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Wed, Nov 12, 2008 (2:07 a.m.)
Minors and gambling
Question about whether to lower gambling age should be met with a resounding no
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. |
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发表于 2008-11-13 09:11
