But for those under 21, it's a guaranteed bet they won't get in.

"There's debate about this all over the country," said Penn National spokesman Bob Tenenbaum. "Our belief is that 21 is a much more appropriate age. 21 year olds are better able to handle gambling than 18 year olds."

Some students at the Ohio State University disagree with the decision. They argue that 18 year olds can already gamble, by playing the Ohio lottery or heading to a racetrack.

"At 18, you're legal to vote. You're supposed to be an adult then, so you should be able to manage your money and spend it wisely," said OSU student Stephanie Shop.

OSU student Nick Kutasy agreed. "If you're allowed to fight for your country overseas and all that, and you have to be 18, why can't you drink or go gamble in a casino?"

Casino officials answer by pointing to gambling addiction.

"We recognize there are people who are susceptible to gambling problems just like there are people susceptible to alcohol. 21 year olds are better able to handle that than 18 year olds," Tenenbaum told ONN's Jim Heath.

Rob Walgate agrees. He went all in and developed a gambling addiction as a teenager.

"It started in high school, and it elevated when I was in college," Walgate said. "I got failing grades at three different schools. And it ended up with me having to sit in rehab."

Walgate said too many college students see gambling as a harmless pastime.

"The access to credit that young people have sometimes they're not fully aware what's going on and they get in deep at a very young age, and it takes many years to climb out of the hole," Walgate commented.

Other OSU students agree.

"18 year olds shouldn't be allowed to gamble, it should be 21," said one. 

Another student added, "I think even 21 is too young."

One student summed up his views by saying, "There's booze at a casino. I feel that's just bad news bears to have 18 year olds there."

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