TLDR New Jersey’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-0 to advance bill S597. The bill would replace criminal penalties for underage gambling with civil fines. Fines would start at about $500 and rise to a maximum of $2,000 for repeat violations. Money from the fines would fund compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment. The bill now heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
New Jersey lawmakers have moved forward a bill that would change how the state punishes underage gambling. The proposal would replace criminal penalties with civil fines.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-0 on Thursday to advance the bill, known as S597. The measure has not become law.
According to the Legislature’s bill page, S597 was introduced on January 13. It has since passed through several committee assignments.
How the Proposed Fines Would Work
Under the bill, a first violation would bring a civil penalty of about $500. A second violation would bring a fine of $1,000 or less.
Any further violation would carry a maximum fine of $2,000. This means repeat offenders would face higher costs.
The fines would apply to anyone under 21 who gambles at a casino or simulcast location. The legal gambling age in New Jersey is 21.
The bill also covers adults who allow a person under 21 in their lawful custody to gamble. Casino licensees and employees who permit underage gambling would face the same fines.
The change would make these violations a civil matter. Right now, they are treated as a disorderly persons offense.
Where the Money Would Go
Money collected from the fines would pay for prevention, education, and treatment services for compulsive gambling. According to the Senate Republican office, this could include programs from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.
The bill does not