The Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) recently issued a ruling exposing a concerning incident at a casino property in Atlantic City. The ruling disclosed that ten minors, ranging from 16 to 20 years old, were able to gamble and collect monetary winnings at Resorts Atlantic City.
Despite regulations prohibiting underage gambling, the minors were able to engage in table games and slot machines for several hours before being caught by resort staff. The NJDGE confiscated a total of $242.02 in winnings from the minors.
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The Nitty-Gritty of the Underage Gambling Case at Resorts Atlantic City
Resorts AC has recently faced allegations of underage gambling, as a complaint was filed on June 26. It was reported that the casino had confiscated a total of $242.02 in gaming winnings from ten persons who were under the legal gambling age of 21.
Interestingly, each of the minors found gambling seemingly acknowledged the validity of the claims made against them in the lawsuit. This was evident as they either waived their right to a plenary hearing or failed to request one within the designated timeframe, as mandated by state regulators.
As a result of these violations, DGE’s director, David Rebuck, has ordered the minors to surrender the $242.02 they were paid in gaming profits. On top of that, he has directed Resorts AC to pay the forfeited funds to the state gaming regulator.
According to state law, if the forfeiture amount is below $100,000, half of it will be allocated to the State General Fund. The Department of Human Services will then utilize these funds to support programs aimed at treating and preventing compulsive gambling. The remaining half goes into the revolving Casino Revenue Fund.
In addition to forfeiting the $242.02 in winnings from the underage gamblers, Resorts Atlantic City was ordered to pay $5,000 in administrative costs. The casino is also required to revise its training protocols, identification checks, and floor supervision.
Consequences for Gambling Minors
Under the Casino Control Act, an underage gambling conviction carries a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000. Minors found gambling will also have their driver’s licenses suspended for a period of six months. For those who do not possess a driver’s license, their application will be deferred for the same duration.
However, an approach focused solely on punishing culpable minors may be insufficient in deterring underage gambling. That’s because social and developmental factors largely influence risk-taking in adolescents and younger adults.
In response, lawmakers in New Jersey have recently supported a proposed legislation that fronts a hybrid solution for underage gambling in casinos. Under this new bill, minors found engaging in betting would be required to seek compulsory treatment programs designed to tackle compulsive gambling.
The proposed legislation grants courts the discretion to impose fines for underage gambling. Any minor found engaging in betting activities at New Jersey casinos will be deemed guilty of a disorderly person’s offense. The fine, which will be optional, may be imposed at the judge’s discretion, irrespective of whether the offender is a first-time or repeat violator.
Should the new Senate bill be approved, courts would have the authority to impose fines of up to $1,000, enforce mandatory treatment, or implement both measures, depending on their discretion.
Underage Gambling is a Growing Issue in New Jersey and Beyond
Underage gambling continues to be a public health concern, impacting individuals, families, and communities. National data finds roughly 2% to 5% of American youth engage in underage gambling each year.
In New Jersey specifically, authorities received over 1,200 reports of underage gambling violations from 2014 to 2019. The rates are higher among certain subgroups, such as males, Native Americans, and youth with mental health conditions.
According to a report by Dr. Jeff Derevensky, director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University in Canada, young adults, particularly men under the age of 21, are at the highest risk of experiencing gambling problems. Surprisingly, evidence suggests that many adults with gambling problems started gambling as early as 9 or 10 years old.
The same report shows that up to 80% of children and adolescents worldwide have engaged in gambling activities at some point in their lives. This alarming statistic contributes to the finding that between 3% and 32% of college-age students face gambling problems, with an average rate of 10%.
Dr. Jeff Derevensky emphasizes that despite the proliferation of gambling opportunities in recent years, there has been no significant increase in the rates of problem gambling among youth.
Co-director of UCLA’s Gambling Studies Program, Dr. Timothy Fong, concurs with Dr. Jeff Derevensky’s findings that young individuals are more susceptible to developing gambling addictions than adults. In an interview with ABC News, Dr. Fong emphasized that this increased vulnerability is partially due to the underdeveloped brains of young adults, which impairs their ability to evaluate risk.
Regulatory Measures and Responsible Gambling Initiatives
To more effectively address the growing concerns around underage gambling, the NJDGE and Atlantic City casino operators have implemented a range of preventative measures. Strict age verification procedures have been established to keep minors from entering gambling facilities or making online wagers.
Educational partnerships have also been established with local schools to teach children about the potential risks and dangers of underage gambling. DGE-sponsored self-exclusion programs are now available to allow any minor who may be struggling with gambling issues to voluntarily ban themselves from all New Jersey casinos.
Wrapping Up
NJDGE ruling clearly shows that underage gambling is still rife inside Atlantic City casinos. Adopting a collaborative and public health-focused approach is the most effective strategy for reducing underage gambling and mitigating long-term harm. It emphasizes prevention through education, early intervention for at-risk youth, and treatment options, alongside the promotion of responsible gambling practices.
