Short answer: only a handful. As of fall 2026, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming and Washington, D.C. allow sports betting at 18. Almost everywhere else requires 21+.
The 18+ list - New Hampshire: 18 for all gambling, including sports betting. A 2025 bill to raise it to 21 was killed in committee. - Rhode Island: 18 for online and retail. Sportsbook Rhode Island is currently the only online app. - Wyoming: 18 under state law. Some individual promos still require 21+, so read the terms. - Washington, D.C.: 18.
Kentucky is no longer on the list - Kentucky used to allow betting at 18, but HB 904 raised the age to 21. Lawmakers overrode the governor's veto in April 2026, and the change took effect in July 2026. - The same law bans Kentucky sportsbooks from offering player props on in-state college teams.
Things to know - Being 18 in one of these places doesn't let you bet in a neighboring 21+ state. The age that applies is the one where you're physically located. - Older guides online still list Kentucky or other states as 18+. Check the app's terms or the state regulator before you sign up. - Prediction-market apps like Kalshi accept users at 18, but their sports contracts are being challenged in many states (see the Kalshi thread).
If you're a younger bettor and it's starting to feel out of control, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.
Should the national standard be 18 or 21? Would you support your state changing its age?
The 18+ list - New Hampshire: 18 for all gambling, including sports betting. A 2025 bill to raise it to 21 was killed in committee. - Rhode Island: 18 for online and retail. Sportsbook Rhode Island is currently the only online app. - Wyoming: 18 under state law. Some individual promos still require 21+, so read the terms. - Washington, D.C.: 18.
Kentucky is no longer on the list - Kentucky used to allow betting at 18, but HB 904 raised the age to 21. Lawmakers overrode the governor's veto in April 2026, and the change took effect in July 2026. - The same law bans Kentucky sportsbooks from offering player props on in-state college teams.
Things to know - Being 18 in one of these places doesn't let you bet in a neighboring 21+ state. The age that applies is the one where you're physically located. - Older guides online still list Kentucky or other states as 18+. Check the app's terms or the state regulator before you sign up. - Prediction-market apps like Kalshi accept users at 18, but their sports contracts are being challenged in many states (see the Kalshi thread).
If you're a younger bettor and it's starting to feel out of control, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.
Should the national standard be 18 or 21? Would you support your state changing its age?