New Jersey would send fines from underage gambling violations to compulsive gambling prevention, education and treatment programs under a bill that advanced Thursday in the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
Programs such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey would receive the revenue. The measure, S597, won bipartisan support in committee, The Press of Atlantic City reported.
The funding would come from a new penalty structure. S597 would change underage gambling violations from a disorderly persons criminal offense to a civil offense, with fines of up to $500 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense and $2,000 for a third offense.
Sen. James Beach, D-Camden, Burlington, one of the bill’s sponsors, said work on the root causes of compulsive gambling would produce better results than convictions.
“While studies have shown that young people are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems, punishment through the criminal justice system could saddle them with criminal records,” Beach said.
“Our efforts are better spent focusing on behavioral changes that may prevent future addiction. By replacing criminal penalties with civil fines and directing that revenue towards gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment programs, we will help young people avoid gambling-related problems in the future,” he added.
Casinos and guardians also subject to fines
The fines would apply to anyone under the legal age of 21 who gambles at a casino or simulcasting facility. They would also cover a person who allows someone under 21 in their legal care or custody to gamble, and a casino licensee or employee who permits someone under 21 to gamble.
Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, who also sponsors the bill, said the presence of gambling in daily life should factor into how the state handles violations.
“Gambling has become a much bigger part of everyday life, from sports broadcasts and commercials to social media and the constant stream of betting ads people see online,” Polistina said. “Young people are exposed to it more than ever, and that should be taken into consideration when deciding how to handle underage gambling violations.”
“Now, underage gambling should never be encouraged, and casinos have a responsibility to follow the law, but a criminal offense is an unnecessarily harsh consequence for a kid who makes a mistake,” he said.
“This bill keeps penalties in place, increases fines for repeat violations, and directs the money collected toward gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment. We can hold people accountable while taking a more constructive approach that recognizes the world young people are growing up in and helps prevent future problems,” Polistina added.
A second try after last year’s proposal
The bill mirrors a measure that lawmakers debated and gave preliminary approval last year, but that earlier proposal was never enacted.
After its approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee, S597 now goes to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The bill must clear committees in both the state Senate and Assembly and win approval from the full membership of both houses before it reaches the governor’s desk for action.