New York Casinos May Be Born Into Raised Gambling Age

Governor Andrew Cuomo is closing in on legislation that would bring new casinos to upstate New York. It is a plan that Cuomo has been pushing for several years, and he finally has lawmakers on board with the idea.

When lawmakers get around to passing legislation expanding casino gambling in New York, they may have to do so with the intention of making gambling for adults only. Two current lawmakers are pushing a bill that would raise the gambling age in New York from 18 to 21.

“Nobody wants to see high school students or seniors in high school walking to the casino and spending their lunch money,” said Representative Philip Goldfeter.

The Queens lawmakers is joined in his mission to raise the gambling age by Senator Joseph Addabbo.

The move to a 21-year-old limit would be in line with New Jersey. That, however, could hurt New York as they try to wrestle gamblers away from Atlantic City. Despite the negative affects raising the gambling age could have, Goldfeder believes it is necessary with new forms of gambling on the horizon.

If the bill makes it to the floor of the Legislature, it would likely face stiff competition. New York has become more liberal with their gambling laws over the past decade, and a raise to the gambling age would also mean that the state lottery would lose revenue. Currently, New Yorkers only need to be 18 to buy lottery tickets.

The ultimate say in whether Cuomo gets his casinos in upstate New York will lie with voters. Residents in the state will go to the polls in November and decide whether or not to approve two new casinos.

New York is one of a handful of Northeastern states that have increased their gaming presence over the past five years. Pennsylvania has made the biggest strides, becoming the second-largest gaming state in the nation, behind only Nevada.

Maryland, Delaware, Maine, and Massachusetts have also authorized new casinos.