New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill that intends to decriminalize underage gambling, altering the penalty for those who offend to a fine. First-time offenders would receive a $500 fine, followed by a $1,000 fine for a second offense, and a $2,000 fine for every additional offense.
SB 3246 has been approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (SSG)
Senator Vincent Polistina introduced SB 3246 in May and referred it to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (SSG). It has been approved, and now lawmakers are debating the proposed changes, which would also fine anyone involved in helping an underaged person gamble.
According to SB 3246, the bill states that the money from the fines go towards the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and other sources of problem gambling treatment, education, and prevention.
“The concern I had initially was about reducing the severity of the punishment,” said Assemblyman Don Guardian, a Republican former mayor of Atlantic City. “But the fact that all the money will go to problem gambling treatment programs changed my mind.”
SB 3246 must pass both houses of the Legislature before going to the desk of the state’s Democratic governor, Phil Murphy. The council said recently that it conditionally supports the bill but has concerns about it, according to The Associated Press.
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is pushing for expanded education and awareness about gambling harm
In a statement submitted to the Assembly panel, the council said, “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. There is also an urgent need for expanded education and awareness about the harms that can come of gambling, particularly with respect to youth.”
A 2023 study by the NCAA revealed that 58% of 18 to 22-year-olds had placed at least one sports bet, with 5% losing more than $500 in one day.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), sports betting is now legal in some form in 39 states and Washington, D.C.
Missouri was recently added to the list after residents voted “Yes” to approve Amendment 2 to legalize sports betting. The Missouri Board of State Canvassers, which includes Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Judge Jon Beetem and Judge Daniel Green, last week certified the results of the Nov. 5 general election.
