New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bipartisan proposal that would eliminate criminal penalties for underage gambling at casinos and simulcasting facilities and replace them with escalating civil fines.
Senate Bill 597, sponsored by Sens. James Beach, D-Camden, and Vincent Polistina, R-Atlantic, would change violations involving gamblers under 21 from disorderly persons offenses to civil penalties under the state Casino Control Act.
The bill would impose fines of up to $500 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense and up to $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
Under current law, a person under 21 who enters or wagers in a licensed casino or simulcasting facility can face a disorderly persons charge.
