New Jersey legal term
Gambling in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Gambling” 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 “Gambling” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Gambling" means staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the actor's control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that the actor will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome, or buying, selling, or trading something of value upon an agreement or understanding that the actor will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome in a contest of chance. (N.J.S.A. 2C:37-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.