Lawmakers in the New Jersey Assembly have voted to advance a bill to decriminalize underage gambling, reducing it to a civil infraction. Violators would still receive a fine, but nothing would go on their criminal record. The bill has moved quickly, as it was just introduced in December.
This is not the first time Garden State legislators have toyed with the idea of changing the penalties for underage gambling. It appears this version of the proposal finally has legs.
Representatives Claire Swift (R) and Anthony Verrelli (D) co-sponsored a bill that would eliminate jail time and allow a clean record for underage gamblers. However, unlike some previous proposals, it doesn’t include provisions for mandatory problem gambling treatment for offenders. That has led to a lukewarm response from some advocates.
