How Old Do You Need to Be to Play Bingo in the United States?

How old do you need to be to play bingo in the United States is one of the most common questions asked by new players, parents of teenagers, and curious casino-goers. Bingo may look like a lighthearted social game with daubers and colorful cards, but once real money enters the picture, it becomes subject to state gaming laws. And unlike other forms of gambling that are standardized by state codes, bingo is a little more complicated. The rules vary depending on whether it is played in a casino, a charitable hall, or online.

This guide takes a deep dive into bingo age requirements across the U.S., explains why the rules differ, and provides practical tips for players so you can avoid any legal snags before shouting your first “Bingo!”

The Federal vs. State Distinction

The first thing to know is this: there is no federal law that sets a nationwide minimum age for playing bingo. The U.S. government leaves regulation of bingo entirely up to the states. That means the minimum age to play bingo can be different in California than in Nevada, different in Texas than in New York, and in some cases, even different depending on whether the game is charitable or casino-operated.

This creates a patchwork of regulations that range from 16 years old in rare cases to 21 years old in casino settings. The key distinction usually comes down to how the state categorizes bingo—charitable fundraising, casual entertainment, or gambling.

The Standard Age: 18 Years Old

In most states, the age requirement to play bingo is 18. This is especially true when the bingo game is connected to charitable fundraising. Think church basements, veterans’ halls, and community centers. These games often raise money for nonprofits, schools, or religious institutions, and the prizes tend to be modest.

Eighteen is also the legal threshold for adulthood in most U.S. laws, making it a natural cutoff for activities that involve money but aren’t considered high-stakes gambling.

Examples of where 18 is the rule:

• Community hall bingo nights in California
• Charity fundraisers in New York
• Local church bingo events across much of the Midwest

If you’re looking for a safe assumption, 18 is the standard.

The Stricter Age: 21 Years Old

Some states set the bar higher, requiring players to be 21 to participate. This usually happens in jurisdictions where bingo is tied to casino gambling. Because casinos follow strict regulations around alcohol service and gambling, bingo automatically inherits those rules.

Nevada is the most notable example. If you want to play bingo inside a Las Vegas casino, you must be 21, no exceptions. The logic is simple: the casino environment is regulated the same way across all games, whether you’re spinning a slot machine, playing blackjack, or daubing your way through a bingo session.

Other states with similar restrictions include New Jersey (in certain casino-connected games) and tribal casinos operating under compacts that specify 21 as the age of entry.

Rare Exceptions: 16-Year-Old Players

A small number of states allow minors as young as 16 to play bingo under specific conditions. These exceptions typically appear in charitable settings where no direct cash prizes are involved. Instead, prizes might be donated goods, gift baskets, or vouchers.

For example:

• Maine allows 16-year-olds to participate in charitable bingo with parental permission.
• Missouri has provisions that permit teens to play under limited circumstances.

These cases are rare, and they come with restrictions, but they illustrate how flexible state laws can be when it comes to charitable gaming.

Charitable Halls:

• Typically set the minimum age at 18.
• Are more relaxed because the purpose is fundraising rather than gambling profits.
• Sometimes allow 16-year-olds with restrictions.

The location of play is just as important as the state itself. Two players living in the same city could face different requirements depending on whether they head to a casino or a community fundraiser.

Why the Age Rules Differ

Why is bingo treated differently across states? The answer lies in how regulators view the game.

• Charitable Bingo: Seen as low-stakes fundraising, more lenient rules apply.
• Casino Bingo: Treated as gambling, so the rules are stricter.
• Online Bingo: Falls into a gray area but usually follows the same logic as gambling apps.

The game itself doesn’t change—numbers are drawn, daubers hit paper—but the legal framework depends on context.

Practical Advice for Bingo Players

If you’re planning to play bingo in the U.S., here’s how to stay out of trouble:

1. Check State Gaming Commission Websites: Every state posts its age requirements online.
2. Look at Venue Rules: Casinos and charitable halls may interpret state laws differently.
3. Don’t Assume One Size Fits All: Just because you played at 18 in one state doesn’t mean the same rule applies elsewhere.
4. For Online Play: Read the terms of service carefully. Age restrictions are clearly listed to protect the operator.

Case Examples Across the U.S.

• Nevada: Must be 21 in casinos. Bingo is classified as gambling.
• California: Typically 18 for charitable games, but check local ordinances.
• Maine: Allows some 16-year-old participation under specific conditions.
• Utah and Hawaii: Bingo is prohibited altogether.
• Florida and Texas: Require 18 for charitable play but 21 in casino-linked venues.

These examples highlight the importance of location and context.

The Cultural Side of Bingo and Age Rules

Beyond legality, age requirements shape the culture of bingo. In community halls, where 18-year-olds can play, bingo often feels like a social bridge between generations. You’ll see college students, retirees, and parents sharing the same tables. In casinos, the 21-and-over rule changes the atmosphere—it becomes more competitive, faster-paced, and more profit-driven.

Online bingo, meanwhile, attracts younger adults who are comfortable with digital gaming but may not be old enough to enter a casino.

Final Answer: How Old Do You Need to Be to Play Bingo in the U.S.?

Here’s the clear summary:

• In most states, you need to be 18 years old to play bingo.
• In casino settings—especially Nevada—you need to be 21 years old.
• In rare cases, states like Maine and Missouri allow 16-year-olds under limited conditions.
• In Utah and Hawaii, bingo is prohibited.
• Online bingo apps typically require 18 years old, but some restrictions may apply depending on state law.

The safest move is to check your state’s gaming commission or the specific bingo hall’s rules before you play. That way, you can enjoy the game, respect the law, and focus on the thrill of hitting that final number instead of worrying about whether you’re old enough to claim your prize.

Bingo may look simple, but the laws around it prove just how complex gaming regulations can be in the United States. The game has been a cultural mainstay for decades, bridging generations in church basements and drawing thousands of players into Las Vegas casinos. Whether you’re a teenager looking to join a community fundraiser, a college student checking out an online app, or an adult stepping into a casino for the first time, knowing the age requirements ensures your only surprise comes from the next ball drawn—not from a denied entry at the door.

Knowledge is power, and now you know exactly how old you need to be to play bingo in the United States.

From Las Vegas with luck—

The Bingo Ballers

About The Authors: The Bingo Ballers bring you bingo tips, casino fun, and behind-the-scenes wins straight from Las Vegas.