TRENTON, N.J. — A newly proposed bill in New Jersey aims to increase the minimum age for horse racing and lottery wagering from 18 to 21, aligning these activities with other gambling age requirements in the state.
The bill mandates that individuals under 21 years old with active horse racing wagering accounts as of the bill’s effective date will receive refunds of their account balances within 30 days. These accounts will be frozen, and no further wagers will be allowed until the account holder reaches the age of 21.
Current New Jersey law allows individuals 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets and place wagers on horse races, though the age limit for most other forms of gambling, including casino games and sports betting, is 21. The proposed changes seek to standardize these regulations.
If enacted, the legislation would require all lottery ticket buyers and horse race bettors in New Jersey to meet the 21-year age threshold. A provision ensures that refunds for those impacted by the horse racing age increase will be promptly issued.
“New Jersey law requires lottery purchasers to be 18 years of age or older,” current statutes state, but this measure would effectively eliminate that exception.