New Jersey Advances S597 Underage Gambling Penalty Bill

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Oct 19, 2026, 12:00 pm ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

New Jersey Advances S597 Underage Gambling Penalty Bill

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New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would replace criminal penalties for underage gambling with civil fines. Senate Bill S597 cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 15, following an 11-0 vote.

The proposal would retain financial penalties while directing collected revenue toward gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment programs. It now moves to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

The bill comes as New Jersey gambling regulators and lawmakers continue addressing the risks associated with gambling access and advertising. 

Although US online sportsbooks and US online casinos operate within regulated markets, S597 specifically addresses underage gambling at licensed casinos and simulcasting facilities.

S597 Would Replace Criminal Penalties With Civil Fines

Under current New Jersey law, people under 21 who illegally enter or wager at licensed casinos or simulcasting facilities can face disorderly persons offenses. 

The penalties include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in prison. Individuals under 18 are handled through the juvenile delinquency system.

S597 would replace these criminal penalties with escalating civil fines for covered violations, regardless of the individual's age. The proposed structure would impose fines of up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

The legislation would not legalize underage gambling. Instead, it would change how New Jersey handles violations while preserving financial consequences for repeat offenses.

The proposal also extends beyond underage gamblers themselves. It covers people who allow someone under 21 in their lawful care or custody to gamble. Casino licensees and employees who permit underage gambling would also face penalties under the bill.

James Beach Says Prevention Should Take Priority

Democratic Senator James Beach, one of the bill's primary sponsors, argues that criminal punishment can create lasting consequences for young people. He believes prevention and behavioral changes offer a more constructive approach to reducing future gambling-related harm.

"While studies have shown that young people are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems, punishment through the criminal justice system could saddle them with criminal records. Our efforts are better spent focusing on behavioral changes that may prevent future addiction."

Beach also emphasized the proposed use of fine revenue to support responsible gambling initiatives.

:By replacing criminal penalties with civil fines and directing that revenue towards gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment programs, we will help young people avoid gambling-related problems in the future."

Fine Revenue Would Support Gambling Addiction Programs

Under S597, collected penalties would enter New Jersey's General Fund for legislative appropriation to the Department of Human Services. The department would then use the funding for qualifying compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment programs.

Potentially relevant local organizations include the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which provides gambling-related education, prevention resources, and support services. Its work illustrates the types of community-based resources that address gambling-related harm across the state. However, the bill's proposed funding provisions do not establish CCGNJ as a designated recipient of the collected fines.

Republican Senator Vincent Polistina, another primary sponsor, has also emphasized accountability and education. He argues that young people encounter gambling promotions through sports broadcasts, commercials, social media, and online advertising. 

The bill would preserve consequences for violations while directing resources toward preventing future problems.

The approach reflects a distinction between maintaining gambling restrictions and determining how violations should be punished. Rather than relying on criminal penalties, sponsors want the state to prioritize education and behavioral change.

What's Next for New Jersey's S597?

Following the unanimous committee vote, S597 was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The proposal has not become law and must advance through further legislative steps before implementation.

The measure also follows earlier efforts to revise underage gambling penalties. Similar proposals appeared in previous legislative sessions but did not become law. S597 renews that effort during New Jersey's 2026-2027 legislative session.

For now, existing penalties remain in place. However, the bill's progress signals continued legislative attention to how New Jersey gambling policy can balance enforcement with prevention. 

If enacted, S597 would preserve financial consequences for underage gambling while directing fine revenue toward programs designed to reduce gambling-related harm.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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