New Jersey bill ends criminal charges for under-21 gamblers

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill 11-0, sending it to the Budget Committee next.

The hit

New Jersey’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-0 to advance a bill that would scrap criminal charges for underage gambling in favour of civil fines, according to The Press of Atlantic City. Senate Bill 597 would still ban anyone under 21 from gambling, but adults & casino staff who allow it would also face penalties.

Why it matters

The bill moves gambling enforcement away from the courts & into the regulatory system, with the money raised going to the state’s Department of Human Services rather than punishing young bettors through the justice system. For casino operators, it adds a fresh compliance risk: staff who let minors gamble face the same fines as the minors themselves.

The record

Committee vote	11-0 in favour, Senate Judiciary Committee, 15 October
First offence fine	up to $500
Second offence fine	up to $1,000
Third & subsequent offence fine	up to $2,000
Sponsors	Sen. James Beach (D) & Sen. Vince Polistina (R)
Prior attempt	S3972 proposed December 2024, lapsed before passage

What happens next

The bill moves to the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee next, then needs full Senate & Assembly approval before it can reach the governor’s desk.

Sources: NJ Bill Moves Forward To Replace Underage Gambling Charges With Fines

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