Five Atlantic City casinos and a racetrack have forfeited winnings won by underage gamblers and those who self-excluded from gambling. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Over $73,000 forfeited

Atlantic City casinos and a horse racetrack are forfeiting thousands of dollars won by underage gamblers as well as those who had self-excluded from gambling activities.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is requiring the following casinos to hand over money: Ocean Casino Resort ($7,500), Bally’s Atlantic City (over $5,600), Freehold Raceway (over $4,400), Golden Nugget (over $4,200), and Harrah’s (nearly $900).

$51,000 for bets placed going back to 2020

The biggest forfeit came from Resorts Casino, which had to pay $51,000 for bets going back to 2020.

The New Jersey gambling regulator also fined DraftKings $7,500 and Rush Street Interactive $2,000 for taking bets on unapproved events and on games that had already started.

Fittingly, the money forfeited will go toward programs aimed at helping gamblers, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.

Time given to prove age

Those that had gambled at the aforementioned casinos and racetrack were asked to provide identification when they requested a payout.

the money won was placed in escrow accounts

For those who could not, the money won was placed in escrow accounts to give them time to supply the correct documents. However, according to the Division of Gaming Enforcement, that time to deliver the information had expired, meaning those gamblers are considered underage.

In the cases involving the self-excluded gamblers, casinos are required to take action to prevent people on the self-exclusion list from gambling.

Even though the amount forfeited only represents a small percent of the gambling in New Jersey’s casinos – so far, they’ve made $4.2bn in 2023 – it highlights the need for the state to do more when it comes to the enforcement of gambling regulations to protect those considered vulnerable.