Lawmaker wants gambling age raised

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI -- A Rhode Island legislator wants to raise the state's gambling age to 21.

Rep. Deborah Fellela (D-Johnston) introduced the legislation, which would ban anyone under the age of 21 from casinos or slot parlors. 

“We allow our adults to handle alcohol at a minimum age of 21 years old because it comes with a lot of responsibility and potentially severe consequences when abused,” Fellela said in a news release. “Gambling comes with hefty consequences as well. A 21-year-old theoretically is enrolled in an institute of higher education, is a member of the military, holds a job or has at least had a few years of real world experience. I think it’s reasonable for the General Assembly to look at raising the legal age..."

Under the measure, anyone caught gambling underage would face fines ranging from $100 to $500. They would also have their driver's license suspended for six months.

Parents and guardians would face similar fines if they are convicted of allowing an underage person to gamble.