New Jersey Bill Could Replace Criminal Penalties for Underage Casino Poker

Judge’s gavel, poker chips, and New Jersey flag illustrating proposed changes to New Jersey underage poker penalties under bill S597.

By Sandra Gaweda | October 20, 2026 | 3 min read

The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-0 on October 15 to advance S597.
The bill would replace criminal penalties for underage casino gambling, including live poker, with escalating civil fines of up to $2,000.
The legal gambling age stays at 21, and fine money would fund compulsive gambling programs.
S597 addresses underage gambling at casinos and simulcasting facilities without expressly changing New Jersey’s online poker laws.

New Jersey lawmakers are considering legislation that would replace criminal penalties for underage gambling at casinos, including live poker rooms, with civil fines. On October 15, 2026, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-0 to advance S597, which would replace disorderly persons charges for gamblers under 21 with escalating fines.

The proposal also covers individuals who knowingly permit underage gambling by someone in their care, along with casino licensees and employees who allow violations. The legal gambling age would remain 21. S597 now moves to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, while an identical Assembly bill awaits consideration.

How S597 Changes New Jersey’s Underage Gambling Penalties

Under current law, a person under 21 who illegally enters or wagers in a licensed casino or simulcasting facility can face a disorderly persons charge. That charge carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in prison. Offenders under 18 go through the juvenile delinquency system.

S597 removes the criminal charge and replaces it with civil fines that rise with each offense:

First offense: up to $500
Second offense: up to $1,000
Third or later offense: up to $2,000

In plain terms, a civil fine is a penalty you pay without picking up a criminal conviction. Under the bill, a 20-year-old caught wagering in an Atlantic City casino could face a fine of up to $500 for a first offense.

For live poker players, the change would affect underage gambling at licensed Atlantic City casino poker rooms. The legal gambling age would remain 21, but violations would carry civil penalties rather than criminal charges if the bill becomes law.

The money also has a set destination. PlayUSA reports that fines would go to the state’s General Fund. From there, they would be appropriated to the Department of Human Services for compulsive gambling prevention, education and treatment.

Sen. James Beach said criminal penalties could leave young people with lasting records. He also argued that directing fines toward gambling prevention and treatment would help address gambling-related harm.

S597’s Path to Becoming Law

A committee vote is an early step. S597 still needs approval from Senate Budget and Appropriations and a vote of the full Senate. The Assembly has to pass its own version before the bill can reach the governor’s desk.

Sen. James Beach (D-Camden) sponsors the bill, with Sen. Vincent Polistina (R-Atlantic) as a co-sponsor. LegalBlackjack reports that Sens. Kristin Corrado, Shirley Turner and John McKeon are also attached, giving it bipartisan backing.

The identical Assembly bill, A1822, is currently awaiting consideration by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee, according to GamingAmerica.

What S597 Means for New Jersey Poker Players

New Jersey has regulated online poker. Players must be 21 or older, and the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) regulates the market. Our New Jersey poker guide covers the licensed sites and rules.

Atlantic City’s poker rooms sit inside casinos, and reports describe S597 as covering casinos and simulcasting facilities. If S597 becomes law, an under-21 player caught gambling at a live poker table in a casino could face the new civil fines. S597 amends provisions covering casinos and simulcasting facilities, rather than the state’s separate internet gaming laws. It does not expressly change the rules for regulated online poker.

The proposed changes to New Jersey underage poker penalties would not affect where or how adults can legally play. If gambling has stopped being fun for you or someone close to you, our responsible gambling resources list where to get help. Rules differ by state, so check our state-by-state poker law guides before you play outside New Jersey.

Sandra is a content writer and editor specializing in online poker and iGaming. She covers poker sites, game formats, industry news, and US online poker laws for Legal US Poker Sites.