New Jersey Casinos Tighten Security on Age Requirements
As the issue of underage gambling becomes a more prominent concern nationwide, Atlantic City casinos are granted more powers by regulators to combat the problem. Security will have more ways to address gamblers who should not be participating after a vote today by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
The regulating board decided to expand the authority of casino security personnel. Previously limited to being able to force patrons to leave the premises, security will now be legally able to detain gamblers breaking state regulations until police arrive.
The new powers are designed to address both minors attempting to gamble and players who have consumed too much alcohol. Officials at the eleven Atlantic City casinos have said the drinking and age concerns are a rising problem.
Other states, such as Pennsylvania, have moved to shift a little of the burden on minor gambling to the player. Huge fines for casinos in that state are now matched by moderate fines for the participant, who previously had no incentive to not try again.
Jersey casino statistics show thousands are denied entry each year for being underage. There were 403 documented cases of underage gamblers caught inside casinos.
