The first would be problem gaming issues. We would be interested in seeing two potential dependent variables. That means that we can isolate the minimum gambling age in a quasi natural experiment. In short, they have a lot in common except the minimum gambling age. Both of these are smaller east coast states that share a border, have a few colleges, and are generally economically well-off. For example, Rhode Island has a minimum age of 18 and Connecticut has a minimum age of 21. However, in a few years, we could get very granular and interesting data from the states that set the age at 18 vs 21. Right now, this is mostly a fun party fact. Of course, a few states have blazed their own path and set the age at 18. With the nationwide push to also raise the tobacco purchasing age to 21, it further entrenches the idea that legal vices should have a minimum age of 21.
Additionally, with the drinking age set at 21, that also closely aligns with gambling as a newly legalized vicel.
The gambling age is 21 because that is what it is for a lot of traditional gaming.
