And in the primary gambling centers of Nevada (Las Vegas and Reno) and New Jersey (Atlantic City), the age of 21 is considered set in stone. However, one Nevada lawmaker proposed that the age for gambling in his state be reduced to 18.
A bill being sponsored in the Nevada Assembly this session would lower the gambling age in the state from 21 to 18.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Jim Wheeler (R-Minden), would allow anyone into sports books, casinos, and anywhere else for gaming as long as they are 18 or older.
The move comes as a record 43 million people visited Las Vegas last year. Despite that number, gaming isn't growing as quickly as other parts of the tourism industry.
But an expert says adding 18-21 year olds into the mix wouldn't add enough to the economy to make much of a dent. They say it's more of an issue of whether 18 year olds should be old enough to gamble.
The bill has been assigned to the Judiciary Committee. Chairman Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) says while it's not a big priority this session, he's willing to give the bill a hearing.
Lowering Gambling Age To 18 In Nevada
Previous efforts to lower the gambling age have been unsuccessful in Nevada.