Former gambling regulator John Smith is calling for better protection for young adult gamblers, including implementing a uniform betting age across the country. Smith, who served as a regulator for over 20 years, believes that the current lack of consistent regulations for young adults gambling is putting them at risk.
In an interview with MyNorthwest, Smith highlighted the fact that while the legal age for gambling varies from state to state, there is no federal regulation in place to ensure that young adults are adequately protected. He argues that this lack of consistency leaves young adults vulnerable to developing harmful gambling habits.
Smith pointed out that young adults are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of gambling due to their age and lack of experience. “Young adults are at a stage in their lives where they are still developing their decision-making skills and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors,” Smith explained. “Without proper regulations in place, they are at risk of developing gambling addictions that can have serious consequences for their future.”
One of the key measures that Smith is advocating for is a uniform minimum betting age of 21. He believes that this age limit would help to protect young adults from the potential harm of gambling by ensuring that they are at a more mature and responsible stage of their lives. “By setting a minimum betting age of 21, we can help to mitigate the risks that young adults face when engaging in gambling activities,” Smith said.
In addition to implementing a uniform betting age, Smith is also calling for stricter regulations on advertising and promotion of gambling to young adults. He argues that the constant bombardment of advertisements for online casinos and sports betting sites can make it difficult for young adults to resist the temptation to gamble.
Overall, Smith believes that it is crucial for lawmakers to take action to better protect young adult gamblers. “We need to put measures in place to ensure that young adults are not being exploited by the gambling industry,” Smith emphasized. “By implementing a uniform betting age and stricter regulations, we can help to safeguard the well-being of young adults and prevent them from falling into the trap of gambling addiction.”