Underage gambling has been an issue in the United States and recently five Atlantic City, New Jersey casinos and a horse racing track had to hand over $77,000 won by people under the legal gambling age in the Garden State.
Prohibited gambling refers to individuals who are either underage or have been excluded from participating in gambling activities due to various reasons such as self-exclusion or being on a voluntary or involuntary exclusion list.
According to a recent report by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), several casinos in the state have experienced significant losses due to prohibited gambling. The report revealed that a total of $77,000 in winnings had to be forfeited by these casinos, with many of the prohibited gamblers being underage.
The consequences of prohibited gambling for New Jersey casinos are twofold. Firstly, there is a financial impact. When prohibited gamblers are able to access the casino floors and win money, it creates a significant loss for the establishment.
Secondly, there is a reputational impact. When news spreads that a casino has allowed prohibited gambling to occur, it can damage the reputation of the establishment. This can lead to a loss of trust from both existing and potential customers, ultimately impacting the casino’s overall business and revenue.
To prevent prohibited gambling, New Jersey casinos are required to implement various measures. These measures include strict age verification processes, identification checks and the use of exclusion lists. Casinos are required to have a comprehensive system in place to identify and exclude individuals who are not eligible to gamble. This includes cross-referencing identification documents with exclusion lists and utilizing advanced technologies to detect fake IDs or underage individuals attempting to enter the premises.
Additionally, New Jersey casinos are required to train their staff to recognize the signs of prohibited gambling and to take appropriate action when necessary. This includes providing employees with the knowledge and skills to identify underage individuals or individuals who have self-excluded. Staff members are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the casino management or the DGE.
In cases where prohibited gambling is discovered, the DGE has the authority to take disciplinary action against the casino. This can range from monetary penalties to license suspension or revocation, depending on the severity of the violation. The DGE also works closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in prohibited gambling activities.
While measures are already in place to prevent prohibited gambling, recent incidents have highlighted the need for further strengthening these measures and improving enforcement. One area that requires attention is the age verification process. Casinos need to invest in advanced technologies that can accurately and efficiently verify the age of individuals before they are allowed to gamble. This could include the use of facial recognition software or biometric identification systems.
Furthermore, regular training and education programs should be provided to casino employees to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively identify and handle prohibited gambling situations. This includes ongoing training on recognizing fake IDs, understanding the signs of gambling addiction, and promoting responsible gambling practices.
Addressing the issue of prohibited gambling requires collaborative efforts between the casinos and regulatory bodies such as the DGE. Casinos should actively participate in sharing best practices and lessons learned to prevent prohibited gambling.
Public awareness and education play a crucial role in preventing prohibited gambling. Casinos should actively engage with the public through various channels, including social media, to promote responsible gambling practices and raise awareness about the consequences of prohibited gambling. This could include sharing stories of individuals who have been affected by gambling addiction or highlighting the measures in place to prevent prohibited gambling.
