Online Gambling NJ – Complete Guide for Legal Apps and Sites in New Jersey
When it comes to online gambling NJ opportunities, there really is no other like the Garden State on the online gambling USA scene. For residents and visitors, there are a host of opportunities to choose from including online casinos, sportsbooks, and even poker rooms.
New Jersey is no stranger to online gambling and was one of the first states to legalize both online casinos and online poker rooms, almost a decade ago in 2013. In 2018, sports bettors joined in when it became legal to bet with online sportsbooks. It’s no wonder so many gamblers consider the Garden State to be a veritable Garden of Eden.
If you’d like to know more about your online gambling NJ options, this How To Bet guide is just what you need. We’re going to look at the history of online gambling in the state and examine in more detail its online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks.
In addition, we’ll introduce some of the ways you can benefit from the best betting offers, bonuses and promotions in the many online casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms New Jersey has to offer.
New Jersey has been a gamblers paradise for many years, with Atlantic City being the biggest draw with its nine land-based casinos. However, it was the advent of online gambling NJ operators that helped make the Garden State even more attractive.
The New Jersey legislature legalized online gambling within its borders on February 26, 2013 thanks to the passage of bill A2578. The legislation was the brainchild of Sen. Ray Lesniak, who pushed the bill as a way to stimulate Atlantic City’s ailing economy.
The bill’s final version was sponsored by John J Burzichelli, Vincent Prieto and Ruben J Ramos, passed the Assembly by a margin of 68-5, and the Senate by a vote of 35-1. Chris Christie signed the bill into law later the same day. In his words, he said it was a “responsible yet exciting option that will make Atlantic City more competitive while also bringing financial benefits” to the state.
New Jersey Online Gambling Revenue
New Jersey benefits from massive amounts of revenue generated by the various online gambling NJ apps and sites. Here are some of the latest figures for this year.
According to figures released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, February 2022 total gaming revenue results were up by 29.5%, from $288.3 million reported in February 2021 to $373.3 million for February 2022.
For year-to-date, total gaming revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $755 million, reflecting a 19% increase from $634.4 million reported in the prior period.
How much of that comes from online gambling NJ operators? For the month of February, Internet Gaming Win reported by casinos and their partners was $130 million, which reflects an increase of 38.6% compared to $93.8 million for the previous period. For the year-to-date period, Internet Gaming Win reported by casinos and their partners was $267.8 million, reflecting an increase of 35.6% compared to $197.6 million for the previous year-to-date period.
Sportsbooks, in particular, made the news in October of last year when they set a new US record with $1.3 billion in wagers being taken during the month. That broke the previous record of $1.01 billion set in September 2021.
Complete List of Legal Online Gambling Sites and Apps in New Jersey
Residents and visitors to New Jersey can now enjoy their favorite gambling experiences at one or more of the many online casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms that are now legal.
All online gambling NJ sites in the state must be affiliated with a land-based casino in order to be legal. This isn’t such a problem, as there are a growing number of casinos in Atlantic City that are only too happy to attract business online.
Legal Online Casinos in New Jersey
In New Jersey, it’s legal to play at licensed and regulated NJ online casinos. However, you must be over 21 to play and located within state borders if you want to place a wager.
Online sports betting became legal in the state of New Jersey in 2018, and you can now place wagers on dozens of sports taking place across the United States and around the world. It’s also legal to bet on single sporting events at all licensed casinos in Atlantic City and New Jersey’s three racetracks.
As well as wagering using a desktop, you can also place real money bets via mobile devices. Every regulated online gambling NJ site that offers sports betting has a mobile app you can download. As long as you’re within New Jersey’s borders, you can gamble on the move at any time.
Daily Fantasy Sports betting is also legal in New Jersey, one of only a handful of states that have explicitly made DFS legal.
Online poker is another legal online gambling NJ activity you can enjoy in the Garden State, which makes it one of the rarer states in the US. New Jersey was in fact the pioneer in becoming the first state to regulate online poker rooms. Nevada and Delaware followed shortly after.
When poker first appeared here, there were only a handful of sites to choose from, however, now there are more than half a dozen that operate legally.
Which Operators are Best for Each Type of Online Gambling in New Jersey
Here’s the How To Bet selection of the best online casino, sports betting, and poker sites and apps in the Garden State. All of the mentioned operators have passed with flying colors the tests we’ve put them through in different aspects from sign up bonuses to user experience and safety. So here they are.
The Best Online Casino Gambling Websites and Apps in New Jersey
The Garden State boasts almost two dozen legal and regulated online gambling NJ casino sites and apps. All the operators present in the NJ online casino list have to partner with an existing land-based casino in order to obtain a license.
We’ve picked out the five most popular to focus on in more detail. If you’d like to know more about the other online casino gambling options, How To Bet has a range of online reviews available for you to read.
Harrahs Casino NJ
Harrah’s Casino launched its online site in November 2013 and is licensed through its parent company, Caesars Interactive Entertainment (CIE). The operation is powered by 888 software, which is the same platform behind Caesars Casino and 888 Casino.
Harrah’s offers a wide range of exciting and fast-paced slots along with the ever popular table game blackjack, a selection of roulette variations, and video poker.
Caesars Casino was one of the first regulated NJ online casinos that launched not long after operators were given the green light in November 2013.
Caesars Online Casino NJ is a solid top-tier option that features a vast library of games that includes live dealer games, slingo, table games, slots, and video poker, lucrative promotions and a good selection of depositing options.
Golden Nugget Online Casino NJ is another very popular option in the Garden State. It offers a good selection of games including table games, slots, card games, video poker, and live dealer games.
This operator also offers various daily, monthly, and annual promos, a VIP club, and a very attractive welcome package.
Also known as “King of Daily Fantasy Sports,” DraftKings first made a splash in New Jersey in the online sports betting market. Six months later, it was ready to take on the competitive world of casino gambling as well.
Things started very slowly, but this brand has slowly grown its library of games and is now a worthy competitor in the busy NJ online casino market. You’ll have no problem finding the right game because there are so many options, from slots to blackjack, keno to live dealer and table games.
BetMGM Online Casino launched in August 2017, so has plenty of experience. It is also backed by one of the premier names in casino gambling, with a pedigree that goes back to the 1920s.
This operator has something for everyone, from its massive game library to its poker and sportsbook integration, jackpot exclusives, and dual welcome bonuses. BetMGM offers more than 500 games to choose from, with slots dominating the action. However, there’s a good variety of other games, including video poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and live dealer games.
The Best New Jersey Online Sports Gambling Websites and Apps
It took a long time getting there, but online sports betting is now fully legal and operational in the Garden State.
We’ve picked out the five most popular online sportsbooks to focus on in more detail. If you’d like to know more about the other sports betting NJ operators, How To Bet has a range of online reviews available for you to read.
Bet365 Sportsbook NJ
There are several reasons why you might want to place your bets at the Bet365 website or app. Its main strengths are the quantity and quality of the betting markets, live betting and sports streaming, and brand name value and industry experience.
The sports betting experience is a very intuitive one, and once you’re registered, you’re ready to go whether you choose the desktop version or place your bets on the go using the Bet365 NJ mobile app.
It might be King of daily fantasy sports but DraftKings is now vying for the title of King of the online gambling NJ sportsbooks too. It was the first full-service online and mobile sports wagering platform to launch in New Jersey after all.
Its brand recognition and service partnership with Kambi Group make it a strong runner in the Garden State. Coupled with the fluid interface, lucrative welcome offer, and account/wallet integration with DraftKings, DFS and other sportsbook operators should be feeling a little worried.
In August 2021, Caesars Sportsbook absorbed William Hill, which was one of the first sportsbooks to launch in the state of NJ. This meant it was able to adopt all of the popular European bookmaker’s bells and whistles.
Caesars Sportsbook NJ offers decent betting lines, an easy-to-navigate user interface, a growing line up of promotions including a welcome offer that overshadows the competition, and a good selection of banking choices.
The BetMGM Sportsbook first launched in New Jersey under the brand PlayMGM in August 2018. It was subsequently refurbished and rebranded as BetMGM in September.
From BetMGM you can expect a very versatile and user-friendly sportsbook that combines a number of features that make it a great choice. There is a wide range of sports and betting options, with many ongoing promotions and bonuses making it an even more attractive choice.
The Best Online Poker Websites and Apps in New Jersey
Visit New Jersey online poker sites and you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in cash games, multi-table tournaments, and sit ‘n’ go tournaments. Many of the best NJ online poker sites, and NJ online gambling apps in general, offer new customers very attractive welcome bonuses that might include free cash.
We’ve picked out the five most popular NJ online poker rooms to focus on in more detail. If you’d like to know more about the other online poker NJ options, How To Bet has a range of online reviews available for you to read.
888 Poker NJ
888 Poker NJ is a collaboration with Caesars Entertainment on the All American Poker Network. It came online on November 21, 2013 during the New Jersey online casino soft-launch period. On November 26, 2013, it was cleared for play by state regulators.
Games available include No Limit Hold ‘em (NLHE), Pot Limit Omaha (PLO), Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo (O8), a multitude of Sit & Go and Multi-table Tournaments, primarily of the NLHE, PLO and O8 varieties.
WSOP New Jersey shares its players pool with its sister poker site, 888 Poker and also operates under the Caesars Entertainment license.
There are five game choices on WSOP.com with stakes ranging from $0.01/$0.02 to $5/$10. Also available are fixed and no-limit games. Games include:
No Limit and Pot Limit Hold ’em
Fixed Limit Hold’em
No Limit & Pot Limit Omaha
Fixed Limit Omaha
Fixed Limit Seven-Card Stud
In addition, Sit & Go small one table tournaments are offered throughout the day, as well as the famous Sunday Tournaments with more than $250,000 in guarantees, daily freerolls, and much more.
BetMGM Poker New Jersey is part of the Partypoker US Network, which includes players at Borgata Poker and Partypoker NJ. However, it doesn’t boast the biggest market depth in the state as that title goes to the All-American Poker Network.
If you’re interested in taking part in as many tournaments as possible, BetMGM is a good choice. For example, there are tournaments on Tuesday ($12K+), Sundays ($35K), and the daily 10K guarantees.
PartyPoker went live in New Jersey in 2013 after acquiring the necessary license and entering a partnership with Borgata Casino. It is part of the multi-site network usually referred to as the partypoker US network that includes Borgata Poker and BetMGM Poker brands.
Partypoker is known for putting a lot of its focus on the tournament selection. You’ll find action available around the clock. With SNG tournaments running at players’ request and a rich schedule of MTTs available every day of the week. Most of the tournament action goes down at the No Limit Holdém tables, with a few Pot Limit Omaha events thrown in for good measure.
Borgata Online Poker debuted in New Jersey in 2013 along with its online casino. At the same time it joined the Partypoker US Network sharing liquidity and traffic with the BetMGM and partypoker NJ sites.
In the Garden State, Borgata is a leader when it comes to tournaments, but lags behind others in terms of cash game action. The site has the standard lineup of games, including cash tables, a fast-fold variant, sit and gos, and tournaments. However, the multi-table tournaments are where this brand really shines.
What Casino Games Can You Play Online in New Jersey
When it comes to online casino games in the Garden State, you’ll be pleased to learn that all of the NJ online casinos are well stocked with slots and games. Some of the top operators also have sportsbooks running parallel to their casino games.
The games on offer will typically include:
Slots: These tend to be the most popular online games as well as topping the charts at land-based casinos. There is typically a massive variety and the chance to win big payouts on small bets. Many of the online casino slots can be found in land-based casinos, but there’s also a massive selection of online exclusives. Progressive jackpots that feature in some of these games can reach six figures as well.
Blackjack: This is the most popular table game because it’s simple to play and offers some of the best odds at a casino. Some blackjack variations have payback rates as high as 99.60%. To increase your chance of a win, it’s not frowned upon if you use a blackjack strategy card.
Roulette: Roulette is another super easy game to play and you have the option of choosing good odds and low payouts or bad odds and high payouts. It’s also quite a thrilling game to participate in and watch. Payouts range from double or nothing (black/red, odd/even, etc) to 35 to 1 for a single number bet.
Other table games: Other table games you’ll commonly find online include casino poker, craps, and baccarat.
Video poker: You’ll find a much wider variety of video poker games online than you would in any land-based casino. You’ll see the standard nine-in-one video poker game “Game King”, as well as multi-hand poker and other unique online variations.
Live dealer games: If you’re looking for a real-life alternative to the standard digital table games at online casinos, liver dealer games offer a totally immersive experience. Live dealer games feature actual dealers at physical tables. The games are live streamed to players sitting at home and bets take the form of digital chips. Live dealer games include:
Live dealer blackjack
Live dealer roulette
Auto roulette
Blackjack unlimited
Which Sports Can You Bet on Online in New Jersey
New Jersey sports fans are in a good position when it comes to rooting interests, positioned as it is between the two major metro areas of New York City and Philadelphia. All of the major pro sports are featured attractions at the top NJ online sportsbooks with nearby teams drawing plenty of betting interest. For example:
NFL: New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles
NBA: Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers
MLB: New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies
NHL: New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers
These bring in the biggest action for the different sportsbooks in New Jersey, but plenty of other sports also bring in a solid amount of action. College football and basketball are popular options, in spite of wagering restrictions on in-state teams and events.
Soccer fans can choose from leagues around the world, along with the MLS and its area franchises. Individual sports include golf, tennis, UFC, Nascar, and boxing, as well as a wide range of niche sports if you want something different.
What Poker Games Can You Play Online in New Jersey
If poker is more your game of choice, you’ll find all the events you’ve come to expect from an online site. Online gambling NJ poker sites offer the following:
Cash games at varied stake levels
Multi-table tournaments and major tournament series
Payouts and Odds at Online Gambling NJ Sites and Apps
If you’re not sure which of your gambling options are best for you, payouts and odds provide an objective outlook on the matter.
Average payouts for real money casino games are fixed, however, those for sports will fluctuate, so keep in mind that they change regularly. Return to Player percentages provide a theoretical insight into how much real money you’ll use for and how much you can expect to get back. Sportsbooks use profit margins to determine the operator’s advantage.
In the table below, there are some examples of the most interesting markets you can bet on, as well as their average rates in New Jersey.
Casino Game
Payout
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
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%
Online Gambling in New Jersey in Comparison With Other States
One of the reasons why online gambling in New Jersey is better than any other state is the low rate of gambling tax that is imposed. It’s lower than other states, but more money is wagered here, so the officials aren’t complaining.
“For gambling at online casinos, the tax rate is 15%. For gambling wins at online and mobile sportsbooks, the tax rate is 13%. A tax rate of 8.5% is applied to any win achieved at retail and land-based sportsbooks.”
Gambling Tax New Jersey
Benefits of Legal New Jersey Online Gambling over In-Person Gambling
The online gambling NJ experience has many benefits that can’t be denied. One of the biggest has to be that you don’t need to visit a casino in person. Instead, you can gamble online whenever you want and wherever you might be in the state.
Let’s compare the two options further in this table:
Online gambling NJ
Land-based gambling NJ
Access to multiple operators
Unique atmosphere
Ease of use
Excellent 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
How to Pick the Best Online Gambling NJ Site or App
With so many online gambling NJ options, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to deciding on which one to play at. Checking out the specific features and details of every site and app can be time-consuming and often confusing.
How To Bet examines each option on your behalf, and only recommends the best operators so that you can enjoy an outstanding online gambling experience, whatever your game of choice. We base our selections on the following:
Security: Your security is a priority so we make sure our recommended sites and apps have strong security measures in place. There are some things you can do as well to further protect yourself, such as making sure your password is not generic, and being careful that the internet connection you use is not public. In addition, look for the small padlock at the top left of the browser.
Bonus offers: We like to see sites that offer a number of bonus and promo options.
Multiple game options: A broad range of gaming options makes a massive difference to your gaming experience.
Software: Great software is vital if you’re going to have a good time. All of the best online gambing NJ sites and apps should have the best software.
Payment options: Operators should provide a range of secure choices for both deposits and withdrawals.
Licensing and regulation: We only ever recommend online gambling NJ apps and sites that are licensed and regulated by a respected and trustworthy regulator.
How to Start Your New Jersey Online Gambling Journey
If you’re a newbie to the online gambling NJ scene, there are a few steps you need to take, regardless of whether you’re going to be playing online casino games, poker online, or placing sports bets online. It’s a very simple process, but it’s crucial you make the right choices every step of the way.
Select a gambling product: Choose what type of gambling games you want to play. In New Jersey you’re very fortunate because your options are sports betting, casino games, or poker.
Create an account: Create an account by completing the operator's registration process.
Check for welcome bonuses: Check if the operator offers a welcome bonus to its new players and use it to your advantage.
Choose a payment method: Make a deposit using one of the operator’s safe and convenient payment methods.
Follow these five steps correctly and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.
Benefit from Free Bets, Promos, and Bonus Codes in New Jersey
Each one of our How To Bet recommended online gambling NJ sites offers an exciting free bet, promo, or bonus code that is sure to motivate you to sign up and gamble some more. You can regularly check our Free NJ Bets and Promo Codes page for constant updates of bonuses and promotions from online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms in the Garden State.
Of course, it’s important that you make yourself aware of the specific terms and conditions attached to each offer and bonus code so that you avoid any misunderstanding and unnecessary financial loss. The most important factors to consider include wagering requirements, expiry periods, and game contributions.
Responsible Online Gambling in New Jersey
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has taken a proactive approach to the issue of responsible gaming and requires all state-regulated online gambling NJ sites to offer users the ability to easily limit different aspects of their play. The options are as follows:
Account cool-off: You’re able to block access to your account for a specified amount of time, giving you a chance to take a step back and think things through before continuing.
Deposit limits: You can set a deposit limit during a specified period of time of your choosing.
Wager limits: This defines the maximum bet amount you are allowed to wager over a set period of time.
Session time limits: You can restrict the amount of time you are allowed to play during a single day.
Loss limits: In addition, you can limit the amount of money you can lose over a period of days, weeks or months.
Self-exclusion: Choose this option and the DGE will instruct all state-regulated online casinos to bar you from playing on their sites for a period of one or five years.
In addition, there are also a number of organizations that can help if you think you might be struggling with gambling addiction.
Yes, you can and you don’t have to be a NJ resident either.
Is online gambling NJ legal?
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Yes, it most certainly is and has been since 2013. Casino games and poker were legalized first, followed by sports betting in 2018.
Do I need to be in New Jersey to open a gambling account?
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No, you don’t and you can log in outside of NJ borders. However, you must be physically located inside of New Jersey state lines to place bets.
Is it safe to play at NJ gambling sites?
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How To Bet only features online gambling NJ sites and apps that are licensed by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Who is allowed to play for real money on NJ gambling sites?
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Only those 21+ years of age who are physically inside the borders of New Jersey may gamble for real money at online gambling NJ sites. You do not need to be a resident to play and can do so even if you are just visiting. To ensure players are inside the state, operators use geolocation software to verify a players location.
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