TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey legislators are deliberating a proposed change that could decriminalize gambling for individuals under 21 years old. If passed, this legislation would transform the requirements surrounding underage gambling from a criminal offense into a civil one, subject to monetary penalties rather than jail time.
Under the new bill, those caught gambling under the age of 21 would face fines rather than criminal charges. The penalties would be structured as follows: a first offense would incur a $500 fine, a second offense would increase to $1,000, and any further violations would result in a $2,000 fine. The income generated from these fines would be allocated to programs aimed at preventing and treating gambling addiction, such as those offered by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.
Assemblyman Don Guardian, a Republican who previously served as the mayor of Atlantic City, expressed initial reservations about diminishing the legal consequences of underage gambling. However, he has since been swayed by the understanding that the financial penalties would contribute to the funding of vital problem gambling treatment services.
While specific statistics regarding underage gambling were not readily available, experts in the realm of gambling rehabilitation report an increasing trend among young individuals participating in gambling activities, particularly with the rise of sports betting across the nation.
The Assembly committee has already given its approval to the bill, which will now advance to a vote in the full Assembly. For it to become law, it must successfully pass through both legislative chambers before landing on the desk of Governor Phil Murphy, who is a Democrat.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey has expressed conditional support for this legislation but has also raised some concerns. Luis Del Orbe, the acting executive director of the council, highlighted his approval of the funding it would provide for treatment and educational initiatives. Nonetheless, he emphasized the necessity of incorporating mandatory educational components about the risks of gambling into the bill. He posed a thought-provoking question regarding who ultimately bears the burden of the fines imposed on young offenders.
In a statement delivered to the Assembly committee, the council articulated the increasing need for comprehensive support for New Jersey residents affected by gambling expansion. They urged for heightened educational efforts to raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with gambling, especially among youth, as the demand for assistance continues to rise.