News writer
New Jersey could soon be raising the stakes for who gets to try their luck at lottery games and horse racing. A new bill aims to increase the minimum age for wagering on these activities from 18 to 21, aligning them with the age requirements for casinos and sports betting.
This change wouldn't just affect future players — it could also freeze accounts for current bettors under 21, issuing refunds for unused balances. Supporters say the move will help standardize the state's gambling regulations, but it's bound to shake things up for those used to buying lottery tickets or betting on races before their 21st birthday.
The newly proposed bill
Assembly Bill 5197 was introduced on January 16, 2025, by Assemblywoman Garnet R. Hall, a Democrat from District 28 (Essex and Union). This bill is aiming to increase the minimum age for lottery wagering and horse racing from 18 to 21, which would align these activities with other gambling age requirements in the state.
With this bill, any individuals under the age of 21 who have an active horse racing wagering account as of the bill's effective date would receive refunds of their account balances within 30 days. Those accounts would then be frozen, and the individuals would no longer be able to make any wagers until the account holder reaches the age of 21.
The current statute in New Jersey
Under current New Jersey law, individuals 18 or older are allowed to purchase New Jersey Lottery tickets and place wagers on horse races. However, the age limit for most other forms of gambling in the state, including casino games and sports betting, is 21.
Under the current statute, it states that “New Jersey law requires lottery purchasers to be 18 years of age or older.” However, this new measure would effectively eliminate that exception.
This new bill is looking to standardize these regulations and align all wagering to the age of 21. If passed, the new age requirement rules would take effect on the bill's effective date.
What are the age requirements in other states?
This got us thinking, how do other states handle these age requirements? Is it the same across the board or does it vary?
As of this writing, Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not offer lottery sales in their states. While some of those states are working to get it approved in the state, nothing has come of it yet.
Of the states that do offer lottery sales to their residents, most have minimum age requirements of 18 or older. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. In Nebraska, lottery players are required to be 19 years of age or older. Meanwhile, in four states — Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, and Mississippi — players are required to be 21 years of age or older.
If New Jersey lawmakers pass this new bill, that last list would grow to five states that require lottery players to be 21 years of age or older to purchase lottery tickets.
Enjoy playing the New Jersey Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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