Delvin bill to set penalties for minors who gamble passed by Legislature

April 18, 2009

OLYMPIA…Richland Sen. Jerome Delvin is pleased to see final passage of Senate Bill 5040, his measure to make underage gambling a civil infraction.  He introduced the bill at the request of the Washington State Gambling Commission. 

“The lure of quick money is a powerful thing,” Delvin said. “It’s causing many of our young people to start gambling – and getting into trouble – early in life. Washington needs a law with penalties that will encourage young people to wait until adulthood.” 

Senate Bill 5040 says that underage gamblers would not be able to recover losses or to keep their winnings. Currently, the legal limit for most gambling in Washington State is 18 and there are no penalties for minors who gamble. However, civil citations can be issued to minors who purchase cigarettes and alcohol. Only the card rooms and gambling establishments are liable for underage gambling. 

Delvin’s bill creates a penalty for the underage gambler of a $125 fine (up to $256 with court costs), the possibility of four hours of community service, and requires underage gamblers to forfeit his/her winnings.  

“If we set a civil penalty for minors who gamble, enforcement would be much easier.
 Delvin said “That’s because penalties would then apply to all parties involved – the minor, the card room operator, and the card dealer.” 

Senate Bill 5040 is supported by gambling licensees, the Washington Association of Sheriff and Police Chiefs, the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. 

The bill will become law this summer.

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Sen. Delvin represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes
Richland, Kennewick, Benton City, and Prosser.

Additional contact: Pat Albright at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov