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New Jersey legal term

Contest of chance in New Jersey Criminal Law

Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session

In New Jersey criminal law, “Contest of chance” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.

What does “Contest of chance” mean in New Jersey criminal law?

"Contest of chance" means any contest, game, pool, gaming scheme, or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants or some other persons may also be a factor therein. b. (N.J.S.A. 2C:37-1)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.