In a previous post, we discussed how the Casino Investigations Unit, the largest enforcement unit within New Jersey’s Casino Gambling Bureau, maintains a strong presence at Atlantic City casinos, actively enforcing the provisions of the Code of Criminal Justice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It’s important to understand, however, that the troopers stationed at or dispatched to any of the city’s seven major casinos or several smaller ones are doing more than just cracking down on offenses like disorderly conduct, defiant trespass, prostitution, robbery and theft. Indeed, they are also ensuring that patrons abide by the stringent regulations set forth in the Casino Control Act.
For those unfamiliar with this landmark law, it expressly outlines — and outlaws — multiple gambling-related offenses from underage gambling and cheating to violations of the Exclusion Act and possession of cheating devices.
In today’s post, the first in a series, we’ll begin taking a closer look at how these gambling-related offenses are defined under state law.
Using a device to obtain an advantage at a casino game
The Act strictly prohibits anyone who is taking part in a casino game from using or assisting another in using a device — electrical, mechanical, electronic or computerized — that is specifically “designed, constructed, or programmed” for the purpose of obtaining an unfair advantage.
If the advantage obtained by a person using or assisting the use of such a device results in a monetary value or loss of $74,999 or less, he or she can be charged with a third-degree offense.
However, if it results in the loss of $75,000 or more, he or she can be charged with a second-degree crime, which is punishable by five to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
It’s also worth noting that any devices used in this matter are viewed as prima facie contraband in the eyes of the law and subject to forfeiture.
We’ll continue examining more casino crimes in future posts …
In the meantime, if you’ve been charged with any manner of crime in a casino — whether gambling-related or not — consider speaking with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible.