What Are the Las Vegas Age Limits? Gambling, Hotels & Curfew

Key Highlights:

Gambling & Alcohol: You must be 21. No exceptions, even if you are with a parent or legal guardian.
Cannabis: 21 is the magic number to buy or consume (and only in licensed lounges or private residences).
Hotel Check-in: Most Strip resorts require you to be 21 to book or check into a room.
Curfew: If you are under 18, you must be off the Strip and Downtown by 9:00 PM on weekends unless you’re with an adult.

When you think of Las Vegas, you think of “Sin City”—a place where the rules are made to be broken. But beneath the neon lights and the “anything goes” vibe, Vegas actually enforces some of the strictest age-related laws in the United States. Whether you’re traveling with teenagers or you’re a young adult looking to celebrate your 21st, knowing the cut-off points is the difference between a legendary night and a $1,000 fine.

We have navigated the Strip with families and friends of all ages, and we can tell you: the bouncers and floor security don’t care how “mature” you look. They are protecting their multi-million dollar gaming licenses, and they won’t hesitate to check your ID. Here is our honest, expert-led guide to Las Vegas age limits and laws.

The Big 21: Gambling and Alcohol Laws

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In Nevada, the age of 21 is a hard line in the sand. Unlike some states where you can play bingo at 18, Las Vegas requires you to be 21 for every single form of wagering, including sports betting and poker.

The Casino Floor “Pass-Through” Rule

If you are under 21, you are allowed to walk through a casino to reach a restaurant or exit, but you cannot linger. You must stay on the designated carpeted walkways. If you stop to watch a friend play a slot machine or stand near a craps table to see the action, security will ask for your ID within minutes.

Direct Answer: Under Nevada Revised Statute § 463.350, it is a misdemeanor for anyone under 21 to gamble or loiter in a casino. Violators face fines up to $1,000 and potential jail time. Additionally, any jackpots won by an underage person are legally forfeited to the state.

Drinking and Nightclubs

Vegas bouncers are world-class at spotting fakes. To enter any nightclub or bar that doesn’t serve food, you must be 21 with a valid government-issued ID. We have seen people try to use “minor” IDs at 20 years and 364 days old—they will literally tell you to come back at midnight. Passports are the gold standard for international visitors; digital photos of IDs are never accepted.

Hotel Check-In: Why 18 Isn’t Always Enough

A common “gotcha” for young travelers is the hotel check-in age. While you are legally an adult at 18, most major resorts on the Strip—like Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Caesars Palace—require the primary guest on the reservation to be at least 21 years old.

The “Why”: It mostly comes down to liability regarding mini-bars and the fact that most rooms are located directly above a casino floor.
The Exceptions: If you are under 21 but over 18, look toward non-gaming hotels like The Platinum Hotel or Hilton Grand Vacations properties.
Downtown Choice: The Golden Nugget remains one of the few major casino resorts that historically allows 18+ check-ins, though you must have a valid credit card in your name.

Curfew Laws: Keeping Minors Safe

Las Vegas takes its curfew very seriously to keep the Strip from becoming a late-night hangout for unsupervised teens. If you are under 18, you need to be aware of the “9:00 PM Rule.”

The Strip & Downtown: On Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, the curfew is 9:00 PM for anyone under 18 not accompanied by an adult.
City-Wide: On school nights (Sunday–Thursday), the general curfew is 10:00 PM, extending to Midnight on Friday and Saturday for areas outside the main tourist hubs.

Snippet Worthy: Las Vegas enforces a strict 9:00 PM weekend curfew for minors under 18 on the Strip and in the Downtown area. Violators can be detained by Metro Police and face a $300 fine unless they are with a parent or legal guardian.

Summary & Final Helpful Tip

Understanding Las Vegas Age Limits & Laws is all about that magic number 21. If you’re under that age, the city is still a blast—you just have to pivot toward the world-class food, shopping, and shows like Cirque du Soleil.

Our Best Helpful Tip: If you are 21 or older, always carry your physical ID. Even if you look 50, many security guards at the entrances of high-end lounges are required to scan every single ID as a matter of policy. Don’t let a forgotten wallet ruin your night!

❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Age Limits & Laws

Can I go to a strip club if I’m 18?

Yes, but only at “fully nude” clubs (like Little Darlings) that do not serve alcohol. Clubs that serve alcohol (topless only) are strictly 21+.

What happens if a parent lets their kid pull a slot machine handle?

The parent can be charged with a misdemeanor. Allowing a minor to gamble is a crime in Nevada. Even for a “one-second photo op,” security will intervene and you may be trespassed from the property.

Are there any 18+ nightclubs?

Traditional nightclubs are 21+. However, concert venues like the House of Blues or Brooklyn Bowl often host 18+ or all-ages shows. EDC Las Vegas 2026 also remains an 18+ event.

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