Up to $2,000 in Fines: NJ Bill to Replace Criminal Penalties for Underage Gambling

After recently seeking to protect vulnerable consumers in New Jersey from targeted advertising that could compound their gambling issues, state lawmakers are now looking into a bipartisan bill that would change the way underage gambling violations are handled at casinos and simulcasting facilities. Namely, Senate Bill 597 would replace criminal charges with escalating civil fines. Between $500 and $2,000 for Repeat Offenses Under the proposal backed by Sens. James Beach, D-Camden, and Vincent Polistina, R-Atlantic, the state’s Casino Control Act would be amended. This means that people under 21 who enter or gamble at a licensed casino or simulcasting facility would no longer face a disorderly persons offense. Instead, the bill would establish civil penalties of up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The proposal would not change New Jersey’s legal gambling age, which would remain 21. Employees and Adults Could Also Face Fines The proposed changes would also apply to casino licensees and employees who knowingly allow someone under 21 to remain in or gamble at a casino or simulcasting facility. Adults who knowingly allow a person under their lawful care, custody, or control to gamble while underage would also fall under the civil penalty system. The bill would retain an existing defense for casino employees who relied in good faith on a written representation of age and reasonably believed the person was at least 21 based on their appearance and documentation. If enacted, the legislation would also direct all money collected through the fines toward gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment. The funds would go into the state General Fund before being appropriated to the Department of Human Services for qualifying compulsive gambling programs. Bill Returns After Earlier Attempt S597 is not the first attempt by Beach and Polistina to make the change. The senators introduced a substantially similar proposal during the 2024-25 legislative session as Senate Bill 3972. The respective bill was introduced in December 2024 but failed to become law prior to the end of the session. The current measure has returned for the 2026-27 legislative session, with Sens. Kristin Corrado, Shirley Turner, and John McKeon listed as co-sponsors. The bill is currently pre-filed and must go through the legislative process before it can reach the governor. Atlantic City would be the main location affected by the proposed changes because it is home to New Jersey’s licensed casino industry. The legislation would change the penalties associated with underage gambling but would not legalize gambling for anyone under 21.