have an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re at the slot machines or enjoying a desert sunset, Vegas promises a good time to all.
