Bingo Age Requirements by State: Full 2026 Guide
Bingo age requirements vary by state. Find the minimum age to play bingo in all 50 states, plus rules for children at bingo halls and charitable gaming.
Bingo Age Requirements by State: Full 2026 Guide
The minimum age to play bingo in the United States depends on your state and the type of venue. Most states require players to be at least 18 years old for cash-prize bingo at licensed halls. Some states allow players as young as 16, while others set the minimum at 21 when bingo is played at venues that serve alcohol.
The rules vary because bingo is regulated at the state level, and states classify bingo differently - some treat it as gambling, others as charitable gaming, and a few barely regulate it at all.
Key Takeaways:
- Most states require players to be 18+ for cash-prize bingo
- Casino bingo in Mississippi and Nevada requires 21+
- Maine allows players as young as 16
- Hawaii and Utah do not allow cash-prize bingo
- Children can often attend halls with an adult but cannot play for cash prizes
Quick Answer
- Most common minimum age: 18 years old
- States with lower minimums: Some states allow 16+ for charitable bingo
- 21+ states: Applies when bingo is played at bars or casinos
- Children at halls: Many halls allow minors to attend with an adult but not play for cash prizes
State-by-State Bingo Age Requirements
The following table shows the minimum age to play bingo for cash prizes in each state. Age requirements may differ between charitable/nonprofit bingo, commercial bingo halls, and casino bingo. Always check with your local venue for their specific policy.
| State | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 19 | Matches state gambling age |
| Alaska | 18 | Charitable gaming permit required for operators |
| Arizona | 18 | Tribal bingo may have different rules |
| Arkansas | 18 | Charitable bingo only; operators must be nonprofits |
| California | 18 | One of the largest bingo markets in the US |
| Colorado | 18 | Licensed charitable bingo; prize limits apply |
| Connecticut | 18 | Tribal casinos may require 21 |
| Delaware | 18 | Charitable and commercial bingo both legal |
| Florida | 18 | Charitable bingo widespread; major market |
| Georgia | 18 | Charitable bingo only; strict nonprofit requirements |
| Hawaii | N/A | Bingo for cash prizes is not legal |
| Idaho | 18 | Charitable bingo permitted |
| Illinois | 18 | Licensed under Bingo License and Tax Act |
| Indiana | 18 | Charitable gaming licenses required |
| Iowa | 18 | Licensed charitable bingo |
| Kansas | 18 | Charitable bingo regulated by state |
| Kentucky | 18 | Charitable gaming; bingo is the most popular form |
| Louisiana | 18 | Charitable bingo; casino bingo requires 21 |
| Maine | 16 | One of the lowest minimum ages in the US |
| Maryland | 18 | Charitable bingo; Anne Arundel County is a hotspot |
| Massachusetts | 18 | Charitable gaming licenses |
| Michigan | 18 | Large charitable bingo market; tribal bingo may vary |
| Minnesota | 18 | Charitable gambling is a major industry |
| Mississippi | 21 | Casino bingo only; higher age requirement |
| Missouri | 18 | Licensed charitable bingo |
| Montana | 18 | Charitable gaming |
| Nebraska | 18 | Charitable bingo at licensed locations |
| Nevada | 21 | Casino bingo; matches gambling age |
| New Hampshire | 18 | Charitable gaming |
| New Jersey | 18 | Charitable bingo; casino bingo requires 21 |
| New Mexico | 18 | Charitable and tribal bingo |
| New York | 18 | One of the largest bingo markets; strict licensing |
| North Carolina | 18 | Charitable bingo permitted |
| North Dakota | 18 | Charitable gaming |
| Ohio | 18 | Charitable bingo; major market |
| Oklahoma | 18 | Charitable and tribal bingo; very active market |
| Oregon | 18 | Charitable gaming |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | Large charitable bingo market |
| Rhode Island | 18 | Charitable gaming |
| South Carolina | 18 | Charitable bingo with restrictions |
| South Dakota | 18 | Charitable gaming |
| Tennessee | 18 | Charitable bingo; limited venues |
| Texas | 18 | Charitable bingo only; one of the biggest markets |
| Utah | N/A | Bingo for cash prizes is not legal |
| Vermont | 18 | Charitable gaming |
| Virginia | 18 | Charitable gaming; growing market |
| Washington | 18 | Charitable and tribal bingo |
| West Virginia | 18 | Charitable bingo |
| Wisconsin | 18 | Charitable gaming; active bingo community |
| Wyoming | 18 | Charitable gaming |
Important disclaimer: This table reflects general state-level requirements as of 2026. Individual venues, tribal gaming operations, and county/municipal regulations may impose different or additional age requirements. For Texas-specific bingo regulations, see the Charitable Bingo Operations Division of the Texas Lottery Commission. For other states, check the Texas State Law Library’s gambling guide for a model of how state bingo regulation works. Always verify with the specific venue before attending.
Why Do Bingo Age Requirements Vary?
Bingo age requirements differ across states because of how each state classifies the game:
Bingo as Gambling
States that classify bingo as gambling (like Mississippi and Nevada) apply their general gambling age, which is typically 21. In these states, bingo is primarily played at casinos alongside slot machines and table games.
Bingo as Charitable Gaming
Most states classify bingo as charitable gaming - a separate legal category with lighter regulation than casino gambling. Charitable gaming typically requires that a nonprofit organization hold the license and that proceeds go to charitable purposes. The age requirement for charitable gaming is usually 18.
Bingo in Bars and Alcohol Venues
When music bingo or traditional bingo is played at a bar, the venue’s liquor license often dictates that patrons must be 21+, regardless of the state’s bingo age. This is technically an alcohol restriction, not a bingo restriction, but the practical effect is the same.
Tribal Bingo
Tribal gaming operations on sovereign land set their own age requirements, which may differ from the surrounding state. Most tribal bingo operations require players to be 18 or 21. Contact the specific tribal venue for their policy.
Can Children Go to Bingo Halls?
In most states, children can accompany an adult to a bingo hall but cannot play for cash prizes. Many family-friendly halls welcome children, especially for:
- Daytime sessions - weekday afternoon games tend to be more casual and family-tolerant
- Charity events - church and community bingo nights often welcome families
- Non-cash games - some halls run separate games for younger players with non-cash prizes
However, some halls prohibit anyone under 18 from entering, regardless of whether they’re playing. This is a venue policy, not always a legal requirement. Call ahead to check if you’re planning to bring children.
Halls that welcome families tend to advertise it. When browsing bingo halls on BingoLocalizer, look for venues that mention family-friendly policies or daytime sessions in their descriptions.
Can a 16-Year-Old Play Bingo?
In most states, no. The standard minimum age is 18 for cash-prize bingo. However:
- Maine allows players as young as 16
- Some charitable events in certain states allow younger players for non-cash-prize games
- Free bingo (no cash prizes) is generally unregulated and may not have age restrictions
If you’re under 18 and interested in bingo, look for free community bingo events, church bingo nights that welcome younger players, or practice with our bingo number generator and card generator at home.
Is Bingo Gambling?
Whether bingo is legally classified as gambling varies by state. The distinction matters because it determines age requirements, licensing rules, and tax treatment.
In most states, bingo is classified as charitable gaming rather than gambling, which is why the age requirement (18) is lower than the gambling age (21) in states like Louisiana and New Jersey. The charitable gaming classification also means bingo halls operate under different licensing and prize limit rules than casinos.
Bingo Age FAQ
What is the youngest age you can play bingo?
Maine allows players as young as 16 for licensed bingo. Most other states require players to be 18. For free or non-cash bingo, there may be no legal minimum age.
Do you need ID to play bingo?
Most bingo halls do not check ID for every player, but they reserve the right to verify age. Casino bingo operations always require valid ID. If you look under 25, bring a government-issued photo ID to avoid any issues.
Can you play bingo online if you’re under 18?
Online bingo platforms typically require users to be 18 or 21, depending on the platform and state. Real-money online bingo is only legal in states that have specifically authorized it. Free online bingo games may not have age verification.
Are bingo age rules enforced?
Enforcement varies by venue and jurisdiction. Casino bingo operations strictly check ID. Charitable bingo halls tend to be more informal, but operators can face fines or license revocation for allowing underage players, so most take compliance seriously.
Find bingo halls in your state with schedules, reviews, and directions. Browse all 50 states on BingoLocalizer to find games near you.