NJ Online Gambling
Both traditional and online gambling is legal in New Jersey. There are more than several dozens of gambling sites online catering to players from the Garden State.
Besides showing you the best NJ online gambling sites, we also dive deeper and wider, simplifying the gambling jargon. Casinos, sportsbooks, poker, and all other NJ gambling things are a scroll away.
Best NJ Gambling Sites
Here are the best gambling sites in NJ. All of them have been through our testing. The sites are ranked based on their overall score.
Every gambling site is not created equally, and for that reason, we have a very extensive and transparent ranking system. We explain the reasoning behind the rankings and this is the standard criteria we analyze:
Criteria priority for rankings in New Jersey:
- Game or odds variety – in short, the product, what the operator offers. Operators are rated on their product, and then are compared with their competitors. The ones that offer special or unique features rank higher.
Sportsbooks are evaluated based on the sports they cover, the leagues, tournaments and the betting markets they have on offer.
Casinos are rated based on the casino game offer, if they cover the basics such as slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker and live dealer casino games, or they have proprietary exclusive games. These games are usually produced thanks to the close collaboration operators have with casino game studios. - Bonus offer – the bonus offers must have value and not hide rogue terms. Even if they do, we expose them. A bonus offer needs to be tailored with balance in mind. Some gambling sites simply offer a welcome bonus because others are doing it, without considering if the bonus is fair, if the bonus is appealing to the wider customer base. If they fail, we don't. So far, the gambling bonuses are rather volatile in New Jersey. This means that you can still find some bonus offers that give you a clear advantage.
- Customer support – time to reply, quality of reply and methods of communication. Most gambling operators are aiming to deliver 24/7 customer support. However, not all of them do! Do not fall for the 24/7 support, and you still have to wait for an email reply. Live chat or phone support are a must!
- Interface – ease of use, added features, unique functions. Nobody likes websites that are not optimized. This is why we also take into consideration the interface and the platform the gambling operator uses. Game filters, betting markets filters, navigation, it all has to make sense. In addition, this needs to be packed neatly so it's easy to use on smartphones as well.
- Payment methods – variety of payment options not limited to credit cards and bank transfers only. The choice of payment methods is just one part of the equation. Other important factors we consider are withdrawal times, fees and if the gambling operator is doing all the necessary checks before initiating any transactions.
Forms of Legal Online Gambling in New Jersey
New Jersey is equipped with a vast array of online gambling options. Unlike other states, it's one of the very few with regulated online casinos, online sportsbooks, poker sites, and daily fantasy sports.
| 🎰 Online Casino Games | 🏈 Online Sports Betting | 📱 Fantasy Sports |
| ♠️ Poker | 🔢 Lottery | 🎲 Bingo |
| 🏇 Horse Racing |
||
Let’s delve further and explore all of the different forms of legal online gambling in the Garden State.
Online Casino Games
Casino games are the backbone of the NJ online gambling scene. Since there’s no need to maximize physical space, online casinos can feature as many or as few casino game varieties.
On the online aspect, casinos must ensure all of the games are:
- user-friendly
- enticing
- tested and safe
- compatible with smartphones
All casino games are approved by the NJDGE to ensure integrity and fairness. The NJDGE also has standardized that every player must be located in New Jersey and over the age of 21 to place any bets.
We recommend joining the best NJ casinos online, that we have vetted and approved. While all are legal and safe, not all offer the same gaming experience.
Sports Betting
Sports betting has come a long way since the legalization in 2018. NJ currently has an impressive number of 23 legal online sportsbooks. The NJDGE is the body which regulates online sports betting as well.
Some of the NJ sportsbooks worth mentioning are:
- BetMGM
- William Hill
- Unibet
- 888
- bet365
In order to legally bet on sports in the Garden State, players must be over the age of 21.
Daily Fantasy Sports
The purpose of DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) is for players to build their own teams compromised of hand-selected athletes from various teams. The scoring system depends solely on the performance of the athletes/teams. In addition to the individualistic spirit of fantasy sports, players are able to enter tournaments to take their hand-built teams to the next level.
There are two major companies that are best known for fantasy sports; FanDuel and DraftKings. In New Jersey, DFS is not considered “gambling”. Therefore, these two popular DFS companies are regulated by The Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.
Lastly, players must be at least 18 years old to place any DFS bets.
Online Poker
Online poker is also legal and regulated in New Jersey, thanks to the NJDGE. In accordance to state gambling laws, players must be at least 21 years old to participate in online poker.
Alongside a small number of other states New Jersey has always been a pioneer in the poker industry, and even has fought tough opposition in battles such as the Black Friday of poker in 2011.
Some of the highest-rated NJ poker sites include:
- WSOP
- 888 Poker
- Pala Poker
- BetMGM Poker
- Partypoker
- Borgata Poker
- PokerStars NJ
Bingo
Playing bingo from the comfort of your own home is relatively easy in New Jersey. There are currently three online casinos that offer bingo; Tropicana, Pala Bingo, and Virgin Casino.
Must like other gambling sources in NJ, Bingo is licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Horse Racing
The NJ Racing Commission is in charge of every aspect of horse racing in New Jersey. Some of their responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Oversee conduct of races
- Collect blood and urine specimens
- Register, license, and fingerprint all personnel
On top of their exuberant responsibilities, the NJ Racing Commissioners are appointed by the Governor with recommendation from the Senate. Members of the commission are also active in the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI).
Lottery
The NJ Division of Lottery commission consists of seven key members. All of the members are appointed by the governor with the recommendation and consent of the Senate. Each of the members are appointed for a five-year term, and they serve on the Lottery Commission without compensation.
It's worth noting that lottery activities are under the NJ Department of the Treasury, not the NJDGE. Some of the responsibilities of the NJ Division of Lottery include:
- Protecting retirement benefits
- Funding numerous state programs
While lottery is legal in the Garden State, players must be at least 18 in order to gamble. Even though lottery is mainly an in-person gambling source, players now can also purchase tickets through a smartphone app.
NJ Gambling Law
Making history in 1974 by legalizing gambling, New Jersey was ahead of the times. Later gambling was restricted to Atlantic City only, but this still made NJ and Las Vegas the most favorable gambling destinations in the United States.
Meanwhile, legal online gambling was finally passed into law in 2013, opening the door for the revolutionary online casino market.
Local License Holders
| NJ License Holder | NJ Gambling Sites | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Borgata Hotel & Spa | Borgata Casino | 1 Borgata Way Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Borgata Online Poker | ||
| Borgata Sports | ||
| BetMGM Casino | ||
| BetMGM Sports | ||
| BetMGM Poker | ||
| PartyCasino | ||
| Partypoker | ||
| Pala Online Poker | ||
| Pala Online Casino | ||
| Scores Casino | ||
| Caesars Atlantic City | Caesars Online Casino | 2100 Pacific Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | ||
| WSOP | ||
| Harrah’s Casino | ||
| Wynnbet | ||
| Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina | Golden Nugget Online Casino | 600 Huron Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Golden Nugget Sports | ||
| Betfair Casino | ||
| SugarHouse Casino | ||
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Hard Rock Online Casino | 1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Hard Rock Casino Sportsbook | ||
| bet365 Casino | ||
| bet365 Sports Review | ||
| Unibet Casino | ||
| Unibet Sports Review | ||
| Ocean Resort Casino | Ocean Online Casino | 500 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Parx Online Casino | ||
| Tipico Sportsbook | ||
| Tropicana Casino | Tropicana Casino | 2831 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Virgin Casino | ||
| Resorts Casino Hotel | Resorts Casino | 1133 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Resorts Casino Sports | ||
| DraftKings Casino | ||
| Mohegan Sun Online Casino | ||
| PokerStars Casino | ||
| FOX Bet Sportsbook | ||
| Monmouth Park, Ocean Resort Casino, Tropicana* | William Hill Sports Book | |
| Monmouth Park | theScoreBet | 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757 |
| SugarHouse Sportsbook |
Minimum Legal Gambling Age in New Jersey
Depending on the form of legal gambling, the age may vary in the state of New Jersey. This applies to both online and traditional gambling at land-based businesses.
| Casino Games | 21 Years Old |
| Poker | 21 Years Old |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | 21 Years Old |
| Sports Betting | 21 Years Old |
| Horse Racing | 18 Years Old |
| Lottery | 18 Years Old |
| Bingo | 18 Years Old |
Auditors and Regulators
Although there are many different regulating authorities in the Garden State, it all depends on the form of online gambling. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) regulates most of the gambling activity in NJ.
| Casino Games | NJDGE |
| Sports Betting | NJDGE |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | The Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety |
| Bingo | NJDGE |
| Poker | NJDGE |
| Lottery | NJ Division of Lottery |
| Horse Racing | NJ Gaming Commission |
Responsible Gambling
New Jersey takes responsible gambling very seriously. Each online platform must provide a minimum array of tools for players to ensure responsible gambling. The NJDGE takes all NJ online gambling activities very seriously. Failure to provide a safe online gambling environment for New Jersey residents will stain the gambling industry in general.
Some of those tools include but are not limited to:
- Self-Exclusion
- Cool Off
- Deposit Limits
- Loss Limits
- Time Limits
On top of providing these tools, every patron can reach out a number of responsible gambling sites. Those sites include:
NJ Gambling Tax Rate
Doing business online brings a higher tax rate in comparison to land-based gambling sources. The online gambling tax rate is 15% whereas for land-based casinos it is 8%. In addition to the 15%, 2.5% must also go to the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA).
Players on the other hand are bound to a 5-8% withholding tax rate dependent on their winnings.
Payment Methods in NJ Gambling Sites
As part of every PlayingLegal operator review, we cover the payment section quite extensively. Rest assured, the payment methods are all regulated by the NJDGE, making this a safe and secure process.
Depending on which gambling site you will be playing on, all of the payment methods can slightly vary. Some of the most popular methods for deposits and withdrawals across the board are:
- PayPal – the favorite at NJ online gambling sites
- Skrill – still low market share, but it has great potential
- PayNearMe – local, convenient and secure payment option
- ACH eCheck – not loved by all, but accepted almost everyhere
- Play+ – a staple at NJ gambling sites, and in other states
- Online Banking – great for people who make larger deposits
- Credit/Debit Cards – perfect for the casual player
- Cash at Casino Cage – recommended for people who visit Atlantic City gambling establishments.
Final Thoughts
In comparison to other states, NJ has set the bar in many ways. Everything has been executed with ease and grace, from the tax guidelines to the specific auditors and regulators. No wonder New Jersey is home to the best gambling operators in the country.
Without a doubt, it is clear the legalization of online gambling in NJ has been a major benefit for the local economy in the short and long term. Players located within the Garden State can take advantage of the liberal online gambling milestones set by New Jersey without having to make the trek to Atlantic City.
Online Gambling in New Jersey FAQs
What is the legal gambling age in New Jersey?
The gambling age depends on the form of gambling. For instance, all sports betting, fantasy sports, and casino games require players to be at least 21 years old. On the other hand, horse racing, lottery, and bingo require players to be at least 18 years old to bet.
When did online gambling become legal in New Jersey?
Online gambling became legal in NJ in 2013. Since then, the online gambling market has been revolutionary for the NJ community.
Are online casinos legal in New Jersey?
Yes, online casinos are legal in New Jersey. A simple and easy way to check the legality of the casino is to check the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement website for the casino in question.
Are online casinos in NJ safe?
Yes! Just make sure the casino you are playing at has the DGE symbol. If you are questioning the legitimacy of a casino, visit the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement website for more information.
Do you have to located in New Jersey to bet online?
Yes, in order to bet for real money, you must be located in New Jersey. Thankfully you do not have to be a resident but can be a visitor to the state as well.
Where can I play online bingo in NJ?
Players can experience the online bingo excitement in 3 places. Those sources include Tropicana, Virgin Casino, and Pala Bingo.
