SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1242

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 25, 2025

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1242.

      Under current law, a person who enters or gambles at a casino when the person is 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.

      This bill would allow the court the option to impose the fine, and to also require that person to participate in a compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment program that meets certain criteria, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.