A New Jersey assemblyman has introduced legislation to change the current underage gambling law from a criminal to a civil offense and funnel fines into problem gambling programs.
Democratic assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli introduced Assembly Bill 5086 on Dec. 9, and it’s progressed out of the Assembly Committee to a second reading as of Dec. 12. Republican counterpart, Claire Swift, signed on to make the bill bipartisan.
If passed, the law would change the classification of gambling under the age of 21 to a civil offense. Along with the classification change, the fine structure would shift to $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, and $2,000 thereafter.
Money collected via fines would boost prevention, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gambling. The legislation explicitly names the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey as a provider.
Bill offers ‘common-sense’ approach, says Verrelli
Per the bill’s language, current laws hold that anyone gambling under 21 faces criminal charges:
Anyone who gambles at a casino or simulcasting facility while under the legal age of 21 is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A person who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble, while they are in that person’s legal care or custody, is also guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A licensee or employee of a casino who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble is guilty of a disorderly persons offense as well.
In a Tuesday post on his official Facebook account, Verrelli said his bill balances a need for accountability and prevention.
This legislation will replace criminal charges with civil fines for underage gambling. This common-sense approach balances the need for accountability with the need for education and prevention. By shifting the focus to education and prevention, we can better protect our youth, strengthen our communities, and make everyone safer.
The bill reflects Verrelli’s philosophy on public service, as articulated on his campaign website.
His concern for others is what led to his running for political office in 2016. He believes that everyone deserves a second chance and an opportunity to succeed.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Republican Assemblyman and former Atlantic City mayor Don Guardian said despite earlier reservations, he now backs the bill.
The concern I had initially was about reducing the severity of the punishment. But the fact that all the money will go to problem gambling treatment programs changed my mind.
While problem gambling remains an industry-wide concern, states have increased their allocations. State-level spending on problem gambling services climbed considerably in fiscal year 2023, with the national total allocations rising from $105 million to $134 million, a 28% increase.
