Whether it’s the lottery, raffle, poker or pari-mutuel betting, there are many forms of gambling and it’s important to know your state’s laws and restrictions. Some states make gambling illegal, while others allow social and charitable gambling. In some cases, you may even be able to wager online.
The age limit to play the lottery in Nevada is 21 years. However, slot machines and pari-mutuel betting are legal if you are 18 or older. Bingo is also legal in this state. If you are a minor, you can play bingo as long as you are accompanied by an adult. It’s also illegal to sell a ticket to a minor. For this reason, adults should not give their children lottery tickets as gifts.
Licensed charities are allowed to conduct bingo and other forms of gambling in Maryland. Charitable gambling includes raffles and pull-tabs, and these activities are permitted by law. Gambling devices include poker chips, tokens and tickets. Typically, raffles and pull-tabs are conducted by individuals and non-profit organizations. A person holding a winning ticket can claim the prize.
Maine has one of the weakest regulatory schemes for the state lottery. Tickets can only be purchased by an adult. The age limit to sell tickets in Maine is 18 years. You can’t purchase a ticket for someone who is under 18. Similarly, if a person under the age of 18 buys a ticket, he or she cannot be fined.
New Jersey’s lottery commission has developed CyberSlingo, an e-game that plays like a traditional instant lottery. These sites offer a wide variety of wagers, from first number drawn to color of bonus ball. Online gaming sites also offer wagering on international lotteries. The minimum payout is $250,000.
Connecticut is a little different. In addition to not selling tickets to children, it also prohibits the sale of sealed tickets to those under 18. Minors can’t receive prizes or buy tickets in the lottery. Those who recruit minors for gambling or knowingly aid them in their pursuit of gambling are guilty of a misdemeanor.
Minnesota’s lottery rules are a bit more complex. There are two divisions – an adult and a minors’ division. An adult can’t give a child a ticket, but he or she can buy a ticket for the minor. As a result, the lottery is not very popular in this state.
North Dakota is the only state that does not have a state lottery. This is a shame, as a lottery is a fun way to spend a few dollars. Luckily, the State of North Dakota has a wide range of other forms of gambling, including horse races, casinos and sports betting.
Idaho Code SS67-7413 makes it unlawful to purchase or sell a lottery ticket to a person under 18. The same statute carries a fine of $1,000 for a second violation in a year. Additionally, if a video poker licensee allows a minor under the age of 15 to play, his or her license will be revoked.