This bill amends New Jersey law to raise the minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets and wagering on horse racing from 18 to 21 years. It modifies the definition of "account holder" to require individuals to be at least 21 years old to establish an account for placing wagers. Additionally, individuals under 21 are prohibited from entering off-track wagering facilities, except in dining areas when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The bill also includes provisions for the regulation of off-track wagering facilities, emphasizing quality and service standards, and allows the New Jersey Racing Commission to evaluate the proximity of proposed sites to existing facilities.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any existing wagering accounts held by individuals under 21 will be frozen, preventing further wagers until they reach the legal age, while ensuring they receive a full refund of any funds in their accounts. It also establishes that any licensee who knowingly sells a lottery ticket to someone under 21 will be considered a disorderly person. This legislative change aligns the age requirements for horse racing and lottery participation with other forms of gambling in the state, which already require participants to be at least 21 years old. The act is set to take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:5-129, 5:5-131, 5:5-142, 5:5-174, 5:5-186, 5:5-197, 5:9-15