Bill > A5086

This bill modifies existing New Jersey law regarding underage gambling by transforming criminal penalties into civil penalties. Currently, individuals under 21 who gamble, casino employees or licensees who allow underage gambling, and guardians who permit underage gambling were considered guilty of a disorderly persons offense (a criminal charge). The bill replaces these criminal charges with graduated civil fines: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for third and subsequent offenses. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow casino staff a defense if an underage person misrepresented their age in writing and appeared to be of legal age. Notably, the bill introduces a new provision that all collected penalties will be paid into the General Fund and specifically appropriated to the Department of Human Services for compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment programs, such as those offered by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. By changing the approach from criminal to civil penalties, the bill aims to reduce the legal consequences for underage gambling while still maintaining deterrence and supporting addiction treatment services.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5086