NJ Bill Moves Forward To Replace Underage Gambling Charges With Fines

New Jersey lawmakers have passed a bill that would decriminalize underage gambling, replacing criminal punishments with civil fines, with revenue going to addiction prevention and treatment programs. New Jersey Bill Proposes Fines of Up to $2,000 for Underage Gambling Senate Bill 597 was approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 11-0 on October 15. The bill now heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee as it begins its journey through the legislative process, reported The Press of Atlantic City. If approved, the measure would eliminate disorderly persons offenses and instead fine violators when it involves people under the age of 21 at casinos and simulcasting facilities. The same rules would apply to adults who allow minors in their legal care to gamble, and to casino licensees or employees who allow underage gambling. Under the bill, civil penalties of up to $500 could be imposed on first-time offenders. A second offense could bring a fine of up to $1,000, and a third or subsequent offense could result in a fine of up to $2,000. The proposal would not change New Jersey’s minimum legal gambling age of 21. Instead, it would change how violations are dealt with, including those involving people under 18 who are now under the juvenile justice system. All fines collected would be deposited in the state’s General Fund and appropriated by the Legislature to the Department of Human Services. The money would fund eligible programs focused on prevention, education, and treatment of gambling harm. These could be services provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. New Jersey Renews Bid to Redirect Gambling Fines to Addiction Programs The legislation was sponsored by Sen. James Beach, a Democrat representing Camden and Burlington counties, and Republican Sen. Vince Polistina of Atlantic County. Also listed as co-sponsors are Senators Kristin Corrado, Shirley Turner and John McKeon. Beach said while criminal convictions could have long-lasting consequences for young people, targeted prevention and behavioral support could help tackle the factors behind gambling problems. Polistina noted the increasing prevalence of gambling ads in sports broadcasts, social media and digital advertising. He noted that young people are now exposed to more betting-related content, so it is worth considering a different approach to violations. Under the proposal, illegal gambling would still be penalized, but the revenues generated would go toward helping to reduce future harm. New Jersey has looked at similar changes before. Lawmakers in December 2024 proposed Senate Bill 3972, which also would have replaced criminal penalties for underage gambling with escalating fines and paid for addiction-related services. The legislative session ended before that measure could become law. The current proposal is a restart of the effort for the 2026-27 legislative session. S597 was filed in January 2026, and then advanced through the Senate committee process. The latest development comes as New Jersey is once again scrutinizing gambling-related consumer protection. However, S597 still needs to undergo further committee review and be approved by the full Senate and Assembly before it reaches the governor.