New Jersey Online Gambling Guide: Top NJ Gambling Sites 2021
Gambling | Legal Since: February 26, 2013 |
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Casino | Legal since: 2013 |
Sports | Legal since: 2018 |
Daily Fantasy | Legal since: 2017 |
Poker | Legal since: 2013 |
Lottery | Legal since: 2019 |
Online gambling is a part of an industry that sees growth nearly every day. Since New Jersey is one of the few states where you can find safe gambling operators and regulated gaming enforcement, you might be wondering which are the best. NJ online casinos, poker sites, online sports betting, daily fantasy, lottery, you name it; we’ve compiled an in-depth guide that caters to all gambling preferences. We also take a look at NJ online gambling regulations set by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, as well as details about online casino bonuses for new players, promo codes, real money gameplay, payment methods, casino apps, and more.
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NJ Gambling Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link |
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BetMGM | $1000 | Sports, Casino & Poker, Low Wagering, Short Bonus Time | 4.9/5 | www.betmgm.com |
Hard Rock Online Casino | $1K | Big Welcome Bonus, Variety of Games, Few Jackpots | 4.8/5 | www.hardrockcasino.com |
Golden Nugget | $1000 | Rich Game Selection, Sports, Live & Casino, No Cryptocurrencies Accepted | 4.8/5 | www.goldennugget.com |
Borgata | $600 | World-Renowned Casino, Sports, Casino & Poker, A Few Jackpot Slots | 4.8/5 | www.borgataonline.com |
888Casino | $20 | Diverse Casino Games, High-Roller Bonus, No Bitcoin Payments | 4.8/5 | www.us.888casino.com |
Virgin | $100 | Over a Dozen Promos, 90 Ball Bingo, No Live Tables | 4.7/5 | www.virgincasino.com |
Tropicana | $100 | Lots of Playtech Games, Great VIP Lounge, No Live Games | 4.7/5 | www.tropicanacasino.com |
Bet365 | $200 | Great Mobile App, Low Wagering, Only 1 Jackpot Game | 4.7/5 | www.casino.nj.bet365.com |
Unibet | $500 | Many Promotions, Sportsbook Available, No Live Dealing | 4.6/5 | www.nj.unibet.com |
Sugar House | $250 | 20+ Software Providers, Numerous Bonuses, Few Jackpots | 4.6/5 | www.playsugarhouse.com |
Pala | $500 | Video Poker, Bingo, Only 1 Jackpot | 4.6/5 | www.casinolobby.palacasino.com |
Caesars | $300 | Top US Casino Brand, Great Reward System, Long Withdrawals | 4.6/5 | www.caesarscasino.com |
Harrah’s | $300 | Great Mobile Apps, Monthly Bonuses, Long PayPal Cashouts | 4.5/5 | www.harrahscasino.com |
Party | $500 | Great Live Casino, No Cashback Limits, No Credit Card Deposits | 4.5/5 | www.casino.nj.partycasino.com |
Ocean Online Casino | $500 | Big Promotions, Good Variety of Slots, Few Table Games | 4.5/5 | www.oceanonlinecasino.com |
PokerStars | $500 | Second and Third Deposit Bonuses, Comp Points System, Dull Design | 4.7/5 | www.pokerstars.com |
FoxBet | $500 | Regular Promotions, Excellent User Experience, No Live Chat Support | 4.7/5 | www.foxbet.com |
- We are experts in the field of online gambling and make sure to stay on top of our game by providing fresh information about official regulations from sources such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
- We are also very interested in all gambling news, so we trust the expertise only from reliable and trusted news agencies like NJ.com and the New Jersey Herald.
- Apart from NJ online gambling, we are also experts in its sub-categories, so some of our reviews such as The Best Roulette Sites, The Top Real Money Slots and many more can certainly be of help!
Online Gambling in New Jersey: Products and Top Sites
Fortunately for players in New Jersey, there are many legal NJ online casinos. If you’re a fan of online gaming, stay with us as we’ll provide information about the best operators in the state. Sports betting is also legal, and we’ve reviewed the online sportsbooks with the widest variety of markets and betting opportunities to get you started.
NJ poker sites also deserve attention, as well, and we share insights throughout our guide for your benefit. Alternatively, you can pick some numbers for a retro experience in the world of the New Jersey Lottery, and if you prefer a more innovative gambling experience, don’t miss out on our daily fantasy review. All in all, there’s a little bit of everything when it comes to New Jersey online gambling, and we provide you with the needed information to ensure a great experience!
Casino Sites in New Jersey
While the first NJ casino opened doors back in 1978 in Atlantic City, online casinos have been able to legally operate since February 2013. That’s why the state currently has the most diverse online casino market in the USA, and players have the option to choose among a variety of excellent operators. To help you find your favorite, we have listed the best New Jersey online casinos below:
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NJ Casino Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link |
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BetMGM | $1000 | Sports, Casino & Poker, Low Wagering, Short Bonus Time | 4.9/5 | www.betmgm.com |
Hard Rock Online Casino | $1K | Big Welcome Bonus, Variety of Games, Few Jackpots | 4.8/5 | www.hardrockcasino.com |
Golden Nugget | $1000 | Variety of Offers, Big Game Catalogue, Few Jackpot Games | 4.8/5 | www.goldennugget.com |
Borgata | $600 | World-Renowned Casino, Sports, Poker, A Few Jackpot Slots | 4.8/5 | www.borgataonline.com |
888Casino | $20 | Diverse Casino Games, High Roller Bonus, No Bitcoin Payments | 4.8/5 | www.us.888casino.com |
Virgin | $100 | Over a Dozen Promos, 90 Ball Bingo, No Live Tables | 4.7/5 | www.virgincasino.com |
Tropicana | $100 | Lots of Playtech Games, Great VIP Lounge, No Live Games | 4.7/5 | www.tropicanacasino.com |
Bet365 | $200 | Great Mobile App, Low Wagering, Only 1 Jackpot Game | 4.7/5 | www.casino.nj.bet365.com |
Unibet | $500 | Many Promotions, Sportsbook Available, No Live Dealing | 4.6/5 | www.nj.unibet.com |
Sugar House | $250 | 20+ Software Providers, Numerous Bonuses, Few Jackpots | 4.6/5 | www.playsugarhouse.com |
Pala | $500 | Video Poker, Bingo, Only 1 Jackpot | 4.6/5 | www.casinolobby.palacasino.com |
Caesar | $300 | Top US Casino Brand, Great Reward System, Long Withdrawals | 4.6/5 | www.tropicanacasino.com |
Harrah’s | $300 | Great Mobile Apps, Monthly Bonuses, Long PayPal Cashouts | 4.5/5 | www.harrahcasino.com |
Party | $500 | Great Live Casino, No Cashback Limits, No Credit Card Deposits | 4.5/5 | www.casino.nj.partycasino.com |
Ocean Online Casino | $500 | Big Welcome Offer, Variety of Offers, No Live Casino | 4.5/5 | www.oceanonlinecasino.com |
PokerStars | $500 | Second and Third Deposit Bonuses, Comp Points System, Dull Design | 4.7/5 | www.pokerstars.com |
FoxBet | $500 | Regular Promotions, Excellent User Experience, No Live Chat Support | 4.7/5 | www.foxbet.com |
At NJ online casinos, slots are king, and with our top suggestions, you’ll uncover some of the best real money slots in the USA. Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other popular games are also available through these gambling sites. All games are often complemented by exciting welcome offers, so if you’d like more details, head over to our review of New Jersey online casinos.
Sports Betting Sites in NJ
There isn’t a shortage of online sportsbooks in New Jersey. The state pursued its plan to legalize sports betting and officially did so on June 11, 2018. Since then, New Jersey has issued various licenses for online sports betting, and more operators are expected to join the growing market this year. We’ve detailed our preferred online sportsbooks in NJ to help you find your favorite:
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NJ Sports Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link |
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BetMGM | $500 | Numerous Sports Offers, Live Sports Betting, Short Bonus Time | 4.9/5 | www.sports.nj.betmgm.com |
888 Sport | $500 | Live In-Play Betting, PayPal Accepted, 7 Days Bonus Validity | 4.8/5 | www.us.888sport.com |
Hard Rock Sport | $100 | In-Play Betting, Wide Selection of Sports, No Daily Fantasy | 4.8/5 | www.hardrockcasino.com |
Sugar House Sport | $250 | NCAA Tournaments, Lots of Sports Markets, Long Withdrawal Times | 4.7/5 | www.playsugarhouse.com |
Bet 365 | $100 | Low Min. Deposit, bet365 Mastercard, No DFS | 4.7/5 | www.nj.bet365.com |
Caesars Sport | $300 | In-Play Betting, $10 No Deposit Free Bet, Only 9 Betting Markets | 4.6/5 | www.caesarscasino.com |
Borgata Sport | $100 | Lots of Sports Bonuses, Live In-Play Betting, No Darts or Handball | 4.6/5 | www.sports.borgataonline.com |
PointsBet | $1,500 | All your favorite sports, Risk-Free Bets, No Daily Fantasy Sports | 4.6/5 | www.pointsbet.com |
FoxBet | $500 | Regular Promotions, Excellent User Experience, No Live Chat Support | 4.6/5 | www.foxbet.com |
New Jersey is one of the leaders in the US when it comes to gambling regulations. We encourage you to jump over to our New Jersey sports betting page to learn more about the options that the state currently offers.
Daily Fantasy Sites in New Jersey
Next in our NJ gambling guide, we’d like to explain daily fantasy games – a highly innovative way of betting in today’s age of technology. In August 2017, New Jersey became the 16th state to formally legalize daily fantasy sports. This was very well-received by gamblers, facilitating the expansion of the best DFS websites that follow across state lines.
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- Trusted
NJ Daily Fantasy Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link |
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BetMGM | $1000 | Great Virtual Sports, High-Quality Gameplay, No American Football | 4.9/5 | www.sports.nj.betmgm.com |
Sugar House Sport | $250 | Virtual Sports by Interactive, Virtual Cars Betting, No Neteller Payments | 4.8/5 | www.playsugarhouse.com |
Caesars Sport | $300 | Virtual Horse Racing, Virtual Demo Versions, 7 Days Bonus Validity | 4.7/5 | www.caesarscasino.com |
Daily fantasy sports betting is a relatively new niche in online gambling. Many operators have applied for licenses in New Jersey, so we anticipate increased variety in the coming future. If you’re eager to find out more, check out our comprehensive New Jersey daily fantasy guide.
NJ Online Poker Sites
As a gaming classic, it’s no surprise that online poker officially became legal on February 26, 2013. New Jersey players now have the option to choose among some of the most popular online poker sites operators:
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NJ Online Poker Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link |
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BetMGM | $1000 | Low Wagering, 70+ Daily Tournaments, 7 Days Bonus Validity | 4.9/5 | www.sports.nj.betmgm.com |
Borgata | $600 | Old School Tournaments, iRewards Loyalty Scheme, Requires Software | 4.8/5 | www.poker.borgataonline.com |
Party Poker | $1000 | Great Loyalty Programme, Free Poker Software, Mostly Texas Hold’em | 4.8/5 | www.nj.partypoker.com |
888 Poker | $1500 | Long Bonus Validity, Award-Winning Operator, No Card Withdrawals | 4.7/5 | www.us.888poker.com |
WSOP (Caesars) poker | $1000 | 30+ Promos Available, ESPN Live Broadcast, Slow Withdrawals | 4.6/5 | www.wsop.com |
PokerStars | $600 | Regular Тournaments, Quick Withdrawals, Requires Software | 4.5/5 | www.pokerstars.com |
We know that poker players use a strategic approach to their gameplay which also varies depending on the version. Whether you’re interested in speed poker, cash games, tournament play, or another alternative, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for. You can also check out our video poker guide where we go into detail about the game that primarily relies on luck rather than skill.
Online Lottery in New Jersey
The New Jersey Lottery has been officially running since 1970 and currently offers 8 draw games. In 2016, the state made its first steps towards the creation of an official online lottery. Governor Chris Christie signed the lottery bill though it didn’t initially attract much attention. What the state legalized was a courier service that was able to deliver lottery tickets purchased online.
Top Lottery App
However, in December 2019, the state officially took steps about legalizing online lottery by giving the green light to a lottery app called Jackpocket, which you can see in our banner above. Although there is no official lottery website available in NJ, recent news indicates that there’s a project in the works. We expect his type of online gambling to expand, so be sure to stay up to date via our New Jersey online lottery guide.
New Jersey Bonus Offers & Promo Codes
Each one of our recommended NJ online gambling sites offers an exciting casino bonus or promo code that will motivate both regulars and new players. Of course, you should always be aware of the specific terms and conditions attached to each offer and bonus code to avoid misunderstanding and unnecessary financial loss.
The most important factors in understanding an online casino bonus include first deposit, wagering requirements, expiry periods, and game contributions. It’s also essential to know for which games a particular offer is applicable. Note that if you don’t fulfill the bonus requirements in the provided time frame, all corresponding funds will be voided.
Gambling Site | Bonus Amount | Bonus Code | Ideal For | Min Deposit | Validity |
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BetMGM | Up to $1000 | N/A | Casino | $10 | 3 days |
Borgata | Up to $600 | N/A | Casino | $20 | 14 days |
888Casino | $20 | N/A | Casino | No Deposit | 60 days |
Virgin | Up to $100 Cashback | N/A | Casino | $10 | 7 days |
Tropicana | Up to $100 Cashback | N/A | Casino | $10 | 7 days |
Bet365 | Up to $200 | N/A | Casino | $20 | 60 days |
Unibet | $10 Free | UBCASINO10 | Casino | No Deposit | 7 days |
Sugar House | Up to $250 | 250MATCH | Slots/Video Poker/Sports Betting | $10 | 30 days |
Pala | Up to $500 | N/A | Casino | $10 | 15 days |
Caesar | Up to $300 | CASINO300 | All Except Sports | $10 | 30 days |
Harrah’s | Up to $300 | N/A | All Games | $10 | 7 days |
Party | Up to $200 | PLAYNJCASH | Casino | $10 | 30 days |
Another type of casino bonus you’ll come across at NJ online gambling sites is the no deposit bonus. These offers are most preferred by new players as they don’t require any account funding, but only registration. Bear in mind that they also have their own set of terms and conditions, so make sure to follow instructions carefully. With that said, there are a number of differences between online casino deposit and no deposit bonuses that we’ll thoroughly explain in the following paragraphs.
Deposit Bonuses at NJ Gambling Sites
In most cases, you’ll be required to make a first deposit of a particular amount into your account to be eligible. Usually, the minimum amount needed is set around $10- $20, which isn’t that much. The reward is also often a 100% deposit match up bonus, in which case you’ll find your account with the doubled amount available to use across online casino games.
No Deposit Bonus Offers
We’ve already mentioned free play bonuses, but we should further specify that they’re not only for land-based Atlantic City casino players as some of the top online betting sites have included them in their portfolio of offers as well. The difference between a no deposit and deposit bonus is not only in amount but also validity, the latter generally allowing for a longer fulfillment period.
New Jersey Gambling Apps
Using the correct betting apps on your mobile device is also essential, and in our NJ online gambling review, we only look at the best, most reliable options. Although more than 70% of gamblers prefer playing from the comfort of their phone, playing on the go still hasn’t reached its peak.
With that said, our analysis highlights only one recommendation. After a thorough observation of all available options, we can confidently suggest the following mobile casino app:
Best Mobile App
What have we taken into account when we were looking for the top mobile app? On one hand, speed and platform reliability were essential as they form a large part of the user experience. On the other hand, welcome offers, games selection, and security had to meet industry standards. The combination of these fundamentals drove us toward our selection of the best mobile gambling app in NJ, and we’re certain you’ll be equally as pleased.
New Jersey Live Gambling
While poker, online casinos, and lotteries have a charm of their own, most bettors consider live dealer games unmatchable in terms of thrill and action. Fortunately, you can access a variety of live dealer casinos directly from our list of the best NJ online gambling sites with plenty of live table options!

If you prefer a different type of live dealer betting, sportsbooks can offer you an experience full variety, various markets, and combined bets. If you have a favorite sport or a team that you avidly support, a number of sports welcome offers wait to be claimed and used!

Whether real money blackjack is your go-to or sports betting on the Jersey Bearcats is more your thing, we encourage you to explore the different live dealer games and their advantages.
Available Payment Methods in NJ
Next, in our NJ online gambling review, we’ll look into perhaps a less exciting, but vital topic – payment methods. With a full variety of financial services and constant innovations in the field of payments, it’s no wonder why both regular and new players want to have only the top options when it comes to depositing and withdrawing funds from an online casino.
Once you access a NJ online casino, you’ll likely find a mix of traditional and modern financial services, with the latter being far more convenient as they often provide feeless transactions alongside reduced withdrawal times without compromising security. Provided below is our preferred payment method for all casino transactions:

Best PayPal Site
Depositing at NJ online gambling sites is relatively easy, and with just a few clicks you can safely fund your account. In most cases, those transactions are initiated immediately and you don’t have to wait to begin playing your favorite real money online casino games. However, keep in mind that you’ll always be required to verify your account beforehand by providing a valid ID.
Withdrawals are also made effortless but have more specifics you should pay attention to. One is the cash out times that depend on the chosen payment method and the banking policy of the operator as well. Something else worth noting in regard to NJ online gambling sites is the possible transaction fees, so double-check the financial T&C’s to stay informed.
Payouts and Odds at NJ Online Gambling Sites
If you’re wondering what type of online casino game to choose, payouts and odds provide an objective look on the matter. Since the NJ online casino industry allows the use of many products legally, the payout percentages you’re about to see are excellent due to the ever-growing competition of operators.
On the one hand, return-to-player rates provide a theoretical insight on how much of the real money you’re using for betting can be returned back to you. On the other hand, sportsbooks have profit margins that determine what the advantage of the operator in a particular bet, also known as house edge, is. The difference between 100% and the profit margin shows your theoretical RTP.
Taking into account these metrics, we’ve included in the table below some of the most interesting markets you can bet on alongside their average rates in NJ. Have a look at them and choose the one which best suits your preferences, always making sure to play for fun with funds you can afford to spend!
The Payout Levels for Casino Games and Sports Betting in NJ:
Casino Game | Payout |
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Slots | 83.45% – 99.67% |
Roulette | 88.37% – 98.68% |
Blackjack | 90.28% – 99.74% |
Online Poker | 90.33% – 99.47% |
Keno | 93.98% – 96.15% |
Baccarat | 83.07% – 98.89% |
Sport | Payout |
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Soccer | 90.53% – 93.65% |
Basketball | 92.01% – 93.55% |
Cricket | 93.34% – 94.15% |
MMA | 95.47% – 95.76% |
Table Tennis | 89.70% – 91.66% |
Tennis | 91.70% – 93.32% |
While the average payouts for real money casino games are fixed, the ones for sports may fluctuate, so keep in mind that they do change regularly. When it comes to online gaming in general, our best advice is to choose betting opportunities where the profit margin/house edge is below 10% – this way, you’ll know that you have a theoretical chance of more than 90% to win!
How to Start Gambling Online in NJ
If you’re new to gambling, the following paragraph will provide insights on the necessary steps needed to register and play at a NJ online casino. Although we’ve covered various types of online gaming, the steps remain similar regardless of your choice, so you can safely rely on the information below.
From registering to entering a particular type of gambling, the process is self-explanatory, but making the right decisions is vital. With so much competition around it’s easy to feel lost, so the details we’ve included with each step will undoubtedly be helpful. Don’t miss out on them as we’re experts not only in NJ online casinos but also in online sports betting, daily fantasy, poker, and more!
- Choose your type of gambling. While online casino games rely heavily on luck and chance, others require more expertise and skill. Define the purpose of your strategy, check RTP rates and profit margins, and choose wisely your product.
- Make sure the selected NJ online casino or online sportsbook is safe. You will be required to provide personal details which shouldn’t surprise you! Check the legal status of each operator at the bottom of the page, where its license number should be listed.
- Claim a bonus offer you can fulfill. Welcome offers can be tricky, so make sure to go through the available terms and conditions before claiming the bonus code. It’s important to check the first deposit and wagering requirements, games contribution factor, validity, exclusions, and more.
- Be aware of payment methods. While this may not be that important for some new players, others prefer to rely only on modern payment services. Our advice is to use e-wallets, but if you’re an iOS user, ApplePay is also suitable.
- Use the FAQ sections. Before ringing or writing to the customer support of your online gambling site, check out its FAQ section. In most cases, this is the most convenient way of receiving the needed information.
- Be aware of new casino bonuses. Most operators tend to mix up their offerings by including a daily or monthly promo code, for example. Some operators may even offer subscriptions, so stay on top of your game and use this option if it’s available.
So, there you have it – six steps that, if followed correctly, can save you a lot of hassle and give you an idea of what is important to know. The most valuable advice we can give you is to enter a gambling site for fun and never risk money you can’t afford to lose; this also applies to casinos in Atlantic City!
The Advantages of Online Gambling in NJ
Without a doubt, online gambling has advantages that can’t be denied. One of its main pros is the fact that you don’t need to go physically to a casino, but rather enter a gambling website whenever you want to. However, land-based alternatives such as those in Atlantic City also have advantages worth noting, so in the following table, we’ll make a comparison between both options!
Online Gambling | Offline Gambling |
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• Access to multiple operators | • Unique atmosphere |
• Ease of use | • Outstanding customer service |
• Exciting welcome offers | • Live interaction with dealers |
• Doesn’t require a physical presence | • You can enter various events |
• Mobile device access is possible | • Exciting VIP perks and entertainment |
Although it’s hard to compare both ways of gambling, the purpose remains the same – suiting player needs. Whether you’re a fan of gambling sites, or you’re more traditional in your approach and prefer casinos in Atlantic City, we advise a mix of both to get the full experience of NJ gambling!
Land-based Casinos, Kiosks, Racetracks
When we talk about NJ gambling, two words always come to mind – Atlantic City. Widely considered as one of the top cities for casino play, Atlantic City has excellent resorts that you shouldn’t miss out on. Some of the top NJ casinos include the Tropicana, Harrah’s, Golden Nugget, and more flashy land-based casino resorts!
Of course, there are also other ways to experience the thrill of gambling, and one of the most traditional ways to do so is by visiting a horseracing track. Multiple options are available in the state, and some of the most popular racetracks include the Freehold Raceway, Monmouth Park, the Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, and many others!
Care to partake in some sports betting? Many gambling kiosks have been made available for New Jersey players, and they are considered game-changers in the world of land-based gambling. While some of them are located at race tracks, others can be found at casinos, giving great opportunities to diversify your experience!
New Jersey Gambling Laws
Home of Atlantic City, New Jersey is one of the states with the least restrictive gambling laws and gaming enforcement. The gambling history of the state is also marked by its first brick-and-mortar casino opening in 1978 in Atlantic City. However, one of the biggest expansions of the casino industry came with the legalization of online gambling.
In January 2011, the politician Raymond Lesniak sponsored a bill to allow New Jersey residents over the age of 21 to gamble online. The legislation specified that all servers operating gambling websites had to be located in Atlantic City. Nevertheless, Governor Chris Christie vetoed the bill stating that not every bet placed in New Jersey should be considered an Atlantic City bet.
After long discussions, new legislation was drafted, allowing Atlantic City businesses to advertise NJ online gambling and to use their facilities for such activities. A new bill was eventually signed on February 26, 2013, opening the industry for legal gambling sites for a trial period of 10 years.
Online Casino Laws in NJ
The primary regulator of NJ online casinos is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement which is a part of the Casino Control Commission. Of course, certain criteria need to be followed to be granted with a license of operation, including subjective factors such as integrity and honesty.
The main official document for online casino regulations in New Jersey is the Casino Control Act, which ensures transparent gambling and defines the conditions needed for an operator to provide casino services. Having in mind the regulated casino market and the gambling environment of the Garden State, the number of NJ online casinos will surely continue to rise!
Online Sports Betting Laws in New Jersey
In 2012, New Jersey became famous for its fight to legalize sports betting. In June of that same year, the New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill, which allowed sports betting in the state. However, the NCAA, the NBA, the NFL, and other athletic leagues filed a lawsuit against New Jersey under the claim that allowing sports betting was illegal according to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992.
In 2013, the United States District Court Judge Michael Shipp ruled in favor of the athletic leagues, prohibiting New Jersey from issuing sports betting licenses. Nevertheless, in 2017 New Jersey took its case to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in its favor. In 2018, online sports betting was officially legalized.
Daily Fantasy Laws in NJ
In July 2017, the state passed a bill that legalized and regulated paid-entry daily fantasy sports similar to many other states, including neighboring Maryland. The wait was well worth it if your favorite game is one that allows you to assemble your own fantasy team.
After a period of consideration, Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law. The daily sports legalization was positively accepted by fans as it protects their rights and creates a secure gambling environment. The acceptance of this innovative type of online gaming again reaffirms that New Jersey online gambling is an industry taken seriously.
NJ Online Poker Laws
Since online poker was officially legalized at the same time as online gambling, New Jersey became the fourth state to regulate online poker successfully, therefore building even more credibility among gamblers. Initially, there were only three poker sites that were granted a license, but that number has recently increased to seven.
As of 2018, some of these websites started to operate in other states as well, expanding their business beyond the borders of the Garden State. For New Jersey players, however, to be physically present in the state remains a legal condition in order to play the game.
Online Lottery Laws in New Jersey
When it comes to online lotteries, the situation is complicated and, consequently, this type of online gambling in NJ has yet to expand. Back in 2017, without making any noise, an official bill was signed that a “courier company” is allowed to offer online lottery tickets.
At the end of 2019, this online lottery service was introduced, but we expect these regulations to be amended soon. After all, offering a niche market to only one company could be considered a type of monopoly, and there are other online lottery websites that would like to enter the NJ online gambling world as well.
History of Gambling in New Jersey
We have already discussed the gambling laws in Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey in general, but do you wonder how it all went down? The state’s gambling efforts began back in 1870 when the first racetrack opened at Monmouth Park. However, this event only marked New Jersey’s long journey to becoming one of the states with the most successful casino industry, so check out below some of its most important gambling milestones!
Year | Event |
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1870 | New Jersey’s first racetrack opens at Monmouth Park. |
1897 | The voters in New Jersey approved a referendum, which outlaws all forms of gambling. |
1939 | Racetrack gambling is re-legalized. |
1953 | It is legal for non-profit organizations to have bingo and raffles. |
1970 | New Jersey approves the creation of the State Lottery. |
1976 | A state referendum legalizes casinos but restricts them only to Atlantic City. |
1978 | Resorts Atlantic City becomes the first casino to open in New Jersey. |
2012 | Governor Chris Christie signs legislation allowing sports betting in New Jersey. The United States District Courts repeal the law, and the state begins a long battle for the legalization of sports gambling. |
2013 | Online gambling is officially legalized, and New Jersey becomes the first US state with legal online casino gambling. |
2017 | New Jersey officially legalizes Daily Fantasy sports. The state reaches an agreement to pool players for online poker with Nevada and Delaware. |
2018 | The Supreme Court rules in favor of New Jersey and recognizes the state’s right to legalize sports betting. In June, only a month later, the state takes its first legal sports bet. Thus, the state becomes the third state with legal sports betting, after Nevada and Delaware. |
NJ State Facts
The state has undoubtedly gone through a long journey since it opened its first racetrack in 1870 and Atlantic City casino in 1978. Nowadays, the residents of New Jersey have the third-highest income in the US, and the gambling industry has had a positive effect on the state’s economy. To provide you with a more comprehensive understanding, the table below shares the most important facts about New Jersey.
Population | 9,005,644 |
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Min. Income | $1,534.00 |
Offline Location | Atlantic City |
Commissioner | Division of Gaming Enforcement, Casino Control Commission |
Languages | English – 71.3%, Spanish – 14.59%, Chinese – 1.2%, Italian – 1.06%, Portuguese – 1.06% |
Local Team | New Jersey Devils |
Tax Authority | New Jersey Division of Taxation |
State Law | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ |
Winning Tax | Income Tax on all winnings exceeding $10,000 |
State Website | https://www.nj.gov/ |
Famous Gamblers | Phil Ivey |
Gambling Age in NJ
New Jersey might be one of the most modern and developed states in terms of gambling, but it still follows the United States’ strict gambling age limitation. According to the state’s laws, a person must be at least 21 years old to be legally allowed to gamble at a casino in New Jersey.
However, minors can still enter casinos in Atlantic City, for example, as long as they restrain themselves from gambling, remaining on the gambling floor, and drinking alcohol. Anyone caught violating the New Jersey gambling age restriction shall be required to pay a fine between $500 and $1000 and might face a six-month driving license suspension in addition to further legal consequences.
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Online Gambling Age:
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Alcohol Age
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Weed Age
Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention
Being one of the states with the most developed gambling industry, the Garden State understands that on certain occasions, gambling may become an addiction. In order to treat and prevent gambling addiction, the state has established various specialized organizations in cooperation with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
The National Council of Problem Gambling provides a list of options for immediate help to those struggling with gambling addiction. Additionally, the Council on Compulsive Gambling offers localized therapy. The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and widespread gambling industry wants to ensure that those individuals who require support can access it easily and without barriers.
Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes
As mentioned in Gambling Laws in New Jersey, the state’s industry has gone through various legal and gaming enforcement changes within the last few years, both online and in the Atlantic City scene. Currently, the operation of NJ online casinos, online poker, sports betting websites, as well as daily fantasy league, have been approved. Although it’s just getting started, the state is also planning the launch of an official online lottery. If you still need to get thorough information about gambling in the USA, check our dedicated page.
Speaking of online lottery, it would be nice to officially regulate such websites for New Jersey players. After all, this is one of the least risky gambling games, widely considered a classic. To be honest, we do see that happening and consider it less a matter of “if” than “when.”
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FAQ’s About Online Gambling in New Jersey
We’ve covered all important aspects regarding NJ’s legal gambling sites and online sportsbooks, dove into lottery and poker sites, even touched on Atlantic City casinos, but perhaps you have a few remaining questions or concerns. Our FAQ covers some of the most popular inquiries about NJ online gambling, so make sure to check their answers below!
What are the best online gambling sites in New Jersey?
You have many trustworthy options for legal NJ gambling sites. Depending on your online gaming preferences, we've compiled several lists of the state's top operators
Is it legal to gamble online in NJ?
Yes, gambling websites are legal in NJ. The state in cooperation with the Division of Gaming Enforcement regularly updates New Jersey gambling laws to meet state safety and security standards. This, however, was not always the case. For many years Atlantic City was one of the few places where gambling was permitted in the state.
What is the gambling age in New Jersey?
The legal New Jersey gambling age is 21+ years. If laws are ignored, there will be extreme consequences, including fines and driver's license suspension. The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement takes this matter seriously; for more details regarding legal gambling sites and age restrictions in NJ and Atlantic City, please visit our page.
How do New Jersey online gambling sites make money?
The New Jersey online gambling sites make sure to stay ahead of the competition by offering quality products and top security to players, and ensuring their game catalogs are diverse, unique, and can compete with those of land-based Atlantic City casinos. Apart from that, most websites are specialized in a particular niche, so do check out the variety of markets that we've reviewed!
When did they legalize online gambling in New Jersey?
The history of New Jersey online casinos has been far from linear, and it wasn't until 2013 when NJ gambling sites became licensed and regulated. After that came the legalization of sports betting, poker, daily fantasy, and other popular markets.
Which NJ casinos have online gambling?
Due to the ever-growing interest in online gambling, there are a few NJ land-based operators in Atlantic City that offer online casino sites and, from our experience, they are worth trying. In most cases, they offer a complete package with perks such as no deposit bonuses, promo codes, poker games, sports betting options, and more.
Do you have to live in NJ to gamble online?
No, however, if you'd like to play at a NJ online casino, you must be physically located in the state of New Jersey. If ignored, you may be barred from gambling in the Garden State and run the risk of facing additional consequences from the Division of Gaming Enforcement. Non-residents may also visit the land-based casinos in Atlantic City.