New Jersey bill would shift underage gambling to civil fines

Bill proposes civil penalties for underage gambling

Senate Bill 597 would eliminate the current disorderly persons offense for people under 21 who gamble at a New Jersey casino or simulcasting facility.

Under existing law, underage gambling can result in a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and a low-level criminal offense on the individual's record.

The proposed legislation would replace the criminal charge with a graduated civil penalty structure:

• Up to $500 for a first offense
• Up to $1,000 for a second offense
• Up to $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense

The same civil fines would apply to casino licensees and employees who knowingly allow an underage person to remain at a facility or gamble, as well as to adults who knowingly allow someone under their care to gamble.

Existing casino defense would remain

S597 would preserve an existing defense available to casinos when an underage person falsely represents in writing that they are of legal gambling age, appears old enough to be of age and the casino has acted in good faith.

The measure is sponsored by Senators James Beach and Vincent Polistina, with Senators Kristin Corrado, Shirley Turner and John McKeon serving as co-sponsors.

Gambling prevention would receive fine revenue

The bill would also modify how penalties collected for underage gambling are used.

Rather than being handled through the current framework, civil fines would be paid into New Jersey's General Fund. The Legislature would then appropriate the money to the Department of Human Services for programs focused on compulsive gambling prevention, education and treatment.

The proposal therefore links enforcement of underage gambling rules with funding for responsible gambling initiatives and treatment services.

Senator highlights youth exposure to gambling advertising

Polistina said the broader expansion of gambling advertising should be considered when evaluating how New Jersey addresses underage gambling.

“Gambling has become a much bigger part of everyday life, from sports broadcasts and commercials to social media and the constant stream of betting ads people see online,” Polistina said.

According to the senator, young people are increasingly exposed to gambling-related content, a factor he said should be taken into account when determining the appropriate response to underage gambling violations.

Bill would retain penalties for violations

Polistina emphasized that the proposal would not remove accountability for underage gambling or reduce the obligations of casinos to comply with the law.

“Underage gambling should never be encouraged and casinos have a responsibility to follow the law, but a criminal offense is an unnecessarily harsh consequence for a kid who makes a mistake,” he said.

The senator added that the bill would maintain penalties, increase fines for repeat violations and direct the money collected toward gambling addiction prevention, education and treatment.

“We can hold people accountable while taking a more constructive approach that recognizes the world young people are growing up in and helps prevent future problems,” Polistina said.

S597 moves to Senate Judiciary Committee

Senate Bill 597 has been referred to the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will undergo further consideration.

If advanced and ultimately approved, the measure would change the legal treatment of underage gambling violations at New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities, shifting them from a criminal offense to a civil enforcement framework while linking collected penalties to problem gambling programs.