Lawmakers in New Jersey are considering a significant change to the state’s approach to underage gambling. A proposed bill aims to shift penalties for those under 21 who gamble illegally from criminal charges to civil fines, marking a notable shift in enforcement and prevention strategies.

From criminal offense to civil fines:

Under the proposed legislation, individuals under the legal gambling age caught participating in gambling activities would no longer face criminal charges. Instead, fines would be imposed: $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, and $2,000 for any subsequent violations.

The bill would also penalize those who facilitate underage gambling, including adults who help minors place bets.

Assemblyman Don Guardian, a Republican and former mayor of Atlantic City, initially expressed concerns about reducing the punishment’s severity. However, he changed his stance after learning the fines would directly fund programs focused on problem gambling treatment, education, and prevention.

“The concern I had initially was about reducing the severity of the punishment,” Guardian stated. “But the fact that all the money will go to problem gambling treatment programs changed my mind.”

While exact figures on underage gambling offenses remain unavailable, stakeholders in gambling recovery and treatment have noted a troubling trend: increasing numbers of young people are engaging in gambling, particularly in sports betting. As sports wagering becomes more widespread across the country, concerns about its impact on youth continue to grow.

Luis Del Orbe, the acting executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, supports the bill’s funding goals but expressed reservations about its overall effectiveness.

“When a young person is ‘fined,’ who actually pays the fine?” Del Orbe questioned, emphasizing the importance of mandatory education alongside financial penalties. As reported by Associated Press, he urged lawmakers to include educational requirements about gambling addiction as part of the proposed penalties.

The Council underscored the need for expanded resources to address gambling-related harms, particularly among young individuals. “More and more of 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,” the organization stated.

The proposal has cleared an Assembly committee and now moves to the full Assembly for a vote. To become law, it must pass both the Assembly and Senate before being signed by Governor Phil Murphy.

NJ internet gambling revenue soars to record $214 million in November:

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement revealed that November’s $214 million in internet gaming revenue narrowly surpassed the previous record of $213 million set just a month earlier. Compared to the same period last year, online gambling revenue surged by nearly 25%, underscoring its critical role in the state’s gaming economy.

Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, noted that the market’s consistent performance highlights the lasting popularity of online gaming options. “New Jersey’s internet gambling market exceeded $200 million for the third month in a row,” she explained, reinforcing the strength of digital platforms in the post-pandemic landscape.

When combining revenue from internet gambling, sports betting, and in-person casino operations, total gaming earnings for November reached $556 million—a 15.4% increase year-over-year. Analysts partially attribute this boost to the presence of two additional weekend days in November compared to 2023.

The breakdown shows significant growth across several operators. Borgata led the market, generating a combined $122.6 million in November, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Resorts followed closely with $101 million, reflecting a 28% jump, while Golden Nugget saw a 26% rise, reaching $77 million. Hard Rock also experienced notable growth, bringing in $63.5 million, up over 21%.

Conversely, some casinos reported declines in specific areas. For in-person revenue, Caesars and Tropicana saw drops of 7.4% and 7.3%, respectively.

Sports wagering remains another major contributor to New Jersey’s gambling market. November saw sports betting revenue approach $119 million on a total handle of $1.2 billion.

The Meadowlands Racetrack, which partners with FanDuel, remained a key player despite reporting a 12.3% year-over-year decline, generating $50.5 million. Resorts, aligned with DraftKings, recorded nearly $38 million, doubling its earnings from the same month last year. Monmouth Park, benefiting from reduced competition, saw its sports betting revenue climb by 163%, reaching $2.5 million.