Trenton – In an effort to tackle the issue of underage gambling and to support young individuals at risk, the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee has given its seal of approval to a significant piece of legislation.
The bill, sponsored by Committee Chair Senator James Beach, proposes the establishment of a compulsive gambling prevention program as an alternative penalty for underage gambling.
Recognizing the severity of gambling addictions and their increasing prevalence among teenagers, Senator Beach (D-Camden/Burlington) highlights the importance of redirecting young gamblers toward appropriate treatment rather than subjecting them to fines that may disproportionately impact low-income families.
By creating this program, the aim is to address unhealthy gambling habits at an early stage and prevent recurring offenses among youth.
The legislation, known as S-1599, seeks to authorize the implementation of a comprehensive compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment initiative as a penalty for underage gambling cases. It also grants judges the discretion to determine the appropriate monetary penalty based on individual circumstances.
The bill successfully passed the committee with a unanimous vote of 5-0, signaling strong support for its objectives and potential positive impact on tackling the issue of underage gambling.