legal gambling age in illinois
Can You Roll the Dice? Illinois Legal Gambling AgeThe Land of Lincoln, known for its cornfields and political history, also boasts a thriving gambling scene. But who gets to join the fun? Illinois sets the legal gambling age at 21, aligning with the majority of US states. This means that if youre hoping to test your luck at one of Illinois casinos, racetracks, or even lottery tickets, youll need to be at least 21 years old. Why 21? The legal gambling age of 21 is a national trend, largely stemming from concerns about underage gambling and its potential for harm. What about other forms of gambling?While casinos and racetracks adhere to the 21yearold rule, Illinois does have some exceptions: Lottery tickets: You can purchase lottery tickets at 18 years old. Bingo: Bingo halls typically allow individuals 18 and older to play. The takeaway?If youre looking to gamble in Illinois, make sure youve reached the age of 21. While you might be able to play bingo or purchase lottery tickets earlier, most forms of gambling are offlimits until youve crossed that threshold.