Underage Gambling Information

Underage gambling is a growing problem in the U.S. According to news reports, a national survey found that 58 percent of respondents ages 18 to 22 have placed at least one sports bet in the past year, even though many states don’t allow sports betting at all or limit it to adults 21 and older. This means many people place bets violating state laws, which can have severe consequences.

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Nevada’s Underage Gambling Laws

Nevada law establishes strict rules for those under 21 concerning gambling and entering casinos. First, if you’re under 21, you can’t play gambling games, use slot machines, place bets on races or sports, or collect any winnings. You also can’t hang around in areas where gambling happens, including casinos.

There are also strict rules for when people under 21 can work in casinos or other gaming establishments. People under 21 generally can’t work as gaming employees except in a counting room. However, there’s an exception for those who are 18 or older. They can work for licensed manufacturers or distributors of gaming equipment. They can design software, assemble gaming devices, or install and maintain gaming equipment. The law also holds casinos and their employees accountable. If a casino lets an underage person gamble or work in restricted roles, they can face misdemeanor charges. This includes anyone involved, from licensees to dealers. Even if someone mistakenly believes the underage person is 21, it doesn’t excuse them from the law.

Nevada also has strict laws against using a fake ID to gamble. Anyone who creates, sells, or uses a fake ID to show they are 21 or older can face severe penalties. If the police catch you making or selling fake IDs, prosecutors can charge you with a gross misdemeanor. Using a fake ID to gamble or gain entry into a casino is also a misdemeanor.

5 Penalties of Underage Gambling

Using a fake ID to enter a casino or placing a bet when you’re under 21 is a misdemeanor in Nevada. Per Nevada law, penalties for misdemeanor offenses may include the following:

  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Jail time of up to six months

These penalties can have severe consequences, especially if you’re between 18 and 20 years old. You might not have $1,000 to pay the fine, which could put you in the difficult position of having to ask your family for the money. If you need your car to work, a driver’s license suspension could cost you your job or force you to find other transportation to get around.

A probation sentence is preferable to jail time, although you could still face jail time if you break the conditions of your release. Community service, meanwhile, can be hard work and will take up time you could have spent with your family or friends.

Finally, don’t overlook the possibility of jail time. While you are unlikely to go to jail if this is your first criminal offense, it’s still a possibility. If you have a prior criminal record, your chances of a jail sentence increase significantly. However, offenders under age 18 usually do not face such harsh penalties for underage gambling. Their cases will go through the juvenile justice system, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment to help young people learn from their mistakes and avoid future offenses. In juvenile court, the proceedings are more private, and the penalties can include attending counseling, performing community service, or being held in a juvenile detention center.

How Can Parents Prevent Underage Gambling?

Parents can play a significant role in preventing underage gambling. Here are some tips to help prevent your children from facing underage gambling charges:

  • Talk About the Risks – Explain to your kids that underage gambling and fake ID use are illegal and discuss the potential hazards associated with gambling in general.
  • Monitor Online Activity – Keep an eye on your child’s internet use to ensure they don’t visit gambling sites or engage in prohibited activities.
  • Set Clear Rules – Make sure your kids know your family’s rules about gambling and the consequences of breaking them.
  • Lead by Example – If you gamble, be responsible about it. Remember that kids often mimic their parents’ behaviors. Teaching young people responsible habits can help them avoid problematic and potentially illegal activity.
  • Encourage Other Activities – Help your kids find hobbies and interests that keep them engaged and away from gambling.
  • Educate Them About Money Management – Demonstrate to your kids how to handle money wisely and the importance of saving and budgeting.
  • Know the Signs – Be aware of possible signs of gambling, like sudden changes in behavior or unexplained money issues. Make sure you know where your kids will be at all times.

How Our Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help

If your child is facing charges related to underage gambling in Las Vegas, De Castroverde Law Group can help you find the best path forward. We have extensive experience helping clients who face underage gambling charges, and we can find the right legal option for your situation. Whether that involves juvenile delinquency proceedings, negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charges, or defending your child in court, we’ll put our in-depth knowledge and insights to work on your behalf. Our legal team includes a former Clark County prosecutor, and we’re familiar with the strategies the government will use against your child and how to effectively counter them.

We’re prepared to guide your child and your family through every step of the legal process and clearly explain your rights and options. If necessary, our team will represent your child in court. We aim to achieve the best possible outcome for your child’s situation and will work tirelessly to protect their future. Trust De Castroverde Law Group to provide the robust defense your child needs in their Las Vegas underage gambling case. Call us today or complete our contact form for a consultation.