Iowa Casino to Allow 18 Year Olds?

Gamblers under 21 may soon give the Meskwaki Casino near Tama a new way to compete against the other casinos in the state of Iowa. The younger gamblers would be limited to poker games like Texas gold-em, in which the casino would not have a stake in the outcome.

Meskwaki tribal officers say they hope the change will bring more gamblers into the casino, but this plan does raise lots of questions. The tribe is moving forward with its plan, but the state is maintaining a watchful eye and the issue is under review right now, even though the tribal gaming compact does allow for it.

The sights and sounds of a casino can be very exciting, especially at a young age. Gambling addiction counselor Diane Kepros of Anchorpoint Counseling in Cedar Rapids says she worries about the new plan. "They haven't had as much time to be exposed as far as awareness of gambling as a problem and the ability to think that through," said Kepros.

Kepros has some advice for young adults heading out to have fun at a casino: know the tell-tale signs of gambling addiction. She said, "Have a better overall idea of what they're getting into and where it could take you, because otherwise it has a tendency to creep up on you."

The tribe's gaming compact with the state does regulate games such as blackjack. The difference is that the casino has a stake in the outcome of blackjack and slots, but only the players win and lose in games like Texas hold-em.

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