NJ Online Sports Betting
New Jersey is the sports betting nationwide leader. There are more than a dozen online sportsbooks available to all NJ residents.
Thanks to legalizing sports betting, you can cherry-pick from a variety of legal sports betting sites. Moreover, PlayingLegal rated the top NJ sports betting apps after a thorough and extensive analysis.
Best New Jersey Sports Betting Sites
Officially, here is the top list of best NJ online sportsbooks. Experts at PlayingLegal determine each online sports betting site's rating with set criteria and examining welcome bonus offers.
William Hill Sports
- No rollover required
- Qualifying first bet must lose
- Free bet must be used within 7 days
- Valid for new customer accounts only
- Live Streaming
- Transparent terms of use
- Generous welcome bonus
- Responsive customer support
- Complete odds offer
- Cash Out not available yet
- The user interface could be improved
William Hill has over 87 years of providing sports fans a fun betting experience in the UK. In New Jersey, new customers have the opportunity to take advantage of a great offer plus a superior live in-play betting experience. Despite being new in the US, with Caesars Casino, the parent company, they now have the capacity to dominate the US betting market, starting in New Jersey!
BetMGM Sports
- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
- Free Live Streaming
- Crisp in-play betting
- Boosted parlays
- Easy Navigation
- Shortage of special market odds
- Slow customer support response
BetMGM Sports provides an all-rounded sports betting experience. The live in-play betting interface comes with free live streaming. Also, customers have opportunities to ‘Edit My Bet’, which allows you to change your bet instead of using Cash Out. In short, BetMGM is that above-average sportsbook that can deliver a great sports betting experience, without requiring much knowledge. The word we're looking for is “friendly”.
Unibet Sports
- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
- No deposit bonus
- Incredible selection of lines and bet types
- Variety of in-play props and live betting options
- Excellent ongoing promotions
- Simple interface
- Rewards program by invite only
- Customer support is hit-or-miss
Unibet offers a rare and extremely generous no-deposit welcome bonus of Free Bets. In addition to the no-deposit bonus, there’s an incredible variety of in-play props and betting options. They still haven't brought their full arsenal of features to the US. However, even without them, the bonus offers are worth the signup.
bet365 Sports
- Min. qualifying deposit is $10.
- Deposit within 30 days of sign-up.
- Qualifying bet must have -500 odds or greater.
- Withdrawal restrictions apply.
- Easily switch between either the sportsbook and casino games
- Biggest Live Streaming event selection
- 24/7 award-winning customer support
- Wide variety of payment options
- Frequent mobile app logouts due to geolocation
- Lack of aesthetics in the betting interface
Bet365 lands high on the top list of New Jersey sports betting sites simply due to a massive Live Streaming selection. Note that some sporting events are subject to blackout restrictions.
It is a synonym for betting in the rest of the world, but they have a long way ahead of them to earn that title in the US. Nevertheless, bet365 is available to you if you happen to be in New Jersey. Even now, they have an amazing proprietary product.
SugarHouse Sportsbook
- Maximum of $500.
- Bonus credits within 48 hours of making a successful first deposit.
- Must activate the bonus via your Bonus Bank.
- Bonus has a 1x play-through requirement.
- Must wager on games and events with odds longer than -200.
- Any + odds are counted for play-through requirements.
- Bonus must be play-through by 30 days.
- Bonus began on Aug. 16, 2019 at 4:00 pm EST and is ongoing.
- Great Bonus Offer
- Live In-Play Betting
- Live Streaming
- Additional Betting Features
- Complicated Loyalty Program
- Mobile App Lacks Optimization
- No 24/7 Customer Support
First-time sports bettors to SugarHouse get to take advantage of the sweet bonus offer. Also, there’s Live Streaming and an exceptional live in-play betting interface. They've gone the distance to provide one of the best casino game collections, and it seems they have the same approach to sports betting as well.
SugarHouse is one of the pioneers, and as such, it definitely deserves a spot among the best NJ sportsbooks.
Borgata Sports
- Free Bets Offer only applies to new accounts with first deposits.
- No other ‘New Customer’ promotion applies.
- Using Cash Out, Auto Cash Out, Edit My Bet, or canceling the bet voids the promotion.
- First wager of at least $20 on any sport.
- Qualifying Bet must be -200 odds or greater. Void bets do not count.
- Free Bets are not eligible for this promotion.
- You have to use the $100 Free Bet as one single bet within seven days of credit.
- Free Bet is not redeemable for cash or towards casino or poker products.
- Free Bets are not included in any winnings.
- This Sports welcome promo is valid from 3/11/20-12/31/20.
- Great In-Play Betting Experience
- Free Live Streaming
- Parlay Generator
- Fantastic Free Bets Offer
- Small Font on Betting Interface
- Mobile App Stability
Borgata Sports automates parlays with a Parlay Generator. If you don’t like the generated parlay, try again. Also, there is Free Live Streaming available!
Despite the small font they use, the pros outweigh the cons. We hope the Parlay generator will be around longer than some of our experts think. It comes in handy when you least expect you need it. On top of that, the offer simple, straightforward, and Borgata is transparent with all the bonus details that you should be aware of.
Resorts Casino Sports
- Free Bet is awarded if the first sports bet loses.
- The Amount of Free Bet is equal to 100% of your first bet amount.
- If multiple first sports bets are settled simultaneously, the bet with the earliest BetID will be used for the Bet offer.
- Cash is wagered first before any bonus.
- 1x wagering requirements on Free Bet to convert and release into cash.
- Free Bet awards within 48 hours of bet settlement.
- Great Welcome Bonus
- Solid Rewards and Loyalty Program
- In-play betting experience is smooth
- Variety of odds
- No Cash Outs
- No Live Streaming
- Lack of customer support focus on sports betting
After playing through the decent welcome bonus offer, Resorts Casino offers one of the best and most generous reward loyalty programs. Sports bettors who enjoy line shopping will appreciate Resorts Casino Sports variety of odds offered.
It's at the bottom of our top list mainly because it lacks cash out, there's no live streaming, and they clearly don't focus as much on their sports product. Then again, it's legal and is much better than an offshore sportsbook.
NJ Betting Law
Make no mistake. Sports betting is officially legal in New Jersey. Introduced by the State of New Jersey 218th Legislature on June 4, 2018, Assembly Bill No. 4111 (A4111) “allows wagering at casinos and racetracks on certain professional and collegiate sports or athletic events.”
A4111, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on June 11, 2018, passed with unanimous support from both chambers. Moreover, technically only in-person physically placed wagers were accepted for the first month. While on the surface, it appears that the road to legalizing sports betting in NJ was effortless, there were many legal battles and obstacles to overcome.
SCOTUS and the PASPA
To summarize, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA or known as the Bradley Act) outlawed sports betting with the exemption of a few sports lotteries and licensed sports pools in four states, Oregon, Delaware, Montana, and Nevada.
Basically, New Jersey argued that PASPA violated states’ rights under the US Constitution's Tenth Amendment. The Tenth Amendment reserves to states all rights that are not explicitly granted to the federal government. In essence, states have broad rights to regulate their own state-run activities, such as gambling.
The legal challenge against PASPA dates back to 2009 when NJ officially filed suit to overturn the act. After multiple appeals through the United States District Court of New Jersey and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) accepted the case in June 2017.
SCOTUS officially overturned PASPA in May 2018 in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. Thus, the Garden State is the leader and the basis of other states trending towards the legalization of online sports betting.
Sports Available
Bet on a variety of sports in New Jersey.
| Available Sports to Bet on in New Jersey | ||
|---|---|---|
| Aussie Rules | Baseball | Basketball |
| Boxing | Cricket | Cycling |
| Darts | Football | Formula 1 |
| Golf | Handball | Hockey |
| MMA | NASCAR | Rugby League |
| Rugby Union | Snooker | Soccer |
| Table Tennis | Tennis | Esports |
While technically not a sport, New Jersey is the first state to allow betting on the Academy Awards. Beware that certain restrictions apply, covered in the next section.
Restrictions
Although online sports betting in NJ is legal, take note of certain restrictions. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) regulates all legal sports betting operators. Thus, there are prohibitions on sports betting in NJ:
- No betting allowed on NJ collegiate team sports.
- You cannot wager on collegiate games involving NJ venues.
- No wagering on high school games.
- Close associations with a certain sport, such as coaches, referees, or players, cannot wager.
In detail, Tilman Fertitta owns the Houston Rockets and the Golden Nugget. So, previously the Golden Nugget could not even offer NBA lines. However, you can now bet on the NBA at Golden Nugget except placing wagers on the Houston Rockets or its current opponent.
Also, previously, eSports were banned in New Jersey. However, as of Sept. 2020, casinos and racetracks can accept wagers on eSports tournaments.
Finally, the restriction on betting on New Jersey collegiate teams may soon be changing. There is a constitutional amendment to allow in-state betting on college sports. In 2021, NJ residents will participate in a voter referendum to allow sports betting on NJ college teams.
Geo-location
In the Garden State, legal and licensed sports betting sites rely on geolocation to verify your geographic location. Essentially, geolocation is a technological service that estimates your physical location based on your mobile device, tablet, or desktop that you are using to connect to the sportsbook’s platform.
Anyone betting in New Jersey using an online operator needs to be physically located within state borders. As part of the state of New Jersey's licensing requirement, the onus is on the online operator to ensure that a customer is placing wagers within the state. Thus, to sports bet online in NJ, you need to grant access for geolocation checks.
Minimum Legal Age Requirement
To wager at online sportsbooks or physical NJ sportsbooks, you need to a minimum of 21 years old. Individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from 1) placing wagers and/or 2) collecting any winnings.
Beware that all legal online operators licensed by the NJDGE need to verify your age when you sign up for an account. Thus, you may be asked to provide information such as the last four digits of your SSN, a copy of a government-issued ID like a driver’s license or passport, and other personal details.
Note that the age requirement is lower for other gambling forms in the Garden State like the lottery, bingo, and horse racing, which allow customers 18 years old and older.
All NJ Online Sportsbooks
In New Jersey, all online gaming operators need to be partnered with a physical land-based casino or racetrack. Additionally, each physical casino or racetrack that holds an internet gaming permit is allowed up to three online sports betting sites.
| License Holder | Online Partners | Software Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars Atlantic City | Caesars Sportsbook | William Hill |
| Wynn Bet | BetBull | |
| Borgata Hotel Casino and & Spa | Borgata Sports | Entain, GVC Holdings |
| BetMGM Sports | Entain, GVC Holdings | |
| Golden Nugget | ||
| Golden Nugget Sports | SGDigital | |
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Unibet Sports | Kambi |
| Hard Rock Casino Sportsbook | Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) |
|
| bet365 Sports | Proprietary Software | |
| Monmouth Park, Ocean Resort Casino, Tropicana* | William Hill Sports Book | Proprietary Software |
| Monmouth Park | theScore Bet | Bet.Works |
| SugarHouse Sportsbook | Rush Street Interactive | |
| Ocean Resort Casino | Tipico Sportsbook | Proprietary Software |
| Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City | FOX Bet Sportsbook | TSG Interactive |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | SBTech | |
| Resorts Casino Sports | SBTech |
William Hill is an anomaly with several land-based partners in the NJ sports betting market because Caesars Entertainment is technically the parent corporation. However, note that the Caesars' buyout of William Hill only occurred recently, well after the launch of online sports betting. Finally, the Caesars Entertainment internet gaming permit granted by the NJDGE is already full with Caesars Sportsbook, 888sport, and WynnBet, leaving no room for William Hill on its license.
New Online Sportsbooks
- Min. deposit and bet of $10
- Opt-in required
- 1x bonus funds and deposit amount wagering requirement
- 14 days to complete wagering
- Odds must be -200 or greater (>1.5)
- Proprietary software for updating odds
- Responsive customer support
- Worldwide brand recognition
- Clean and organized mobile app
- Missing features not yet integrated
- No browser-based interface
German sports betting provider, Tipico officially launched in Dec. 2020.
- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
- Free Live Streaming
- Crisp in-play betting
- Boosted parlays
- Easy Navigation
- Shortage of special market odds
- Slow customer support response
BetMGM Sports rebranded from the playMGM brand and launched in NJ in Sept. 2019.
- New player accounts only
- Expires 30 days after issue
- The initial bet has to lose
- 1x wagering requirement
- Custom prop bets available
- Cash Outs are available on certain bets
- Various bet boosts and ongoing betting promotions
- Interactive In-Play betting platform
- No Live Streaming
- Email-only for customer support
- Slow server during high traffic hours
FOX Bet Sportsbook officially launched in NJ in Aug. 2019.
Land-based Casino Sportsbooks in New Jersey
You can physically bet on sports in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Each of the nine physical brick-and-mortar casinos offers sports betting. Additionally, most land-based casinos hold internet gaming permits unless a parent corporation such as Caesars Entertainment operates one gaming umbrella.
| Sportsbook Name | Casino Address | Internet Gaming Permit # |
|---|---|---|
| Borgata Race & Sports Book | Borgata Hotel Casino and & Spa 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | NJIGP 19-001 |
| William Hill Sportsbook at Wild Wild West | Caesars Atlantic City 2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | NJIGP 19-007 |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | NJIGP 20-010 |
| The Sportsbook | Golden Nugget 600 Huron Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | NJIGP 19-002 |
| William Hill Sportsbook at Harrah’s Resort | Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City 777 Harrah's Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | Caesars Entertainment Property |
| William Hill Sportsbook | Ocean Casino Resort 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | NJIGP 20-009 |
| William Hill U.S. Race & Sports Book | Tropicana Atlantic City 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | NJIGP 19-005 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Resorts Casino Hotel 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | NJIGP 20-008 |
NJ Racetracks
In the Garden State, there are three racetracks offering horse racing. Moreover, the reason that racetracks are listed on our online sports betting page is that the state of New Jersey allows racetracks to offer sports betting.
The Meadowlands Racetrack
| The Meadowlands Racetrack Overview | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 1 Racetrack Dr. East Rutherford, NJ 07073 |
| Operating Hours: | Mon. – Fri: 10 am – 12 am Sat.: 10 am – 2 am Sun.: 10 am – 12 am |
| Online Partnerships: | FanDuel Sportsbook, PointsBet |
The Meadowlands Racetrack, officially known as the Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, is a horse racing track located at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Physically, this track offers both thoroughbred and harness racing. Locals refer to Meadowlands as “The Big M.” The FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge is located at Meadowlands and offers food and beverage service and live sports betting.
The Monmouth Park Racetrack
| The Monmouth Park Racetrack | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 175 Oceanport Ave. Oceanport, NJ 07757 |
| Operating Hours: | Mon. – Thurs.: 10 am – 12 am Fri.: 10 am – 1 am Sat.: 10 am – 2 am |
| Online Sportsbooks: | William Hill |
The Monmouth Park Racetrack is another racetrack offering thoroughbred horse racing. Physically, three different locations bore the Monmouth Park name because the original location opened back in 1870 and moved several times due to a change in ownership or an unfortunate fire.
Currently, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority owns Monmouth Park. In June 2018, the Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill became the first racetrack to offer sports betting.
The Freehold Raceway
| The Freehold Raceway | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 130 Park Ave. Freehold, NJ 07728 |
| Operating Hours: | Mon. – Thurs.: 12 pm – 10 pm Fri.: 12 pm – 11 pm Sat.: 10 am – 11 pm Sun.: 10 am – 10 pm |
| Online Sportsbooks: | Coming soon: PlayUp |
The Freehold Raceway is the oldest racetrack located in the United States. The origin of the Freehold Raceway dates back to the 1830s. Currently, Freehold Raceway is owned by Penn National Gaming, Greenwood Racing (Pennwood), and Parx Casino.
While slow out of the starting gate, PlayUp, an Australian online gambling company, signed a multi-year deal with Freehold Racing.
Difference Between Racetrack and Casino Sportsbooks
In New Jersey, legal online gaming operators need to have a physical land-based partner to offer services in the Garden State. This regulation protects the interests of brick-and-mortar casinos and racetracks and gives them a slice of the proverbial pie regarding online gaming revenue.
Certainly, there are reasons why online gaming operators choose to partner up with a racetrack versus a physical casino and vice versa. Definitely, a big reason is if an online gaming brand such as BetMGM offers more than one type of online gaming, like sports betting, online casino, and poker. In this example, a racetrack license that allows only for sports betting does not fit into BetMGM’s criteria for offering three different types of online gambling.
Another reason that certain operators like SugarHouse Sportsbook switched from a master casino license (specifically, Golden Nugget) is due to the NBA restrictions due to owner Tilman Fertitta owning the Houston Rockets. Once PlaySugarHouse switched to Monmouth Park, the sportsbook could offer more NBA bet types.
- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
- Free Live Streaming
- Crisp in-play betting
- Boosted parlays
- Easy Navigation
- Shortage of special market odds
- Slow customer support response
Another leading online sportsbook, not just in NJ specifically, but nationwide. The BetMGM Sports mobile app's top features are the ability to turn on alerts for games and receive score notifications in-game, plus easily ‘Edit My Bet’ rather than cashout.
- No rollover required
- Qualifying first bet must lose
- Free bet must be used within 7 days
- Valid for new customer accounts only
- Live Streaming
- Transparent terms of use
- Generous welcome bonus
- Responsive customer support
- Complete odds offer
- Cash Out not available yet
- The user interface could be improved
A leading worldwide sportsbook, William Hill rates highly for the mobile betting interface. The mobile app offers a fantastic live in-play wagering system. Place your in-play bets while watching live odds adjust.
- Must clear in 7 days
- Available for BetMGM Sports only
- Bet must be qualifying
- Bet must lose
- No deposit bonus
- Incredible selection of lines and bet types
- Variety of in-play props and live betting options
- Excellent ongoing promotions
- Simple interface
- Rewards program by invite only
- Customer support is hit-or-miss
The simplistic and graphic-free mobile betting interface has odds and line shifts refreshing at a lightning-fast rate. Additionally, betting odds are posted at a much earlier timeframe.
How to Bet Online in New Jersey
- Choose a legal sports betting site from our top list.
- Navigate to your choice of NJ online sportsbook with your mobile device or web-based browser.
- To sign-up, provide personal details such as:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Last four digits of your SSN
- Enter the promo code, if available.
- Now, choose a payment option to fund your account with real money.
- Check your player account to ensure that your welcome bonus is active.
- Search and select for your first sports bet.
- Finally, add your bet selection(s) to your bet slip.
Most Popular Sports in NJ Sportsbooks
New Jersey is not just home to teams in certain major leagues. Sports betting aficionados enjoy betting on a variety of sports. Moreover, physical sportsbooks and racetracks host watch parties for patrons to enjoy streaming sporting events.
As a testament to the variety of popular sports and bets at sportsbooks, New Jersey now allows betting on eSports plus, holds the title as the first state to allow betting on the Academy Awards.
| 🏈 NFL | 🏀 NBA |
| 🏒 NHL | ⚾ MLB |
NFL
Just because New Jersey isn’t home to an NFL team doesn’t mean that New Jerseyans aren’t fanatics. In particular, both New York Jets and New York Giants play home games in New Jersey, the MetLife Stadium, at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles are practically considered a home team considering proximity.
Place bets on the NFL on:
- Preseason
- Regular season
- NFL Playoffs
- The Super Bowl
Additionally, most NJ online sportsbooks also offer futures odds and props, such as:
- Rookie of the Year
- MVP
- AFC and NFC Champion
Not to be overlooked, live in-play betting on the NFL allows you to make bets on a game while in progress. Definitely, a huge advantage to wagering online versus at a physical sportsbook because live in-play betting odds are constantly changing.
Finally, most NJ online sports betting sites offer promos surrounding the NFL, particularly the Super Bowl. For example, receive a free bet towards live in-play betting only on the Super Bowl.
NBA
Overall, betting on the NBA in NJ is incredibly similar to betting on the NFL. Truly, there is only one exception to keep in mind. Tilman Fertitta is the owner of the Golden Nugget and NBA team, Houston Rockets. Therefore, you cannot bet on the Houston Rockets nor any of their opponents at the Golden Nugget.
This exception also applies to the BetAmerica Sportsbook, as the internet gaming license is granted through the physical Golden Nugget located in Atlantic City. Finally, BetAmerica is rebranding to TwinSpires. Therefore, expect the same restriction once the TwinSpires brand name is active.
NJ NBA betting consists of money lines, totals, point spreads, parlays, and more. For NBA futures, expect most online sportsbooks to offer action on:
- NBA Playoffs
- NBA Awards like MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year
- Division, Conference, and Championship Winners
- Total Season Win
Finally, NBA Live Betting or Live In-Play betting is a major part of online sports betting in NJ. Odds will update instantly and continuously on over/under points per quarter or half.
NBA parlays and props are also popular, with many sportsbooks providing promotions based on upcoming games.
NHL
The Garden State is home to the New Jersey Devils, who play home games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Some popular NHL bet types in NJ include:
- Moneyline
- Puckline
- Totals.
MLB
Just a stone’s throw away, the New York Yankees and New York Mets are incredibly popular and have a large NJ fan base. In detail, the Yankees are winners of 27 World Series titles.
With one of the most popular MLB teams nearby, it is no coincidence why NJ residents are big fans of MLB betting. Thus, NJ sportsbooks often offer boosted odds and promotions surrounding MLB games.
Types of Sports Betting in New Jersey
Overall, find a variety of sports betting types offered in New Jersey. The majority of online sports betting sites offer odds, such as:
- Moneyline
- Point Spreads
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Totals
- Futures
- Props
- Alternate Lines
- In-play betting
History of Sports Betting in New Jersey
New Jersey has a long and storied history of sports betting, even before the current legalization. Explore the timeline below of events that led to the Garden State becoming the frontrunner of legal sports betting.
-
1800
In the 1800s, New Jersey enjoyed a variety of gambling. For example, lotteries paid for military during colonial wars and the financing of building higher education colleges.
-
1830
Freehold Raceway, the oldest racetrack in the United States, holds horse racing.
-
1870
Monmouth Park Racetrack officially opens.
-
1894
New Jersey Legislature bans parimutuel gambling.
-
1897
NJ approved the amendment of the state constitution to ban all gambling in a voter referendum.
-
1894 – 1939
Technically, all gambling was banned but with little oversight and enforcement. New Jerseyans enjoyed slot machines, bingo, and sports betting.
-
1939
Racetrack gambling is officially legal again.
-
1953
Non-profit organizations can officially hold raffles and allow bingo.
-
1959
Amusement games are officially legal again.
-
1970
New Jersey Lottery is created.
-
1974
Voters refused to legalize casino gambling.
-
1975
New Jersey approved the first legal lottery game that allowed buyers to choose their own numbers.
-
1978
Resorts Atlantic City is the first casino to officially reopen as a result of the 1976 referendum.
-
2006
Casinos and racetracks faced forced closure after New Jersey state law determines that more state oversight is needed.
The movement towards the legalization of sports betting began from the sentiment that government oversight is a positive. Thus, the era of state-authorized sportsbooks begins, leading away from negative stereotypes of shady bookies and illegal off-shore gambling sites.
Timeline of Legal Online Sports Betting
Thanks to New Jersey, other states now have the option to legalize sports betting. Explore below the previous decade's timeline and the subsequent events plus legal battles that laid the groundwork for sports betting legalization.
-
Jan. 2011
New Jersey Legislature passes a bill allowing online gambling.
-
Dec. 2011
US Department of Justice (DOOJ) issues an opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), determining that the Wire Act prohibits online sports betting, not other online games.
-
Jan. 2012
NJ Gov. Chris Christie signs legislation allowing sports betting in NJ with prohibitions on collegiate sports played in NJ or allowing bets on NJ college teams. Subsequently, sports leagues such as NCAA, NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB filed a federal suit against NJ based on the PASPA.
-
Feb. 2013
US District Court ruled against the NJ sports betting legislation. New Jersey appealed the suit.
-
Sept. 2013
Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the lower court’s decision.
-
2014
New Jersey challenges the Third Circuit’s findings to the highest court in the nation, SCOTUS.
-
June 2017
SCOTUS agrees to hear the appeal.
-
May 2018
SCOTUS issues an opinion, finding that PASPA is unconstitutional and clearing the way to legalize sports betting in New Jersey.
-
June 11, 2018
NJ Gov. Phil Murphy signs AB4111 legalizing sports betting at New Jersey casinos and racetracks. The first legal sports bets were placed that weekend.
-
July 2018
Land-based casinos and racetracks start applying for licenses to allow online and mobile sports betting.
-
Aug. 2018
New Jersey officially accepts online sports betting wagers.
-
Dec. 2020
NJDGE reports nearly $1 billion in sports betting revenue for the month of December and $6 billion in sports betting revenue for the 2020 calendar year.
Again, thanks to New Jersey's fight to legalize sports betting, other states around the country now have the option to pass sports betting legislation.
The Future of NJ Sports Betting
Certainly, New Jersey is the nationwide leader in terms of the legalization of online sports betting. Also, the Garden State clearly leads the rest of the country in sports betting revenue. For example, Dec. 2020 was a historic month for the state with almost $1 billion in sports betting revenue.
Technically, there are still sports betting licenses available through the land-based casinos and racetracks. Now, the Garden State and gambling operators need to weigh the pros and cons of how many online sportsbooks are sustainable.
Finally, there is the factor of market dominance. As other states legalize online sports betting, particularly bordering states like New York, many question whether New Jersey will remain the leader in sports betting revenue.
NJ Online Sports Betting FAQs
Can you bet on sports in New Jersey?
Yes, you can legally bet on sports in New Jersey as of June 2018. After three short days, the first legal bets were accepted at physical casinos operating sportsbooks. Then, the first legal online and mobile sports betting sites accepted wagers in July 2018. If you need more information on how to select a legal online sportsbook in NJ, check out PlayingLegal's top list.
Can you bet on NJ teams in New Jersey?
Technically, you can bet on professional sports teams, such as the New Jersey Devils. Currently, you cannot legally wager on NJ collegiate teams such as Rutgers University, Seton Hall, and Princeton University. Additionally, you cannot wager on high school sports. However, residents will participate in a voter referendum in 2021 to allow sports betting on NJ college teams.
How much revenue does NJ make on sports betting?
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), which regulates the legal sports betting industry in the Garden State, releases monthly and yearly figures. In detail, just over $6 billion was wagered by sports bettors in NJ for 2020. In December 2020, the state hit just shy of $1 billion wagered on sports. This amount set the record for the most amount of money that is bet on sports by any state in a calendar month. Moreover, of that amount, $929 million was wagered in online sports betting.
What are the best NJ sports betting sites?
Check out PlayingLegal’s top list for the best NJ sports betting sites. Experts at PlayingLegal rate the top NJ online sportsbooks by analyzing: the bonus offer, odds variety, betting interface, payment methods, and customer service. All NJ online sports betting sites are fully legal and licensed by New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement.
What are the best NJ sports betting apps?
Experts at PlayingLegal use an extensive and thorough rating analysis to rate the best NJ sports betting apps. Additionally, every single gaming operator recommended is legal and licensed by the state of New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement. Betting with a legal online sportsbook ensures that your funds and personal information are safe and that the gaming operators are compliant with all laws and regulations.
What promos do NJ sportsbooks offer?
Sportsbooks in New Jersey offer various promos. To explain, new players often receive a welcome bonus, where you are guaranteed a refund on any first losing wager. Most sportsbooks offer boosted odds for existing players for certain lines, parlay promotions, and promos surrounding major sporting events.
