New Jersey Bill to Decriminalize Underage Gambling Advances
Lawmakers in New Jersey have taken a significant step toward reforming the state's approach to underage gambling. A bill aimed at decriminalizing the offense has moved forward in the state Assembly, reducing penalties to a civil infraction rather than a criminal offense.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Under this proposed legislation, individuals caught gambling underage would still be fined, but they would not face a criminal record. This marks a notable shift in policy, as previous violations could lead to a disorderly persons charge.
Related: New Jersey Considering Civil Penalties for Underage GamblingThe bipartisan-supported bill, Assembly Bill 5086, has seen swift progress since its introduction in December. Its co-sponsors, Reps. Claire Swift and Anthony Verrelli have emphasized the need for this change.
They argue that the current system places an unnecessary burden on the courts and has long-term consequences for young offenders. The proposed law would apply to all forms of gambling in New Jersey, including casino gaming in Atlantic City, online gambling, and sports betting.
According to the bill, penalties for underage gambling would be structured as civil fines rather than criminal charges. A first-time offense would carry a fine of up to $500, while a second violation could result in a fine of up to $1,000.
Any subsequent infractions would see penalties as high as $2,000. The same penalties would also apply to casino employees or licensees found responsible for allowing an underage individual to place a bet or consume alcohol.
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Untaxing the NJ Legal System
One of the primary motivations behind the bill is to ease the burden on the legal system. Swift noted that previous cases of underage gambling have led to court backlogs, with minor offenses taking months to process. By making the violation a civil infraction, the intention is to streamline the legal process while still imposing a financial deterrent for underage gambling.
Despite the reduced penalties, some advocates have expressed concerns over the absence of mandatory treatment for problem gambling. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has highlighted the growing issue of youth gambling and the need for increased education and intervention. Luis Del Orbe, a representative of the organization, stated that the rise in youth gambling necessitates a stronger focus on prevention efforts.
In contrast to a previous bill introduced by Senator James Beach, which included compulsory gambling treatment for offenders, this new proposal does not mandate any form of intervention. Instead, Swift and Verrelli have taken a different approach, focusing primarily on modifying the penalty structure rather than enforcing rehabilitation measures.
While the CCGNJ has raised concerns about the absence of mandatory treatment programs, the organization stands to benefit from the financial aspect of the bill. Revenue generated from fines will be directed toward the CCGNJ, with funds allocated for prevention, education, and treatment programs addressing compulsive gambling. This provision ensures that while the law does not mandate treatment for individual offenders, resources will still be available to address problem gambling more broadly.
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