New Jersey Proposal Would Ease Penalties for Underage Gambling

A recently proposed bill in the New Jersey  Assembly is taking a unique approach to underage gambling. The bill would change the state’s stiff penalties for those caught gambling under the age of 21. Those convicted face up to $1,000 in fines and the possibility of jail time.

If passed, underage gambling would become a civil violation. The first conviction would result in a fine of $500, and the penalty would be doubled for each subsequent conviction. 

NJ Focusing on Education and Prevention

Many US markets have followed the lead of New Jersey by setting stiff consequences for underage gambling. The hope is that the threat of massive penalties and possible jail time will cause people to think twice before trying to gamble under the age of 21. However, the result has been young gamblers having their lives ruined by one bad decision.

Supporters of the recent proposal believe that decreasing penalties will help underage gamblers learn their lesson without damaging their future. The tiered system for fines allows underage gamblers to slip up once without having to pay $1,000+. That is a massive penalty for most Americans under 21, meaning those convicted on a first offense will be less likely to repeat their actions.

Fines Would Support Problem Gambling Programs

The bill being considered in the New Jersey Assembly would give all funds from fines to problem gambling programs in the state. This would help support those programs with the resources needed to meet the needs.

Problem gambling has been a hot topic over the last year. Many markets are struggling to curb the as programs for prevention struggle to keep up with the growing problem. 

Ban on College Player Props Being Considered

The bill isn’t the only one the Assembly is considering to protect those under 21. 

The legislature is also considering a bill banning college player prop betting. The NCAA has been requesting states take this step to stop the rise in harassment of college athletes. Player prop betting is considered to be the driving force behind the growing problem, leading to the NCAA officially requesting markets remove the controversial wager. 

While the bill has support, college player prop bets are immensely popular and will hurt New Jersey’s sports betting tax revenue if banned.