Howcome you can buy the lotto at 18?

Question

Isn't that gambling? I thought you had to be 21 to do that? You have to be 21 to gamble in the casinos and play roulette or blackjack and the slots, but you only have to be 18 to participate in a raffle. Isn't that gambling too? But mild? There's risks involved in buying a raffle ticket too.

Just something I've wondered.

Answer 1

In New Zealand there is no age restriction on Lotto, Big Wednesday, Keno games as these games are not instant or scratch games. However to buy scratchie tickets, gamble on horse racing and sports, or play the slot machines or pokies you must be 18 years old, and to enter a casino you must be over 20 years.

Answer 2

Actually, it's like many age things in the US, it varies by state.

For example, you can actually go to an off track horse betting place in Virginia that serves alcohol.  At the age of 18 you can go there and gamble on the horses, you just can't drink the alcohol.

So there is no particular law that prevents adults over 18 from gambling.  It's just that most places do make it illegal until you are 21.  Like I said, it depends on the place.

But you're right the lottery is gambling.  But since it raises so much money for the government and charities they don't care if you do it at 18.

Answer 3

You can buy a lottery ticket at 16 here.

UK

xx

Answer 4

You have to be 21 to get in the casinos because they serve alcohol.