New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Senate Bill 597 to Replace Criminal Penalties for Underage Gambling with Civil Fines
New Jersey Senate Bill 597 advanced unanimously from the Judiciary Committee on October 15, proposing civil fines of up to US$2,000 for underage gambling instead of criminal penalties. The bill covers minors, guardians, licensees, and employees while preserving good-faith age verification defenses and directing revenue to harm reduction programs.
SCCG Take — The civil penalty structure reduces criminal exposure for operators and staff while channeling funds directly to prevention services, signaling a more balanced regulatory approach for compliance and public health.
New Jersey lawmakers have advanced legislation to shift penalties for underage gambling from criminal offenses to civil fines. Senate Bill 597 cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously on October 15 and now proceeds to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The measure maintains the state’s minimum legal gambling age of 21 while altering enforcement mechanisms at casinos and simulcasting facilities.
Provisions of the Proposed Penalty Framework
The bill would eliminate disorderly persons offenses for violations involving people under 21. It applies to adults who allow minors under their legal care to gamble, as well as casino licensees and employees who permit such activity. First offenses could draw fines of up to US$500, increasing to US$1,000 for a second offense and US$2,000 for a third or subsequent violation.
The bill would alter how cases are handled, including those involving people under 18 who are currently subject to the juvenile justice system. The legislation retains an existing defense for casino employees who relied in good faith on written proof of age and reasonably believed the individual was at least 21 based on appearance and documentation. All revenue from these civil penalties would deposit into the state’s General Fund.
Funding for Harm Reduction and Legislative Sponsors
The Legislature would allocate collected funds to the Department of Human Services to support eligible programs addressing gambling-related harm, including prevention, education, and treatment services. Potential beneficiaries include services provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, according to reporting by Focus Gaming News.
The bill is sponsored by Democratic Senator James Beach, who represents Camden and Burlington counties, and Republican Senator Vince Polistina of Atlantic County. Senators Kristin Corrado, Shirley Turner, and John McKeon are listed as co-sponsors. Operators will track the bill’s progress through the appropriations process, as successful enactment would redirect enforcement emphasis toward civil accountability and targeted funding streams.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
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