New Jersey Weighs Fines Over Jail for Underage Gambling

New Jersey is considering a significant shift in its approach to underage gambling, with proposed legislation aiming to replace criminal penalties with civil fines. The revenue generated would fund gambling treatment programs, reflecting a more rehabilitative stance. This proposal comes amidst increasing concerns about problem gambling, particularly among young people, as the rapid expansion of online gaming and sports betting creates new challenges.

From Criminal to Civil: A New Framework

Currently, underage gambling in New Jersey is treated as a criminal offense, carrying penalties of up to $1,000 in fines and six months of jail time. The proposed legislation seeks to reclassify it as a civil offense, introducing fines of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for subsequent violations. In addition to penalizing young offenders, the bill also targets adults who enable underage gambling, such as by knowingly allowing minors to place bets.

Supporters of the change argue that it aligns with how other minor infractions are handled, reducing the punitive burden on young offenders while maintaining a strong deterrent. “This approach ensures accountability without the harshness of a criminal record,” proponents say, emphasizing the focus on addressing the root causes of underage gambling rather than solely punishing it.

Comparing State Approaches

New Jersey’s proposed policy is more lenient than its current law but maintains stricter penalties compared to some neighboring states. For example, Pennsylvania imposes fines up to $300 and community service, while Ohio enforces penalties of up to $1,000 and 30 days in jail. However, New Jersey remains firm in prohibiting all forms of gambling for individuals under 21, unlike Pennsylvania, which permits minors to participate in specific lottery games.

These differing approaches highlight the complexity of addressing underage gambling. New Jersey’s strict stance underscores its commitment to protecting youth from gambling’s potentially harmful effects, even as it shifts from a punitive to a rehabilitative model.

Funding Treatment and Education

A key aspect of the bill is its allocation of fines to compulsive gambling treatment programs. Assemblyman Don Guardian, a former Atlantic City mayor, initially hesitated to support reducing penalties but shifted his stance after learning the fines would directly fund addiction services. “The concern I had was about reducing the severity of punishment. But knowing the money will help problem gambling programs changed my mind,” Guardian said.

The funds would support education, outreach, and treatment initiatives aimed at addressing gambling addiction, particularly among at-risk youth. This marks a significant pivot toward prevention and recovery, reflecting a broader understanding that gambling addiction requires more than punitive measures.

Calls for Stronger Preventative Measures

While the proposed bill represents progress, some advocates feel it falls short. Luis Del Orbe, acting executive director of the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling, praised the focus on treatment funding but stressed the need for mandatory education to accompany the fines. “Fines alone won’t suffice if parents or guardians end up paying them. We need to equip young people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about gambling,” Del Orbe said.

Del Orbe advocates pairing financial penalties with compulsory education programs to create a more comprehensive solution. He believes that educating youth about the risks and consequences of gambling is essential to curbing the problem long-term.

A Broader Legislative Effort

This proposal is part of a larger effort to regulate gambling in New Jersey. A separate bill aimed at banning the sale of lottery tickets to minors has cleared committee review, signaling lawmakers’ growing focus on safeguarding young people. Together, these initiatives reflect a state grappling with the dual objectives of fostering a thriving gambling industry while mitigating its social risks.

Tackling the Rise of Gambling Addiction

The rise of sports betting and online gaming has made gambling more accessible, raising concerns about addiction, especially among youth. The New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling has reported a surge in residents seeking help, a trend likely to continue as gambling becomes increasingly embedded in daily life through apps and digital platforms.

This legislative shift underscores the need to balance the growth of the gambling industry with proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations. By addressing the issue through fines, education, and treatment funding, New Jersey is charting a path that prioritizes prevention and rehabilitation over punishment, aiming to create a safer and more responsible gambling landscape.