Thinking of signing up on ClubGG? Before you start building your bankroll or crushing those PLO tables, there’s one crucial thing to check: your legal eligibility to play. And that starts with one question:
What’s the minimum legal age to play online poker in your country?
Whether you’re grinding mid-stakes or just looking for a casual game, platforms like ClubGG follow strict age laws based on where you’re playing from. In this guide, we’ll break down online poker age requirements by country, correct common misconceptions, and help you understand where ClubGG stands in 2025.
Why Legal Age Matters in Online Poker
– To Protect Players
Online poker involves money, decisions, and emotions. Age restrictions aren’t just legal hurdles; they’re designed to protect younger players from potential gambling risks like addiction or financial strain.
– To Comply with Local Gambling Laws
ClubGG and other platforms operate globally. That means they must follow the gambling laws of each country, including enforcing the correct minimum age with proper ID verification.
Quick Reference Table: Minimum Age to Play Online Poker (2025)
| Country / Region | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States (All States) | 21 | No regulated U.S. state allows online poker under 21 |
| Canada | 18 or 19 | 18 in Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba; 19 in Ontario, BC, Nova Scotia |
| United Kingdom | 18 | Regulated by UK Gambling Commission |
| Germany | 18 | Under GlüStV 2021 treaty |
| France | 18 | Regulated by ANJ (formerly ARJEL) |
| Spain, Italy, Netherlands | 18 | Standard across most of the EU |
| Sweden | 18 | Online age is 18; land casinos may require 20 |
| Greece | 23 | Highest age requirement in Europe |
| India | 18 or 21 | 18 for online skill games; 21 for casino states like Goa, Sikkim |
| Japan | 20 | Applies to all gambling activities |
| China (mainland) | N/A | Online gambling banned |
| Macau | 21 | Casino age; no online poker available |
| Brazil | 18 | New regulations enforced in 2025 |
| Mexico | 18 | Online poker is fully regulated |
| Australia | 18 | Covers all states and territories |
| New Zealand | 18 or 20 | 18 for most online play, 20 for land-based casinos |
Region-by-Region Breakdown
– United States: Must Be 21+
Online poker is state-regulated, and all states where it’s legal, like New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, require players to be 21 or older.
⚠️ No U.S. state allows legal online poker at 18 as of 2025.
Canada: Province-Based Age Limits
Canada’s gambling age depends on the province.
18+: Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba
19+: Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and others
Ontario’s iGaming market is regulated, so platforms like ClubGG require you to be 19+ there.
United Kingdom: 18+
One of the most mature online gambling markets. You must be 18+ to play on any online poker platform. ClubGG and others are required to register with the UK Gambling Commission.
Germany: 18+
Germany enforces a unified 18+ rule for all online gambling under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021).
France: 18+
Regulated by ANJ, France permits online poker at 18+. Note: ARJEL was the previous regulator but has now merged into ANJ.
Other Europe
Spain, Italy, Netherlands: 18+
Sweden: 18+ for online; 20+ for state-owned land-based casinos
Greece: 23+: one of the strictest age limits in the world
Asia
– India: 18 or 21, Depending on State
Most states allow online poker at 18+ (treated as a game of skill)
States with casinos like Sikkim, Goa, and Daman require 21+ for land-based gambling
Sikkim’s online poker law allows 18+
– Japan: 20+
Japan mandates a minimum age of 20 for all gambling, including online games. This aligns with the country’s cautious approach to gambling regulation.
– China: Not Legal
Online poker is illegal in mainland China.
In Macau, physical casino gambling is legal from 21+, but online poker isn’t offered legally there either.
Latin America
– Brazil: 18+
Brazil’s gambling laws were revamped in 2023–2025, and as of now, the legal age is 18+ for all forms of regulated online gambling, including poker.
– Mexico: 18+
Online poker is regulated, and the legal age to play is 18.
Oceania
– Australia: 18+
Across all states and territories, you must be 18+ to participate in any gambling activity, including online poker.
– New Zealand: 18+ for Online, 20+ for Casinos
18+: For online games like lottery, horse racing, or poker (offshore sites)
20+: Required to enter land-based casinos
How ClubGG Verifies Your Age
To stay compliant, ClubGG uses industry-standard age verification tools such as:
Identity document checks (passport, driver’s license)
Date of birth validation
Photo or biometric ID in some regions
Accounts caught violating age policies may be:
Suspended or permanently banned
Reported to local regulators
Forfeited all chips or progress
What Happens If You Lie About Your Age?
Trying to bypass age checks? Think again.
You risk losing access to your account and any winnings
In some regions, underage gambling is a punishable offense
You may damage your reputation in the poker community
Final Thoughts: Know the Rules Before You Play
Poker rewards smart decisions, and that starts with knowing if you’re legally allowed to play. ClubGG enforces the law in each country it operates in, and your job is to play by those rules.
If you’re 18, 19, 20, or 21, depending on your country, check your local laws before you register.
At BluffingMonkeys, we’re dedicated to helping players navigate platforms like ClubGG safely and confidently. From Verified Club Lists to strategy breakdowns, we’ve got your back every step of the way.
Responsible gaming starts with legal compliance. So whether you’re chasing your first Royal Flush or just want to chill at a club table with friends, make sure you’re playing legally.
