Bingo and lotteries: separate age rules
Unlike online casinos (18 +), the age requirements for bingo and lotteries have their own nuances: bingo is strictly 18 + everywhere, and the threshold for lotteries in Western Australia is 16 years.
1. Bingo - only from the age of 18
All forms of bingo, including real-money terrestrial and online bingo, require an age of at least 18.
State legislators and regulators are unanimous: immature perceptions of risk in adolescents make any participation in bingo inadmissible until adulthood.
2. Lotteries - 18 + in all states except WA
| State/Territory | Minimum age to purchase a lottery ticket |
|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | 18 years |
| Victoria (VIC) | 18 years |
| Queensland (QLD) | 18 years |
| South Australia (SA) | 18 years old |
| Tasmania (TAS) | 18 years |
| Northern Territory (NT) | 18 years |
| ACT | 18 years |
| Western Australia (WA) | 16 years |
WA Lotterywest officially allows participation from the age of 16 and requires proof of age at registration.
In all other jurisdictions, the threshold of 18 years is enshrined in the laws on gambling and lotteries.
3. Exceptions and additional rules
Fundraising: children under 12 cannot sell lottery tickets, and persons under 18 are not allowed to sell or buy tickets with alcohol as a prize.
Charity lotteries: Some charity lotteries and prize draws may allow participants from the age of 16, but this depends on individual licences and permits.
4. Age verification
1. When buying at the kiosk
The checker is legally entitled to require a passport or driver's license.
2. Through online platforms
Download document scan and check through Document Verification Service (DVS).
If the data does not match, lock the account until clarified.
5. Practical recommendations
1. Before buying
Specify the age threshold in your state: for lotteries it can be 16 or 18 years.
2. When registering online
Have an ID document on hand: in WA it will be requested even at the age of 16-17 years.
3. Parents and guardians
Explain the difference to children: bingo is strictly 18 +, lotteries are sometimes allowed from 16 (WA).
Use parental controls to prevent dishonest experiments.
Result
Bingo: 18 + everywhere
Lotteries: 18 + in most states, 16 + in WA
For all other jurisdictions and types of lotteries, the age threshold is uniformly 18 years. Proper verification and knowledge of local regulations will help avoid legal and financial risks.
