New Jersey Considers Replacing Criminal Penalties with Fines for Underage Gambling
Lawmakers in New Jersey are considering a change to how underage gambling violations are handled. As reported by the Associated Press, the newly proposed bill aims to shift penalties for individuals under 21 caught gambling from criminal offenses to civil violations, introducing fines instead of legal charges.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The primary goal of this legislation is to decriminalize underage gambling while addressing the rising concerns surrounding gambling addiction among young people.
Under the proposed law, individuals under 21 caught gambling would face:
- A $500 fine for the first offense,
- A $1,000 fine for the second, and
- A $2,000 fine for any subsequent offenses.
The fines collected would be redirected to programs aimed at preventing compulsive gambling, raising awareness, and funding treatment options for those struggling with addiction.
Mixed Reactions from Gambling Council
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, an organization that supports individuals affected by gambling addiction, has expressed mixed feelings about the bill. On one hand, the Council welcomes the funding for critical prevention and treatment initiatives, given the growing number of young people developing gambling problems—particularly related to sports betting.
“More New Jersey residents are seeking help as gambling opportunities expand,” said Luis Del Orbe, Acting Executive Director of the Council. He emphasized that demand for treatment services will only continue to rise as accessibility to gambling grows across the state.
However, the Council also raised concerns about the bill’s limitations. Del Orbe stressed that financial penalties alone are unlikely to solve the issue of underage gambling. He called for mandatory education programs to ensure young people are aware of the risks associated with gambling.
Who Pays the Fines?
Another sticking point is the question of who will bear the financial responsibility for the fines. The Council noted that the bill does not clarify whether the penalties would be paid by the underage gamblers themselves or passed on to parents or guardians.
The push for this legislation comes as underage gambling becomes an increasing concern in New Jersey. With the proliferation of online gambling platforms and sports betting opportunities, young people are more exposed than ever before.
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