Bill
Bill > A1817
NJ A1817
NJ A1817Changes underage gambling from disorderly persons offense to civil penalty; provides for deposit of all associated fines to local public safety funds.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, anyone who gambles while under the legal of 21 is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A person who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble, while they are in that person's legal care or custody, is also guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A licensee or employee of a casino who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble is guilty of a disorderly persons offense as well. This bill changes the penalties for these actions from that of a disorderly persons offense, which is of a criminal nature, to instead be a civil fine of up to $500 for the first offense, up to $1,000 for the second offense, and up to $2,000 for any offense thereafter. The fines collected will be distributed to Atlantic City for the sole use of public safety services.
AI Summary
This bill changes the penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from a criminal offense, known as a disorderly persons offense, to a civil penalty, meaning it will no longer result in a criminal record. Specifically, individuals under the legal drinking age of 21 who gamble in casinos will face fines starting at up to $500 for a first offense, increasing to up to $1,000 for a second offense, and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses. This new penalty structure also applies to casino licensees or employees who allow underage individuals to gamble, and to individuals who knowingly permit someone under their care or custody to gamble while underage. Importantly, all fines collected from these violations will be deposited into a dedicated fund for Atlantic City's public safety services.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1817 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1817_I1.HTM |
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