Anyone looking to gamble in New Jersey needs to be at least 21 years old. Anyone found transgressing this rule is subject to criminal charges. However, lawmakers want to change the punishment to a civil offense.
Under proposed rules, any underage gamblers would pay a $500 fine for the initial offense, $1,000 the second time, and $2,000 for further breaches. People aiding an underage person in their gambling will also be subject to the financial penalty.
money would go towards gambling addiction-related programs
All money would go towards gambling addiction-related programs, including prevention, treatment, and education. Lawmakers noted how a lot more people are partaking in gambling, especially due to the popularity of legal sportsbooks.
The next step is a vote in the full House after the bill progressed through the committee stage. Getting the support of the Senate and Governor Phil Murphy will also be necessary for the change to come into effect.
Council on Compulsive Gambling New Jersey Acting Executive Director Luis Del Orbe welcomed the easing of the punishment, although he would like to see the addition of some mandatory problem gambling education for guilty parties.