The lucrative rewards and prizes offered by gambling sites attract almost every person. Moreover, with the wide convenience and accessibility of online casinos, teens are tempted to play. Not unless you are at the right gambling age, you cannot sign-up for any online gambling site.
Well, there are different gambling laws and regulations in countries around the world. In addition, this means that the legal age to gamble also differs in most countries.
What is the legal gambling age?
The legal gambling age refers to the minimum age at which a person is allowed to take part in any type of gambling activity. Moreover, the gambling regulatory authorities and government laws establish the age.
Moreover, whether you are gambling online or offline, the casinos are obliged to monitor their clients. They also need to ensure that the legal gambling age is enforced. In addition, like all other laws, the gambling age differs in other countries in Asia. Thus, Sportsbook and casino operators should have licenses that allow them to operate and offer gambling services. They need to tailor their business so that they do not break the law.
What is the legal gambling age in Asia?
When you hear legal age, the first thing that comes to your mind is the age of 18, right? Of course, 18 (the age of majority) is the threshold of adulthood wherein is recognized by law.
And this is the age where minors cease to be considered such and assume legal control over their:
- persons
- actions
- decisions
Legal age is also where the legal responsibility and controls of the parents or guardian are terminated.
But what will happen when it comes to gambling activities? Does 18 still the legal age to gamble? For some countries, 18 years old are the acceptable gambling age. But there is still an exception to the rule. Other countries have their definition of the legal gambling age.
In Asia, the legal gambling age is set at 21 in most countries. However, there are still countries that have their exceptions such as:
Legal Age To Gamble – 18 years old
- Azerbaijan
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Northern Cyprus
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Tajikistan
- Cocos Islands
Israel – Although Israel is not against gambling, the country has very strict gambling laws and regulations. And they only allowed sports betting and lotteries operated by ISBB.
Thailand – The country allows 18 years old to play in casinos and 20 years old to participate in a lottery.
Legal Gambling Age – 19 years old
South Korea – the country has unique gambling laws and regulations. Only foreigners are allowed to gamble in their casinos. And, if the country residents are caught gambling, they will face harsh penalties. The minimum gambling age allowed for tourists is 19 years old.
Legal Gambling Age – 20 years old
Japan – Before 2010, other forms of gambling are illegal in the country. Scratchcards, sports betting, and lottery are the exception to the rule. But after the lawmakers passed the law in 2010, they legalize land-based casino gambling. In this country, the majority of the legal gambling age of casinos is lowered to 18. But, the legal age remains at 20 for both lottery and casinos. Also, most parts of online gambling are not allowed in the country. Although, there is no strict measure preventing citizens to gamble.
Legal Gambling Age – 21 years old
- Armenia
- Lebanon
- Taiwan
- UAE
- Vietnam
India – In India, gambling laws and regulations differ in individual states. Some states allow a lottery, casino, and horse race betting operations. While there are still other offshore online casinos that accept Indian players over the age of 18.
Macau – In this country, the residents are prohibited to gamble if they are younger than 21. However, foreign tourists under the aged of 18 or older are allowed into casinos and sports betting shops.
Malaysia – In this country, Muslims are not allowed to gamble. However, Resorts World Genting is the only casino operating in this country. The online gambling laws in Malaysia are still ambiguous and have no clear regulations or age restrictions.
The Philippines – The legal age to gamble in casinos is 21. While in a lottery, 18-years old are allowed to participate.
Singapore – For casinos, 21 years old are allowed to gamble. But in the lottery and sports racing, 18-years old are allowed to participate.
While for some Asian countries, gambling is considered illegal:
- Bahrain
- Brunei Darussalam
- Indonesia
- Maldives
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Syria
- Mongolia
- Bangladesh
Cambodia – In Cambodia, there is no official gaming license. However, Policymakers are making their moves to ban online gambling activities. However, there is an exception to the rule. Tourists can still gamble in casino resorts only.
China – In this country, gambling in a casino is completely illegal except for lottery, scratchcards, slot machines, and Keno games. 18-years old can to participates in a lottery. Aside from that, sports betting is also allowed in the country.
Afghanistan – In this country casinos and lottery operations are strictly forbidden. However, online gambling is legal. You can play and participates in online gambling activities at any age.
What do you need to know about the age limit to gamble?
When you are about to gamble at top Singapore online casino, you need to know the legal age to gamble permitted by the website. However, if gambling is not permitted in your country, then online gambling considers illegal. So before making an account, you need to check the legalization of online gambling in your country.
Aside from that, the online legal gambling age in Asia differs in the gambling type. There are times when you are legally allowed to play in an online casino but not legally allowed to play poker. In short, online gambling activities have different limits of legal age to gamble. So, if you are searching for the answer to how old you have to play in an online casino depends on the game you want to play.
Furthermore, upon your sign-up to an online casino in Singapore, you are required to submit IDs and other documents to verify your age.
Legal Gambling Age FAQs:
What is the penalty for underage gambling?
The penalties depend on the law prevailing in your area. For some, your winnings will be confiscated if they found out that you are underage to gamble. Also, you cannot withdraw your winnings in an online casino. Online operators are the ones who will deeply face harsher penalties. Most of the time, their license will be revoked.
Why is the gambling age differ online?
The legal gambling age differs in each country. Most of the time, the age limit is set to 18 or 21 and above.
What are the gambling games for Asians?
A lot of legal-age Asian players are willing to wager on different online gambling sites. However, they do not have an idea what type of games are available for them. Mostly, Keno, Mahjong, Sic Bo, and slot machines are often played by Asian players. In addition, roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack are also some of the favorites.
