A New Jersey Senate committee has advanced a bill that would replace criminal charges for underage gambling at casinos and simulcasting facilities with civil fines. Senate Bill 597 passed the Judiciary Committee on October 15, but it has not become law.
The official bill text sets maximum penalties of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second and $2,000 for a third or later violation. New Jersey's minimum casino gambling age would remain 21. The proposal changes the form of the penalty rather than legalizing underage play.
The civil fines would also apply to a person who permits someone under 21 in their legal care to gamble and to casino licensees or employees who allow the violation. Existing good-faith protections would remain available where an employee reasonably relied on written proof of age and the person's appearance.
The committee announcement from sponsor Vince Polistina's office says collected money would support compulsive-gambling prevention, education and treatment. A current legislative report places the next review in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The measure would still need further committee and floor approvals in both chambers before it could reach the governor.
