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Connecticut Gambling Age – What You Need to Know

Understanding the Minimum Age for Legal Betting in Connecticut.

Rob Lawson avatar
Written by Rob Lawson
Updated over 3 months ago

If you’re in Connecticut and thinking about placing a bet, whether it’s on the races, sports, or at the casino, it’s important to know the legal age requirements. The rules are straightforward but vary depending on the type of gambling you choose.

Because MyWinners.com offers licensed pari-mutuel wagering in Connecticut, players aged 18 and over can sign up and place bets.


Legal Gambling Age in Connecticut – The Basics

In Connecticut, the law sets two main age limits for gambling:

  • 21 years old – This is the legal age for sports betting and casino gaming (both online and in-person). It applies to retail sportsbooks, online betting platforms, and tribal casinos.

  • 18 years old – This is the legal age for pari-mutuel betting (such as horse racing and off-track betting), the state lottery, fantasy contests, keno, and bingo.


Gambling Age Table for Connecticut

Gambling Type

Minimum Age Required

Casino Gaming (online or in-person)

21 years

Sports Betting (including online)

21 years

Pari-mutuel Betting (horse racing, OTB)

18 years

Lottery, Fantasy Contests, Keno, Bingo

18 years


Why the Age Limits Differ

The higher age requirement for casino and sports betting is aimed at aligning with alcohol service laws and promoting responsible gambling in higher-risk settings. Pari-mutuel betting and lottery products have historically been open to younger players, which is why those remain at 18.

For horse racing fans, that difference is key—it means MyWinners is available to anyone aged 18+ in Connecticut.


💡 Did You Know?

  • Connecticut is one of only a few states that splits the legal gambling age between 18 for pari-mutuel betting and 21 for sports and casino games

  • You can legally buy a Connecticut Lottery ticket at 18, but you can’t place a sports bet until you’re 21

  • The 21-year limit applies even if you’re betting online from within the state.

  • MyWinners is fully licensed for pari-mutuel wagering in CT—so eligible 18+ players can bet online right now.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal age to use MyWinners in Connecticut?

You must be 18 years or older to bet on horse racing via MyWinners in Connecticut, as pari-mutuel wagering has a lower minimum age than sports betting or casino games.

Why is MyWinners legal for 18+ players when sports betting is 21+?

Connecticut law sets different age limits depending on the type of gambling. Pari-mutuel betting, offered by MyWinners, is legal from age 18, while sports betting and casino gaming require you to be 21.

Can I bet online with MyWinners anywhere in Connecticut?

Yes. As long as you are physically located within Connecticut and meet the minimum age requirement of 18, you can place bets online with MyWinners legally.

Does MyWinners offer sports betting or casino games?

No. MyWinners only offers pari-mutuel wagering and games based based on the results of historic horse races. That’s what makes it legal for 18+ players in Connecticut.

Is MyWinners legal in Connecticut?

Yes. MyWinners is fully licensed by the State of Connecticut to offer pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. All games are based on the outcomes of historic horse races, which is why they fall under Connecticut’s pari-mutuel classification.

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