New Jersey’s path to legalized sports betting was paved nearly a decade ago by then-Governor Chris Christie. Today, New Jersey rivals Nevada as the largest legal sports betting market in the United States.
There are more than 21 online sportsbooks operating legally within the state, while Atlantic City casinos and NJ horse racing tracks account for 11 brick and mortar retail outlets.
We will keep you up to date and informed on the latest sports betting news in New Jersey. Read on to learn more about the best sportsbooks, bonuses, and promotions.
Population: 8.9 million
Legal age for sports betting: 21
Online sports betting: Yes
Retail sportsbooks: Yes
Sports betting revenue: $398 million
#1 Top-rated sportsbook
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Yes, it is now legal to wager on sports in New Jersey. In 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a ruling that officially struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. The high court's decision opened the door to legalization in New Jersey. Our U.S. legal tracker includes status updates across the country.
NJ sports betting is leading the way with points of access. There are sportsbooks and sports lounges inside of Atlantic City casinos and also at racetracks at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park. If you cannot get to Atlantic City, anyone — resident or not — 21 or older can place online sports bets using a computer, mobile phone, or tablet. Here's a brief overview of what you need to know before you start betting:
Legal ageThe legal age for New Jersey sports betting is 21, whether a player is inside of a casino or wagering on a computer or mobile device.
Mobile bettingLegal online sports betting can take place on a computer, mobile phone, or tablet. The New Jersey Division Of Gaming Enforcement regulates all online and casino gambling.
Within state bordersAll wagers placed with New Jersey online sportsbooks must take place within state lines. While you do not have to be a resident of the state to place a wager, you must be physically located within New Jersey. Additionally, players will not be allowed to wager at online sportsbooks if they use a virtual private network to mask their location.
Retail sportsbooksThere are 11 retail sportsbooks and sports lounges in New Jersey. The majority of retail sportsbooks are located within the nine Atlantic City casinos. There are three sports lounges situated at horse race tracks throughout the state. The retail sportsbooks take wagers in-person and via kiosk.
Taxable winningsSports bet winnings are considered income by the federal government. However, winnings can be offset by losses. Players are required to pay the 24% tax rate if they win more than $600 in a year. Additionally, New Jersey assesses a 3% state tax on all income.
The competition created by rival sportsbooks has been a significant boon for New Jersey's recreational sports bettors. Players can use this to their advantage by choosing sportsbooks that offer the best promotions and best odds.
Many recreational bettors will be satisfied with the options, but high rollers and sharp bettors might feel different. NJ sportsbooks have been known to limit or remove some sharper high rollers that might try to make a living betting on sports.
New Jersey's operators make it easy for anyone within the state to get started betting on sports. The process to bet on sports can be fulfilled via a phone, tablet, or computer and with a credit card. Those who would rather make physical transactions can walk into a casino or race track to get started. New Jersey offers the best of both worlds for its sports bettors.
Selecting a New Jersey sportsbook can be as easy as reading reviews, clicking on a promotional banner, and setting up an account online or in an app. Players may also place bets in person at a casino or racetrack.
Registration can be completed within a few short minutes. Simply enter your basic personal information along with credit card details when prompted. We advise you to read the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.
New bettors in New Jersey benefit from the competitive landscape. Sportsbooks leverage often generous sign-up and welcome offers to attract customers. These are the more popular types of offers:
The most popular gameday bets are the point spread, Over/Under (totals), and moneylines. Player and team props, along with live betting, have become more popular than ever thanks to quick and slick sports betting apps and websites.
This is an important function not to be overlooked when scouting online sportsbooks. Sometimes there are withdrawal delays that can significantly impact your preferred betting needs or strategies. There may or may not be an in-person option available either. Read the accompanying terms and conditions to identify the right option.
Bettors should always research which games to play before placing any wagers. This involves understanding the game and also finding the best lines available. Registering multiple accounts from different sportsbooks helps, too.
Odds explainedAmerican odds are the default option for most sportsbooks. Favorites have minus odds and players will have to lay more to win less money. For example, a $10 wager on -150 odds will return $5 plus the original bet. Underdogs are not expected to win and have plus odds. These bets will have better returns. For example, a $10 wager on +150 odds will return $15 plus the original bet.
The default for futures odds and props also uses moneyline odds instead of fractions or decimal points. Some NJ sportsbook apps will allow players to change how the odds are presented in order to make the information easier to understand. Decimal odds may be easier for players to comprehend quickly. Use our odds converter to easily adjust from American to decimal or fractions.
Sports betting in New Jersey continues to gain in popularity each year. The betting volume from the fiscal year 2020 shows revenue figures across the Garden State sprouting north of $6 billion (NJ Department of Gaming Enforcement).
This uptick in post-legalization betting activity translates to more money wagered and greater revenue for the sportsbooks and the state. Here's a look at how much money New Jersey generates from sports betting every year:
|
Year |
Total handle |
Revenue |
Hold percentage |
Tax revenue |
|
2018 |
$1.24B |
$94M |
7.5% |
$11M |
|
2019 |
$4.6B |
$299M |
6.5% |
$39M |
|
2020 |
$6B |
$398M |
6.6% |
$50M |
|
Month |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
|
January |
$959M |
$540M |
$385 |
N/A |
|
February |
$743M |
$495M |
$320M |
N/A |
|
March |
$860M |
$182M |
$372M |
N/A |
|
April |
$748M |
$55M |
$314M |
N/A |
|
May |
$814M |
$118M |
$319M |
N/A |
|
June |
$766M |
$165M |
$273M |
$16M |
|
July |
$578M |
$315M |
$251M |
$40M |
|
August |
$664M |
$668M |
$294M |
$95M |
|
September |
$1.01B |
$749M |
$445M |
$184M |
|
October |
- |
$803M |
$488M |
$260M |
|
November |
- |
$391M |
$563M |
$330M |
|
December |
- |
$996M |
$558M |
$319M |
|
Total |
$7.24B |
$6B |
$4.6B |
$1.2B |
New Jersey permits several betting options from traditional sports to awards shows. However, not everything is legal for NJ sportsbooks to take bets on. Here's a look at what NJ bettors cannot access legally:
NJ college sportsThe current law forbids betting on New Jersey college teams and out-of-state teams who play games within NJ. Voters in the November 2021 general election will have the opportunity to decide whether to allow bets on New Jersey college teams or teams from other states playing games in NJ.
PoliticsNew Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement does not permit betting on politics. Furthermore, no U.S. state has legalized betting on politics.
Esports betting is now legal in New Jersey. The state legalized betting on esports events in 2020. However, not all sportsbooks will take esports wagers for events approved by the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The following have taken esports bets in the past and should be moving forward:
New Jersey sports bettors may place wagers online via sportsbook websites or mobile apps. Wagers may also be placed in person at sportsbooks located within casinos and racetracks.
|
Online sportsbook operator |
Mobile app |
Odds provider |
Online casino |
Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes |
Kambi |
Yes |
Caesars |
|
|
Yes |
Kambi |
Yes |
Freehold Raceway |
|
|
Yes |
bet365 |
Yes |
Hard Rock |
|
|
BetAmerica (TwinSpires) |
Yes |
SBTech |
Yes |
Golden Nugget |
|
Yes |
BetMGM |
Yes |
Borgata |
|
|
Yes |
DGC |
Yes |
TBD |
|
|
Yes |
BetMGM |
Yes |
Borgata |
|
|
Yes |
William Hill |
Yes |
Caesars |
|
|
Yes |
SBTech |
Yes |
Resorts |
|
|
Yes |
Flutter |
Yes |
The Meadowlands |
|
|
Yes |
TSG |
Yes |
Resorts |
|
|
No |
SBTech |
Yes |
Golden Nugget |
|
|
Yes |
GiG |
Yes |
Hard Rock |
|
|
Yes |
Kambi |
Yes |
Monmouth Park |
|
|
PlayUp |
Yes |
PlayUp |
No |
Freehold Raceway |
|
Yes |
PointsBet |
No |
The Meadowlands |
|
|
Yes |
SBTech |
Yes |
Resorts |
|
|
Yes |
Bet.Works |
No |
Monmouth Park |
|
|
Yes |
Tipico |
No |
Ocean |
|
|
Yes |
Kambi |
Yes |
Hard Rock |
|
|
Yes |
William Hill |
No |
Ocean/Monmouth Park |
|
|
Yes |
GAN |
Yes |
Caesars |
Most of New Jersey's retail sportsbooks are located in Atlantic City.
|
Sportsbook |
Venue |
Address |
Phone number |
Odds provider |
|
Resorts Casino |
1133 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 340-6300 |
SBTech |
|
|
FanDuel Sportsbook (Bally’s) |
Bally’s |
1900 Pacific Ave. Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 340-2000 |
Flutter |
|
The Meadowlands |
1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 |
(201) 843-2446 |
Flutter |
|
|
Hard Rock Casino |
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 449-1000 |
GiG |
|
|
The Borgata |
1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 317-1000 |
BetMGM |
|
|
Monmouth Park |
175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ 07757 |
(732) 222-5100 |
William Hill |
|
|
Golden Nugget |
600 Huron Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 441-2000 |
SBTech |
|
|
Harrah’s |
777 Harrah's Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 441-5000 |
William Hill |
|
|
Ocean Resort |
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 783-8000 |
William Hill |
|
|
Tropicana |
2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 340-4000 |
William Hill |
|
|
Caesars |
2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
(609) 348-4411 |
William Hill |
While NJ team allegiances and passions run deep, we recommend betting with your head and not your heart. Be sure to do your research before blindly backing any of these hometown favorites. Our how to bet guides are a good resource for beginner bettors.
New Jersey became the first state to legalize online sports betting in the United States after SCOTUS overturned PASPA. The ruling ended a nearly decade-long legal battle between the state and the five largest U.S. sports leagues and ushered in a new age of online sports betting. This timeline illustrates New Jersey's sports gambling origins and the current state of affairs.
New Jersey is home to traditional casino gambling online and in person at casinos in Atlantic City. In addition to sports betting, games like blackjack, roulette, video poker, and slot machines are available at both types of NJ casinos.
CasinoAtlantic City casinos are full-service and offer all of the traditional casino games visitors expect. Table games players will find different variations of blackjack along with roulette and craps. The casinos also offer carnival games like Three Card Poker and Mississippi Stud Poker.
Additionally, New Jersey casinos feature high-limit rooms and dedicated areas for some Asian casino favorites. Machine game players will find a variety of video poker, slot machines, and electronic table games. Casinos in New Jersey are frequently testing new table and machine games to see if there’s something new that visitors will enjoy.
PokerNJ poker players can play both online and inside of some Atlantic City casinos. Live poker rooms are found at the following casinos: Borgata, Harrah’s, Bally’s, Golden Nugget, and Tropicana.
Online poker players have even more variety: NJ online poker is available from 888 Poker, Bet MGM, Borgata Poker, Pala Poker, Party Poker, Poker Stars, and WSOP.com.
Horse racingNew Jersey is home to three horse racetracks. Players can watch and wager on the races at Freehold, Meadowlands, and Monmouth racetracks.
Borgata is the only Atlantic City casino that offers pari-mutuel horse race betting. There are numerous off-track betting locations spread around the state for those who want to bet on horses without visiting a racetrack.
Horse racing fans can use AMWager, BetAmerica, and Betfair Exchange, TVG/4NJBets, and TwinSpires to bet online. BetMGM will soon offer an app just for horse racing bettors.
Daily fantasy sportsNJ residents can participate in daily fantasy sports contests at Boom Fantasy, DraftKings, FanDuel, FantasyDraft, Monkey Knife Fight, and Yahoo Daily Fantasy. DraftKings and FanDuel have the most players and offer bigger prize pools.
As gambling in New Jersey becomes more accessible, the state has developed resources to assist problem gamblers. Players can leverage preemptive measures to lessen the likelihood that they will run into trouble with gaming. The self-exclusion program, implemented by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from online and land-based casinos.
Keeping a strict gaming budget with limits on how much money is deposited and setting loss limits can also slow progress if you are having problems with gambling.
Sports betting legislation on a state-by-state basis has produced several legal betting markets. In addition to New Jersey, these states now offer legal sports gambling: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Offshore sportsbooks have served as a refuge for online sports bettors for years. These sportsbooks are not legal in New Jersey and we advise you to place real money wagers with legal betting sites.
If any offshore sportsbook wants to do business in the lucrative state, they'll have to stop operating illegally first.
You can place a sports wager in person at a casino, retail sportsbook, racetrack, and online at New Jersey betting sites.
Yes, it is legal to wager on sports in New Jersey if you are 21 years of age or older.
You can bet on professional teams based in New Jersey, but not local college teams.
No, but you must be physically located within the state.
The state took in $39 million in tax revenue from sports betting in 2020.
Persons aged 21 years of age and older are legally allowed to place a wager in person at a retail sportsbook, casino, or racetrack. Similarly, you can bet online via a desktop or mobile device.
Atlantic City, East Rutherford, and Monmouth are big for in-person sports betting. Hoboken and Fort Lee are popular for NJ online sports betting.
Yes. DraftKings became the first sportsbook operator to launch legal online and mobile sports betting in New Jersey. The first bet was placed on its platform in New Jersey in August 2018.
Yes. FanDuel launched its legal retail operations in New Jersey at the Meadowlands Racetrack on July 14, 2018, and followed with legal mobile capabilities on September 1, 2018.
