New Jersey Considers Bill to Decriminalize Underage Gambling

A Shift from Criminal Charges to Civil Fines

Under current New Jersey law, individuals under 21 caught gambling face disorderly persons charges, which can lead to up to six months in jail and fines reaching $1,000. The new bill proposes treating underage gambling as a civil offense instead. Instead of a criminal record, offenders would receive tiered fines based on the number of violations:

• First offense: Up to $500
• Second offense: Up to $1,000
• Subsequent offenses: Up to $2,000

Additionally, casino employees or operators who knowingly allow underage individuals to gamble would also face similar financial penalties.

Supporters of the bill, including Republican Assemblywoman Claire Swift and Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, believe that the current penalties are too harsh. They argue that a criminal record for underage gambling can have long-term consequences, affecting college admissions, job opportunities, and financial stability.

Another key argument is that the legal system is overloaded with underage gambling cases. Lawmakers say that shifting these offenses to the civil system will help streamline court proceedings, allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious offenses.

Concerns from Responsible Gaming Advocates

Despite the bill’s growing support, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has voiced strong concerns. The organization fears that eliminating criminal penalties without introducing mandatory education or treatment could lead to an increase in problem gambling among young people.

Luis Del Orbe, a representative from CCGNJ, highlighted that gambling addiction is already a growing concern among minors, especially with the rise of mobile sports betting and easy access to online gambling platforms.

The absence of mandatory counseling or treatment in the bill has raised concerns that young offenders may continue gambling without intervention.

One notable aspect of the bill is that all fines collected from underage gambling violations would be allocated to CCGNJ. These funds would support programs focused on gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment.

While CCGNJ acknowledges that these funds will help its mission, its leadership remains adamant that financial penalties alone are not enough to address the root of the problem.