It is easy to lose track of your money while gambling. Whether you really hope to recover from a string of losses or enjoy a hot winning streak, you may make impulsive decisions about your next bid rather than sticking to a plan or a budget.
Some people ultimately gamble more money than they brought along to the casino. Sometimes, casinos can help people stay at the table or slot machines by extending markers to them. Markers are essentially house line of credit offered to those gambling at casinos.
Although casinos typically only offer markers in amounts that people can guarantee with liquid assets, those who frequently gamble could have markers beyond the assets they currently have in their bank accounts. Could you face criminal charges if you don’t repay those markers?
New Jersey doesn’t specifically criminalize the failure to repay casino markers
In Nevada, state law explicitly forbids the intentional non-payment of a casino marker. Casinos can ask for the prosecution of anyone who fails to pay back the money they borrowed for gambling purposes. New Jersey does not have a criminal law specifically addressing casino markers.
However, misrepresenting your financial circumstances or using credit that you don’t intend to repay could constitute fraud. The state also prosecutes the theft of casino chips, which could also play a role in someone’s legal situation after the default on casino markers. It is also possible that the casino could file a civil lawsuit against you to garnish your wages or otherwise collect on the debt.
Understanding what constitutes a casino crime in New Jersey can help you defend yourself if you stand accused of misconduct related to gambling.