Casino security can now detain underage patrons

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - July 15, 2009 The presence of too-young customers has been a continuing problem in the nation's second-largest gambling resort.

The state Casino Control Commission approved a measure on Wednesday granting casino security officers expanded power to detain people suspected of being too young.

The legal age for casino gambling and drinking in New Jersey is 21. State statistics show hundreds of underage patrons are either arrested or detained inside Atlantic City casinos each year.

Several gambling halls have been hit with hefty fines for allowing underage patrons to gamble or drink.

Follow Action News on Twitter

Get Action News on your website

Follow Action News on Facebook

Click here to get the latest Philadelphia news and headlines from across the Delaware and Lehigh valleys.