New Jersey lawmakers are considering a shift in how they penalize underage gambling. They are taking a more progressive approach to the issue. This could result in tackling it more effectively and reducing the legal burden on young offenders.
Legislation is being proposed that would replace criminal charges for gambling under the age of 21 with civil fines. This approach would focus on education and prevention rather than young offenders incurring criminal records.
The Rise Of Online Gambling
It is legal to play casino games and place sports bets at a New Jersey online casino. You must be 21 or over to gamble legally in New Jersey according to the law. The problem is that with more accessibility there is more risk of underage gambling. At present, anyone under 21 who gambles at a casino is guilty of a misdemeanor criminal offense. This carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
The Proposed Bill
Two representatives co-sponsored the proposed Assembly Bill 5086. The proposed bill suggests a $500 fine for first-time offenders.
Subsequent violations would result in fines of $1000 and then $2000. Individuals who offer assistance to underage gamblers would also face penalties.
An Assembly committee approved the bill but it still has to go to the full Assembly for a vote. It has to pass both houses before it goes to the desk of Phil Murphy, the state’s governor.
Education, Prevention, And Treatment Programs
The money from the fines would go to education, prevention, and treatment programs to combat problem gambling. Problem gambling at any age can put paid to your investment plans, create debt, and cause damage to relationships. It is hard to get accurate figures on underage gambling but many of the people involved in treatment and recovery say the numbers are increasing. There is an urgent need for education and awareness about the harms that can come from gambling. This is particularly important for young people.
Mandatory Education
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is conditionally in support of the goals of the proposed bill. However, there are worries that fines alone won’t solve the problem. The Council’s acting director, Luis Del Orbe, wants offenders to undergo mandatory education alongside penalties. He believes that fines alone are unlikely to bring about changes in behavior or create long-term awareness.
Concerns about reducing the severity of punishment were a concern for many. However, the fact that the fine money will go towards gambling treatment programs is easing the concerns.
Balancing Accountability And Support
Decriminalizing underage gambling could make sense as harsh penalties can have lifelong consequences. However, it is essential to get to the root causes of problem gambling and prevent repeat offenses.
Mandatory education together with fines could provide a balanced approach. Youth would be accountable for their actions and education could help to prevent them from offending again.
Other States Can Learn From New Jersey’s Approach
Other states can benefit from New Jersey’s experience and approach to underage gambling. The past year saw inaction rather than progress when it came to expanding legalized gambling. At present, online casinos are only legal in seven US states. Other states don’t seem to be in much of a rush to follow suit.
All the new data about iGaming means that stakeholders and lawmakers can have informed discussions about regulating it. Gambling laws may change in 2025. Even if no other states legalize online gambling this year, the groundwork is being laid for the future.
