Should Vegas let 18-year-olds gamble?
November 11, 2008 | 10:18
am
The Las Vegas Sun has a story that raises an approach to help the Las Vegas economy that I honestly had not considered before: letting teenagers gamble. According to the Sun, at a recent forum, a gaming industry attorney asked Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander his thought on lowering the gambling age to 18 in Nevada. Apparently, that is already the age at many tribal casinos in California. Without supporting or opposing that question, Neilander said he would take the idea to Nevada lawmakers. Of course, as Neilander reminded the audience, lowering the gambling age to 18 would have to be carefully scrutinized, meaning a long bureaucratic process before anything happens.Anyway, this is one issue, off the top of my head, that I have no opinion on. That may surprise you, but it is hard for me to be totally comfortable with dropping the age to 18. You see too much of the dark side of gambling when you live here to want teenagers exercising those judgments, new credit cards in pocket. I would not have made good choices at that age. But I am also not at all opposed in any way to Nevada's primary industry. Adults get to make choices and overwhelmingly -- win, or, more often, lose a little -- they enjoy Vegas.
For example, last night I spoke to some tourists who had a blast losing $40 on craps at a casino. The entertainment was worth the loss. I am fine with that. Still, lowering the gambling age to include teenagers seems an extreme and sleazy way to solve our economic woes.
Of course, there is also the fairness issue. It is almost inconceivable to consider that when Sheldon Adelson flies a bunch of wounded veterans to the Venetian for a few days, as he just did, that some of them might be deemed by our laws too young to even play the penny slots.
It is a thorny issue. I welcome your opinion.
(photo by Sarah Gerke)
I don't really care one way or the other. But I would have to say no. Not a good idea. Because it presents problems. More problems than benefits to casinos. And it would end up giving Nevada negative publicity, thereby turning people away from making it their tourist destination. Thereby causing more problems than it would fix.
For example, if that law was approved, an 18 year old can gamble in a casino, but he can't drink nor can he do other things. It gives the appearance of being selective. It's like saying, okay, you can be somewhat of an adult, but only as far as gambling. An out-there-in-the-open blatant attempt to make money. It opens up the flood gates for other stuff too. And this other stuff was tried by most States in 1972 (when the age was lowered to 18). And it didn't work back then, as evidenced by the sheer number of States that changed it back to 21. No way it's going to work this time neither.
So, it's not a good idea. I don't care how bad the economic times are. Not only for the above reasons, but because one of the main reasons is that it would shed a bad light on the State of Nevada, especially in the eyes of the rest of the country. It would make it look like we are victimizing them...giving the appearance of taking advantage of their naivette to make money, selectively picking them to get their money. It would cause more harm than good. Making the economy in Las Vegas (and Nevada) even worse. In the long run.
Just my opinions.....
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | November 11, 2008 at 11:49 AM
When I moved to Minnesota in 2002, I started checking out the major Indian Casinos nearby (Mystic Lake and, coincidentally, Treasure Island). They were all right (and, at best, an off-the-strip feel), but what surprised me was the different feel: the lack of fantasy, the tangible sense of reality --and nothing stuck with me more than watching some kid who must've been 18 walk up to the blackjack table and blow through $100 (in small increments) faster than anyone I've seen. If it were an older person, it would've been sad but a bit amusing (possibly); here it was just pathetic.
On top of things, there will be an extra layer of carding gamblers who want to drink --and booze might not be as much of a factor (personally I like it) as it is now.
Posted by: Bobak | November 11, 2008 at 12:54 PM
drinking age remains 21, so then what happens. servers can't just assume someone gambling is 21. seems like it leads to more complications.
Posted by: matt | November 11, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I say that it is about time. And while we're at it, lets lower the drinking age to 18. Can you imagine the inflow of money this state would see? Especially in March and early April when the spring breakers decide visiting vegas is cheaper than flying down to cabo or cancun for the week.
I endorse this decision. Now who do I talk to about legalizing pot?
Posted by: Vegas Undressed | November 11, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Sure, an 18 year old can gamble with his life on the battlefield in the military, but he can't gamble in a casino?
If teenagers are too dumb to gamble, why do we allow them to enlist (or hopefully not draft)? Better yet, why do even allow them to vote? Or drive?
Posted by: SweetCaliAaron | November 11, 2008 at 09:12 PM
NO NO NO, That's all we need, 18 year olds addicted to gambling. There are studies that suggest the 18 year old brain is still developing. What a way to start adulthood.
Posted by: Walter | November 12, 2008 at 07:27 AM
You write: "That may surprise you, but it is hard for me to be totally comfortable with dropping the age to 18. You see too much of the dark side of gambling when you live here to want teenagers exercising those judgments, new credit cards in pocket. I would not have made good choices at that age."
It doesn't surprise me at all. That sort of discomfort is perfectly natural. It's also unfortunately common for people to try to use their own personal discomfort with someone else's decisions as a justification for coercing other people into acting in ways that make you feel less personally uncomfortable.
It's good that you have the self-insight to know that you personally would not have made good choices when you were 18; and you certainly have a right to be concerned for other people's financial well-being. You should of course feel free to express these concerns to any 18-20 year old who asks for your advice. But 18-20 year olds are, after all, young adults, who are legally and morally responsible for their own financial decisions. What do you think would give you the right to make a decision on the matter for all 18-20 year olds everywhere, and then impose that decision on them with or without their consent, rather than allowing them to make their own decisions -- and their own mistakes?
Posted by: Rad Geek | November 12, 2008 at 08:31 AM
As a long-time Vegas resident who has witnessed many teenagers' struggles to find things to do in a city designed for the 21+ year crowd (and I lived here as a teenager myself), I think 18-year-olds should be allowed to gamble. I agree with the argument that if you can fight for the U.S. in the military, you should be able to gamble and drink, for that matter. I am originally from Europe, where things are a lot more relaxed, and in Austria, the legal gambling age is also 18, but you do have to dress up to go to the very few (and highly regulated) casinos. No flip-flops!
I also agree that this would create all kinds of new revenue sources (namely, 18-to 21 year-olds), which we could certainly use here in my home town in these tough economic times. However, until the legislature moves ahead on this, we will most likely be out of a recession.
Posted by: Judy Jenner | November 12, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Ha, were we "the tourists," Richard?
Posted by: Kate Aurthur | November 12, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Colin, you said:
"And this other stuff was tried by most States in 1972 (when the age was lowered to 18). And it didn't work back then, as evidenced by the sheer number of States that changed it back to 21. No way it's going to work this time neither."
The reason why the 'sheer number of states changed it back to 21' was because the federal government is denying federal highway funds to any state who doesn't comply with a 21 year old drinking age.
I agree that Las Vegas would be vilified by many for this even more than it is now, but if a person really knows what they're talking about, they'll realize in many states 18 year olds can gamble in one form or another. For full blown casino action there's casinos in CA, NY and FL. Take a look at Turning Stone in NY. Up until recently 18 year olds could gamble at the Hard Rock hotels in FL. Due to *contested* changes in gaming classes there, it was just raised to 21; however, there are still many casino boats which allow 18 year olds to gamble. Sun Cruz Casinos is one example. Most states have the lottery which is usually 18, as well as horse/dog racing. All perfect venues for an 18, 19, or 20 year old to throw their money away to. I guess today we might even consider the stock market gambling! LOL
I agree with SweetCali, if an 18, 19 or 20 year old can vote, die in our military, be sent to prison, smoke, and gamble in many states, why restrict it to 21? Compared to the rest of the world, the US has one of the highest drinking ages; so along with lowering the gambling age, the drinking age should also be reduced to 18.
It's either "You're an adult at 18" or "You're an adult at 21."
Posted by: Dick Nevens | November 12, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Hi Kate, thanks for reading. You are the tourists! I have memorialized your lost $40. at Binions. Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | November 12, 2008 at 05:04 PM
18 year old's already can gamble in Vegas. The Casinos will do nothing about stopping a teenager from dropping money in a slot, or playing at a table. If , however said teenager wins a big jackpot the casino will then ask for ID, and if the winner is under 21 the casino will not pay out. Typical Vegas, the house always wins. Stay out of Casino's people, they are the worlds biggest rip off. Go to Vegas and take advantage of all the other fun stuff, but don't gamble, you will lose in the long run
Posted by: Jack | November 13, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I'm with the commenter that brought up the 21 to drink issue. I don't wanna have to be carded when I order a drink, and every time (potentially) I order a drink from the table. As it is, they take long enough to bring us the drink... now imagine the wait!
Posted by: Radiomantodd | November 13, 2008 at 01:16 PM
The problem I see with this is the mix of Vegas gambling and drinking. If 18 year olds are able to gamble you would have to rework the whole providing complimentary drinks to patrons while gambling trend. Also drinking on the floor would cause a bunch of issues because security would then need to monitor underage gamblers and underage drinkers which would then fall into 2 separate categories. I don't necessarily have an issue with allowing 18 year olds to gamble but I do believe it would foster much more underage drinking which could lead to a lot more problems than letting 18+ gamble. I think it would give Vegas an even lower, darker image and it could become another Atlantic City.
Posted by: B | November 13, 2008 at 01:43 PM
I say raise it to 25.
Posted by: b porter | November 13, 2008 at 01:54 PM
no i think we shoude lower the gambling age to 18 and the drinking age to 18 it will make world alot better so ya i vote yes i think thay shoude lower the gambling age 18
Posted by: eli marks | November 14, 2008 at 04:58 AM
Las Vegas needs the business. Lowering the gambling age to 18 would help.
Posted by: Keith | November 14, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Ok where i live (australia) its legal to drink gamble go clubing when youre 18 we have less addiction to alcohole and gambling then america (yes that is including the ratio 30"1 considering the population difference have you guys thought that at 18 you do it once or twice blow a pay or two and the novletie where's off i myself am only 18 yet i go to a casino and pu 10 dollars down and mostly win take our 100 and spend it at the bar (house allways wins =) but at saying that this is once a month if that and its a guys and gals night out its not a major part of our lives the noviliti wheres of but as in america if i where 18 and had to wait another 3 years to drink go clubbing and gamble i could think of allot worst things to be doing inbetween them 3 years than what i stated above so there is my opinion
Posted by: Ben | November 17, 2008 at 01:07 PM
@ ColinFromLasVegas
Come on...the fact that the drinking age was changed to 21 is NOT proof that having it at 18 was bad. It was changed because the federal government threatened to withhold billions of dollars from the states unless they changed it back to 21.
@ Walter
"There are studies that suggest the 18 year old brain is still developing"
Come on...studies to suggest? First of all, citation would be nice. Second, by that logic, as has been mentioned, why be selective in what an 18 year old can and can't do. I understand the need for arbitrary ages for limiting things like drinking, gun ownership, et al, but i see no logic in having multiple ages.
@Radiomantodd
Denying rights so you can get a drink faster. Nice. Liberty and Justice for me strikes again.
Posted by: Jon | January 12, 2009 at 05:32 AM
I THINK U SHOULD LET US 18 YEAR OLD TO PLAY IT'S EXICITING TO BE GAMBLEING MOST OF US DON'T DO IT FOR THE MONEY MOSTLY FOR THE EXCITMENT AND THE GIRLS
Posted by: FAUSTINO GARCIA | January 31, 2009 at 09:05 AM
First of all, almost every other country has set their gambling age to 18+. If an 18 year old can go to war and die then why shouldn't he be able to gamble and drink? An 18 year old can be sent to prison when he commits a crime, but he can't drink??? What does a couple drink when they get married at 18? Do they seriously drink coca cola or water? I think it is ridiculous that the actual gambling and drinking age is 21. You are legally and adult with 18, so why shouldn't you be able to gamble? Just think about this. And everybody looks at 18 year old people as kids, but they are adults and should be able to do what they want to do.
Posted by: Jim Gassmann | February 13, 2009 at 03:09 PM
In my personal opinion I believe that 18 is a reasonable age for gambling...
-Yes, so they are younger and yes it could cause complications as far as discrepancy when drinks are served however Im sure they could find a way to tag minors so that they would not get served but that is a separate issue...
-Also... would you not make better decisions being a sober 18, 19 or 20 year old as opposed to a mildly wasted 21+ year old?? yeah so there are some ignorant kids out there... just like there are ignorant adults... so where do you draw the line in that aspect because believe it or not kids are getting smarter with every following generation and personally i do not consider a high school graduate a kid.
-back to the topic... Through experience gambling I have noticed young adults tend to make more conservative choices, or maybe it's that I have never met someone who willingly said "Hey Im going to see how i can blow 1k dollars today, sounds fun huh"
-I won't even touch the going to war vs gambling comparison because honestly... both are voluntary (military & gambling) so It is really on your own. One can't (although they technically can) say "Well i DECIDED to join the military so I therefore suddenly have the RIGHT to gamble." Now if we were in a draft scenario then yes they should have the right to anything legal within the states if they are involuntarily sent out...
Posted by: Matt Maes | March 05, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Once a male turns 18 he has to register for a draft. Male or Female can go to war and then suffer the symptoms of PTSD from the horrible trama that they experience or loose their life or be disabled for life and they are allowed to make that decision to enlist at the young age of 18. Loosing money is so less of the darkness that our Military deals with daily when at war and they go to war to fight for us they need to be given some respect. This goes for the drinking age most people at the age of 18 drink anyways. So I agree with the ones below that say yes at 18 they should be able to gamble.
Posted by: Dawn | June 05, 2009 at 04:37 AM
As said before if a 18 year old can enlist in the armed forces (something A LOT more dangerous than gambling and alcohol addiction) then he should be able to make the decision to gamble or drink alcohol if he chooses. If someone hasn't matured enough to make their own decisions by the time they are 18 then most of the time they won't be any more mature at 21 (maybe a little wiser but not much more mature).
Legal gambling age in the ENTIRE United States should be 18.
Legal drinking age should be lowered to 18. (Hell they are already allowed to smoke at 18 which is a lot worse than drinking.)
Posted by: Thomas H. | October 17, 2009 at 04:27 PM