Gambling age and rules by country
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
Gambling age and rules compared across countries: minimum age for casinos, minimum age for lotteries, minimum age for sports betting, online gambling, gambling regulator. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Minimum age for casinos | Minimum age for lotteries | Minimum age for sports betting | Online gambling | Gambling regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Minors excluded | Minors excluded (small fair raffles excepted) | Minors excluded | Licensed operators only | GGL (joint Länder authority) |
| Netherlands | 18 | 18 | 18 | Licensed operators only | Kansspelautoriteit |
| United Kingdom | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | 18 | Licensed operators only | Gambling Commission |
| France | ⚠ Not yet verified | No minors (no number given) | No minors (no number given) | Approved operators only | ANJ |
| Spain | ⚠ Not yet verified | No minors (no number given) | No minors (no number given) | Licence required (state level) | DGOJ |
| Poland | 18 | 18 (fantowe and promotional lotteries excepted) | 18 | Licensed operators only | Finance minister / Revenue Administration |
| Portugal | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | No minors online | Licensed operators only | SRIJ |
| Belgium | 21 | ⚠ Not yet verified | 21 | Licensed operators only | Gaming Commission |
| Sweden | 18 | 18 | 18 | Licensed operators only | Spelmyndigheten |
| Greece | ⚠ Not yet verified | No minors (no number given) | No minors (no number given) | Licensed operators only | Hellenic Gaming Commission |
| Denmark | 18 | 16 (monopoly lotteries) | 18 | Licensed operators only | Spillemyndigheden |
| Czechia | 18 (all gambling) | 18 (all gambling) | 18 (all gambling) | Licensed operators only | Ministry of Finance |
| Hungary | 18 | 18 (non-continuous draws excepted) | 18 | Licensed operators only | SZTFH |
| Finland | 18 | 18 | 18 | State monopoly (Veikkaus Oy) | National Police Board |
| Norway | 18 (exceptions by regulation) | 18 (exceptions by regulation) | 18 (exceptions by regulation) | State monopoly; others need a permit | Lotteri- og stiftelsestilsynet |
| Croatia | Adults only | Adults only | 18 (betting shops) | Licensed operators only | ⚠ Not yet verified |
How to read the comparison
The table compares these points:
- Minimum age for casinos
- Minimum age for lotteries
- Minimum age for sports betting
- Online gambling
- Gambling regulator
Before you rely on it
These are national rules. Regions, cities, employers and venues can add their own, and the law changes. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.