New Jersey is rethinking how it deals with underage gambling, moving toward making such activity a civil offense rather than a crime, with fines going to fund programs for compulsive gamblers.

A bill to decriminalize gambling by people under 21 advanced Thursday in a state Senate committee with bipartisan support.

It mirrors a measure that was debated and given preliminary approval last year, but which ultimately was not enacted.

The bill, S597, would change the penalties from a disorderly persons criminal offense to a civil fine of up to $500 for the first offense, up to $1,000 for the second offense and $2,000 for a third offense.

They apply to anyone who gambles at a casino or simulcasting facility while under the legal age of 21; a person who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble while they are in that person’s legal care or custody, or a licensee or employee of a casino who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble.

The fines collected would be used for prevention, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gambling, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, is one of the bill’s sponsors. “Gambling has become a much bigger part of everyday life, from sports broadcasts and commercials to social media and the constant stream of betting ads people see online,” he said. “Young people are exposed to it more than ever, and that should be taken into consideration when deciding how to handle underage gambling violations.

“Now, underage gambling should never be encouraged, and casinos have a responsibility to follow the law, but a criminal offense is an unnecessarily harsh consequence for a kid who makes a mistake,” Polistina said. “This bill keeps penalties in place, increases fines for repeat violations, and directs the money collected toward gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment. We can hold people accountable while taking a more constructive approach that recognizes the world young people are growing up in and helps prevent future problems.”