The Feb. 21 editorial “A rigged game’’ calls for reforms to Massachusetts’ lottery system, where the poor now lose twice — first by losing their own money, and second by living in poor communities whose residents contribute a high share of lottery revenue, but which don’t get a proportionate share of lottery-based state aid.

While we’re talking about reform, I raise another issue, which has been pointed out in articles on the Plainville slots parlor: the fact that those age 18 and older are allowed to play the lottery, but those under 21 are restricted from playing the slots. The solution to this anomaly is not to open slot parlors to college-age young adults, but to increase the age for lottery ticket purchases.

Many cities and towns have instituted age 21 as the minimum age to buy tobacco. Perhaps, given that addiction is a public health issue, communities’ boards of health could take the lead and institute 21 as the minimum age for buying lottery tickets.

Jeanne McKnight

Needham