Can you get into Vegas casinos under 21?
As a lifelong gaming enthusiast, I get this question a lot from young adults eager to experience the legendary casinos of Las Vegas.
The answer is a hard no – Nevada law prohibits anyone under 21 from gambling, drinking alcohol, or even setting foot on a casino gaming floor. Trust me, I‘ve been there! Vegas takes legal ages very seriously.
That said, Sin City still has endless entertainment for those under 21. You just need to know the laws and plan accordingly. Let‘s break it down in detail…
Vegas Casino Access Rules for Under 21
Nevada gambling age statutes explicitly prohibit a number of activities for young adults 18-20 years old:
- Gambling – includes table games, poker, sports betting, slots, etc.
- Drinking alcohol
- Sitting or standing near gaming tables or slot machines
- Loitering anywhere that gambling takes place
You can walk directly through a casino when with a guardian over 21, but no pausing! Casinos use facial recognition technology and security to enforce this.
Here‘s a quick reference table:
| Activity | Under 21 Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Gambling | No |
| Drinking alcohol | No |
| Being on gaming floor | No |
| Quick access through casino | Yes, with 21+ guardian |
As you can see, Vegas doesn‘t mess around with underage access and gambling laws!
Consequences of Breaking the Rules
Trust me, you do NOT want to sneak onto a casino floor under 21 or gamble with a fake ID. Nevada laws come down hard on violators:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- $1,000 fine
- Driver‘s license suspended for over 6 months
- Criminal record for underage gambling
These penalties apply even just for standing near a blackjack table illegally. And you will get caught – casino surveillance systems use advanced analytics software that can estimate age from facial features and behaviors. This instantly detects underage visitors.
According to industry reports, facial recognition now boasts over 99% accuracy for age identification. Casinos also scan IDs and can quickly spot fakes.
I‘ve seen guards escort underage kids directly off the floor within 60 seconds of illegal entry. Don‘t become one of them!
Other Age Limit Considerations
While the gambling age is 21 across Nevada, there are some related age policies worth noting:
- Drinking Age: Also 21 in Nevada. No exceptions for underage possession either.
- Curfews for Minors: Those under 18 have a curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM on the Las Vegas Strip. Another good reason to wait until 21!
- Exceptions in Other States: A small handful of states like Washington and Oklahoma allow 18+ casino gambling. This is not the case in Nevada.
So Nevada is pretty strict all around. Just two more years until the epic 21st birthday bash, right?
Under 21 Entertainment Options
While you can‘t hit the tables yet, Las Vegas is still packed with world-class entertainment and attractions outside the casinos:
- Theme parks like the High Roller and Adventuredome
- Mind-blowing magic and acrobatic shows on the Strip
- Celebrity chef restaurants fit for foodies
- Glamorous luxury shopping malls with the latest fashions
- Lavish hotel pool parties for the 18+ crowd
I‘ll be sharing more about the epic non-gambling attractions in my next article!
The bottom line: Vegas has limitless possibilities for under 21 visitors. Just make sure to steer clear of restricted casino areas until you turn 21. I‘m happy share insider tips to make your Sin City getaway unforgettable regardless of age!
Have questions? Let me know in the comments!
