What Happens If You Gamble as a Minor in Vegas?

Las Vegas, touted as the Entertainment Capital of the World, is known for gambling, nightlife, shopping, and fine dining.

Las Vegas is known for hosting the finest restaurants, the most luxurious hotels, and some of the most interesting malls. And if you are a fan of online casinos like XOslot, then you’ll be surprised at the number of actual casinos in Las Vegas. 

While it has earned the nickname Sin City, Las Vegas is not without laws. This includes a prohibition for minors to loiter, to play, and to be employed (except in a counting room) in a casino. In full, NRS 463.50 reads:

A person under the age of 21 years shall not:

(a) Play, be allowed to play, place wagers at, or collect winnings from, whether personally or through an agent, any gambling game, slot machine, race book, sports pool or pari-mutuel operator.

(b) Loiter, or be permitted to loiter, in or about any room or premises wherein any licensed game, race book, sports pool or pari-mutuel wagering is operated or conducted.

(c) Be employed as a gaming employee except in a counting room.

Let’s discuss that in detail so you can know what really happens if you gamble as a minor in Vegas.

Legal age and Gambling Age

The legal age in the state of Nevada is 18, but drinking and gambling are not allowed for those below 21. This is a rule that is followed throughout the United States. While there have been efforts to lower the gambling age to 18, such efforts are unsuccessful. 

In fact, individuals below 21 are now allowed in gaming floors of all the casinos in Las Vegas. While some may be able to get in with a fake ID, those that will be caught will be removed from the premises and can face penalties.

The main rationale for keeping the gambling age at 21 is that gambling requires financial responsibility. It is a form of recreation that carries huge financial risks, and can lead to financial consequences if a person does not have a strong sense of control. Furthermore, drinking is commonplace in casinos, and with the drinking age also being at 21, it’s really best to keep younger folks off of gaming floors.

And while the online gambling sector is not as strong in Las Vegas, as they are trying to protect brick-and-mortar casinos, online casinos are also prohibited to accept players below the age of 21.

What are the consequences of underaged gambling in Las Vegas?

Say you are below 21 years old, and are able to pass through security and you have reached the gaming floor of a Las Vegas casino, what happens if you get caught? A violation of the NRS 463.350 is considered a misdemeanor, which can lead to a fine of up to USD 1,000 and can up to six months of jail time. If you have done this through the use of a fake ID, this is also another count of misdemeanor, adding another set of the same penalties. 

There are many ways for one to get caught as casino security personnel are always on the lookout for underaged gamblers. Further, winnings of over USD 1,200 would require you to file tax paperwork before you will be allowed to collect your winnings so it’s really difficult for you to fully enjoy your casino experience.

For the best casino experience, wait until you’re 21

 It is highly recommended that you just wait out until you are at least 21 before you try getting into a casino in Las Vegas, or in any city in the United States for that matter. There are many other forms of entertainment that you can try such as shopping or dining. It’s always better to be on the right side of the law so you can enjoy it without fear of being caught, and without consequences.