Former gambling regulator Sarah Johnson is calling for better protection for young adult gamblers, including the implementation of a uniform betting age across the country. Johnson, who previously served as the director of the Gaming Control Board in Nevada, believes that current regulations are not doing enough to prevent harm among this vulnerable age group.
“It’s clear that young adults are particularly at risk when it comes to gambling addiction,” Johnson said in a recent interview with ABC News. “We need to do more to protect them and ensure that they are not falling into dangerous patterns of behavior.”
According to Johnson, one of the biggest issues facing young adult gamblers is the lack of consistency in betting age requirements across different states. While the legal gambling age is typically 21 in most states, there are some states that allow individuals as young as 18 to participate in certain forms of gambling.
“This lack of uniformity only serves to confuse young adults and make it harder for them to make responsible decisions about their gambling habits,” Johnson explained. “We need to establish a single, nationwide standard to ensure that all young adults are protected from the dangers of gambling addiction.”
In addition to advocating for a uniform betting age, Johnson is also pushing for stricter regulations around advertising and promotion of gambling products to young adults. She believes that companies should be held accountable for targeting this demographic with enticing offers and promotions that may encourage risky behavior.
“Many young adults are lured into gambling through clever marketing tactics that promise big rewards and easy wins,” Johnson said. “We need to crack down on these tactics and ensure that companies are not preying on vulnerable individuals.”
Johnson’s calls for better protection for young adult gamblers come at a time when concerns about the impact of gambling on mental health are on the rise. Studies have shown that young adults are at a higher risk of developing gambling addiction, which can have serious consequences for their well-being and financial stability.
“We cannot afford to ignore the growing problem of gambling addiction among young adults,” Johnson warned. “We need to take action now to ensure that they are protected and supported in their efforts to make responsible choices about their gambling habits.”
It remains to be seen whether Johnson’s calls for a uniform betting age and stricter regulations will gain traction among policymakers. However, one thing is clear: the issue of protecting young adult gamblers from harm is one that cannot be ignored.