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People who knowingly trespass onto Atlantic City properties could soon face much steeper penalties under legislation introduced in the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Vincent Polistina introduced Senate Bill 4525 on June 26. The measure would upgrade criminal trespass on gaming property from a petty disorderly persons offense to a fourth-degree crime under New Jersey law.
If enacted, Atlantic City casinos would join schools, airports, utility infrastructure and several other protected locations where unauthorized entry already carries enhanced criminal penalties.
Bill raises maximum penalties
Under current New Jersey law, trespassing on property is treated as “defiant trespass,” a petty disorderly persons offense. That offense is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
Polistina’s proposal would substantially increase those penalties. Under the bill, knowingly entering or remaining on gaming property without authorization would become a fourth-degree crime, carrying a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
The legislation would add gambling properties to the list of places where unlicensed entry is treated as a fourth-degree offense. The same enhanced classification already applies to locations such as schools, research facilities, power plants, water treatment facilities and secure or operational areas of airports.
Casino hotels included
The bill defines a “casino gaming property” as a licensed casino and hotel complex approved by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and regulated by the Division of Gaming Enforcement for casino operations, which in practice means Atlantic City’s nine licensed venues.
That means the proposal extends beyond the gaming floor itself and applies to the entire licensed casino and hotel complex. All nine of Atlantic City’s casino properties would fall under the definition if the measure becomes law.
The legislation does not change what constitutes criminal trespass. Instead, it heightens the consequences for those who knowingly enter or remain on casino property without being licensed or privileged to do so.
More than just gaming properties
Although the bill’s most notable change affects land-based properties, it also reorganizes portions of New Jersey’s criminal trespass statute.
According to the bill’s statement, the legislation clarifies which locations are subject to enhanced trespass penalties, updates statutory definitions to align with changes enacted in 2024 and makes the law easier to read.
The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process. It must pass both houses of the Legislature and receive Gov. Mikie Sherrill‘s signature before becoming law. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately, with no waiting period. Until then, the existing penalties for trespassing on property remain in effect.
