New Jersey sports betting became legal in 2018. Since then, they have been the trailblazer state for legal sports betting with a wide range of land-based NJ sportsbooks and online sportsbooks. But, it can be hard to know where to start.
Fortunately, our legal NJ Sports Betting Guide will teach you everything you need to know when it comes to legal sports betting in New Jersey.
Is Sports Betting Legal in NJ?
Yes, sports betting is legal in NJ. Since 2018, sports betting has been legal in New Jersey. However, people must be located within the border of the state of New Jersey, and 21 years of age or older to legally bet on sports, which can be done at an online licensed sportsbook or in-person at NJ casinos or racetracks.
All legal sportsbooks and casinos are licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Therefore, if an online sportsbook or casino has the NJDGE logo displayed on their sports betting site. They are legally licensed to accept sports betting wagers in New Jersey and bettors are protected under betting law.
NJ Sports Betting Offers
Up To $1,250 On Caesars
In-game Betting
Stream Matches
Quick Withdrawals
Get a $250 Risk-Free Bet
Numerous Betting Markets
In-game Betting
Cash-out Option
Bet $1 & Get $365 in Bonus Bets
No Bonus Wagering Requirement
Weekly Promotions
Slick Mobile App
Do you have to live in New Jersey to bet online?
You do not have to live in New Jersey to bet online, but you do have to be within the state borders. All online sportsbook licensed in New Jersey will require you to download geolocation software to prove you are located in New Jersey before you can begin betting.
The Full List of NJ Sportsbooks
Bet365
In 2018, the world-renowned Bet365 partnered with Hard Rock Casino to become licensed in New Jersey.
With over 14 million customers worldwide, the experienced online sportsbook has a hugely popular sports betting product, which NJ bettors will also enjoy.
Also, Bet365 has one of the best bonus offers around where new customers can get up to $100 in free bet credits, with no wagering requirements.
To find out more about Bet365, read our comprehensive sportsbook review and how to use the Bet365 NJ bonus code to claim $100 in free bets.
BetAmerica
BetAmerica initially began its rise via horse racing with the world-renowned Churchill Downs Inc. Since the legalization of sports betting took place in New Jersey, it’s only right that one of the top names got themselves involved in the game. The sports betting app is a miniature version of the sports betting site, which we like.
BetMGM
BetMGM is one of the leading sportsbooks in New Jersey. Initially entering the market under the brand name PlayMGM after partnering with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. ROAR Digital, which is the joint venture between GVC Holdings and MGM Resorts International, rebranded the sportsbook to BetMGM.
The MGM Resorts International brand will be familiar to many and with a reputable name comes trust and security. But, they also offer weekly sports betting promotions that maximize the excitement of betting.
Plus, the BetMGM rewards program known as M Life Rewards means players are rewarded for playing with prizes, such as tournament entries, bonuses, and even cash!
Borgata Sportsbook
The famous Borgata Hotel Casino launched their own online sportsbook back in May 2019 as part of the joint venture between GVC and ROAR Digital.
The mobile betting app is slick, which provides a smooth betting experience. Plus, the cash-out and live streaming features really maximize the enjoyment for players.
Find out more about Borgata’s top sports betting features from our sportsbook review, as well as how to use the Borgata Sports Bonus Code to claim $100 in free bets.
DraftKings Sportsbook
In 2018, DraftKings was the first online sportsbook to launch in New Jersey and has been a firm favorite of NJ bettors ever since! They also have arguably the most advanced sports betting app with live in-play betting, as well as cash-out betting.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Most sports fans are familiar with FanDuel from its daily fantasy sports website, but sports bettors in New Jersey can utilize the FanDuel Sportsbook website for legalized, regulated sports betting. For those who prefer to bet through an app, FanDuel is a good choice.
Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget has a long-standing mark of tradition in New Jersey and a reputation that is known all around the world. They weren’t the first sportsbook to enter The Garden State, but the hope is that the Golden Nugget can take its track record from the casino game and mix that successful blend to this new venture.
The app is basically a mirror of the website, in that the layout and functionality are both one and the same.
PointsBet
PointsBet entered the New Jersey betting market after striking a partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack and Entertainment. Ever since the online sportsbook has wasted no time in letting its presence be known in the United States. With some truly blockbuster partnerships agreed with the PGA Tour, TopGolf, the Detroit Tigers, NBC Sports, and the Indiana Pacers. PointsBet has arrived with a bang!
However, it is not just the headline partnerships that set PointsBet as one of the best sportsbooks in New Jersey. Their endless weekly sports promotions maximize the excitement and enjoyment of sports betting. For example, the Karma Kommittee reviews the last 24 hours of betting and refunds bets they deem bad beats or injustices. Plus, they have a cash-out feature, which allows bettors to cash in their bet before the sports event has finished.
Lastly, its unique points betting feature is like “betting on steroids” according to PointsBet CEO Johnny Aitken. Essentially, the more you’re right, the more money you win. Find out more on how to play with our points betting guide.
For those interested in PointsBet, we have a full and comprehensive review of PointsBet Sportsbook as well as how to claim the PointsBet Promo Code to get up to $1000 in Risk-Free Bets.
Resorts Sportsbook
When it comes to sports betting Resorts Sportsbook may be one of the new kids on the block. But, their strong reputation as one of the best NJ online casinos already makes them a trusted name in the sports betting market. Their sports betting app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
William Hill
William Hill sportsbook have been a household name in the European sports betting market for decades and now they have launched in New Jersey after partnering with Monmouth Park.
New customers will be impressed by the many great sports betting features they have, including in-play betting, live streaming, and a wide range of betting markets. On top of this, William Hill has one of the best betting offers around, where new customers can get a $500 risk-free bet when they register with the promo code USODDSRF.
888 Sportsbook
888 Sportsbook is a well-respected name in the sports betting industry. While sports bettors in the United States may be unfamiliar with 888 Sports, the company has been accepting online sports bets since 2008, earning a solid reputation for excellent customer service in the process. Their sports betting app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Sportsbook Lounges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are eight casinos and three race tracks where people can place a sports wager in person. These casinos and racetracks are fully licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
You can find your closest land-based sportsbook in the list below:
Casino/Racetrack | Sportsbook | Betting Partner |
Bally’s | Wild Wild West Sportsbook | Scientific Games |
Borgata | Moneyline Bar & Book | IGT |
Caesars | Caesars Sportsbook | Scientific Games |
Freehold | Parx Sportsbook | Kambi |
Hard Rock | Hard Rock Sportsbook | GiG |
Harrah’s | The Book | Scientific Games |
Golden Nugget | The Sportsbook | SBTech |
Meadowlands | FanDuel Sportsbook | Betfair/FanDuel/IGT |
Monmouth Park | Monmouth Park Sportsbook | Caesars Sportsbook |
Ocean Casino Resort | Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Sportsbook |
Resorts | DraftKings Sportsbook | Kambi |
Tropicana | Caesars Sportsbook at Tropicana | Caesars Sportsbook |
As a result of obtaining a license from the NJDGE and operating a physical sports betting lounge. Licensed casinos and race tracks may form up to three online sportsbook partnerships.
Below you find a full list of the casinos and racetracks licensed to run a physical sportsbook in New Jersey, along with their betting partners:
Online Sportsbook | Land-Based Partner | Betting Platform Provider |
Bet365 | Hard Rock AC | Bet365 |
BetAmerica | Golden Nugget AC | SBTech |
BetMGM Sportsbook | Borgata AC | Entain/ROAR Digital |
Borgata Sportsbook | Borgata AC | Entain/ROAR Digital |
Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars AC | Scientific Games |
DraftKings | Resorts AC | Kambi |
Esports Entertainment | Twin River | Esports Entertainment |
FanDuel | Meadowlands | Flutter/IGT |
FoxBet Sportsbook | Resorts AC | FoxBet |
Golden Nugget | Golden Nugget AC | SBTech/Scientific Games |
Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock AC | GiG |
PointsBet | Meadowlands | PointsBet |
Resorts | Resorts AC | SBTech |
Sporttrade | Bally’s | Sporttrade |
SugarHouse | Monmouth Park | Kambi |
TheScore | Monmouth Park | Bet.Works |
Tipico | Ocean Resort | Tipico |
Unibet | Hard Rock AC | Kambi |
Wynn Sportsbook | Caesars AC | BetBull/GPGS |
888 Sport | Caesars AC | Kambi |
Online Payment Options at NJ Sports Betting Sites
NJ sportsbooks strive to provide as many banking options as they can because they want to cater to as many player preferences as possible.
Depositing At An Online Sportsbook in New Jersey
New Jersey bettors will find the majority of online sportsbooks accept the following deposit methods:
Debit/Credit cards
Mastercard, Discover, or Visa Debit/Credit cards can be used to make instant deposits in your betting account. However, beware of the possible charges associated with Credit Cards.
Prepaid card
Customers can use Play+ prepaid cards at most NJ sportsbooks these days and is a great alternative method for funding your account.
Wire Transfer
Most major US banks will allow a bank transfer to fund your betting account, but not all. Therefore, make sure to check this before signing up to a sportsbook.
E-Wallets
PayPal is one of the most popular, as well as secure payment methods in the United States.
ACH/e-Check
Players can use an ACH payment or e-check to fund their betting account.
Daily Fantasy Sports Betting in New Jersey
In 2017, New Jersey became the 16th state to legalize daily fantasy sports betting. Subsequently, this unsurprisingly led to the instant presence of market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings.
The most recognizable brands in daily fantasy sports in New Jersey are DraftKings and FanDuel. Both brands are very popular choices and there is much debate as to which is better, FanDuel or DraftKings?
But there are new DFS operators entering New Jersey, such as Monkey Knife Fight who are changing the face of daily fantasy sports betting in New Jersey, with their prop based DFS betting.
Find out more on the top DFS sites in the United States.
How NJ Online Sports Betting Became Legal
New Jersey has always been a state with a liberal approach to gambling. In fact, by the early 19th century the state encouraged gambling by running lotteries to fund the civil war effort.
However, in 1844, New Jersey outlawed all forms of gambling, which put an end to any state-run lotteries. But, gambling still prevailed within many speakeasies, where the presence of alcohol and gambling were a regular occurrence.
In 1939, New Jersey softened its approach and made it legal to gamble at the racetrack. But, it was not until the 1970s that gambling really took off in New Jersey.
In 1974, the state held a referendum to legalize gambling, but over 60% voted against. However, in 1976, a second referendum was held to legalize gambling, but only in Atlantic City, which passed. As a result, in 1978, Resorts Atlantic City became the first casino to open publicly in Atlantic City.
By the 1980s, the local economy was booming and more casinos were coming to Atlantic City, such as:
- Playboy Hotel & Casino
- Trump Regency
- Tropicana Casino
- Harrah’s Boardwalk Hotel Casino
- The Showboat Casino
In 2012, New Jersey passed Bill A2578 to legalize sports betting as a way to boost the economy in Atlantic City.
However, the US sports leagues filed an injunction to halt its progress, which sparked a five year legal battle between the state of New Jersey and the sports leagues. The legal battle went all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of New Jersey to repeal PASPA and so sports betting was legalized in 2018.
Ever since, the Garden State was the trailblazer in breaking the betting monopoly Nevada and is the darling of legalized sports betting with $668m of wagers placed in August 2020.
Other States That Have Legal Online Sports Betting
Since New Jersey successfully repealed PASPA and legalized sports betting there, the list of states with legal sports betting is increasing all the time.
For example, the following states offer legal online sports betting:
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Nevada
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
NJ Sports Betting FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes, it has been legal to bet on sports in the Garden State since June 2018 when governor Phil Murphy signed NJ sports betting into law.
How to bet sports online in NJ?
There are loads of online sportsbook in New Jersey that provide a top sports betting experience. All the sportsbooks listed are licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Where can you bet on sports NJ?
There are nine locations in Atlantic City to choose from where you can bet on sports:
- Bally’s Casino Hotel
- Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
- Caesars
- Freehold Raceway
- Hard Rock Hotel Casino
- Harrah’s Casino Hotel
- Golden Nugget Hotel Casino & Marina
- Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment
- Monmouth Park
- Ocean Resort Casino
- Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City
- Tropicana