Assembly Passes Swift Bill Creating New Fines for Underage Gambling to Support Treatment

NJ Assembly GOP

Assemblywoman Claire Swift, a Republican lawmaker representing Atlantic City, sponsors a bill revising underage gambling penalties that passed the full Assembly on Thursday. The new fines collected under the bill would go to gambling addiction prevention and treatment. 

Increasingly, it’s young people who are seeking help for a gambling addiction, says Swift. Changing how New Jersey punishes those caught gambling under the age of 21 recognizes the growing problem.

Since the state legalized sports gambling in 2018, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey cites a 277% increase in calls to its gambler helpline with many more coming from young adults.

“Most problem gamblers report placing their first bet before they are out of high school. This bill aims to reach those young people who are on a path of self-destruction. It ensures New Jersey is not only addressing the problem of underage gambling, but also provides a long-term solution by funding the help they need,” Swift (R-Atlantic) said. 

The bill (A5086) changes underage gambling from a misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, to a civil penalty that carries fines from $500 for the first offense to $2,000 for three or more offenses. It would apply to anyone under the age of 21, guardians, and casino and simulcasting facility employees.

The fines would be appropriated to the state Human Services department for compulsive gambling prevention, education and treatment programs.