New Jersey’s Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced S597 with bipartisan support, proposing to replace criminal penalties for gambling by people under 21 with civil fines of up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second and $2,000 for a third. The bill would direct the money collected to compulsive-gambling prevention, education and treatment programs.

The proposal changes the legal framework but does not remove penalties. It would cover under-21 gambling at casinos or simulcasting facilities, as well as adults who allow someone in their legal care or custody to gamble and casino licensees or employees who permit underage gambling.

Who the proposed fines would cover

S597 applies to people who gamble at a casino or simulcasting facility before turning 21.…