The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee advanced two pieces of legislation sponsored by its Chair, Senator James Beach, and Senator Shirley Turner, which aim to make teenagers and young adults aware of the risks associated with underage gambling.

The first bill, S-1242, would require individuals found guilty of an underage gambling offense to participate in a compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment program, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

Under current law, a person who enters or gambles at a casino when they are under 21 years of age is guilty of a disorderly persons offense and is subject to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000. The bill would update the statute to give the court the option of whether to impose the fine.

“Underage gambling should be addressed through education and rehabilitation, rather than punishment,” said Senator Beach (D-Camden/Burlington). “Mandating treatment and providing judges the option to impose an additional fine will provide individuals an opportunity to address potentially destructive behavior without being overly punitive.”

The second bill, S-3666, would require each high school district to incorporate instruction on the potential risks of compulsive gambling into the curriculum for students as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. Instruction would include information on the dangers of gambling addiction, taking risks with personal finances or assets, and probability versus predictability.

“When minors gamble, they risk their futures. Approximately 20 percent of teenagers have a gambling problem or are at risk of developing one,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “Those who gamble are also more likely to use drugs or alcohol, as well as suffer from anxiety or depression. By passing this legislation, we can make teens aware of these risks and ensure they grow up with the knowledge they need to make responsible choices.”

The Commissioner of Education would provide school districts with resources designed to address the potential risks of compulsive gambling. The Commissioner would also be required to develop a training module on compulsive gambling for high school teachers to help local school districts fulfill the requirements of integrating the risks of compulsive gambling as part of the required gambling instruction.

Both bills advanced in a 5-0 vote.