New Jersey SB 597 Targets Underage Gambling Penalties

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu Oct 01, 2026, 9:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

New Jersey SB 597 Targets Underage Gambling Penalties

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New Jersey lawmakers are revisiting how the state handles underage gambling through Senate Bill 597 (SB 597). The bipartisan proposal would replace the current criminal penalty with escalating civil fines.

The bill has now been transferred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, marking its latest legislative step. However, SB 597 remains under consideration and has not become law.

SB 597 would apply to people under 21 who gamble at a casino or simulcasting facility. However, the measure would not change New Jersey's legal gambling age.

Instead, it would change the consequences for violating the existing restriction. The proposal would also preserve penalties for adults and casino personnel who knowingly permit underage gambling.

SB 597 Would Replace Criminal Charges

Under current law, underage gambling can result in a disorderly persons offense. The existing violation carries a fine between $500 and $1,000.

SB 597 would replace that criminal offense with civil penalties that increase after repeated violations. A first offense could bring a fine of up to $500.

A second violation could result in a fine of up to $1,000. Meanwhile, a third or subsequent violation could carry a fine of up to $2,000.

The proposed penalties would also apply to casino licensees and employees who knowingly allow underage people to remain or gamble. Adults who knowingly permit someone in their care to gamble would face the same civil penalties.

The legislation would retain a defense for casino personnel under specific circumstances. That defense applies when an underage person falsely represents their age in writing.

The casino employee must also reasonably believe the person is at least 21. Additionally, the employee must have acted in good faith based on that representation and appearance.

Sponsor Points to Gambling Advertising

Sen. Vincent Polistina, who sponsors the bill with Sen. James Beach, said gambling advertising should factor into the discussion.

"Gambling has become a much bigger part of everyday life, from sports broadcasts and commercials to social media and the constant stream of betting ads people see online," Polistina said. "Young people are exposed to it more than ever, and that should be taken into consideration when deciding how to handle underage gambling violations."

That advertising environment extends across the broader gambling market. It includes traditional casino promotions, US online casinos and sports wagering platforms.

New Jersey also maintains a regulated sports betting market. Therefore, advertising from US online sportsbooks forms part of the wider gambling environment.

For New Jersey gambling operators, SB 597 would preserve the existing age restriction. At the same time, it would change the legal consequences for violations.

SB 597 Would Fund Gambling Treatment

SB 597 would also direct collected penalties toward gambling prevention, education and treatment programs.

The fines would enter New Jersey's General Fund. The Legislature would then appropriate the money to the Department of Human Services for qualifying programs.

Polistina said the proposal would maintain accountability while taking a different approach to enforcement.

"This bill keeps penalties in place, increases fines for repeat violations, and directs the money collected toward gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment."

He added, "We can hold people accountable while taking a more constructive approach that recognizes the world young people are growing up in and helps prevent future problems."

Other Perspectives Have Yet to Emerge

Because SB 597 remains early in the legislative process, public debate around the proposal could develop further.

Current reporting has largely focused on statements from Polistina and the bill's sponsors. No public opposition statement from a law-enforcement organization, public-health advocate or opposing legislator appears in the latest reports reviewed.

That leaves several issues open for discussion as the measure advances. Critics could examine whether civil fines provide enough deterrence for underage gambling.

Public-health groups could also weigh the effect of changing the offense from criminal to civil. Law-enforcement stakeholders may similarly address how the proposed enforcement system would work in practice.

Those perspectives could become more relevant if SB 597 receives committee hearings or additional legislative consideration.

Latest Legislative Status

Sens. James Beach and Vincent Polistina sponsor SB 597. Sens. Kristin Corrado, Shirley Turner and John McKeon are also listed as co-sponsors.

The proposal was introduced in January before moving through the legislative process. On September 28, it was transferred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB 597 therefore remains a proposal rather than a change to New Jersey law. Its next developments will depend on committee consideration and any subsequent legislative action.

For now, the measure would retain New Jersey's 21-year gambling age while replacing criminal penalties with escalating civil fines. It would also direct those fines toward gambling prevention, education and treatment.

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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