New Jersey lawmakers push to decriminalize underage casino gambling

A new bill in New Jersey proposes replacing criminal charges for underage gamblers with civil fines.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 30 September 2026

New Jersey lawmakers are pushing forward with a bipartisan bill that would remove criminal penalties for underage casino gamblers. Senate Bill 597 aims to change the current misdemeanor charge into a civil penalty system. Lawmakers want to stop young people from receiving permanent criminal records for placing unauthorized bets.

How the proposed fines work

Under the new legislation, a first offense would carry a fine of up to five hundred dollars. A second violation would increase the fine to one thousand dollars. Any subsequent offenses would result in a two thousand dollar penalty. These rules would apply to Atlantic City casinos and sportsbooks at simulcast facilities.

Revenue collected from these civil fines would go directly to the Department of Human Services. The money would fund education, prevention, and treatment programs for compulsive gambling. Employees who knowingly permit minors to play and adults who help them would face the same civil penalties.

Casino security and current laws

Atlantic City venues must legally verify that every guest on the gaming floor is at least twenty one years old. Security teams check identifications at all entrances, though advanced fake IDs make the job difficult. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement handles these violations and has issued massive historical fines to major casinos for letting minors play.

Senator Jim Beach has spent four years advocating for this legislative change. The current session runs until December seventeenth, giving the Senate Judiciary Committee time to review the measure. Senator Kristin Corrado sits on the committee and serves as one of the primary cosponsors.

What it means for a bet

While underage gambling laws might change from criminal to civil offenses, sportsbooks and casinos will still strictly enforce age limits and face heavy fines for letting minors play.

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