Sun editorial:

Minors and gambling

Question about whether to lower gambling age should be met with a resounding no

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

Should 18-year-olds be able to gamble legally in Nevada?

This question, when brought up Friday at a conference attended by the state’s top gaming regulator, was not dismissed out of hand.

In fact, State Gaming Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said he would pursue the question with leaders of the Nevada Legislature. State law is clear — 21 is the legal age to gamble in businesses that hold a Nevada gaming license.

The question was raised by an attorney attending a gaming law conference sponsored by the State Bar of Nevada. The attorney said he thinks the issue is worth discussing in light of falling gaming revenue, and, consequently, falling state tax revenue.

Our hope is that any discussion of this issue leads to quick agreement that the law should not be changed. Nevada’s reputation would be harmed by accusations that it is trying to revive its economy by extending gaming privileges to the estimated 12 million Americans who are 18 to 21.

We do not buy the old argument the attorney used, that because 18-year-olds may vote and join the military they should be able to gamble legally. The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971 largely on grounds brought by young people that if they could be killed or injured in Vietnam, they should be able to vote for or against the war. Young people since then have had the right to help set public policy but we aren’t aware of any who are organizing campaigns to lower the gambling age.

As for young people serving in the military, it is not presumed for a minute by any of the branches that recruits, even those older than 21, are yet mentally ready for their coming responsibilities. In truth, the major emphasis during training is on developing a recruit’s maturity and self-discipline — qualities that all gamblers need if they are to avoid problems.

Nevada law was not created out of whole cloth, but out of statistics that show gambling — as well as drinking — is best legal at a more mature age.

Discussion: 3 comments so far…

By dbltrbl

11/12/08 at 6:10 a.m.

Suggest removal

Based on six decades as a Las Vegan, my vote goes for a resounding "NO" to lower the legal gaming age to 18. Do we not have enough problems here that we would choose to court more? Reality also shows underage gambling is already the dirty little secret of joints competing for business; perhaps suspected, but allowed as long as another customer doesn't make a vocal issue about it. Security then only '86's' the offender. Don't lower the age law.
By KDR81

11/12/08 at 7:33 a.m.

Suggest removal

No because its not until someone reaches 21 that they MAGICALLY get the insight of an adult.

At 21 extra brain cells suddenly develop and they are then able to make adult decisions.

21 is an arbitrary number. Why not 23 or 27. Everyone knows 20 somethings don't have enough life experience so lets make it 30.

Or how about this, cut the bull Know-it-alls. Let legal adults be adults.
By azsk8fan

11/12/08 at 9:17 a.m.

Suggest removal

Part of the problem is that it's now so easy for kids to walk around the casino's without an adult (21 or older) with them. Years ago that would have been unheard of - now with the bowling alleys, food courts, movie theatres it has become quite commonplace to see kids without adults all over the casinos. I, for one, would like to see it revert back to they way it used to be - I would like to think there's at least a casino that we adults can go to for enjoyment - kid free zones that is :) (and that includes teenagers)