NJ Sports Betting: 19 Best Legal New Jersey Sportsbooks in 2023

NJ sports betting updates

New Jersey’s path to legalized sports betting was paved nearly a decade ago by then-Governor Chris Christie. It 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 NJ sports betting origins and the current state of affairs.

May 1, 2023: The New Jersey Devils defeat the New York Rangers in seven games to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

April 20, 2023: New Jersey increases responsible gambling efforts by installing its own "Responsible Gaming Coordinator" to oversee NJ sports betting gambling addiction efforts.

April 18, 2023: New Jersey sports betting handle tops billion-dollar mark in March.

March 16, 2023: February produces a handle of $847.4 million in sports betting wagers, with 95% coming from online sports betting sites. 

March 21, 2023: New Jersey legislators introduce bills to prevent and combat problem gambling and prohibit sports betting partnerships between operators and colleges.

March 16, 2023: February produces a handle of $847.4 million in sports betting wagers, with 95% coming from online sports betting sites. 

March 15, 2023: The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights prepare to square off with Texas Southern in the First Four. FDU is making its seventh NCAA tournament appearance in team history.

Feb. 8, 2023: David Rebuck, New Jersey's chief gaming regulator, affirms that the state's responsible gambling standards and best practices should be applied to online casino and sportsbook operators nationwide. 

Jan. 17, 2023: The New Jersey legislature hopes to extend the state's online betting law until 2033 — this will be one of the main items up for consideration as the first 2023 legislative session opens.

Oct. 17, 2022: Fubo Sportsbook officially discontinues its online sports betting product, leaving the New Jersey, Arizona, and Iowa markets.

Sept. 16, 2022: The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement releases the state's August sports betting figures, revealing a 2.8% increase from July's total handle. New Jersey takes in north of $546 million in August.

Sept. 8, 2022: Fubo Sportsbook launches statewide in New Jersey, becoming the first of its kind to integrate viewing and betting in one platform.

Aug. 29, 2022: Prophet Exchange, a peer-to-peer sports betting exchange that acts as an alternative to traditional NJ sportsbooks, launches in New Jersey. It is the first legal sports betting exchange to establish itself in the U.S.

Aug. 8, 2022: Novibet, a European operator, gains NJ market access for its online casino and sportsbook via an agreement with Caesars Entertainment.

July 15, 2022: New Jersey's sports betting handle drops for the third consecutive month. The Garden State experiences a year-over-year dip of about 17% with its $633.1 million June 2022 handle.

June 16, 2022: New Jersey's sports betting handle slides again in May, dropping 17.3% from $925.9 million to $766.4 million.

June 10, 2022: TwinSpires exits the NJ online sports betting market.

May 26, 2022: All NJ sportsbooks will introduce two-factor authentication to their customers by June 30, 2022.

May 17, 2022: New Jersey falls just shy of the billion-dollar mark with an April sports betting handle of $926.9 million.

May 6, 2022: NJ takes its first fixed odds horse racing bet at Darby Development’s Monmouth Park in Oceanport.

April 26, 2022: NJ online sportsbooks will implement two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of protection to customer accounts.

April 18, 2022: For the sixth time in seven months, New Jersey reported more than $1 billion in sports betting handle, hitting $1.12 billion in March 2022.

Feb. 16, 2022: New Jersey records $1.35 billion in sports betting handle for January, its most lucrative month ever.

Jan. 24, 2022: Esports Entertainment Group (EEG) announces it will launch its VIE.gg esports betting platform in New Jersey. EEG becomes the first esports-centric operator to be granted access to the NJ betting market.

Jan. 14, 2022: The NJ sports betting handle once again surpassed the $1 billion mark, totaling $1.23 billion in December 2021.

Jan. 6, 2022: PointsBet announced that live casino gaming is up and running for users in New Jersey, via its mobile app and desktop.

Dec. 21, 2021: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that NJ sportsbooks captured $1.26 billion in wagers in November.

Nov. 23, 2021: Betway becomes an official sport betting partner of the New Jersey Devils. 

Nov. 17, 2021: Garden State bettors wagered $1.3 billion in October, shattering the previous record just one month earlier. 

Nov. 2, 2021: New Jersey voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed betting on the state’s college teams.

September 2021: New Jersey records $1 billion in monthly action, becoming the first regulated state to hit the benchmark.

Sept. 8, 2021: Fubo Sportsbook announced a multi-faceted partnership with the New York Jets. Fubo will become the NFL team's official sports betting partner sometime in 2021-22, pending regulatory approval. 

Aug. 24, 2021: The Penn National Gaming-owned Barstool Sportsbook officially launches in New Jersey.

Aug. 20, 2021: Barstool Sportsbook quietly enters the NJ sports betting market with its soft launch. The Penn National Gaming sportsbook partner is operating under special conditions to abide by state regulations.

Aug. 16, 2021: Betway partners with New Jersey-based Digital Gaming Corp. to offer its products in the United States. The operator enters NJ with a soft launch from Aug. 16-20.

June 21, 2021: New Jersey becomes the first U.S. state to legalize fixed odds horse race betting. 

June 2021: Voters in the November 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. The state legislature gives final approval to a measure placing a referendum on the fall ballot.

Aug. 2018: DraftKings Sportsbook becomes the first legal online operator to accept mobile wagers in New Jersey.

June 2018: NJ Governor Phil Murphy signs Assembly Bill 4111, allowing the state to implement legalized NJ sports betting at casinos and racetracks.

May 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Appeals Court decision, ruling that PASPA was unconstitutional.

June 2017: New Jersey appealed the decision and the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) agrees to hear arguments in favor of overturning PASPA.

September 2013: New Jersey appealed the District Court’s ruling, but it was rebuffed.

February 2013: The U.S. District Court rules in favor of the leagues. New Jersey is prohibited from issuing NJ sports betting licenses.

August 2012: The five leagues file a federal lawsuit against New Jersey to prevent sports betting, based on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992.

January 2012: Despite opposition from the NCAA and four major professional sports leagues — NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB — NJ Gov. Chris Christie signs legislation allowing sports betting in New Jersey after it was approved by a voter referendum.

November 2011: New Jersey holds a referendum to overturn the federal ban on legalized sports gambling. Voters approved the measure by a wide margin.

Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?

Yes, sports betting is legal in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111 into law on June 11, 2018, permitting online and retail sports wagering.

DraftKings NJ was the first online sportsbook to launch, going live on Aug. 1, 2018. Today, bettors can create accounts with 19 legal NJ sports betting apps anywhere in the Garden State.

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in New Jersey

With nearly two dozen legal NJ online sports betting sites, competition in New Jersey is strong. In 2023, DraftKings Sportsbook remains a cut above the rest thanks to its industry-best mobile app, exciting promos, and solid odds.

DraftKings stands out from the crowd, landing at the top of our list of the best NJ sports betting apps. Available for iPhone and Android users, the mobile app is fast, stable, and well-organized. Everything you would expect to find on the desktop version of the site is available and optimized for mobile devices, including swift banking, same-game parlays, live betting, and an early cash-out function. 

Regarding welcome bonuses, DraftKings is currently offering a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets promo that bettors will appreciate. After signing up, you can make an initial deposit and wager of at least $5 on any sports market to get $200 in bonus bets should the wager win or lose. It's important to note that the offer is only available until June 18, 2023. 

The DraftKings Promos tab is filled with unique perks for active bettors. Expect to find odds boosts, referral bonuses, and ongoing deposit bonuses.

In addition to DraftKings' top-tier platform, the sportsbook’s odds are consistently competitive with other operators in New Jersey. If there’s one sports betting app to keep in your rotation of NJ sportsbooks, DraftKings should be at the top of your list.

To learn more about the betting platform, check out our expert DraftKings review.

Best NJ sports betting offers and bonuses

With legal online NJ sportsbooks aplenty, Garden State sports bettors benefit from access to the best New Jersey sportsbook bonuses and promo codes. Competition creates opportunities for new players, as bettors benefit from several welcome or sign-up bonuses. We've done the research for you and outlined the best available:

bet365 - Bet $1, get $200 in bonus bets: We love the latest new customer sign-up bonus from bet365. The cost of entry for new players, just $1 and bet365 bonus code COVERS, unlocks access to $200 in bonus bets. The minimal investment makes it ideal for beginner bettors who want to get their feet wet.

Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,250 on Caesars: If your first sports bet with Caesars misses, the sportsbook will return your initial stake, up to $1,250 in bet credit, to your account. New users also receive 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits when using promo code COVERSBONUSFULL.

FanDuel - $2,500 No Sweat First Bet: As a new FanDuel NJ customer, you can now claim up to $2,500 in bonus bets. Simply register, deposit $10, and place a bet on any market. If you lose, FanDuel will return 100% of your stake in bonus bets.

BetMGM - $1,000 back in bonus bets: First-time BetMGM New Jersey customers receive up to $1,000 back in bonus bets. The promo provides a cushion for bettors who come out swinging with a fully matched wager.

DraftKings - Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets: New to DraftKings NJ? Make your first wager of just $5 on any sports market, and the sportsbook will add eight $25 bonus bets to your account if it wins or loses.

Read all terms and conditions associated with all bonuses and promotional offers.

Top four NJ sports betting sites

Covers has combed through an ultra-competitive New Jersey sports betting scene to bring Garden State gamblers the top sportsbooks in the game today. Here are four NJ sportsbooks that are sure to scratch your sports betting itch:

1. DraftKings New Jersey

Bet $5, Get $200

Ends: 18 Jun

Claim Now

Once known only for its daily fantasy sports contests, DraftKings NJ has matched its daily fantasy prowess with the best sports betting app in the Garden State. With tons of betting markets, payment methods, odds boosts, and generous promos, the platform meets the needs of the most demanding bettors. Despite its lackluster welcome offer, DraftKings checks in as the best sportsbook not only in New Jersey but the U.S.

Refer to our DraftKings Review to learn everything there is to know about the NJ sportsbook.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 1-3 days

2. FanDuel New Jersey

$2,500 No Sweat First Bet

Ends: 18 Jun

Claim Now

FanDuel not only has one of the best-valued sportsbook welcome bonuses in New Jersey, but it also operates a premium mobile sports betting app that is intuitive, responsive, and packed with features. FanDuel NJ users can expect a complete selection of sports and betting markets, highlighted by its renowned same-game parlay and live betting sections. A constant flow of promos tops off FanDuel's hit list, making it the go-to option for many in the Garden State.

Check out our FanDuel Review for more.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $2,500 No Sweat First Bet
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

3. Caesars New Jersey

Up to $1,250 on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUSFULL

Claim Now

The Caesars NJ app gives New Jersey bettors nearly everything could ask for in a mobile sportsbook. Its welcome offer is the largest sign-up bonus in the state. Caesars Entertainment's live chat feature highlights its fantastic customer support, while its rewards program gives back to users in ways few betting sites can.

Check out our Caesars Sportsbook Review for a more in-depth analysis of New Jersey's best sportsbook.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,250 on Caesars
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

4. BetRivers New Jersey

Up to a $500 free bet

Code: SPORTS

Claim Now

Despite its lack of flair, BetRivers offers bettors an NJ sports betting product worthy of praise. The sportsbook leans on its competitive odds and a long list of betting promos in New Jersey. Active NJ bettors can accumulate points and level up with the operator's iRush Rewards program, highlighting BetRiver's customer-first approach to sports betting.

Check out our expert BetRivers Review to learn more.

• App store rating: 2.8 (iOS), 3.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to a $500 free bet
• Payout speed: 1-14 days

What sportsbooks are legal in NJ?

New Jersey is now home to 19 legal and regulated sports betting sites:

1. DraftKings - Best sportsbook
   
   
2. FanDuel - First-class app
   
   
3. Caesars - Best sign-up bonus
   
   
4. BetRivers - Weekly promos
   
   
5. BetMGM - Most banking options
   
   
6. FOX Bet - Quick payouts
   
   
7. bet365 - Intuitive menus
   
   
8. WynnBET - User-friendly
   
   
9. Tipico - Proprietary software
   
   
10. SuperBook - Competitive lines
    
    
11. Betway - Secure platform
    
    
12. Borgata - Sleek design
    
    
13. Unibet - Solid odds
    
    
14. PointsBet - Unique bet types
    
    
15. Barstool - Loads of markets
    
    
16. PlayUp - Fun betting challenges
    
    
17. betPARX - Stylish interface
    
    
18. Hard Rock - Great live betting
    
    
19. Golden Nugget - 24/7 chat

Legal sportsbooks in New Jersey

New Jersey sports bettors may place wagers online via sportsbook websites or mobile sports betting apps. Wagers may also be made in person at NJ retail sportsbooks located within casinos and racetracks.

Several NJ online sports betting operators left the New Jersey market in 2022. Fubo Sportsbook shuttered its online sportsbook on Oct. 17, 2022; TwinSpires NJ stopped taking sports wagers on June 10, 2022; and Resorts stopped accepting sports wagers on Feb. 14, 2022.

NJ sports betting sites and apps

Online sportsbook	Mobile app	Odds provider	Online casino	Retail partner
Barstool	Yes	Kambi	Yes	Freehold Raceway
bet365	Yes	bet365	Yes	Hard Rock
BetMGM	Yes	BetMGM	Yes	Borgata
betPARX	Yes	Kambi	Yes	Freehold Raceway
BetRivers	Yes	Kambi	Yes	Monmouth Park
Betway	Yes	DGC	Yes	TBD
Borgata Sports	Yes	BetMGM	Yes	Borgata
Caesars	Yes	Caesars	Yes	Ocean Resort, Monmouth Park, Tropicana, Wild Wild West, Harrah's
DraftKings	Yes	SBTech	Yes	Resorts
FanDuel	Yes	Flutter	Yes	The Meadowlands
FOX Bet	Yes	TSG	Yes	Resorts
Golden Nugget	Yes	SBTech	Yes	Golden Nugget
Hard Rock	Yes	GiG	Yes	Hard Rock
PlayUp	Yes	PlayUp	No	Freehold Raceway
PointsBet	Yes	PointsBet	No	The Meadowlands
SuperBook	Yes	IGT	No	The Meadowlands
Tipico	Yes	Tipico	Yes	Ocean
Unibet	Yes	Kambi	Yes	Hard Rock
WynnBET	Yes	GAN	Yes	Caesars

Land-based NJ sportsbooks

Most of New Jersey's retail sportsbooks are located in Atlantic City. 

Latest NJ sports betting news

Who can partake in NJ sports betting?

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:

The pros and cons of NJ sports betting

The competition created by rival NJ sports betting sites 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 odds.

Most 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.

Convenient online access and registration

Plenty of NJ sports betting options

Ample online sportsbook promotions

Sharp bettors and accounts could be limited or banned

Geolocation software can cause sign-up snafus

Wagering requirements tied to some sign-up bonuses

How to start betting in New Jersey

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 racetrack to get started. New Jersey offers the best of both worlds for its sports bettors.

What you can't bet on in NJ

New Jersey permits several betting options from traditional sports to awards shows. However, NJ sports betting sites don't take action on all bet types. Here's a look at what NJ bettors cannot access legally:

NJ college sports

Betting on New Jersey college teams like Seton Hall and out-of-state teams who play games within NJ is not allowed. Voters in the November 2021 general election rejected the opportunity to amend the state's constitution to allow bets on New Jersey college teams or teams from other states playing games in NJ. 

Politics

New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement does not permit betting on politics. Furthermore, no U.S. state has legalized betting on politics.

What about esports?

Esports betting is now legal in New Jersey. The state legalized betting on esports events in 2021. However, not all NJ sports betting site 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:

• BetMGM
• Borgata
• Caesars
• PointsBet

NJ sports betting handle

In 2021, New Jersey became the first state to clear the $10 billion mark in yearly sports betting handle, taking in a total of $10.93 billion with $815.7 million in sports betting revenue. Equally impressive, Dec. 2021 marked the state's fourth consecutive month with a handle of more than $1 billion in the online sports betting market.

In January 2022, New Jersey posted $1.35 billion in sports betting handle, an all-time single-month record. The feat was even more impressive, with New York launching legal online sports betting sites that same month. Unprecedented NJ sports betting revenue is being experienced, and the year-over-year monthly handle continues to grow.

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: New Jersey sports

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. Keep in mind, there is no betting allowed on college teams like Seton Hall, Rutgers, and Princeton within the state. Our how to bet guides are a good resource for beginner bettors.

NHL

New Jersey Devils

New York Islanders

New York Rangers

Philadelphia Flyers

Get live NHL odds

NBA

New York Knicks

Brooklyn Nets

Philadelphia 76ers

Get live NBA odds

NFL

New York Giants

New York Jets

Get live NFL odds

MLB

New York Yankees

New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies

Get live MLB odds

NJ sports betting law

New Jersey lawmakers' efforts to legalize sports betting pre-date the 2018 fall of PASPA. In 2012, then-Governor Chris Christie signed legislation permitting sports betting after voters approved a referendum in 2011. After years of rebuking, legal NJ sports betting finally arrived in 2018.

Here are some highlights of the current state of sports betting in New Jersey:

• The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates all online and land-based sports wagering in New Jersey.
  
  
• You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in NJ.
  
  
• There is no cap on the number of casinos permitted to offer sports betting, but casinos are limited to three online skins each.
  
  
• Land-based sportsbooks are taxed 9.75% of gross gaming revenue, while online operators must pay a 14.25% tax.
  
  
• Betting on NJ college teams or college games in New Jersey is prohibited.
  
  
• esports wagering is legal, provided the majority of participants are 18 or older.

Other types of gambling

New Jersey is home to traditional casino gambling at real money online casinos 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.

Quick facts: NJ sports betting

If you want to gamble, New Jersey is the place for you. The trailblazing state has embraced the many facets of the gaming world with alacrity. 

Responsible gaming in New Jersey

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.

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Sports betting legislation on a state-by-state basis has produced several legal betting markets. Our U.S. legal tracker includes status updates across the country.

In addition to New Jersey, these jurisdictions now have sports gambling laws in place:

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Connecticut

DC

Delaware

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Mississippi

Nevada

New Hampshire

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

Tennessee

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

Maryland sports bettors already have access to retail wagering, but seven Maryland sports betting sites came online on Nov. 23, 2022. 

Ohio sportsbooks — including retail and online — launched on Jan. 1, 2023. 

Massachusetts sports betting sites went live on March 10, 2023. MA retail sportsbooks took their first bets on Jan. 31, 2023.

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

Though many regions have cemented themselves as legal sports betting markets, there are still states moving toward legal sports betting that have yet to take that final step.

Here are the locales which may potentially offer legal sports gambling in the near future:

Alabama

California

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Minnesota

Missouri

Oklahoma

NJ sports betting history

One of the most lucrative sports betting markets in the nation today, New Jersey set off a chain reaction when it challenged a 1992 law prohibiting sports wagering in the United States. Once PASPA was deemed unconstitutional, the sports betting floodgates opened, with over 30 states regulating online and retail wagering.

2023: New Jersey legislators introduce several bills to combat problem gambling, including Bill A5308, which would require NJ schools to educate students on the risks of compulsive gambling.

New Jersey's $847.4 million February sports betting handle is its lowest monthly total since August 2022 and a 14% year-over-year drop compared to February 2022 figures.

2022: Several online sportsbooks exit the NJ market, including Fubo, Resorts, theScore Bet, and TwinSpires. Prophet Exchange launches as the first betting exchange in the U.S., giving New Jersey gamblers an alternative to traditional online sportsbooks.

2021: In September, New Jersey surpasses $1 billion in monthly sports betting handle for the first time. The state generates over $10.93 billion in total wagers from January to December.

2020: WynnBET launches its NJ online sports betting app. The Garden State's retail and online sportsbooks collect more than $6 billion in total bets and nearly $400 million in revenue.

2019: In its first full year with legal sports betting, New Jersey sportsbooks take in an astounding $4.6B in total wagers. FanDuel snags nearly 50% of NJ sports betting revenue. 

2018: On May 14, The Supreme Court of the United States rules in favor of New Jersey, striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act and ending the ban on sports betting. 

A few weeks later, Governor Phil Murphy signs Assembly Bill 4111 into law, legalizing NJ sports betting. DraftKings launches New Jersey's first legal online sportsbook in August.

List of New Jersey resources

Peruse some of our favorite New Jersey betting resources to learn more about everything NJ sports gambling:

• NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement: Regulating body in New Jersey
  
  
• Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ: Help and support for problem gamblers
  
  
• NJ sports betting law: Assembly Bill 4111
  
  
• Approved leagues and events for NJ sports wagering: What you can bet on in the Garden State
  
  
• NJ sports betting rules and regulations: A 51-page guide outlining the ins and outs of NJ sports betting

NJ sports betting conclusion

NJ sports betting remains the largest earner in the country and continues to be a trailblazer for legalized gambling. With 19 New Jersey sportsbooks, bettors have a first-class selection for live betting, prop bets, same game parlays, and everything in between.

As the top sports betting market is ripe with competition, New Jersey betting sites remain at the forefront of innovation. Pair this with established retail casinos, and the Garden State is a virtual paradise for discerning sports bettors.