Senate Bill 597 advances in New Jersey to penalize underage gambling
Unanimously approved in Senate Judiciary; proposes civil fines and funding for treatment
Key Takeaways
- Senate Bill 597 passed unanimously in the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee on 15 October 2026.
- The bill would replace criminal penalties with civil fines up to US$2,000 for underage gambling.
- Fines are tiered: US$500 first offense, US$1,000 second, and US$2,000 third or subsequent offenses.
- Revenues from fines will go to the State General Fund and be appropriated to the New Jersey Department of Human Services for prevention and treatment.
- The bill preserves the good-faith defense for casino employees who reasonably relied on written proof of age.
Senate Bill 597 was approved unanimously by the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee on 15 October 2026 and proposes replacing criminal penalties with civil fines of up to US$2,000 for underage gambling in casinos and simulcasting venues. The measure now advances to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Changes to penalties and fine thresholds
The bill removes disorderly persons offences for violations involving persons under 21 and replaces the criminal framework with administrative fines. The proposed amounts are:
up to US$500 for a first violation
up to US$1,000 for a second violation
up to US$2,000 for a third or subsequent violation
The text also applies to adults who permit persons under their care to gamble, and to casino licensees and employees who allow access by minors.
Legal age and handling of juvenile cases
The law does not change the minimum legal gambling age in New Jersey, which would remain 21 years. It changes how cases involving minors are handled: matters now routed to the juvenile justice system could instead be resolved through these civil fines. Relevant stakeholders in the casino sector can refer to [regulatory guidance](/regulation) for procedural implications.
Destination of funds and beneficiaries
All revenue collected from the civil fines will be deposited into the State General Fund. The Legislature will appropriate those resources to the New Jersey Department of Human Services for eligible prevention, education and treatment programs for gambling-related harm. Potential beneficiaries include the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.
Sponsorship and preserved defenses
The bill is sponsored by Senator James Beach (Democrat), who represents Camden and Burlington counties, and by Senator Vince Polistina (Republican) of Atlantic County; Senators Kristin Corrado, Shirley Turner and John McKeon are listed as co-sponsors. The text retains the existing good-faith defense for casino employees who relied on written proof of age and on the reasonable appearance that a person was at least 21 years old.
"The bill replaces criminal penalties with a civil fine regime and preserves the good-faith defense for employees," the sponsors said in the bill summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What maximum fine does Senate Bill 597 set for underage gambling?
The maximum proposed fine is US$2,000 for a third or subsequent offense; the bill also sets US$500 for a first offense and US$1,000 for a second offense.
Does Senate Bill 597 change the minimum gambling age in New Jersey?
No. The bill does not change the minimum legal gambling age, which remains 21 years; it only changes penalties and processing for cases involving minors.
Who would be held responsible under the new fine regime?
Minors who violate the rule, adults who allow minors under their care to gamble, and casino licensees or employees who permit minor access would be subject to the fines. The bill keeps the good-faith defense for employees who relied on written proof of age.
Where will the fines collected be allocated?
All civil fine revenue will be deposited into the State General Fund; the Legislature will appropriate those funds to the New Jersey Department of Human Services for eligible prevention, education and treatment programs, including services for compulsive gambling.
What is the next legislative step for Senate Bill 597?
After the unanimous approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee on 15 October 2026, the bill moves to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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