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New York considers raising gambling age for video lottery terminals to 21
The legal gambling age for Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) in New York could soon rise to 21 under a new proposal by State Senator Joseph Addabbo. Currently, individuals aged 18 and older can play the state’s 17,600 VLTs, which are slot-like machines linked to the New York State Gaming Commission’s centralised lottery system.
These machines are located at nine racinos and off-track betting facilities, including Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, Resorts World New York City, Saratoga Casino Hotel, and others. While the minimum age to participate in the New York Lottery remains 18, the proposal would align the gambling age for VLTs with the legal drinking age.
Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, has been advocating for this change since the 2011-12 legislative session. His Senate Bill 2610 (SB2610) aims to address concerns over the potential risks VLTs pose, particularly for younger players.
The senator said that VLTs are more akin to traditional slot games, which rely on chance more than anything else. He added that they may also be higher propensity games, meaning they are likely to cause more harm, especially in younger and more vulnerable groups.
The bill would not impact the gambling age for other lottery games but would raise the age for Quick Draw, a keno-style game available in bars and establishments serving alcohol, to 21. Addabbo’s proposal seeks consistency with the 2013 commercial casino law, which mandates a minimum age of 21 for casino gaming.
Last year, similar legislation advanced through the Senate Gaming Committee with a 5-2 vote before stalling in the Senate Rules Committee. SB2610 is currently under review by the Gaming Committee, and if passed, racinos and VLT venues would be required to implement the new age restrictions.
Earlier last week, the New York Senator also introduced a new bill, SB2614, which seeks to authorise online gaming and lottery gaming in the state. The bill aims to establish a robust framework for online gaming. This marks the third consecutive year he has introduced bills to bring iGaming to New York.
Senate Bill 2614 aims to legalise online casinos in New York, creating a regulatory framework that balances economic opportunities with consumer protection. By introducing clear licensing and taxation rules, the bill seeks to attract legitimate operators while excluding those who have operated illegally in the past.
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