New Jersey lawmakers are proposing a new bill to change the punishment of underage gambling, or those under 21 who caught criminal charges and lawsuits from relevant authorities.
Authorities will only impose fines to the offenders instead of charging a crime against them. Instead, this will be regarded as a civil offense wherein penalties start from $500 in a first offense, which increases to $2,000 for repeated cases. This will also apply to adults who help minors gamble.
All collected fines will fund programs that help prevent and treat gambling addiction, according to AP News. New Jersey's Council on Compulsive Gambling is backing this idea, suggesting that it would provide resources for education and treatment.
Assemblyman Don Guardian, who initially hesitated to support the bill, changed his stance after learning that all fine revenues would directly benefit these programs.
Critics of the New Underage Gambling Penalties
While proponents acknowledge that the bill reduces the severity of punishment, questions arise about whether fines alone are sufficient to address the problem. At the same time, many ask who would actually pay fines since parents or guardians are the ones usually paying instead of underage gamblers.
Luis Del Orbe, acting executive director of the Council, recommended adding mandatory education on the risks of gambling for underage offenders.
Now, ABC News reported that the bill will have to be approved by both houses of the state legislature first before it reaches Governor Phil Murphy's desk. However, there were already lawmakers voicing their support for the bill, believing this would balance punishment and prevention for underage gamblers.
After all, the law focuses on fines and funding treatment programs to reduce underage gambling without creating lifelong consequences for offenders.
However, proponents warn that increased accessibility to gambling, especially sports betting, is one reason why many young gamblers have increased over the years. They argue that, while some may be deterred by fines, education and enlightenment are needed to address the root of the problem.
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