Poker is one of the online casino titles on many casino websites. Playing this popular online casino game requires players to create a casino account with the platform on which they wish to play. The casino account grants access to other exciting casino titles.
However, the player has to meet a certain minimum age to create a casino account and enjoy online poker. The minimum age requirement varies depending on the jurisdiction. Countries like the US require the player to be 21 years old minimum.
We will explore the legal age requirement for online poker players in different regions or jurisdictions.
General Age Requirements
While the legal age to join an online casino platform varies by jurisdiction, the general age requirement of a minimum of 18 years is adhered to by many jurisdictions.
Even in the United States which requires players to be no younger than 21 years to play online poker, this requirement varies by state.
States like Nevada allow 18-year-old players to enjoy online poker and other exciting casino titles. The general age requirement falls anywhere between 18-21 years. The jurisdictions ensure that online casinos only accept registration of accounts from players who meet the age requirement.
As a result, online casino operators have to check age verification documents to ensure each player adheres to the age requirement. Players usually provide any of the following documents to verify their age:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Government-issued ID card
Aside from identification documents, the player submits a copy of utility bills to verify their residency and bank statements for processing of payments and withdrawals. All this is to guarantee the security of the account and verify the age of the player.
Age Requirements By Region
The legal age to play online poker varies depending on the jurisdiction under which the online casino platform operates. Players in the US, European countries, Australia, and Canada all have to meet a certain legal age to join online casino platforms to play poker.
United States requirements
Many players in the US wonder when some online poker websites will be legal in their state because the federal government is strict on many online casino websites. While some states may not permit online poker gaming, players in other states can enjoy online poker from the comfort of their homes.
Several states in the US have legalized online poker:
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Michigan
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
The above US states except Rhodes Island require players to be at least 21 years old; only Rhodes Island has a minimum age requirement of 18 years.
Only 8 US states have permitted Americans to enjoy online poker. The federal government enacted the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006 regulating amounts payment processors allow players to deposit into their online casino accounts.
The US also has Tribal gaming rules giving the native Indian tribes the exclusive rights to offer online poker. The native Indian tribe run land-based casinos but offers online versions, including online poker.
READ ALSO : How to win at online poker
European regulations
Online casino websites offering online poker games in the UK have to meet the stringent requirements set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This regulatory authority maintains that players have to be 18 years old minimum to play online poker.
Malta players also have to be at least 18 years old as required by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). In addition, players in Gibraltar also have to be no younger than 18 years old to enjoy online poker. This is a rule set by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA).
Other countries such as France, Spain, Sweden, and Italy all require players to be 18 years or older to play online poker on websites offering services in the countries.
Canadian guidelines
Canada has provinces that regulate online casino websites. Players can expect the laws and regulations governing online poker games to vary across the country.
Some provinces require players to be 18 years old minimum while some provinces push this minimum age requirement to 19.
Australian rules
The gambling laws in Australia require online poker players to be 18 years old minimum. Online casino brands operating in Australia have to ensure each player with an account on their platform is of legal age.
Other major markets
Latin America, specifically Colombia has set the minimum legal age to 18 years. India and Mongolia have their age limit set to 18 and 21 years respectively.
Age Verification Process
Players usually submit a copy of identification documents containing their date of birth. Many online poker websites have facial recognition and liveness detection tools to ensure the identity matches with the player.
Legal Consequences
Various gaming authorities can impose fines and penalties for non-compliant online poker websites. Even worse, their licensing may be suspended and revoked. Legal action can also be taken against them in some cases.
Responsible Gaming Measures
Players can play responsibly online by using the self-exclusion tool that determines when a player needs a break by analyzing time spent playing online poker. Players can also set a specific bankroll and ensure they don’t exceed it.
Common Questions About Age
- What is the minimum legal age for online poker players?
- How does an online poker website verify age?
- Can players play online poker demos without age verification?
How to Ensure Compliance
Players can check if a website offering online poker is compliant. First, they can check the licensing information and the issuing gaming authority. They can also check the encryption technology employed to protect user data.
Conclusion
Playing online poker requires the player to meet a certain minimum legal age. Most jurisdictions have set the minimum age to 18 years. However, some jurisdictions allow players who are 21 years or older to enjoy online poker.
Therefore, players have to check the minimum legal age of their jurisdiction for playing online poker.
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