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* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up yo $600.
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* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up to $500.
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* New customers only.
New Jersey: Online Casino Gambling Timeline
In January 2011, a bill sponsored by State Senator Raymond Lesniak passed the New Jersey State Legislature. The bill legalized online gambling for New Jersey residents aged 21 or over.
However, Governor Chris Christie vetoed the bill, expressing concerns about gambling spreading beyond Atlantic City.
The State Legislature went to work drafting a new bill of which Gov. Christie would approve. In the interim:
- December 2011: The United States Department of Justice ruled that online casinos did not violate the Federal Wire Act, but online sports betting did.
- December 2011: Seton Hall constitutional scholar John Wefing argued that online bets were de-facto legal because the bets constituted a contract, and the contract would not be executed until confirmed in a server. Since the location of contract signing determined jurisdiction, the location of the server mattered.
The revised legislation limited the advertising of online gambling to casinos in Atlantic City. No other businesses would be allowed to advertise, or to dedicate a portion of their facilities to, online gambling.
The bill also imposed a ten-year trial period on online gambling, and a 15% tax on revenue produced by online gambling was also levied, well above the 8% tax imposed on ordinary casino revenue.
From that point on, online gamblers would be required to be at least 21 and verified by GPS to be in New Jersey.
The bill also left the door open for future multistate gambling by interstate compact.
The State Legislature approved the bill by a wide margin on February 26, 2013. Gov. Christie signed the bill into law.
On November 21, 2013, several online casinos launched simultaneously with a limited roster of games.
By 2017, hundreds of games were available across twelve different online casino brands. Online versions of many classic casino games can now be enjoyed online in New Jersey, as well as bets on:
- The New Jersey Lottery
- Horse Racing
- Off-Track Betting,
- Charity Gambling,
- Amusement Games
- Social Gambling
New Jersey Online Gambling Revenue
$500
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up to $500.
$600
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up yo $600.
$500
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up to $500.
New Jersey online gambling revenue has increased steadily since online casinos opened for business.
Online poker revenue has remained relatively static, usually below $2,000,000 per month.
After launching in November 2013, the first full month of online casinos’ operations produced (December 2013):
Online Casino Revenue: $4,503,755
Online Poker Revenue: $2,884,917
Total Online Gambling Revenue: $ 7,388,672
Taxes Collected: $ 1,108,700.
Online casino revenue had its best month ever in October 2019, with the Division of Gaming Enforcement reporting:
Online Casino Revenue: $ 43,574,226
Online Poker Revenue: $ 1,640,329
Total Online Gambling Revenue: $ 45,214,555
Taxes Collected: $ 6,788,698.
As of November 2019’s reporting by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, online gambling has produced a total of:
Online Casino Revenue: $ 1,259,406,860
Online Poker Revenue: $ 145,964,566
Total Online Gambling Revenue: $ 1,405,371,426
Taxes Collected: $ 246,223,650.
That’s over $1 billion in revenue from online casino gambling alone, and almost a quarter of a billion dollars in tax receipts.
New Jersey: Online Sports Betting Timeline
Online sports betting faced a long and complicated road to legality due a Federal law prohibiting sports betting.
In October 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), also known as the Bradley act, became Federal law.
In March 2009, New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak challenged PASPA in Federal court.
In March 2011, a Federal judge threw out the lawsuit, denying Sen. Lesniak’s case to proceed.
In November 2011, New Jersey amended its constitution to permit sports betting, boosted by popular support.
In November 2011, Sen. Lesniak proposed the legalization of sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and casinos in the Sports Wagering Act.
In January 2012, the Sports Wagering Act was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.
In August 2012, most major professional sports clubs, including the NBA, NFL and NHL, sued the State of New Jersey under PASPA.
In February 2013, the US District Court of New Jersey upheld PASPA and issued a permanent injunction against actions in conjunction with the Sports Wagering Act.
In March 2013, the State of New Jersey appealed the decision of the District Court.
In September 2013, the Third Circuit of the US Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the District Court. New Jersey appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court.
In June 2014, the US Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal.
In October 2014, Sen. Lesniak introduced a revised Sports Wagering Act to allow racetracks and casinos to accept bets on sporting events without the licensure or involvement of the state.
The law passed quickly, with Gov. Christie’s affirmation. Major sports leagues once again sued under PASPA.
In November 2014, the Federal ruled against New Jersey. The state appealed the decision.
In August 2015, the Third Circuit once again ruled against New Jersey.
In October 2016, the State of New Jersey appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court.
To everyone’s surprise, The Supreme Court actually agreed to hear the case in June 2017.
In December 2017, oral arguments were presented to the US Supreme Court.
On May 14 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional.
In June 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed revised sports betting legislation into law.
The first legal sports betting in New Jersey commenced that month at Monmouth Park.
In July 2018, the first online sports books launched. Online gambling within New Jersey had already been legal on Atlantic City-based servers since 2013.
Legal Framework for New Jersey Gambling
Although some laws make big, sweeping changes, legality is greatly affected by both custom and any precedents.
New Jersey has a long history of legal or permitted betting and gambling; the colony of New Jersey partially funded the French and Indian War by lottery sales.
Monmouth Park, the first site of legal sports betting after the ruling against PASPA, opened in 1870.
From the 1800s to the present, various forms of gambling wove into and out of legality until the State Lottery was passed in 1969, followed by casino gambling for Atlantic City in 1976.
New Jersey State Laws Applicable to Gambling
Section 2C:37-1(a)
“Contest of chance” means any contest, game, pool, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants or some other persons may also be a factor therein.”
New Jersey state gambling laws apply to games or “contests” that depend materially on chance for their outcome. Even if a person is tactically skilled at a game like poker, or at predicting the outcome of a sporting event based on available data, both contests depend significantly on factors outside the player’s control (unpredictable happenstance, the “luck of the draw,” etc.)
Section 2C:37-1(b)
“Gambling” means staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the actor’s control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.
The state of New Jersey defines “gambling” as making a bet or wager that places at risk something of material value (money, property, promises or covenants, etc.) on a “game of chance.”
Section 2C:37-1(c)
“Player” means a person who engages in any form of gambling solely as a contestant or bettor, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings, and without otherwise rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation of the particular gambling activity. A person who gambles at a social game of chance on equal terms with the other participants therein does not thereby render material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation of such game if he performs, without fee or remuneration, acts directed toward the arrangement or facilitation of the game, such as inviting people to play, permitting the use of premises therefore or supplying cards or other equipment used therein. A person who engages in “bookmaking” as defined in this section is not a “player.”
In order for New Jersey gambling laws to apply, the “house” has to be enriched. Friends can have a “poker night” for money and pocket their winnings legally without breaking the law.
However, if the owner of the home game charges a fee, or if players pay into a rake or vig, the activity is considered “gambling” under the law and DGE regulations apply.
Gambling laws also apply to private clubs charging an entrance fee, seat licensing fee, or exorbitant drink and concession prices.
Is Playing Online Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Poker counts as a “contest of chance” under Section 2C:37-1(a). Betting within a poker game constitutes “gambling.”
Gambling at casinos licensed by the DGE has been legal within Atlantic City, NJ under state law since 1976.
Online gaming has been legal in New Jersey under state law since 2013 on websites with servers housed in a DGE-licensed casino in Atlantic City, provided that the player accesses the website within the borders of the state of New Jersey.
Therefore, residents or visitors within New Jersey’s borders can play poker online for money using websites operating from servers within a licensed Atlantic City casino.
Are Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Sports legal in New Jersey?
Yes. In 2011, citizens of New Jersey amended their state constitution specifically to allow sports betting.
However, at the time, sports betting was still forbidden at the Federal level under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) aka the Bradley Bill.
New Jersey passed several laws legalizing sports betting. The NBA, NHL, MLB, and other major sports leagues challenged those laws in Federal courts, winning several favorable decisions.
The issue finally made it to the US Supreme Court in 2018. The Supreme Court overturned PASPA, opening the doors to legal sports betting under the New Jersey Constitution and civil code.
Sports betting and daily fantasy sports betting can legally take place at licensed Atlantic City casinos and racetracks.
Sports bets can also be placed by residents or visitors within state lines using an online betting website, as long as the servers are housed within a licensed Atlantic City casino or racetrack.
What Land-based Casinos are Available in New Jersey?
The following land-based casinos operate legally in Atlantic City, NJ:
- Bally’s Atlantic City
- Borgata Hotel Casino And Spa
- Caesars Atlantic City
- Golden Nugget Atlantic City
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
- Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
- Ocean Resort Casino
- Resorts Atlantic City
- Tropicana Casino & Resort
Is Charitable Gambling Legal in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey law allows churches, fraternal organizations, and other non-profit organizations to hold raffles, armchair races, bingo games, casino nights, and other gambling activities as a fundraising tactic.
The New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission has jurisdiction over charity gambling.
How do NJ Online Gambling “No-Deposit Bonuses” Work?
“No-deposit bonus” or “free-play bonus” promotions allow new customers to start their first online gambling session with a small balance gifted to them by the casino.
Essentially, the site is giving newcomers “free money” to start gambling with them.
A few sites require a “bonus code” or “promo code” to claim the bonus, but most do not.
Usually, any new customer is eligible for a no-deposit bonus offer when they create their account. Some sites restrict the offer to one per household, device, or address.
If this seems like an unbelievable windfall, bear in mind the following:
- Bonuses tend to be small—$20, maybe a little more, maybe even less.
- You can’t just withdraw the balance. Online casinos usually require that you first bet the bonus amount at least once, possibly as many as ten or twenty times, before you can withdraw whatever is left over as cash.
- Casino owners aren’t stupid. This is just a marketing expense for them, and a far cheaper one than a billboard or radio ad. With many requiring 10x or 20x the bonus amount in bets before you can cash out, they expect to come out ahead most of the time.
New Jersey Online Casino VIP Program for High Rollers
Like land-based casinos, online casinos offer loyalty rewards.
Sometimes, this just means affinity points and the occasional loyalty bonus. Other times, it can mean red-carpet treatment–the likes of which casinos roll out for VIPs and high rollers, including:
- Gifts of luxury merchandise
- VIP concierge service
- Dedicated account managers
- Velvet-rope invitations to VIP events
- High-end offers and promotions
- Perks like faster withdrawal.
iRush Rewards, the loyalty program offered by SugarHouse Casino, offers escalating prizes and rewards for cash-betting customers.
Top New Jersey Poker Sites
The top poker websites in New Jersey include:
These sites offer the best of the best in online gaming experiences, including rakeback and a wide range of tables.
Online poker sites compete fiercely for your business. These sites have pulled out all the stops to offer premium poker play online.
Play for Real Money on New Jersey Online Casinos
Strict state laws regulate access to online gambling in New Jersey. So, who can play for real money in NJ online casinos?
- Persons at least 21 years of age
- Persons physically located within the state of New Jersey when they play.
Players don’t have to be residents of the state of New Jersey to play. Visitors are welcome, as long as they are physically located in New Jersey as verified by GPS tracking.
New Jersey online casino cash accounts can be funded from anywhere in the world, although the actual gameplay is prohibited until the player arrives in New Jersey.
Players typically must furnish personal identifying information, including social security numbers. Casinos may verify this data on public records databases or query credit-reporting agencies to confirm identities.
NJ Casinos Offering Online Sports Betting
The following companies offer online or mobile-app sports betting:
- Caesars Sportsbook (New Jersey)
- 888 Online Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Borgata Sports
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- Fox Bet Sportbooks
Which NJ Casinos Have Sportsbooks?
Most Atlantic City casinos and racetracks keep sportsbooks, or plan to. Here is a current list of land-based casinos that offer sports betting:
| Property | Supplier/Partner | Sportsbook |
| Bally’s | Scientific Games | Temporary open |
| Borgata | IGT/GVC/Stadium Tech | Temporary open |
| Caesars | Scientific Games | None |
| Freehold Raceway | TBA | TBA |
| Golden Nugget | SBTech | Open |
| Hard Rock AC | GIG | Temporary open |
| Harrah’s | Scientific Games | Open |
| Monmouth Park | William Hill | Open |
| Ocean Resort Casino | William Hill | Open |
| Resorts AC | SBTech | Temporary open |
| The Meadowlands | FanDuel Sportsbook | Open |
| Tropicana | William Hill | Temporary open |
888 Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
Licensed by casino titan Caesars, 888 has been serving Atlantic City gamers for years.
BetAmerica Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: February 2019
BetAmerica expanded beyond its traditional purview of horseracing with this online sportsbook under the Golden Nugget license.
BetStars Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
BetStars is a production of The Stars Group, the largest public gambling company on earth. Based on the Isle of Man (a British Crown self-governing dependency), The Stars Group operates BetStars under the license of Resorts AC, also operating the PokerStars products.
Caesars Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
Caesars offers online sportsbooks in partnership with Scientific Games.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: August 2018
The first legal online sportsbook in New Jersey, DraftKings is one of the two largest daily fantasy sports websites. This online book operates in partnership with Kambi under the license of Resorts AC.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
FanDuel is licensed by The Meadowlands and carries their retained sportsbook. It’s an outgrowth of the merger of Paddy Power Betfair, IGT, and other partnerships.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: November 2019
A newcomer to the online sportsbook ecosystem, Golden Nugget brought its online sportsbook to market in November 2019.
Hard Rock Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: November 2019
Also only recently launched, the Hard Rock Sportsbook operates under the Hard Rock AC license.
playMGM Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: August 2018
The playMGM app added a sportsbook shortly after the repeal of the Bradley Bill. Licensed by Borgata–for whom it provides the retail sportsbook–playMGM Sportsbook launched in partnership with IGT.
PointsBet
Sportsbook Launched: January 2019
This Australian betting venture launched in the US via a partnership with Meadowlands. It offers traditional sports betting, as well as a proprietary high-risk “Points Betting” feature.
Resorts Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: February 2019
Resorts AC launched its online sportsbook just in time for Super Bowl LIII.
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: August 2018
Unified with the SugarHouse online-casino platform, SugarHouse was the third New Jersey online sportsbook to enter the market. Licensed by Golden Nugget, it operates in partnership with Kambi.
theScore Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2019
Unlike other sports-betting apps, theScore was launched by a Canadian-based media company, operating under the Monmouth Park license.
New Jersey Online Casino Gambling FAQ
Is online gambling legal in New Jersey?
Yes. The New Jersey State Legislature first passed a bill legalizing online gambling in 2011. Initially vetoed by Governor Chris Christie, it was signed into law in a revised version in February 2013. No Federal law prohibits online gambling.
How many legal gambling sites operate in New Jersey?
23 online casinos operate legally within the State of New Jersey. Four poker sites are licensed, as well as 14 authorized sports betting sites.
How many casinos are in New Jersey?
Nine brick-and-mortar casinos currently operate in New Jersey, all of them within Atlantic City. State law limits gambling to Atlantic City.
Where can I wager online in NJ?
You can place a bet online in New Jersey at any authorized online gambling website. You must be physically located within the State of New Jersey, and the website must operate under a casino license issued by the DGE, run off servers located onsite at an Atlantic City casino.
What’s the best online casino in New Jersey?
Golden Nugget. With a $20 free play bonus, a 100% deposit bonus up to $1,500, over 500 games, and the backing of one of Atlantic City’s biggest names, GoldenNuggetCasino.com offers unparalleled value.
What are the top software service providers in New Jersey for online gambling?
Online gambling in New Jersey builds off of Dragonfish, GVC, Pala Interactive, GameSys, Rush Street Interactive, GameAccount Network, SG Digital, PokerStars, and Gaming Innovation Group.
Can I bet online legally in New Jersey on my mobile device?
Yes. The legality of online gambling applies to mobile devices. Numerous online casinos in New Jersey offer mobile gaming apps. You must verify through GPS tracking that you are physically within New Jersey borders to play, but you can fund your account from anywhere in the world.
Why is online gambling legal in New Jersey but not in the rest of the US?
Online gambling is allowed by New Jersey state law. Although US Federal law does not prohibit online gambling, New Jersey law restricts online gambling at New Jersey casinos to persons located within the state. Even within New Jersey, casinos and online casino servers must be located in Atlantic City.
How can a casino get an online licence in New Jersey?
If someone wants to open a casino in Atlantic City, it may apply for a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Casino Licensing Bureau.NJ Online Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey passed numerous state laws legalizing sports betting, but all were then challenged under a Federal law prohibiting sports betting, known as PASPA or the Bradley Bill. However, the US Supreme Court ruled PAPSA unconstitutional in 2018, opening the door to legal sports betting under New Jersey law.
Is NJ online sports betting legal?
Yes. Once PAPSA was ruled unconstitutional, the 2013 law legalizing online gambling applied to sports betting.
Where in NJ can I bet on sports?
You can bet on sports at any authorized and licensed Atlantic City casino or racetrack, or anywhere within the state of New Jersey using an authorized sports-betting website or app.
Can you bet on horse racing online in New Jersey?
Yes, licensed Atlantic City casinos, racetracks, and websites (or apps) accept horse race wagers.
New Jersey: Online Casino Gambling Timeline
In January 2011, a bill sponsored by State Senator Raymond Lesniak passed the New Jersey State Legislature. The bill legalized online gambling for New Jersey residents aged 21 or over.
However, Governor Chris Christie vetoed the bill, expressing concerns about gambling spreading beyond Atlantic City.
The State Legislature went to work drafting a new bill of which Gov. Christie would approve. In the interim:
- December 2011: The United States Department of Justice ruled that online casinos did not violate the Federal Wire Act, but online sports betting did.
- December 2011: Seton Hall constitutional scholar John Wefing argued that online bets were de-facto legal because the bets constituted a contract, and the contract would not be executed until confirmed in a server. Since the location of contract signing determined jurisdiction, the location of the server mattered.
The revised legislation limited the advertising of online gambling to casinos in Atlantic City. No other businesses would be allowed to advertise, or to dedicate a portion of their facilities to, online gambling.
The bill also imposed a ten-year trial period on online gambling, and a 15% tax on revenue produced by online gambling was also levied, well above the 8% tax imposed on ordinary casino revenue.
From that point on, online gamblers would be required to be at least 21 and verified by GPS to be in New Jersey.
The bill also left the door open for future multistate gambling by interstate compact.
The State Legislature approved the bill by a wide margin on February 26, 2013. Gov. Christie signed the bill into law.
On November 21, 2013, several online casinos launched simultaneously with a limited roster of games.
By 2017, hundreds of games were available across twelve different online casino brands. Online versions of many classic casino games can now be enjoyed online in New Jersey, as well as bets on:
- The New Jersey Lottery
- Horse Racing
- Off-Track Betting,
- Charity Gambling,
- Amusement Games
- Social Gambling
New Jersey Online Gambling Revenue
$500
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up to $500.
$600
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up yo $600.
$500
Welcome Package
* New customers only. 100% match bonus based on first deposit of up to $500.
New Jersey online gambling revenue has increased steadily since online casinos opened for business.
Online poker revenue has remained relatively static, usually below $2,000,000 per month.
After launching in November 2013, the first full month of online casinos’ operations produced (December 2013):
Online Casino Revenue: $4,503,755
Online Poker Revenue: $2,884,917
Total Online Gambling Revenue: $ 7,388,672
Taxes Collected: $ 1,108,700.
Online casino revenue had its best month ever in October 2019, with the Division of Gaming Enforcement reporting:
Online Casino Revenue: $ 43,574,226
Online Poker Revenue: $ 1,640,329
Total Online Gambling Revenue: $ 45,214,555
Taxes Collected: $ 6,788,698.
As of November 2019’s reporting by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, online gambling has produced a total of:
Online Casino Revenue: $ 1,259,406,860
Online Poker Revenue: $ 145,964,566
Total Online Gambling Revenue: $ 1,405,371,426
Taxes Collected: $ 246,223,650.
That’s over $1 billion in revenue from online casino gambling alone, and almost a quarter of a billion dollars in tax receipts.
New Jersey: Online Sports Betting Timeline
Online sports betting faced a long and complicated road to legality due a Federal law prohibiting sports betting.
In October 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), also known as the Bradley act, became Federal law.
In March 2009, New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak challenged PASPA in Federal court.
In March 2011, a Federal judge threw out the lawsuit, denying Sen. Lesniak’s case to proceed.
In November 2011, New Jersey amended its constitution to permit sports betting, boosted by popular support.
In November 2011, Sen. Lesniak proposed the legalization of sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and casinos in the Sports Wagering Act.
In January 2012, the Sports Wagering Act was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.
In August 2012, most major professional sports clubs, including the NBA, NFL and NHL, sued the State of New Jersey under PASPA.
In February 2013, the US District Court of New Jersey upheld PASPA and issued a permanent injunction against actions in conjunction with the Sports Wagering Act.
In March 2013, the State of New Jersey appealed the decision of the District Court.
In September 2013, the Third Circuit of the US Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the District Court. New Jersey appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court.
In June 2014, the US Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal.
In October 2014, Sen. Lesniak introduced a revised Sports Wagering Act to allow racetracks and casinos to accept bets on sporting events without the licensure or involvement of the state.
The law passed quickly, with Gov. Christie’s affirmation. Major sports leagues once again sued under PASPA.
In November 2014, the Federal ruled against New Jersey. The state appealed the decision.
In August 2015, the Third Circuit once again ruled against New Jersey.
In October 2016, the State of New Jersey appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court.
To everyone’s surprise, The Supreme Court actually agreed to hear the case in June 2017.
In December 2017, oral arguments were presented to the US Supreme Court.
On May 14 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional.
In June 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed revised sports betting legislation into law.
The first legal sports betting in New Jersey commenced that month at Monmouth Park.
In July 2018, the first online sports books launched. Online gambling within New Jersey had already been legal on Atlantic City-based servers since 2013.
Legal Framework for New Jersey Gambling
Although some laws make big, sweeping changes, legality is greatly affected by both custom and any precedents.
New Jersey has a long history of legal or permitted betting and gambling; the colony of New Jersey partially funded the French and Indian War by lottery sales.
Monmouth Park, the first site of legal sports betting after the ruling against PASPA, opened in 1870.
From the 1800s to the present, various forms of gambling wove into and out of legality until the State Lottery was passed in 1969, followed by casino gambling for Atlantic City in 1976.
New Jersey State Laws Applicable to Gambling
Section 2C:37-1(a)
“Contest of chance” means any contest, game, pool, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants or some other persons may also be a factor therein.”
New Jersey state gambling laws apply to games or “contests” that depend materially on chance for their outcome. Even if a person is tactically skilled at a game like poker, or at predicting the outcome of a sporting event based on available data, both contests depend significantly on factors outside the player’s control (unpredictable happenstance, the “luck of the draw,” etc.)
Section 2C:37-1(b)
“Gambling” means staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the actor’s control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.
The state of New Jersey defines “gambling” as making a bet or wager that places at risk something of material value (money, property, promises or covenants, etc.) on a “game of chance.”
Section 2C:37-1(c)
“Player” means a person who engages in any form of gambling solely as a contestant or bettor, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings, and without otherwise rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation of the particular gambling activity. A person who gambles at a social game of chance on equal terms with the other participants therein does not thereby render material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation of such game if he performs, without fee or remuneration, acts directed toward the arrangement or facilitation of the game, such as inviting people to play, permitting the use of premises therefore or supplying cards or other equipment used therein. A person who engages in “bookmaking” as defined in this section is not a “player.”
In order for New Jersey gambling laws to apply, the “house” has to be enriched. Friends can have a “poker night” for money and pocket their winnings legally without breaking the law.
However, if the owner of the home game charges a fee, or if players pay into a rake or vig, the activity is considered “gambling” under the law and DGE regulations apply.
Gambling laws also apply to private clubs charging an entrance fee, seat licensing fee, or exorbitant drink and concession prices.
Is Playing Online Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Poker counts as a “contest of chance” under Section 2C:37-1(a). Betting within a poker game constitutes “gambling.”
Gambling at casinos licensed by the DGE has been legal within Atlantic City, NJ under state law since 1976.
Online gaming has been legal in New Jersey under state law since 2013 on websites with servers housed in a DGE-licensed casino in Atlantic City, provided that the player accesses the website within the borders of the state of New Jersey.
Therefore, residents or visitors within New Jersey’s borders can play poker online for money using websites operating from servers within a licensed Atlantic City casino.
Are Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Sports legal in New Jersey?
Yes. In 2011, citizens of New Jersey amended their state constitution specifically to allow sports betting.
However, at the time, sports betting was still forbidden at the Federal level under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) aka the Bradley Bill.
New Jersey passed several laws legalizing sports betting. The NBA, NHL, MLB, and other major sports leagues challenged those laws in Federal courts, winning several favorable decisions.
The issue finally made it to the US Supreme Court in 2018. The Supreme Court overturned PASPA, opening the doors to legal sports betting under the New Jersey Constitution and civil code.
Sports betting and daily fantasy sports betting can legally take place at licensed Atlantic City casinos and racetracks.
Sports bets can also be placed by residents or visitors within state lines using an online betting website, as long as the servers are housed within a licensed Atlantic City casino or racetrack.
What Land-based Casinos are Available in New Jersey?
The following land-based casinos operate legally in Atlantic City, NJ:
- Bally’s Atlantic City
- Borgata Hotel Casino And Spa
- Caesars Atlantic City
- Golden Nugget Atlantic City
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
- Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
- Ocean Resort Casino
- Resorts Atlantic City
- Tropicana Casino & Resort
Is Charitable Gambling Legal in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey law allows churches, fraternal organizations, and other non-profit organizations to hold raffles, armchair races, bingo games, casino nights, and other gambling activities as a fundraising tactic.
The New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission has jurisdiction over charity gambling.
How do NJ Online Gambling “No-Deposit Bonuses” Work?
“No-deposit bonus” or “free-play bonus” promotions allow new customers to start their first online gambling session with a small balance gifted to them by the casino.
Essentially, the site is giving newcomers “free money” to start gambling with them.
A few sites require a “bonus code” or “promo code” to claim the bonus, but most do not.
Usually, any new customer is eligible for a no-deposit bonus offer when they create their account. Some sites restrict the offer to one per household, device, or address.
If this seems like an unbelievable windfall, bear in mind the following:
- Bonuses tend to be small—$20, maybe a little more, maybe even less.
- You can’t just withdraw the balance. Online casinos usually require that you first bet the bonus amount at least once, possibly as many as ten or twenty times, before you can withdraw whatever is left over as cash.
- Casino owners aren’t stupid. This is just a marketing expense for them, and a far cheaper one than a billboard or radio ad. With many requiring 10x or 20x the bonus amount in bets before you can cash out, they expect to come out ahead most of the time.
New Jersey Online Casino VIP Program for High Rollers
Like land-based casinos, online casinos offer loyalty rewards.
Sometimes, this just means affinity points and the occasional loyalty bonus. Other times, it can mean red-carpet treatment–the likes of which casinos roll out for VIPs and high rollers, including:
- Gifts of luxury merchandise
- VIP concierge service
- Dedicated account managers
- Velvet-rope invitations to VIP events
- High-end offers and promotions
- Perks like faster withdrawal.
iRush Rewards, the loyalty program offered by SugarHouse Casino, offers escalating prizes and rewards for cash-betting customers.
Top New Jersey Poker Sites
The top poker websites in New Jersey include:
These sites offer the best of the best in online gaming experiences, including rakeback and a wide range of tables.
Online poker sites compete fiercely for your business. These sites have pulled out all the stops to offer premium poker play online.
Play for Real Money on New Jersey Online Casinos
Strict state laws regulate access to online gambling in New Jersey. So, who can play for real money in NJ online casinos?
- Persons at least 21 years of age
- Persons physically located within the state of New Jersey when they play.
Players don’t have to be residents of the state of New Jersey to play. Visitors are welcome, as long as they are physically located in New Jersey as verified by GPS tracking.
New Jersey online casino cash accounts can be funded from anywhere in the world, although the actual gameplay is prohibited until the player arrives in New Jersey.
Players typically must furnish personal identifying information, including social security numbers. Casinos may verify this data on public records databases or query credit-reporting agencies to confirm identities.
NJ Casinos Offering Online Sports Betting
The following companies offer online or mobile-app sports betting:
- 888 Online Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Borgata Sports
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- Fox Bet Sportbooks
Which NJ Casinos Have Sportsbooks?
Most Atlantic City casinos and racetracks keep sportsbooks, or plan to. Here is a current list of land-based casinos that offer sports betting:
| Property | Supplier/Partner | Sportsbook |
| Bally’s | Scientific Games | Temporary open |
| Borgata | IGT/GVC/Stadium Tech | Temporary open |
| Caesars | Scientific Games | None |
| Freehold Raceway | TBA | TBA |
| Golden Nugget | SBTech | Open |
| Hard Rock AC | GIG | Temporary open |
| Harrah’s | Scientific Games | Open |
| Monmouth Park | William Hill | Open |
| Ocean Resort Casino | William Hill | Open |
| Resorts AC | SBTech | Temporary open |
| The Meadowlands | FanDuel Sportsbook | Open |
| Tropicana | William Hill | Temporary open |
888 Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
Licensed by casino titan Caesars, 888 has been serving Atlantic City gamers for years.
BetAmerica Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: February 2019
BetAmerica expanded beyond its traditional purview of horseracing with this online sportsbook under the Golden Nugget license.
BetStars Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
BetStars is a production of The Stars Group, the largest public gambling company on earth. Based on the Isle of Man (a British Crown self-governing dependency), The Stars Group operates BetStars under the license of Resorts AC, also operating the PokerStars products.
Caesars Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
Caesars offers online sportsbooks in partnership with Scientific Games.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: August 2018
The first legal online sportsbook in New Jersey, DraftKings is one of the two largest daily fantasy sports websites. This online book operates in partnership with Kambi under the license of Resorts AC.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2018
FanDuel is licensed by The Meadowlands and carries their retained sportsbook. It’s an outgrowth of the merger of Paddy Power Betfair, IGT, and other partnerships.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: November 2019
A newcomer to the online sportsbook ecosystem, Golden Nugget brought its online sportsbook to market in November 2019.
Hard Rock Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: November 2019
Also only recently launched, the Hard Rock Sportsbook operates under the Hard Rock AC license.
playMGM Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: August 2018
The playMGM app added a sportsbook shortly after the repeal of the Bradley Bill. Licensed by Borgata–for whom it provides the retail sportsbook–playMGM Sportsbook launched in partnership with IGT.
PointsBet
Sportsbook Launched: January 2019
This Australian betting venture launched in the US via a partnership with Meadowlands. It offers traditional sports betting, as well as a proprietary high-risk “Points Betting” feature.
Resorts Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: February 2019
Resorts AC launched its online sportsbook just in time for Super Bowl LIII.
SugarHouse Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: August 2018
Unified with the SugarHouse online-casino platform, SugarHouse was the third New Jersey online sportsbook to enter the market. Licensed by Golden Nugget, it operates in partnership with Kambi.
theScore Sportsbook
Sportsbook Launched: September 2019
Unlike other sports-betting apps, theScore was launched by a Canadian-based media company, operating under the Monmouth Park license.
New Jersey Online Casino Gambling FAQ
Is online gambling legal in New Jersey?
Yes. The New Jersey State Legislature first passed a bill legalizing online gambling in 2011. Initially vetoed by Governor Chris Christie, it was signed into law in a revised version in February 2013. No Federal law prohibits online gambling.
How many legal gambling sites operate in New Jersey?
23 online casinos operate legally within the State of New Jersey. Four poker sites are licensed, as well as 14 authorized sports betting sites.
How many casinos are in New Jersey?
Nine brick-and-mortar casinos currently operate in New Jersey, all of them within Atlantic City. State law limits gambling to Atlantic City.
Where can I wager online in NJ?
You can place a bet online in New Jersey at any authorized online gambling website. You must be physically located within the State of New Jersey, and the website must operate under a casino license issued by the DGE, run off servers located onsite at an Atlantic City casino.
What’s the best online casino in New Jersey?
Golden Nugget. With a $20 free play bonus, a 100% deposit bonus up to $1,500, over 500 games, and the backing of one of Atlantic City’s biggest names, GoldenNuggetCasino.com offers unparalleled value.
What are the top software service providers in New Jersey for online gambling?
Online gambling in New Jersey builds off of Dragonfish, GVC, Pala Interactive, GameSys, Rush Street Interactive, GameAccount Network, SG Digital, PokerStars, and Gaming Innovation Group.
Can I bet online legally in New Jersey on my mobile device?
Yes. The legality of online gambling applies to mobile devices. Numerous online casinos in New Jersey offer mobile gaming apps. You must verify through GPS tracking that you are physically within New Jersey borders to play, but you can fund your account from anywhere in the world.
Why is online gambling legal in New Jersey but not in the rest of the US?
Online gambling is allowed by New Jersey state law. Although US Federal law does not prohibit online gambling, New Jersey law restricts online gambling at New Jersey casinos to persons located within the state. Even within New Jersey, casinos and online casino servers must be located in Atlantic City.
How can a casino get an online licence in New Jersey?
If someone wants to open a casino in Atlantic City, it may apply for a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Casino Licensing Bureau.NJ Online Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey passed numerous state laws legalizing sports betting, but all were then challenged under a Federal law prohibiting sports betting, known as PASPA or the Bradley Bill. However, the US Supreme Court ruled PAPSA unconstitutional in 2018, opening the door to legal sports betting under New Jersey law.
Is NJ online sports betting legal?
Yes. Once PAPSA was ruled unconstitutional, the 2013 law legalizing online gambling applied to sports betting.
Where in NJ can I bet on sports?
You can bet on sports at any authorized and licensed Atlantic City casino or racetrack, or anywhere within the state of New Jersey using an authorized sports-betting website or app.
Can you bet on horse racing online in New Jersey?
Yes, licensed Atlantic City casinos, racetracks, and websites (or apps) accept horse race wagers.