New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2331

Introduced
1/25/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/25/24  
Refer
1/13/26  
Report Pass
1/29/24  
Refer
1/29/24  
Report Pass
10/7/24  
Engrossed
10/28/24  
Enrolled
12/19/24  
Chaptered
1/30/25  

Caption

"Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act"; establishes procedures regarding collection of child support on behalf of children in custody of DCPP.

Impact

If enacted, S2331 will significantly change the legal landscape for casinos operating within New Jersey by allowing civil liability claims related to failures in adhering to self-exclusion lists. Previously, casinos and their employees could not be held responsible for permitting self-excluded individuals to gamble. This change means that facilities will need to implement stricter compliance measures to avoid potential lawsuits, which may elevate operational costs associated with training staff and systematizing self-exclusion processes. Furthermore, it underscores a commitment to responsible gambling initiatives aimed at protecting those struggling with gambling addiction.

Summary

S2331 is a bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that seeks to establish civil liability for casinos and simulcast facilities if they act with reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward individuals who have self-excluded themselves from gaming activities. The legislation aims to amend existing statutes regarding the New Jersey Casino Self-Exclusion Program, which allows individuals with gambling problems to voluntarily exclude themselves from all gaming in licensed casinos and simulcast facilities. Recent amendments enable courts to hold these facilities accountable when they knowingly disregard self-exclusion protocols, enhancing protections for vulnerable individuals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding S2331 appears largely supportive among advocates for responsible gambling, particularly those concerned with protecting vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of gambling addiction. However, there may also be reservations from the casino industry regarding the potential repercussions of civil liability on their operations. With increased accountability, there is a broader agreement among different stakeholders that casinos should be held responsible for ensuring that self-excluded individuals are adequately protected from engaging in gambling activities.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the balance between holding facilities accountable and the potential consequences on the gaming industry. Opponents of the bill may argue that imposing civil liabilities could lead to increased operational burdens on casinos, ultimately disincentivizing them from participating in responsible gaming initiatives. Furthermore, defining the thresholds for 'reckless indifference' or 'intentional misconduct' raises legal questions that could provoke challenges in enforcement. The successful implementation of this bill hinges on developing clear regulations and support measures that assist both casinos and self-excluded individuals in navigating this complex legal environment.

Companion Bills

NJ A3517

Same As "Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act"; establishes procedures regarding collection of child support on behalf of children in custody of DCPP.

NJ S3063

Carry Over Establishes "ATV Law Enforcement Task Force" to enhance and coordinate efforts to enforce laws pertaining to ATVs; appropriates $1 million.

NJ A5348

Carry Over Requires Superintendent of State Police to publish cannabis-related fatal motor vehicle crash statistics.

Previously Filed As

NJ HB2429

AN ACT Relating to supporting children and youth behavioral health;

NJ SB6224

Supporting children and youth behavioral health.

NJ S2331

Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities.

NJ HB154

Provides relative to paternity and the collection of child support

NJ HB2957

STRONG Support for Children Act of 2025 Services and Trauma-informed Research of Outcomes in Neighborhoods Grants for Support for Children Act of 2025

NJ SB600

Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act

NJ S07978

Provides additional support to children with complex needs under the jurisdiction of the state; requires data collection regarding children under the jurisdiction of the state.

NJ A07603

Provides additional support to children with complex needs under the jurisdiction of the state; requires data collection regarding children under the jurisdiction of the state.

NJ H4216

To promote equitable hair care for children in state custody

NJ HB1779

supporting the cultural background of children placed in foster care.

Similar Bills

WY SF0045

AN ACT relating to pari-mutuel wagering; specifying requirements for simulcasting permits, including historic horse racing terminals; requiring approval by a city, town or county for the issuance of a simulcasting permit as specified; authorizing conditions and revocation of approval; authorizing appeals; amending enforcement requirements; conforming provisions; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

AZ SB1614

horse racing; advance deposit wagering

WY HB0085

Local approval for simulcasting.

NJ S698

Regulates smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities.

NJ S2331

Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities.

NJ A2560

Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities.

NJ A1532

Modifies certain operating requirements for simulcasting facilities; reduces minimum number of required annual thoroughbred races from 50 to 25.

KY HB347

AN ACT relating to wagering.