The state of Nevada is once again contemplating reducing the gambling age from 21 to 18.
Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, the man spearheading the latest change campaign, introduced the bill on the first day of the most recent legislative session in the Silver State.
Assembly Bill 86 latest attempt to lower gambling age
The state Assembly has previously contemplated reducing the gambling age, with the suggestion first emerging in 2008, but no action was ever taken.
Wheeler presents the bill as a solution to the inherent injustice of prohibiting legal adults from gambling.
Wheeler conveyed to local Nevada news, “I believe that if you’re mature enough to fight in Afghanistan, Yemen, or Iraq, to consume alcohol in some states, or to vote, then you should also be considered mature enough to gamble, should you choose to do so.”
Wheeler admits that the change in law would significantly increase the frequency of carding casino patrons by employees such as cocktail servers. However, he believes that the inconvenience is justified.
The latest data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board shows that gambling revenues have been stable with no significant growth for nearly ten years. Altering the gambling age might increase these numbers, which are becoming a progressively smaller part of casino revenues in the age of nightclub supremacy.
Initial feedback from casinos not positive
Thus far, no comments have been made on the concept by casino executives. When the notion was previously raised, industry leaders maintained a neutral stance on the matter.
Virginia Valentine, President of the Nevada Resort Association, did provide a comment to the local NBC news affiliate.
“We are oblivious to any significant advantages of pursuing this, while the risks are ambiguous. Without a definitive policy justification, we stand against it.”
Critics of the concept swiftly highlight that the impulsive nature of young individuals could result in an increase in problem gambling if the age limit is reduced.
Supporters of the legislation quickly highlight that several states already permit gambling for 18-year-olds. Presently, 21 states provide some form of gambling to those aged between 18 and 21.
The majority of these states permit horse racing bets for the group, while still limiting casino gambling to those aged 21 and above.
More on Jim Wheeler
Some might be surprised to learn that Wheeler is lenient about the gambling age, yet firmly opposed last year’s proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in the Silver State.
In an opinion piece for the Reno Gazette-Journal, Wheeler pointed out the difficulties in determining the full impact of marijuana use on impairment. He also expressed disapproval of the bureaucracy formed by the new law, disguised as a libertarian laissez-faire governing approach.
