New Jersey legislation considers decriminalizing underage gambling
Those in violation would be subject to fines.
Key Points
- The Assembly committee has passed a bill that would invoke fines rather than criminal penalties
- Funds collected would be used for gambling prevention, education and treatment programs
Legislators in the state of New Jersey are discussing reducing the penalties for and decriminalizing underage gambling, according to an Associated Press report.
Lawmakers are considering changing the current laws that criminalize gambling under the age of 21.
They have created a bill that would make underage gaming subject to fines rather than punishable under criminal law.
Under the terms of the proposal, this activity would be considered a civil offense. A first offense would result in a $500 fine, while second offenses would bring a $1,000 fine. Any subsequent offenses would result in a $2,000 fine.
Money generated from fines would be used for compulsive gambling programs that include prevention, treatment programs and education, according to the AP report.
In a statement sent to the Assembly panel, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey commented, “More and more New Jersey citizens need help due to the ongoing expansion of gambling opportunities, and it is anticipated that the demand will only continue to grow.
“There is also an urgent need for expanded education and awareness about the harms that can come of gambling, particularly with respect to youth.”
An Assembly commitment has passed the proposal, which will move to the full Assembly for approval.
In other Garden State news, Human Services has awarded $720,000 in contracts to expand gambling disorder treatment options for players.
Legacy Treatment Services in Atlantic County, Legacy Treatment Services in Burlington County, Legacy Treatment Services in Camden County, Integrity Inc. in Essex County, Monmouth Medical Center in Monmouth County and Eva’s Village, Inc. in Passaic County all received $120,000 each from Human Services.
Providers receiving the funds will use them to hire at least one full-time gambling disorder clinician. The new staff will offer case management and treatment services to those with a gambling disorder.
Treatment options will include access to individual, group and family therapy sessions.
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