Gambling Age Could Be Lowered In Nevada To Combat Economy

With gambling low on everybody's list of priorities these days it is the state of Nevada and their casinos that are taking one of the biggest hits in the current economy. The state, however, is exploring options that would help raise revenue.

One of the options that is being discussed by legislators is lowering the gambling age from twenty one to eighteen. If the age is lowered, the state would be hoping to attract a younger clientele to help boost revenues.

"I personally feel that this is a way that additional revenue could be generated, and if that means keeping our teachers employed and not cutting the state budget any further, I think it should at least be discussed," said Thomas Slock, a lawyer for Aristocrat Technologies.

While the current law prohibits anyone under the age of twenty one to gamble, it is only a misdemeanor. With expanding casinos in neighboring states, it is becoming difficult to lure people away and to Nevada casinos.

California and Arizona both have casinos where the age requirement to gamble is eighteen. That makes it further difficult to convince people that they should travel away from their home states to visit Nevada casinos.

"If Nevada wants to stay at the top of the casino industry, they need to make some changes. One of those changes is the gambling age limit. Other states are realizing that if men and women can serve in the military, they should be allowed to gamble. This is a change that would be positive for Nevada casinos," said analyst Bill Murdley.

November 11, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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