This bill seeks to enhance the regulation of gambling operations in New Jersey by prohibiting the sweepstakes model of wagering and establishing new penalties for unlawful gambling activities. It defines key terms such as "game," "prize," and "sweepstakes," and specifies that any sweepstakes requiring participants to pay something of value is considered unlawful gambling. The bill outlines civil liabilities and potential criminal charges for violators, with penalties including civil fines of up to $100,000 for first offenses and $250,000 for subsequent offenses. It also allows the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce these penalties, conduct investigations, and hold hearings related to violations.

Additionally, the legislation amends existing laws to include new definitions and penalties for various gambling offenses, such as participation in high-stakes gambling and rigging contests. It expands the definition of illegal gambling to cover online gambling resorts and increases penalties for maintaining such establishments. The bill also addresses new forms of gambling fraud, grants enforcement powers to the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Gaming Enforcement, and establishes a framework for civil actions to collect delinquent amounts owed under gambling laws. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen consumer protection and regulate gambling practices more effectively in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:12-113