New Jersey Sports Betting. New Jersey was among the first states to legalize sports betting in 2018 following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling removing the federal prohibition that had prevented states other than Nevada from doing so. The state’s casinos and racetracks moved quickly, immediately opening sportsbooks to provide sports bettors a. How licensing works for New Jersey betting sites. The sports betting landscape changed in May of 2018 when the United States Supreme Court decided to allow each state to make its own rules about sports betting. Since it was no longer federally restricted, many states started to welcome in sports betting with New Jersey being one of the first. Once the state’s lawmakers pass eSports legalization bill A637, New Jersey residents and visitors can look forward to regular eSports wagering on NJ online sports betting sites. NJ Sports Betting App. Accessing NJ online sports betting sites is an easy task and can be performing in two different ways.
NJ online gambling sites: Background
New Jersey’s online gambling history is a short and well-chronicled one. For decades, Atlantic City was the premier gambling destination on the East Coast. It essentially served as the Las Vegas of the east.
But as the rest of the country loosened their attitude toward regulated land-based gambling, the fortunes of Atlantic City began to suffer. There was the weight of increased competition from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, NewYork and Delaware.
The result was a long decline in local gambling revenue for New Jersey. This situation was exacerbated by the continued addition of casinos in Atlantic City. And it certainly wasn’t helped by the massive economic downturn of the mid-2000s.
Those conditions provided the recipe for online gambling to enter the conversation in New Jersey. With the hope that regulating online poker and online casino games might provide a competitive advantage for New Jersey’s casinos — while also providing a financial boost to the state — then-Gov. Chris Christie and other NJ lawmakers worked together to pass a bill that legalized NJ online gambling sites offered by licensed AC casinos in 2013.
That hope was born out in the years that followed. In fact, in 2016 NJ’s online casinos powered the state to the first year of casino revenue gains in a decade. Without revenue from online gambling sites, Atlantic City’s casinos would have continued a yearlong slide. Hence, bringing casinos online in New Jersey has proven a wise decision. And as a result, both casinos and tax collectors have benefited to the tune of tens of millions of dollars.
Bottom line: Online gambling in Atlantic City has helped New Jersey’s casino industry recover from the most challenging period in New Jersey gambling history.
NJ online gambling law
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) oversees NJ online casinos. To offer legal online casino play in New Jersey, a casino must, among other things:
- Hold a valid Internet Gaming Permit (issued by the NJDGE).
- Submit all games and systems for audit by the NJDGE.
- Ensure that only players located within the state of New Jersey at the time of play can access real-money games.
- Ensure that only players 21 or older can access real-money games.
- Pay a 15% tax on gross gaming revenues to the state of New Jersey.
- Pay a variety of additional taxes and fees (e.g., responsible gambling, license fee).
- Allow for complete financial auditing of all funds flowing in and out of the site.
You can view the full text of the regulations governing online gambling in New Jersey here. All NJ online gambling sites are subject to these regulations and additional oversight by the NJDGE.
NJ online casino list: Identifying licensed NJ online casinos
Why do you need a list of NJ online casinos? Simple. It’s because there are still plenty of online casinos out there pretending to be safe and legal. And if you’re not careful, it’s difficult to know the difference between the legal NJ online casinos and those that are based offshore.
With offshore online casinos, you don’t know what you’re getting — the games may not be fair, and your money may not be safe.
But with licensed NJ online casinos, you can enjoy the comfort of knowing that the sites are regulated by the same body — the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement. This means you know who is accountable if there’s a problem with your account.
Here is the list of legal NJ online gambling sites (casino and poker). These sites have been verified with the NJDGE as of February 2021.
NJ legal online casino list
NJ Online Casinos | Casino Games | Free Bonus | Bonus Code | Play | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Golden Nugget | 631 | $10 | PLAYBONUS | PLAY NOW |
2. | Virgin | 236 | $30 | 30BUCKS | PLAY NOW |
3. | Tropicana | 241 | $25 | PLAY25 | PLAY NOW |
4. | Caesars | 533 | $25 | PLAYFREE25 | PLAY NOW |
5. | Unibet Casino | 289 | $25 | UBPLAY25 | PLAY NOW |
6. | BetMGM Casino | 412 | $25 | PLAYNJFREE | PLAY NOW |
7. | Borgata Online | 250 | $20 | PLAYNJ | PLAY NOW |
8. | SugarHouse | 581 | NA | PLAYNJ | PLAY NOW |
9. | DraftKings Casino | 87 | $45 | None Needed | PLAY NOW |
As for the best online NJ casino, you can browse our reviews and details of opening bonuses here. But all licensed NJ casino online gambling sites are the same when it comes to safety, security, game fairness and account integrity.
NJ legal online sportsbooks list
And here is the list of legal NJ online sportsbook apps. These sites have been verified with the NJDGE as of February 2021.
NJ Sportsbook | Mobile App | Free Bet | Bonus Code | Play | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | DraftKings Sportsbook | Yes | $50 | None needed | PLAY NOW |
2. | William Hill | Yes | $500 | LEGAL500 | PLAY NOW |
3. | FanDuel Sportsbook | Yes | $1,000 | None needed | PLAY NOW |
4. | Fox Bet | Yes | $500 | None needed | PLAY NOW |
5. | BetMGM Sportsbook | Yes | $600 | PLAYBONUS | PLAY NOW |
6. | PointsBet Sportsbook | Yes | $2,000 | BETBONUS | PLAY NOW |
7. | SugarHouse Sportsbook | Yes | NA | PLAY250 | PLAY NOW |
8. | Unibet | Yes | $20 | None needed | PLAY NOW |
9. | Bet365 | Yes | NA | None needed | PLAY NOW |
More online sportsbooks are in the works, but the bottom line is that this is yet another avenue for online gambling revenue in NJ. You can read more about the NJ sports betting industry here.
Top NJ online poker sites
NJ Online Poker Sites | Cash Game Traffic | Sit & Go Tourneys? | Free Play Offer | Play | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | WSOP Poker | High | A few | $10 | PLAY NOW |
2. | 888 Poker | High | Yes | $20 | PLAY NOW |
3. | PartyPoker | Low | Yes | $25 | PLAY NOW |
4. | PokerStars | Medium | Yes | $30 | PLAY NOW |
5. | Borgata Poker | Low | Yes | $20 | PLAY NOW |
6. | BetMGM Poker | Low | Yes | $25 | PLAY NOW |
What are the latest updates from NJ gambling sites?
NJ online casinos are still offering very generous sign-up and depositbonuses. And on top of that, players now have even more games to explore and online sportsbooks to bet on.
It’s a whole new world in NJ online gambling.
NJ sports betting took off and now boasts 17 active sportsbook apps, eight Atlantic City sports betting locations, and two North Jersey racetrack sportsbooks.
That’s 27 total sports betting options in the state.
And after five years, gambling sites show no signs of slowing down either. The entire online casino market now stands at 24.
The result of the continued expansion is high revenues. The COVID-19 pandemic that shut down Atlantic City casinos in March did give online casinos a boost as more gamblers flocked to the apps.
The industry boasted a record $85.9 million in total online revenue in April. Golden Nugget and its partners earned $29 million in May alone.
And Golden Nugget still leads the charge with 700+ online casino games. Live dealer games are now at more sites than ever including DraftKings, Hard Rock, 888 Casino, and PlaySugarHouse.
Related:
The focus of our coverage at NJ Gambling Sites
Our coverage touches on a variety of topics having to do with online and land-based gambling in NJ. There are a few key issues that form the basis of the majority of our coverage, listed below in no particular order.
Financial performance of NJ online casinos
Our coverage includes a detailed analysis of the regularly-released information regarding the financial performance of the online casinos and online poker sites operating legally in New Jersey.
We go beyond the NJ online gambling numbers to provide depth and context. We report not only the numbers for NJ online gambling site revenue but what those numbers mean for individual casinos and the broader regulated market for NJ casino online gambling.
The interaction of online and land-based casinos
Companies licensed to operate land-based casinos are the only entities that can hold licenses to operate online gambling sites in NJ.
While some Atlantic City casinos partner with other brands to offer NJ online gambling sites, there is always an Atlantic City casino holding the ultimate license to operate online betting in NJ.
As a result, what happens in one industry usually has a direct effect on the trajectory of the other. This means that keeping tabs on developments in Atlantic City is a critical part of staying up-to-date and informed about the online gambling industry in New Jersey.
Related:
The broader political climate for gambling in NJ
The decision to regulate online gambling is far from the last political decision regarding gambling in the Garden State. The gambling industry in NJ is interconnected, as mentioned above. Any news that’s relevant to the land-based side matters to the online side as well, at least to some degree.
For example, the state of NJ was at one point locked in a pitched debate regarding the concept of expanding casino gambling outside of Atlantic City. That development, if it had come to pass, would’ve held significant implications for regulated online gambling. And, depending who won the new licenses to operate in other parts of NJ and how said licenses were handled, there could have been an expansion of the number of online gambling sites.
If the new competition from additional casinos harms an Atlantic City operator, support would have shifted. However, voters turned down any idea of a casino expansion in 2017, effectively making the subject moot.
That’s just a quick example to make the central point. The gambling industry in NJ is effectively one industry, even though it’s easy to imagine a delineation between land-based and online gambling.
Product and promotional developments at NJ online gambling sites
The online gambling product in NJ is constantly evolving. New online poker sites open and online casinos add new game variants. Additionally, operators continue to roll out a steady stream of promotions and bonuses in an attempt to entice players to sign up or switch brands.
These are all touchstones for understanding the general health and trajectory of regulated online gambling in the Garden State. As a result, we devote a significant amount of our NJ regulated online gambling site coverage to stories focused on how the product — on both the online poker and online casino front — is evolving to meet the changing demands, tastes, and interest levels of NJ gamblers.
Safety and security concerns surrounding online gambling in NJ
Finally, we devote a significant amount of our NJ online gambling coverage to the critical topics of safety and security.
One of the core advantages of a regulated online gambling environment is that players can take comfort in knowing that a regulator is watching NJ’s online poker and casino games to ensure that everything is on theup-and-up. Regulators are also available to help mediate consumer issues or other complaints. Additionally, systems are in place to prevent unauthorized access by underage or out of state players. These and other topics are an important piece of the larger puzzle of NJ’s online gambling industry.
Last updated: February 2021
NJ Gambling FAQ
When did NJ legalize online gambling?On Feb. 26, 2013, a bill permitting internet gambling in the state was approved by the New Jersey Legislature. It was signed into law by then-Gov. Chris Christie later that day. It took almost nine months before legal and regulated online gambling actually launched in New Jersey.
Who can play at NJ’s legal online casinos?Anyone 21 and older and physically located inside the state of New Jersey can play on the state’s legal and regulated online gambling sites. The sites verify identification and use geolocation software to ensure both these stipulations are met.
How many legal online casino and poker sites are there in New Jersey?Nj Betting Websites Poker
There are 23 different online casinos and seven different online poker sites licensed to operate in the state. That makes a total of 30 NJ online gambling sites. Two of the online poker sites operate on the same network, sharing player pools. Another online poker network shares player pools between three of the sites.
What is the connection between land-based casinos and online gambling sites?New Jersey law dictates Atlantic Citycasinos are the only entities that can be licensed to run online gambling sites. However, the casinos can partner with outside entities to host online casino operations for them. Several do. However, the same laws dictate the computer servers operating the online gambling websites must be located at licensed casinos in Atlantic City. That means that in effect, all of New Jersey’s online gambling websites are being run out of Atlantic City casinos. The law also dictates that a portion of revenues from the online gambling sites be reserved for capital improvements at the host Atlantic City casino.
What types of casino games can you play online in New Jersey?Just about every game you can play inside a brick-and-mortar casino in Atlantic City is also offered online in New Jersey. That means a huge variety of slots and video poker games are online. Plus, electronic versions of all the classic table games and a wide variety of other casino games are there as well, including:
BlackjackRoulette
Craps
Baccarat
Pai Gow
Let It Ride
Texas Hold’em
Three Card Poker
When did the first legal NJ online gambling sites open?
The state’s first online gambling websites officially launched Nov. 26, 2013.
Who oversees and regulates NJ online gaming sites?New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees and regulates NJ online gaming sites and NJ online sports betting sites. It handles things such as licensing for the sites, tax revenue collection, and game testing and approval.
Who is the leading NJ online casino in terms of revenue?Golden Nugget emerged as the New Jersey online gambling market revenue leader in 2017. In fact, Golden Nugget has continued to dominate the market into 2019, becoming the first site to post more than $14 million in revenue in a single month in August 2019.
How do I make a deposit at NJ’s legal gambling sites?Making a deposit at all of New Jersey’s online gambling sites is an easy, safe, and secure process. Most online gambling sites accept various methods of deposit, including:
Major credit cards including Visa and MasterCardElectronic checks
Cash deposits at partner Atlantic City casinos
Cash deposits via 7-11 PayNearMe
Online payment processors such as Skrill, Neteller, or PayPal
Prepaid debit card
How do I know what is a legal NJ online casino and what is an illegal one?
All of New Jersey’s legal and regulated gambling sites have a Division of Gaming Enforcement licensed and regulated insignia on the home page linking out to the division’s website at http://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/index.html. All of the state’s legal and regulated online gambling websites are listed on the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement website. They are also listed here in this FAQ. If it’s not on the lists and you can’t find the Division of Gaming Enforcement licensed and regulated insignia on the site, it isn’t legal in New Jersey.
Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?Sports betting is officially legal in New Jersey. On May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, clearing the way for NJ (and other states) to begin offering legal sports wagering. The state first tried to legalize sports betting inside its borders in 2011. In December 2017, the US Supreme Court heard the state’s case against the law that bans sports betting operations almost everywhere outside of Nevada. A decision was rendered on May 14, 2018 that declared PASPA unconstitutional. This means that New Jersey is free to offer sports betting to residents and visitors.
How many legal online sportsbooks are in New Jersey?As of February 2021, there are 17 online sportsbooks. They are:
DraftKings SportsbookFox Bet NJ
FanDuel Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
888 Sportsbook
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Resorts Sportsbook
PointsBet NJ
BetMGM Sport
William Hill NJ
Hard Rock Sportsbook
BetAmerica Sport
Golden Nugget Sportsbook
Borgata Sports
TheScore Bet
Bet365 NJ
Unibet Sports
What sites are legal and licensed by New Jersey regulators?
There are currently seven Atlantic City casino operations that have been licensed by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement to operate online gambling sites. They are:
Borgata Hotel CasinoCaesars Interactive Entertainment- Affiliate of Boardwalk Regency Corporation
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Resorts Casino Hotel
Tropicana Casino and Resort
Hard Rock Atlantic City
Ocean Casino Resort
These seven Atlantic City casino operations actually host 28 different online poker and casino sites.
Borgata hosts:Borgata Casino
Borgata Poker
NJ partypoker
NJ partycasino
Pala Casino
Pala Poker
Pala Bingo
BetMGM Casino
BetMGM Poker
Scores Casino
Caesars Interactive hosts:
Caesars Casino
Sports Betting Nj
Harrahs Casino
WSOP.com
888 Casino
888 Poker
Golden Nugget hosts:
Golden Nugget Casino
Betfair Casino
PlaySugarHouse
BetAmerica
Resorts casino hosts:
Resorts Casino
Mohegan Sun Casino
PokerStars NJ
DraftKings Casino
Tropicana hosts:
Tropicana Casino
Virgin Casino
Hard Rock hosts:
Hard Rock Casino
Unibet Casino
Bet365 Casino
Ocean Casino hosts:
Ocean Online Casino
Parx Online Casino
New Jersey was among the first states to legalize sports betting in 2018 following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling removing the federal prohibition that had prevented states other than Nevada from doing so. The state’s casinos and racetracks moved quickly, immediately opening sportsbooks to provide sports bettors a wealth of options in the Garden State.
- Top Rated Sportsbook
- User-Friendly
- NJ-MI-PA-IL-IN-IA-WV-CO-TN-VA
- Use Code: SAOMAXPROMO
- Big, Exciting Brand
- NJ-MI-PA-IN-CO-TN-WV-VA-IA-MI
- $500 Risk-Free Bet
- Premium Mobile App
- Available in NJ
- $500 Risk-Free Bet
- No Code Needed
- NJ, PA and CO
- Plus $250 Risk-Free Bet
- Profit Boost Specials
- NJ, PA, and IN
In fact, the rest of the United States has New Jersey to thank for the current expansion of legal sports betting throughout the country. It was New Jersey that first challenged the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 and then repeatedly appealed rulings upholding it. Finally the case was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court who in May 2018 delivered its favorable ruling to strike down PASPA.
Today all nine of the casinos operating in Atlantic City have both retail and online sportsbooks. Sports bettors in New Jersey can also place wagers at two racetracks, Monmouth Park in Oceanport and The Meadowlands in East Rutherford. In terms of both revenue and the “handle” or amount wagered every month, New Jersey now rivals Nevada as the biggest state for sports betting in the country.
Here’s a comprehensive look at sports betting in New Jersey with information about how it works and the many places where you can wager on your favorite sporting events.
New Jersey Sports Betting Information
If you are a resident of New Jersey or even just visiting the state, you can bet on sports as long as you are at least 21 years of age.
New Jersey has fast become one of the most popular states for sports betting with a rapidly-growing number of retail and online options. Like other states, those in New Jersey can either place bets at any of the sportsbooks located at Atlantic City casinos or at the state’s two racetracks.
Bettors can also register accounts at any of the many available online sportsbooks. It is possible to register and even fund online sportsbook accounts from outside of New Jersey, but you will need to be within state lines in order to place a wager.
The types of sports betting options available run the gamut, including traditional single-game wagers on spreads, moneylines, and totals, game and player props, parlays and teasers, futures bets, in-game or “live” betting, and more. You can bet on collegiate and professional sports, including both American and international events. The only restrictions are you cannot bet on high school sports, nor can you bet on collegiate events happening in New Jersey or happening anywhere if they involve New Jersey schools.
New Jersey allows casinos and racetracks to apply for licenses to open and operate retail sportsbooks. Each that does become a sports wagering licensee is then allowed to provide up to three individually branded sports wagering websites or “skins.” With nine casinos and five racetracks (one of which is now defunct), that means at present there can be up to 42 online sportsbooks in the state, and in fact New Jersey is already nearing half that total (see below).
Gross revenue for sports betting in New Jersey is taxed at 8.5% for the retail sportsbooks and 13% for online sportsbooks. For both there is an additional 1.25% “investment alternative tax” which goes to tourism and marketing programs in Atlantic City.
Active New Jersey Online Sportsbooks
DraftKings
- Retail Partner: Resorts Digital
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2018
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Aug. 6, 2018
One of the premier names in daily fantasy sports, DraftKings was the first operator to launch an online sportsbook in New Jersey and for many users has been one of the best. For daily fantasy players who also enjoy sports betting, being able to link your DFS and sportsbook accounts makes DraftKings a great option.
- $1000 Deposit Match
- Seamless Mobile Betting
- NJ-MI-PA-IN-VA-TN-CO-IA-IL-WV
BetMGM
- Retail Partner: Borgata
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: GVC/ROAR Digital
- Mobile Launch Date: Aug. 22, 2018
The first of two Borgata-partnered online sportsbooks initially launched as playMGM, then once MGM partnered with European-based industry giant GVC Holdings to create Roar Digital, the site and app were rebranded as BetMGM. Reviews of the online sportsbook, linked both to the MGM online casino and online poker room, have been uniformly positive
- Use Code: SAOMAXPROMO
- Big, Exciting Brand
- NJ-MI-PA-IN-CO-TN-WV-VA-IA-MI
FanDuel
- Retail Partner: The Meadows
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: IGT
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 1, 2018
FanDuel operates both the retail and online sportsbooks for The Meadowlands racetrack. Like DraftKings, FanDuel had a lot of experience with online and mobile gaming with DFS before jumping into online sports betting, and that experience shows with the very functional, user-friendly experience the online sportsbook provides. Integrated with FanDuel’s daily fantasy site.
- Top Rated Sportsbook
- User-Friendly
- NJ-MI-PA-IL-IN-IA-WV-CO-TN-VA
FOX Bet
- Retail Partner: Resorts Digital
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 28, 2018
- Tech Partner: The Stars Group
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 13, 2018
Originally called the BetStars Sportsbook when launched, the FOX Bet online sportsbook is owned by The Stars Group, the world’s largest public gaming company. The sportsbook is thus integrated both with the PokerStars NJ site as well as the Stars Rewards loyalty program.
- $500 Risk-Free Bet
- No Code Needed
- NJ, PA and CO
PointsBet
- Retail Partner: The Meadowlands
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: PointsBet
- Mobile Launch Date: Dec. 11, 2018
Australia-based PointsBet made a splash in New Jersey right away with its online sportsbook. In addition to a greater-than-average selection of traditional betting options, users can alternatively bet using the unique “PointsBetting” system, a “high-risk, high-reward” method of wagering in which payouts are based not just on getting your pick right, but by how much you are correct. Former NBA MVP Allen Iverson and NFL standout Darrelle Revis are site ambassadors.
- Use Code: SAORFBET
- Innovative PointsBetting
- NJ-MI-CO-IL-IN-IA
Unibet
- Retail Partner: Hard Rock Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jan. 30, 2019
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 10, 2019
A pioneer in online gaming in Europe since the late 1990s, Unibet is a relatively newcomer in America though brings a great deal of experience to the table. This background is shown via the variety of betting options, including those involving live betting, teasers, and odds boosts. Lots of promotions make it an attractive choice as well.
- Plus $250 Risk-Free Bet
- Profit Boost Specials
- NJ, PA, and IN
Borgata Sports
- Retail Partner: Borgata
- Retail Launch: Jun. 14, 2o18
- Tech Partner: GVD/Roar Digital
- Mobile Launch Date: May 14, 2019
Borgata’s self-branded online sportsbook offers an alternative to its BetMGM product. There are differences between the two skins, although both offer users the ability to move with ease between the sportsbook, casino, and poker rooms.
- Use Code: SAOMAXBONUS
- Lucrative iRewards Program
- Available in NJ
SugarHouse
- Retail Partner: Monmouth Park
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Aug. 23, 2018
Powered by Kambi, the SugarHouse online sportsbook is like DraftKings (also Kambi-powered) in the way it offers a higher-than-average variety of betting options. The online sportsbook is integrated with the online casino, with users able to enjoy a rewards bonus in each.
- Popular Sportsbook
- Easy 1x Playthrough Requirement
- Available in NJ
William Hill NJ
- Retail Partner: Monmouth Park
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: William Hill
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 1, 2018
The first of multiple online sportsbooks operated in New Jersey by William Hill utilizes an in-house platform that has been successfully employed in several states. In fact, William Hill has online sportsbooks in every state in which it is legal, making them a relatively experienced provider in this otherwise nascent market.
Caesars Sportsbook
- Retail Partner: Caesars Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 30, 2018
- Tech Partner: Scientific Games
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 6, 2018
Caesars partnered with Scientific Games in the summer of 2018, a joining of two trusted gaming brands. The sportsbook is linked with the online casino, great for those who enjoy both. There’s a nice range of bonuses available via both the casino and sportsbook that can be shared back and forth.
888Sport
- Retail Partner: Caesars Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 30, 2018
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 10, 2018
888sport offers an especially large variety of betting markets, including the ability to bet on eSports. The online sportsbook is also integrated with the WSOP.com poker site, and users are additionally able to participate in Caesars’ Total Rewards program.
Hard Rock Atlantic City
- Retail Partner: Hard Rock Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jan. 30, 2019
- Tech Partner: GiG
- Mobile Launch Date: Jan. 26, 2019
Following a limited launch the Hard Rock Atlantic City online sportsbook finally became fully available in late 2019. The usual array of sports and markets are available, although at present the promotions are limited when compared to other online sportsbooks.
Resorts Sportsbook
- Retail Partner: Resorts Digital
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2019
- Tech Partner: SBTech
- Mobile Launch Date: Jan. 31, 2019
Powered by SBTech and integrated with the Resorts online casino, this online sportsbook includes all of the usual options and markets and then some. A highlight is the “specials” category of entertainment-based betting.
BetAmerica
- Retail Partner: Golden Nugget
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2018
- Tech Partner: SBTech
- Mobile Launch Date: Feb. 2, 2019
A relative newcomer to New Jersey, BetAmerica is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, home of the Kentucky Derby. This SBTech-powered site offers a high number of promotions and integration with the online casino.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook
- Retail Partner: Golden Nugget
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2018
- Tech Partner: SBTech
- Mobile Launch Date: Feb. 19, 2019
A longtime fixture in the casino industry as well as in New Jersey, the Golden Nugget’s online sportsbook is also expertly powered by SBTech. One drawback — as the Golden Nugget is owned by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, NBA games are excluded from the otherwise long list of betting options.
bet365
A prominent player in U.K. sports betting, bet365 brings many years of online experience in that market to New Jersey with a great alternative for seasoned sports bettors with lots of detail and information at the ready. A consistently high number of ongoing promotions also make bet365 an attractive option.
theScore Bet
- Retail Partner: Monmouth Park
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: Bet.Works
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 3, 2019
theScore Inc. is a digital sports media company based in Canada, the only example so far of a media company-run online sportsbook in the state. Powered by Bet.Works, the sportsbook was a late entry though the well-managed integration between theScore’s media app and the sportsbook makes for a distinct betting experience.
New Jersey Online Sportsbooks Coming Soon
Ocean Casino
- Retail Partner: Ocean Resort Casino
- Retail Status: Opened Jun. 28, 2018
- Tech Partner: William Hill
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
The William Hill Sportsbook opened at Ocean Resort Casino just one day after the casino first opened its doors, and at the time was the first retail sportsbook to operate on the Boardwalk. Users can use the William Hill NJ sportsbook now, but an Ocean-branded one is coming.
Bally’s
- Retail Partner: Bally’s
- Retail Status: Opened Jul. 30, 2018
- Tech Partner: Scientific Games
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
Scientific Games powers the retail sportsbook Bally’s shares with Caesars, first launched in July 2018 as the Wild Wild West Sportsbook, and will also operate its online sportsbook.
Harrah’s
- Retail Partner: Harrah’s
- Retail Status: Opened Aug. 1, 2018
- Tech Partner: Scientific Games
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
Right now those who visit the Harrah’s Atlantic City retail sportsbook are invited to use Caesars’ online sportsbook, though a Harrah’s branded one is coming.
GC Technology
- Retail Partner: The Meadowlands
- Retail Status: Opened Jul. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: Stadium Technology
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
One of the largest licensed bookmakers in Nevada, CG Technology (formerly Cantor Gaming) announced a partnership with The Meadowlands in February 2019. Of note — in late 2019 William Hill announced plans to acquire CG Technology.
General Summary of Betting Options
New Jersey allows retail and online sportsbooks to offer a wide variety of betting options and markets.
As is the case in other states, New Jersey bettors can bet on collegiate and professional sports, but not on high school sports. However unlike in other states, New Jersey sportsbooks cannot take wagers on collegiate events happening within the state or on events taking place anywhere that involve any New Jersey college team.
That said, New Jersey sports bettors can bet on “entertainment”-based contests like the outcomes of award shows and reality programs as well as eSports, both of which are not allowed in other states.
Most New Jersey sportsbooks offer wagering on a wide variety of sports including Australian rules football, auto racing, baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, golf, hockey, mixed martial arts, rugby, soccer, and tennis.
New Jersey sports bettors can also make different types of bets, from traditional single-game wagers to complicated parlays involving multiple contests. Betting types available at most New Jersey sportsbooks include:
- spread bets
- moneyline bets
- totals (over/under)
- game and player props
- teaser bets
- futures bets
- pools
- exchange wagering
- in-game or “in-play” bets (a.k.a., live betting)
Be sure to check each sportsbook for specific betting options. Online sportsbooks in particular often offer a wide array of non-standard options like odds boosters, alternate lines and spreads, and the like.
Banking Options for New Jersey Online Sportsbooks
Most online sportsbooks in New Jersey offer a variety of options for both depositing and withdrawing funds. In most cases you will find more ways to deposit than to withdraw, including:
- PayNearMe
- Prepaid debit cards
- Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard, especially)
- ACH / eCheck
- Direct bank transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Prepaid Play+ cards specific to each sportsbook
- Cashier at retail casino cage
When it comes to withdrawing, most online sportsbooks allow ACH / E-Check, direct bank transfers, and cashing out at the casino cage in addition to some of the other methods listed above. Be sure to review all of the available banking methods when registering for an online sportsbook in New Jersey.
Available Platforms for New Jersey Online Sportsbooks
As in other states, online sportsbooks in New Jersey can be accessed in three primary ways:
- web-based platform
- iOS app
- Android app
In each case you can access the online sportsbook via a web-based browser on a desktop or laptop. Just search the sportsbook name via Google, or go to the website of the partnering land-based casino or racetrack and find a link.
For iOS users, the apps can be downloaded for free from the Apple store. Meanwhile Android users can download the apps directly from the websites. Users will find in most cases the apps provide the same functionality and ease of use as do the regular web-based versions of the sportsbooks.
Benefits of Legal Mobile Sports Betting in New Jersey
The high number of available retail and online options makes New Jersey a great place for both serious and recreational sports bettors. The fact that the online sportsbooks are all legal and regulated makes them much preferable to offshore sites of dubious legality and/or trustworthiness.
Besides being assured the sites are all safe, the New Jersey online sportsbooks also enable easy banking options and quick cashouts. All provide various forms of support including via live chat, phone, and email, with most being available 24-7. The sites are additionally required to provide information and help to problem gamblers, with those resources also readily accessible via both the apps and web-based platforms.
New Jersey Gambling History
The history of gambling in New Jersey goes way back into the 19th century when the coastal resort of Atlantic City was the site of many underground games. In 1897 legislation was passed prohibiting all forms of gambling in the state, yet numerous illegal casinos continued to flourish well into the 20th century. The HBO series Boardwalk Empire set during the Prohibition includes some of the more memorable characters and episodes from this period.
Investigations into organized crime eventually helped bring an end to this era of illegal gambling in the state. Meanwhile in 1939 betting on horse racing was legalized, then during the 1950s legislation was passed to allow other forms of gambling like bingo and raffles, and in 1969 the state added the lottery. During the mid-1970s those in favor of legalized gambling were able to get a referendum on the ballot to allow casinos in Atlantic City, and once it was passed the first casino, the Resorts International Casino Hotel, opened in 1978.
After a slow start other casinos began to appear up and down the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk including the Tropicana and Trump Taj Mahal. By 2006 the 12 casinos collectively reached a record revenue total of $5.2 billion, although the closure of the Sands Casino Hotel before year’s end signaled the start of what would turn out to be a decade-long decline. More locations closed bringing the total down to just seven in operation during the mid-2010s and total annual revenue down to $2.56 billion in 2015 — less than half what it had been at its peak.
However in recent years revenue figures have begun to increase again, with the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort in June 2018 bringing the number of casinos back up to nine. Most traditional games have been offered in Atlantic City casinos, although poker was only legalized in 1993. An online gambling bill was passed in 2013,
However it was not until 2018 that sports betting was legalized in New Jersey, culminating a decade-long effort to pass such legislation. In fact, the state’s lawmakers passed a sports betting bill in 2012, though the major sports leagues filed an injunction and the courts ruled in their favor, thus prohibiting New Jersey from being able to offer sports betting.
After losing in District Court and then two more times in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the state appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court who in May 2018 voted 6-3 in favor of New Jersey. Having legislation already in place, New Jersey was able to move quickly and on June 11, 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed a new version of the sports betting bill into law.
Bills to expand gambling by allowing casinos in other areas of the state besides Atlantic City have been proposed in recent years, although none have managed to gain popular support.
FAQs
Is it legal to bet on sports in New Jersey?
Yes. Just a couple of weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal prohibition on states other than Nevada offering sports betting was unconstitutional, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a sports betting bill, thereby making both retail and online sports betting legal in New Jersey.
Who oversees sports betting in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates the state’s gambling and sports betting industries, including both retail and online.
What is the legal age to bet on sports in New Jersey?
Individuals must be at least 21 years of age to bet on sports in New Jersey, whether in person at a brick-and-mortar sportsbook or online.
Is online/mobile sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Online gambling of other varieties has been legal in New Jersey since 2013. Online sports betting was made legal in 2018.
What casinos in New Jersey offer retail sports betting?
All nine of the state’s casinos are located in Atlantic City — Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel Casino and Marina, Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel, and Tropicana Atlantic City. Seven of the nine casinos have their own retail sportsbooks, while Bally’s and Caesars share a sportsbook:
- Bally’s, Caesars — The Book at Bally’s
- Borgata — Borgata Race & Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget — The Sports Book
- Hard Rock — Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Harrah’s — The Book at Harrah’s
- Ocean Resort Casino — William Hill Sportsbook at Ocean
- Resorts — DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts
- Tropicana — William Hill Sportsbook at Tropicana
There are two more retail sportsbooks at racetracks in New Jersey
- Monmouth Park — Monmouth Park Sports
- The Meadowlands — FanDuel Sportsbook