New Jersey Lawmakers Seek To Relax Underage Gambling Law

There’s been a surge in underage gambling in New Jersey, which has led to additional legal charges and treatment outlets receiving more calls than ever. 

As a result, lawmakers in the state want to lessen the penalties for those under 21 who have been charged to help make courtrooms more streamlined and allow them to avoid a criminal record. 

This conversation has been happening for a bit, including back in December 2024 when similar bills were proposed. 

The Current Law

Under the current state law, people under 21 who are convicted of underage gambling face up to six months in prison and $1,000 in fines. This charge is the same whether you’re at a retail sportsbook, retail casino, online sportsbook, or more. The only form of gambling where there’s an exception is the lottery, which is available to people 18 and older. 

The charge can remain on someone's record for three years. 

The rise of online gambling platforms, mobile apps, and advertisements has made it easier for young people to be lured by the notion that they can get rich quickly through gambling,” Assemblyperson Anthony Verrelli said. “These services can appear attractive to young people who may not fully understand the risks involved, and as a result, they are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems.”

Verrelli is the chief sponsor of House Bill 5086, which seeks to revise the penalty to a civil penalty rather than a misdemeanor. 

More About This Bill

Verrelli has some co-sponsors on the bill, including fellow Assemblypersons Claire Swift and Luanne Peterpaul. This is bipartisan support, as Verrelli and Peterpaul are Democrats, and Swift is a Republican. 

Together, they propose that underage people be fined $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $2,000 for subsequent offenses. 

The fine would be sent to the New Jersey Department of Human Services for the “prevent, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gambling.” 

Thus far, HB5086 has cleared the Assembly with a vote of 73-1.

It has since moved to the Senate, where it will be considered by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Prevention Committee.

There Are Some Concerns

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, which is funded by the state gaming industry, has some concerns about HB5086. 

They say that if the penalties are weakened to not include jail time, the alw should include responsible gaming education for them. 

“When a young person is ‘fined,’ who actually pays the fine?” asked Luis Del Orbe, the council’s interim acting director. “More and more of New Jersey’s citizens need help due to the ongoing expansion of gambling opportunities. There is an urgent need for expanded education and awareness about the harms that can come of gambling, particularly with respect to youth.”