A bill being sponsored in the Nevada Assembly this session would lower the gambling age in the state from 21 to 18.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Jim Wheeler (R-Minden), would allow anyone into sports books, casinos, and anywhere else for gaming as long as they are 18 or older.
The move comes as a record 43 million people visited Las Vegas last year. Despite that number, gaming isn't growing as quickly as other parts of the tourism industry.
But an expert says adding 18-21 year olds into the mix wouldn't add enough to the economy to make much of a dent. They say it's more of an issue of whether 18 year olds should be old enough to gamble.
The bill has been assigned to the Judiciary Committee. Chairman Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) says while it's not a big priority this session, he's willing to give the bill a hearing.
Previous efforts to lower the gambling age have been unsuccessful in Nevada.
