Casinos Aggressively Enforce Underage Gambling Law
You must be 21-years-old to gamble in New Jersey and Atlantic City casinos aggressively enforce the underage gambling law. The casinos all have their own security officers who patrol all areas of the casino hotel, including the casino floors. The security officers keep a watchful eye for underage gamblers.
What Happens If You’re Caught At A Casino Gambling Underage?
The typical scenario has a security officer approaching a young gambler at a slot machine and requesting identification to verify her age. If she is under 21, the security officer will escort her off the casino floor to a security holding area, and the official police will be called. The individual will be issued a criminal complaint for underage gambling under the casino control act – N.J.S.A. 5:12-119. This law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from gambling in an Atlantic City casino or any simulcast facility.
If the individual is convicted of underage gambling, the consequence is a disorderly persons offense. This means their criminal charge will become part of their criminal record. There’s also a fine of up to $1,000 and the individual’s driver’s license will be suspended for at least 6 months. If they’re under 17 and haven’t obtained a driver’s license yet, the issuing their drivers license will be postponed for 6 months.
A lot of individuals actually believe the legal age to gamble is 18 years old. However, absence of knowledge that the legal age is 21 is no defense to an underage gambling charge. If a parent or guardian of a person under the age of 21 allows an underage individual to gamble, that person can be charged with a disorderly persons offense as well. N.J.S.A. 5:12-119(c)
The Casino Control Commission frequently assesses substantial fines against the casinos for allowing underage gamblers to place bets. They’re crackin’ down on these underage gamblers, so know the law!
TALK TO AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY
If you or your child is currently facing underage gambling charges, talk to a criminal defense lawyer who could help. The experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty can contest the charges and help you fight, avoiding the most severe penalties. Contact us immediately to schedule a free initial consultation at 609-390-4600 or fill out the form below.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
