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NJ S597

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

James Beach

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Changes underage gambling penalties in New Jersey from criminal disorderly persons offenses to civil penalties: up to $500 for first offense, up to $1,000 for second offense, and up to $2,000 for third and subsequent offenses
  • Applies the same civil penalty structure to casino licensees, employees, and guardians who allow persons under 21 to gamble
  • Directs all collected fines to the General Fund for appropriation to the Department of Human Services for compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment programs
  • Maintains existing defenses for casino employees who were deceived by written misrepresentation of age, reasonable appearance of legal age, and good faith reliance on both

Legislative Description

Revises penalty for underage gambling to be civil penalty; provides for all associated fines to be used for gambling addiction treatment.

State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available