Addabbo seeks to raise gambling age

Addabbo wants the state to start talking now about raising the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 years of age.

“That would bring us in line with New Jersey and Connecticut,” Addabbo said, referring to neighboring states that have had large scale casinos for years.

“I haven’t counted votes yet; it’s way too early in the process,” the senator told the Chronicle on Tuesday. “Right now I just wanted to get the conversation started.”

The governor’s proposed convention center would be operating by Genting Americas, which currently operates the new — and highly profitable — casino at Aqueduct.

Right now it has slot machines, video poker and other electronic games of chance, but is banned by state law from having dealer-run table games such as blackjack and roulette.

Cuomo’s office did not return calls seeking comment on Addabbo’s effort, but the governor has said allowing casino gambling would simply acknowledge the reality of the existence of gambling in the state.

That said, Addabbo believes his measure will address the reality of gambling addictions in young adults.

He said high school and college age adults are more likely to develop an obsession similar to alcohol abuse.

“Making the gambling age 21 would ensure that there is a smaller likelihood that the youths in the state develop gambling addictions,” he said.

Addabbo pointed out that the Genting site has been very successful — but also is located near John Adams High School.

“Genting doesn’t need John Adams students’ lunch money to be successful,” he said.

Addabbo said his proposed amendment would have to pass both houses of the legislature this year and again in 2013, and then would have to be placed on a statewide referendum ballot.