This is a sensible step that brings Washington's gambling age in line with the drinking age, and the laws of most other states.

The apparent increase in gambling among youth is staggering. All of the West Coast states and Idaho and Nevada have set the age at 21 and only two of our Indian casinos allow people under age 21 to gamble.

I was appalled that our own state government could so ruthlessly target teenage gamblers and view them as the gambling population of the future.

It's clear that the governor understands the potential problem that gambling causes teenagers, and the lottery in particular.

Gambling can be just as addictive as drugs and alcohol. Teens and their parents need to know that they're not just gambling with money, they're gambling with their lives.

Only about 15 to 20 percent are of legal drinking age.