Division of Gaming Enforcement
John J. Farmer, Jr., Attorney General
John Peter Suarez, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 6, 2000

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Katherine Lyons (609) 777-2403

11 Underage Gamblers Arrested Over Holiday Weekend

Division of Gaming Enforcement Reminds Those Underage to Stay Out of Casinos

ATLANTIC CITY -- Attorney General John J. Farmer, Jr. today announced that State Police assigned to the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) arrested 11 underage gamblers over the Fourth of July weekend in Atlantic City casinos.

The Attorney General said that the DGE is working with the casinos to heighten awareness and increase efforts to keep those under 21, the legal age to gamble in casinos, out of the casinos and to catch them if they try to play. This added emphasis is needed during the summer months when college students are home and school is out, the Attorney General added.

"This weekend's arrests should serve as a reminder to Atlantic City visitors that underage gambling is a serious offense. People under 21 are welcome to enjoy the Jersey shore, but they simply do not belong in the casinos," DGE Director John Peter Suarez said.

Director Suarez said that the alleged underage gamblers were observed by casino security and surveillance, who notified the DGE. There were two incidents the evening of July 1, one incident the afternoon of July 2, one incident just after midnight on July 3, four incidents on July 4, and the last incident of the holiday weekend occurred shortly after midnight on July 5, he said.

"I commend the State Police assigned to DGE for their work over the holiday weekend and thank the casinos for their continued cooperation in curtailing underage gambling," Director Suarez said.

Underage gambling is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1000.

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