New Jersey Considering Civil Penalties for Underage Gambling
Underage gambling laws are strictly enforced across the United States, with the legal gambling age varying by state. While 18 is the minimum age in some areas, in the majority of states the minimum age is 21.
New Jersey proposes fines for underage gambling offenses.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Penalties for underage gambling also differ depending on the state. However, with NJ online casinos being home to one of the largest gambling markets in the US, is considering revising its approach by reducing the penalty for underage gambling from a criminal charge to a civil offense with fines.
New Jersey Seeks Softer Penalties for Underage Gambling
According to the Associated Press, New Jersey currently prohibits individuals under 21 from participating in any gambling activities, whether at casinos or through online sports betting platforms. Breaking this law, or helping someone underage to gamble, currently results in a disorderly person’s offense, which is a criminal charge.
However, a new proposal aims to reduce the severity of the punishment. If passed, underage gambling would become a civil offense, leading to financial penalties instead of criminal charges. The proposed fines include $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for subsequent violations.
The measure recently advanced through an Assembly committee and now awaits approval from the full Assembly. If successful, the bill will proceed to New Jersey’s legislative houses before requiring the signature of Democratic Governor Phil Murphy to become law.
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Fines to Support Gambling Treatment and Prevention Programs
Revenue from the proposed fines would be allocated to the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling. These funds are expected to boost various initiatives, including treatment programs, prevention strategies, and educational campaigns targeting gambling addiction.
Luis Del Orbe, the acting executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling, has expressed support for increased funding but raised concerns about the proposal’s effectiveness. He suggested that fines alone might not achieve the intended outcomes and recommended incorporating educational measures about problem gambling into the initiative.
The proposal comes at a time when New Jersey’s gambling sector is thriving. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) recently reported the state’s best November results in 11 years. After two consecutive months of decline, Atlantic City casinos posted excellent results last month.
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