NJ Lawmakers Propose Fines Instead of Charges for Underage Gambling

Underage gambling is strictly monitored across the United States. While the legal gambling age varies from one state to the other, generally speaking, the minimum is 18, but the most common age required for gambling activities, similar to alcohol, is 21.

Penalties for underage gambling, similar to the minimum age, are different across the nation. However, one US state is looking into the possibility of changing the penalty for underage gambling from a criminal into a civil offense, punishable by a fine.

More Lenient Penalty for Underage Gambling Considered in New Jersey

As announced by the Associated Press, New Jersey, one of the major gambling markets in the country, may change the penalty for underage gambling. Currently, people under the age of 21 are not permitted to engage in gambling activities, regardless if that’s casino gambling or online sports betting. If anyone under the legal age engages in gambling or is aided by another person, they may be subject to a disorderly person’s penalty, a criminal offense.

A new proposal now seeks to make the punishment of such offenses more lenient. Recognized as a civil offense, underage gambling would be subjected to a range of fines with the smallest fine, $500, applicable for first-time offenders. On the other hand, a second offense would be subjected to a $1,000 fine, while subsequent offenses would be subject to a $2,000 fine.

The aforementioned proposal was recently greenlighted by an Assembly committee. It will now seek approval from the Assembly and if that happens, the proposal’s next stop will be both legislative houses in New Jersey. Ahead of its enactment as a law, the proposal would require the signature of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

Fines to Help Fund the State’s Council on Compulsive Gambling

The proceeds from the fines are expected to benefit the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling. Such proceeds are expected to benefit different gambling treatment, education and prevention programs.

Luis Del Orbe, the acting executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling, agreed that more funding needs to be dedicated to gambling treatment programs in New Jersey. However, he questioned whether or not fines alone would have the desired effect, suggesting that the proposal includes education on problem gambling.

Recently, the state’s gambling sector recorded its strongest November in 11 years. Data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), the state’s gambling regulator, confirmed that after two months of declines, casinos in Atlantic City posted exceptional results in November.