Casino First To Allow 18-Year-Olds

SUQUAMISH, Kitsap County - The Clearwater Casino, operated by the Suquamish Indian Tribe, says it has averaged about 35 young gamblers per day since it lowered its minimum age to 18 from 21 last week.

The casino is the first tribal casino in the state to lower its minimum age. "We're doing this because of the demand," said Desmond Gibson, marketing director. "We live in an area with many young military people and they haven't been allowed to come in. Here they are, old enough to work on a warship, and yet they haven't been able to gamble."

Washington's minimum age for gambling has always been 18, but that age group has been shut out of casinos because state liquor laws require that they be 21 to enter. Clearwater is one of many tribal casinos that serve alcohol.

But the Suquamish tribe argued that many card rooms without state compacts serve liquor where minors are allowed, so the same policy should apply to casinos.