New Jersey lawmakers are weighing a proposal that could decriminalise gambling by those under 21, transforming it from a criminal offence into a civil violation. Under the new legislation, offenders would face fines, and the funds collected would be funnelled into gambling education, prevention, and treatment programmes.
The proposed bill also seeks to penalise adults who enable or assist underage gambling. While the move could soften the legal blow for young offenders, concerns linger among addiction experts about its effectiveness.
A Shift from Criminal Charges to Fines
Currently, underage gambling in New Jersey is a disorderly persons offence, a category of criminal charge that could appear on a permanent record. The new bill suggests:
- $500 fine for a first offence
- $1,000 for a second offence
- $2,000 for third and subsequent offences
These changes are designed to ease legal penalties while addressing the rising tide of gambling-related problems among youth. Assemblyman Don Guardian, a Republican and former Atlantic City mayor, initially hesitated over reducing punishments. However, he was swayed by the plan to direct all collected fines into compulsive gambling programmes.
Where Would the Money Go?
The fines would help fund initiatives like those led by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, an organisation that provides resources and support for addiction prevention and recovery. Problem gambling has emerged as a growing concern across the state, particularly with the explosion of online betting and sports wagering.
Figures showing the extent of underage gambling cases in New Jersey remain elusive, but recovery professionals have seen concerning trends. A rise in youth gambling mirrors nationwide patterns as sports betting becomes legal in more states.
For many advocates, the bill’s promise of funding treatment and education is encouraging. But some, like Luis Del Orbe, the council’s acting executive director, argue that financial penalties alone won’t solve the issue.
Education: A Missing Piece?
Del Orbe highlighted a critical flaw in the bill: while fines punish the offence, there’s no mandatory requirement to educate young gamblers about the risks they face.
“When a young person is ‘fined,’ who actually pays the fine?” he asked during a statement to lawmakers. His comment raises questions about accountability and whether parents or guardians would bear the financial burden.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling issued a statement calling for mandatory education and awareness programmes to accompany the fines. The group cited a rising need for intervention as gambling opportunities continue to proliferate.
“There is an urgent need for expanded education and awareness about the harms that can come of gambling, particularly with respect to youth,” the council noted.
Growing Gambling Habits Among Youth
New Jersey’s proposed law change comes at a time when gambling among young people is becoming alarmingly common. Experts say the accessibility of online betting apps and sports wagering platforms has made it far easier for teens and young adults to place bets.
Even without specific data on underage cases, recovery specialists report increased numbers of adolescents seeking help. The fast-paced growth of legal gambling has outpaced educational efforts, leaving many young people unaware of its risks.
“We’re seeing teenagers getting into sports betting because it’s everywhere now. It’s part of the culture,” one addiction specialist said. “But once gambling becomes compulsive, it’s not just a financial issue – it can affect their mental health, education, and future.”
Lawmakers and Advocates Debate the Bill’s Impact
The bill cleared an Assembly committee earlier this week and now awaits a full vote. For the measure to become law, it must pass both houses of the Legislature and receive approval from Governor Phil Murphy.
While the concept of reducing criminal penalties has gained traction, some advocates fear the law doesn’t go far enough. Critics argue that fines alone could normalise gambling behaviour without addressing its underlying risks.
At the same time, proponents see the bill as a practical compromise. Decriminalisation would prevent young offenders from carrying a criminal record while creating funding opportunities for much-needed addiction treatment.
For Assemblyman Guardian, the decision came down to prioritising education and recovery over punishment. “The fact that all the money will go to problem gambling treatment programmes changed my mind,” he said.
What Comes Next?
As New Jersey lawmakers debate the bill, its implications will reverberate beyond the state. With legal sports betting expanding nationwide, policymakers across the country are grappling with similar challenges.
The balance between enforcement, education, and prevention remains delicate. Will fines effectively deter underage gambling? Or are education mandates the missing link to addressing the root of the problem?
For now, the bill’s future depends on how lawmakers reconcile these concerns. If passed, it could set a precedent for how states approach the growing issue of youth gambling in a legal betting landscape.
