§ 2C:37-1 — Definitions

2C:37-1. The following definitions apply to this chapter and to chapter 64: a. "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. "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. For purposes of this subsection, a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the actor’s control or influence shall include, but need not be limited to, a sports event on which a wager may be placed with a sports wagering licensee pursuant to P.L.2018, c.33 (C.5:12A-10 et al.). c. "Player" means a person who engages in any form of gambling solely as a contestant or bettor, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings, and without otherwise rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct, or operation of the particular gambling activity. A person who gambles at a social game of chance on equal terms with the other participants therein does not thereby render material assistance to the establishment, conduct, or operation of such game if he performs, without fee or remuneration, acts directed toward the arrangement or facilitation of the game, such as inviting persons to play, permitting the use of premises therefor or supplying cards or other equipment used therein. A person who engages in "bookmaking" as defined in this section is not a "player." d. "Something of value" means any money or property, any token, object or article exchangeable for money or property, or any form of credit or promise directly or indirectly contemplating transfer of money or property or of any interest therein, or involving extension of a service, entertainment, or a privilege of playing at a game or scheme without charge. This definition, however, does not include any form of promise involving extension of a privilege of playing at a game without charge on a mechanical or electronic amusement device, other than a slot machine as an award for the attainment of a certain score on that device. e. "Gambling device" means any device, machine, paraphernalia, or equipment which is used or usable in the playing phases of any gambling activity, whether such activity consists of gambling between persons or gambling by a person involving the playing of a machine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, lottery tickets, policy slips, and other items used in the playing phases of lottery and policy schemes are not gambling devices. f. "Slot machine" means any mechanical, electrical, or other device, contrivance, or machine which, upon insertion of a coin, token, or similar object therein, or upon payment of any consideration whatsoever, is available to play or operate, the play or operation of which, whether by reason of the skill of the operator or application of the element of chance, or both, may deliver or entitle the person playing or operating the machine to receive cash or tokens to be exchanged for cash, whether the payoff is made automatically from the machine or in any other manner whatsoever. A device so constructed, or readily adaptable or convertible to such use, is no less a slot machine because it is not in working order or because some mechanical act of manipulation or repair is required to accomplish its adaptation, conversion, or workability. g. "Bookmaking" means advancing gambling activity by unlawfully accepting bets from members of the public upon the outcome of future contingent events as a business. h. "Lottery" means an unlawful gambling scheme in which (a) the players pay or agree to pay something of value for chances, represented and differentiated by numbers or by combinations of numbers or by some other media, one or more of which chances are to be designated the winning ones; (b) the winning chances are to be determined by a drawing or by some other method based upon the element of chance; and (c) the holders of the winning chances are to receive something of value. i. "Policy" or "the numbers game" means a form of lottery in which the winning chances or plays are not determined upon the basis of a drawing or other act on the part of persons conducting or connected with the scheme, but upon the basis of the outcome or outcomes of a future contingent event or events otherwise unrelated to the particular scheme. j. "Gambling resort" means a place to which persons may resort for engaging in gambling activity. k. "Unlawful" means not specifically authorized by law. l. “Online gambling resort” means a website or application accessed via the Internet or other computer or mobile connection to which persons may resort for engaging in gambling activity. L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:37-1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1979, c. 176, s. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1979; L.1982, c. 60, s. 1, eff. July 8, 1982; amended 2025, c.128, s.26.