The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee has chosen to advance bill S597, which looks to decriminalize underage gambling across the state and instead issue fines of up to $2,000 for such offenses.
S597 would alter the penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from a disorderly persons criminal offense to a civil fine of up to $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second and $2,000 for a third offense.
Fines collected as a result of the new measures would be used for prevention, education and treatment programs for compulsive gambling, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.
The violations apply to anyone who gambles at a casino while under the legal age of 21, a person who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble or an employee of a casino who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble.
The New Jersey Senate originally proposed the bill on September 30, having received sponsorship by state Senators on both sides of the aisle.
“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,” Senator Vince Polistina said.
“Young people are exposed to it more than ever, and that should be taken into consideration when deciding how to handle underage gambling violations.
The legislation would also retain the existing defense for casino employees who reasonably believed the individual was at least 21 years of age based on appearance and documentation.
S597 was advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee and forwarded to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on October 16. The bill requires approval from Senate and Assembly committees and the full membership of both Houses prior to reaching the Governor’s desk.
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States issued a request to the US Supreme Court to begin reviewing the New Jersey vs. Kalshi dispute on September 24
