New Jersey Advances Bill to Replace Criminal Penalties for Underage Casino Gambling

Under existing New Jersey law, individuals under 21 who illegally enter or gamble at licensed casinos or simulcasting facilities may face criminal penalties. These include fines of $500 to $1,000 and potential imprisonment for up to six months. The juvenile justice system generally handles offenders under 18. The proposed legislation would replace these criminal consequences with civil penalties based on the number of violations.

According to the official text of Senate Bill S597, first-time offenders could receive fines of up to $500. Second offences would carry penalties of up to $1,000, while third and subsequent violations could result in fines reaching $2,000.

The changes would also apply to casino licensees, employees and adults who knowingly permit underage individuals under their care to gamble. However, the proposal targets licensed casinos and simulcasting facilities rather than imposing new penalties across New Jersey’s entire online gambling sector.

Supporters argue that the existing framework places excessive emphasis on criminal punishment instead of addressing the underlying risks associated with youth gambling.

Senator James Beach said:

Our efforts are better spent focusing on behavioural changes that may prevent future addiction.

Under S597, the state would collect fines and deposit them into the General Fund before the legislature appropriates them to the Department of Human Services. The funding would support compulsive gambling prevention, education and treatment initiatives, including programmes provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

The proposed approach reflects growing attention to early gambling exposure across the United States. Earlier this year, US lawmakers questioned betting and prediction market operators over youth gambling risks, seeking further information about safeguards designed to prevent underage participation.

Meanwhile, Michigan introduced a youth-focused responsible gaming campaign to raise awareness of gambling-related risks among younger audiences.

Although S597 would reduce the criminal consequences associated with certain violations, it would not remove operators’ responsibility to prevent underage gambling. Licensed casinos and their employees would remain liable for allowing individuals under 21 to enter restricted gaming areas or place wagers.

The proposed civil penalty structure would apply to relevant violations, while existing protections concerning age verification and lawful access would remain important for compliance. The measure also comes as New Jersey considers other changes to gambling oversight.

Previously, New Jersey lawmakers introduced broader online gambling reform proposals covering marketing practices, payment methods and player protections. However, S597 follows a separate legislative process focused on penalties at land-based gaming facilities.

After the Senate Judiciary Committee approved it, the Senate referred S597 to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The proposal must complete the remaining legislative process before it can become law.

If enacted, the legislation would replace the existing criminal penalty framework for specified underage gambling offences while establishing a dedicated mechanism for supporting gambling addiction prevention programmes. For New Jersey’s casino industry, the proposal could shift enforcement policy without changing the legal gambling age or removing operators’ existing compliance responsibilities.