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New Jersey Sports Betting

New Jersey is home to over two dozen online sites dedicated to sports betting. In October 2021, the state reported a total of $1.3 billion in sports betting revenue, beating its record for the highest amount in bets in a single month.

Some online NJ sportsbooks are affiliated with casinos or other gaming sites while some are standalone services. Online sportsbooks in New Jersey offer a variety of bets on all major sporting events including football, soccer, and basketball leagues. Users also get to enjoy a rich selection of sports betting apps, risk free bets, and more.

Sports betting revenue distribution in New Jersey (May 2021 to May 2022) (1).png
Sports betting revenue distribution in New Jersey from May 2021 to May 2022

Comparisons of the Top Online Sportsbooks in New Jersey

Licensed NJ sportsbooks offer a variety of features designed to boost the overall betting experience. Choosing the right NJ sports wagering site will ultimately depend on each player's preference.

Gaming customers can expect plenty of events, promotions, betting boosters and variations, and welcome bonuses. Find details below about the main online sportsbooks in New Jersey.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Draftkings Sportsbook was the first online sports betting site to open up in New Jersey. The DraftKings application is available for browser and mobile applications that are user-friendly and have enough flexibility to cater to all types of players. However, a location check is required before players can enter the site as all players must be physically in New Jersey.

Why choose DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKing offers an intuitive online sports wagering service that almost anyone can use. DraftKings Sportsbook also offers a two-part welcome bonus for new players with no promo code necessary. The first is a $50 free bet bonus which new players receive for signing up and depositing at least $5 in their new account.

The second part is a** 20% deposit match** for their first deposit up to $1000. So if a new player signs up and deposits $200 Draftkings will give a $50 free bonus and another $40.

DraftKings possesses a lot of features to keep players entertained during the regular sports seasons and special offerings during the games. The NJ online sports betting site also has live features so players can bet on many smaller incidents within a game. Another unique feature on DraftKings is the betting carousel which suggests bets for each player effectively customizing their experience.

Pros

  • Large welcome bonus and lots of promotions
  • Different types of bets and unique experiences via the betting carousel
  • Lots of information is available onsite including help navigating the site and betting advice.

Cons

  • Few customer care options
  • Poor loyalty program when compared to promotions

Caesars Casino and Sportsbooks

Caesars Online Sportsbook is affiliated with the Atlantic City Casino of the same name. The sportsbook came into being after Caesars acquired the William Hill betting franchise. Caesars offers reliable and secure online betting across many different types of sports in several states including New Jersey.

The NJ sportsbook offers a nice diversity in betting types with their futures betting being a particular highlight. This allows players to make a variety of mid and long-term bets on activities during a league season. Signing up with the online sports betting service is quick and easy but players will be required to set up geolocation on their device as only residents in New Jersey are allowed.

Why Choose Caesars Casino

Caesars Sportsbook gives new players 100% bet insurance up to $1100 on their first bet settled within 30 days of opening their account. This means users of the NJ online sports wagering service will receive a free bet of the same value as their first bet if they lose.

Players acquire this welcome bonus using the available promo code, and if they get the free bonus it expires 14 days after it enters their account. Caesars also has a very nice rewards system where players can exchange reward points for cash or prizes from Caesars Hotels and Casinos worldwide.

The sportsbook and the online casino share a desktop website and players can move to the sportsbook by selecting sports on the home page. There is also a downloadable mobile application for the Caesar Online Casino for IOS and Android which provide access to the Sportsbook.

Pros

  • Rewards system connected to the Caesars Hotel and Casino brand
  • Combined with the online casino and it shares a wallet
  • Nice selection of betting types including futures.

Cons

  • Sportsbook needs more features as it seems overshadowed by the Casino
  • Promotions need cheaper wagers. Most promos require wagers of $50 before a player is eligible.

BetMGM Online Sportsbook

BetMGM's online sportsbook is one of the earliest sportsbooks to come online in New Jersey. It is also one of the most popular NJ sportsbooks. BetMGM combines a user-friendly platform with various sports betting forms and great promotions.

Players can join BetMGM and play either on desktop, or download the mobile application for Android or IOS devices. Players are able to bet on the results of popular sports games such as American Football and Basketball but also less popular ones like Volleyball. Of particular interest are their future markets and the parley builder which allows players to create their own parleys and earn bigger payouts.

Why Choose BetMGM

Every player who joins BetMGM is automatically a part of the M-life rewards program and can win prizes and sports betting gifts from MGM Resorts properties. New Players on BetMGM Sportsbook can use the promo code when they sign up for the account to receive their welcome bonus.

This bonus is a risk free bet on their first bet up to $1000. To receive it players should sign up and deposit at least $10 into their account, if a player loses their first bet they receive free credit. If the bet totaled $49 and under they receive 1 free bet credit equaling that amount.

If the bet is over $50 the player receives five free bet credits totaling that amount. This means if the player lost $20 they receive a single $20 bet and if they lost $400 they receive five free bets of $80 each. All free bet credits must be used within 7 days of receiving them or they expire. There are other recurring promotions on offer such as Money Mondays, Parleay Plus, and the regular 24-hr random free bets.

Pros

  • An easy parlay builder is available on the site. This provides players with all the information and creates parlays with simple clicks.
  • Players on BetMGM are automatically signed up for the M-life rewards program which is one of the best in New Jersey
  • Great variety of bet types, bonuses, and promotions including bet insurance and risk free bets.

Cons

  • The applications need a few quality of life tweaks to make it easy to adjust bets and navigate the site

SugarHouse Sportsbook

SugarHouse is an online NJ sportsbook and casino that is partnered with the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City. It received its license in 2018 when online sportsbooks became legal in Atlantic City and is now a well-known operator and a great option for sports betting.

It offers betting on games from the NBA, NHL, NHL, Tennis, and other sports or leagues from around the world. There are also several different types of bets available including money line, futures, multi bets, parleys, and for some added excitement live betting.

Why Choose Sportsbook

Sportsbook NJ offers a decent welcome bonus for new players and a lot of other recurring promotions. Its current welcome offer is a 100% first deposit match up to $250 when a new player signs up on the site and uses the promo code.

All this is available from a sleek application that runs smoothly both on desktop and mobile applications for IOS and Android.

Pros

  • Great live streaming facilities for sports events available on the site
  • Simple requirements to claim bonuses. Just one playthrough
  • Lots and lots of promotions. Recurring promotions for every day of the week

Cons

  • No single game parlays
  • Customer support is only available from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet Sportsbook is a popular international sportsbook that was opened in Sweden in 1994. Its influence on the sportsbook industry is massive as the software company it created (Kambi) provides the platforms for many of the large sportsbook sites.

Players who sign-up on Unibet can expect betting services on lots of sports including football, baseball, hockey, and basketball. These categories can be further broken down into individual leagues in multiple countries with the U.S variants like the NHL, NBA, and MLS taking center stage. As a major brand Unibet offers a multitude of betting and wagering options with competitive odds including live bets, parlays, and futures.

Unibet can be obtained on a powerful and user-friendly desktop application with mobile gaming available for both IOS and Android devices.

Why Choose Unibet?

The current welcome bonus offer for new players on Unibet refunds the player's first loss up to $500 if they deposit at least $10. Although the bet must have specific odds, what makes this attractive is that there are no playthrough or wagering requirements, the refund can be withdrawn immediately.

This is among the best risk free bet bonuses available, players just have to sign-up and enter the promo code but if the player wins they get nothing. Unibet also offers plenty of other promotions such as weekly recurring bet boosts, insured parlays, and special competition bets.

Pros

  • Large welcome bonus with no playthrough requirements and excellent promotions
  • The general experience and performance of the site are incredible
  • Covers a huge range of sports both home and abroad
  • Generous risk free bet bonus

Cons

  • Customer service is only available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and should be 24/7.
  • No rewards or loyalty programs

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel has a reputation for being one of the leading sportsbooks in New Jersey and the world. FanDuel was originally a very popular Daily Fantasy Sports(DFS) site and brought over a lot of fans and players to its sportsbook when it began operations.

Signing up for an account with the NJ online sportsbook is simple. Players have a choice of playing on a desktop or downloading the application for android or IOS devices. Check to be sure the write application is downloaded as there is a standalone DFS application.

FanDuel sportsbook offers over 8 types of bets such as Props, money lines, parlays, and live bets which are available across many sports. Available NJ online sports betting options include NBA, NFL, MLB, MMA sports events, and foreign leagues and tournaments in tennis, champions league football, and boxing. Bets can also be made on more exclusive sports such as Aussie rules football, snooker, and darts.

Why Choose FanDuel?

FanDuels is known for having a good welcome bonus offer for new players and a multitude of promotions for both old and new players. The welcome bonus is a one-time risk free bet up to $1000 when a new player signs up on the NJ online sportsbook. New players will be refunded their first bet in site credits which can be used in any way the player sees fit. Players can also opt-in to a lot of promotions such as parlay insurance and spread the love promos.

Pros:

  • Very low minimum bet of $0.09
  • Impressive selection of free bets and odds across an extensive list of sports
  • Single-game parlays and parlay insurance are available

Cons:

  • Although promotions are plentiful they are also expensive to qualify for
  • No loyalty or rewards program for players is disappointing

Bet365 online Sportsbook

One of the biggest and most popular European-based sportsbooks, Bet365 opened its New Jersey sportsbook in 2019. It has a reputation for having a very state-of-the-art platform and introducing features such as live betting, parlay builders, and live streams. All of these features are now staples for any major online sportsbook. New Jersey bettors can sign-up on the desktop platform or download the mobile application for either Android or IOS devices. Bet365 has a Top Events section that lists American football, baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and hockey.

Through this tab, players can access hundreds of games and bet options for various leagues and competitions for those sports. Bet365 also covers a multitude of other sports including motorsports, darts, rugby, boxing, MMA, Esports, golf, cycling, handball, and snooker. Almost every type of bet possible can be found or accepted at Bet365 including live bets, parleys, money line, futures, totals, and props.

Over 100,000 sports betting games can also be live-streamed on the site.

Why Choose Bet365

Bet365 NJ sportsbook has a simple and sweet new player bonus offer. New Jersey bettors who sign up and deposit at least $10 can make a $1 bet, once the bet settles the player receives $200 free bet credits.

To qualify the bets must have odds of -500 longer or greater. Players cannot withdraw the free credits but the winnings from using the credits can be withdrawn after a single playthrough.

Pros

  • Early payouts and cashouts are available for games where a team pulls into a large lead
  • Minimum bet of $0.10 to $0.20
  • Great overall user-experience
  • Generous free bet credit

Cons

  • The desktop application tends to slow down under heavy traffic
  • Lack of a loyalty or rewards program

PointsBet Sportsbook

Pointsbet NJ sportsbook is one of the newer sportsbooks to begin operations in New Jersey. Performance-wise it is reputed to have the fastest platforms especially when it comes to its mobile applications. The sports available include NHL, NBA, NFL, Nascar, UFC MMA, WNBA, Lawn Tennis, PGA golf plus college football, and basketball.

International leagues are also covered including basketball's Euroleague and the English, Italian, Spanish, and Germain soccer leagues are also available. Players can also bet on major sporting events such as the champions league and the World Cup. PointBet offers many different bets with decent odds such as parlays, teasers, over/under, money lines, live betting, futures, and point spreads.

There is Pointsbet's unique style of betting called Points betting, where wins and losses are not fixed, but instead, vary depending on how correct wagers are. The performance of the applications and the number of sports and bets available make Pointsbets one of the best choices for gaming on the go.

Why Choose PointsBet

New players on Pointsbet NJ sportsbook can use an available promo code to receive a risk free bet up to $2000. When they sign up and use the promo code they will receive a matching refund of their first fixed odds bets loss of up to $500.

They will also receive a matching refund for their initial points betting loss of up to $1500. Other promotions are also available such as Daily odds boosts and parley boosters, and money-back promotions. There is also a Karma Kommittee that may review and refund bets whenever there is an egregious bad bet.

Pros

  • Lightning-fast performance on the application
  • Lots of great promotions with varying price entries and payouts
  • Great customer service
  • Onboarding promo code

Cons

  • Better free bet options
  • A better live betting interface

Steps to Choosing a New Jersey Sports Betting Site

Choosing the right New Jersey sportsbook should not be a random decision. The platform with the largest bets, a wider variety of available games, or the highest number of customers, may not always be the best for you.

As of 2021, New Jersey had 25 sportsbooks with varying services and features. Before pitching your tent at anyone, you should consider the following steps:

Determine What You Want

You need to decide what you want from a sportsbook and figure out short-term or long-term plans. For instance, some NJ online sports betting services may be better suited for brief betting durations and smaller amounts, while others might be more suitable if you intend for sports betting to be full time.

Are you looking for a risk free bet or platforms that offer easy-to-use sports apps? Deciding your preferred betting specifics will help you choose the best New Jersey sports book for you.

Decide What You Don't Want

Knowing what you want is equally as important as determining your deal breakers. After drawing out a sports betting plan, you also have to decide what you don't want. For instance, sportsbooks may be picky with games.

Your favorite game may be available on one or two NJ sports betting platforms and unavailable on others. If the plan is active betting on games between small or new teams, you might find that several sportsbooks restrict featured games to big teams or leagues.

New Jersey betting apps and sites may also have funding and payment options that differ between platforms. For example, one sportsbook may provide support for PayPal or Cash App instead of Neteller or Skrill. If you're only comfortable with Neteller, any NJ sports betting service without this option may be unattractive to you.

Research and Shortlist

The next step is to research the New Jersey sports betting site to determine which one checks your favorite boxes or contains dealbreakers. You can do this by listing all applicable pros and cons and matching them to different New Jersey sports betting apps. This process helps to create a shortlist of platforms you would find acceptable.

Check Reviews

The best source of unbiased information about a sportsbook is a past patron. Online reviews may contain important details about the platform, including ease of play, available options, requirements, and customer service. Existing and former users are usually eager to share their experiences with prospective players.

Conduct Tests

Some NJ sports betting sites may allow prospective users to conduct tests without depositing any funds. Customers might be able to experience the platform by using virtual money to place bets and test features.

Where this is impossible, you may still go through all of the platform's sections to get a feel of the interface. Users are advised to thoroughly conduct tests and take note of all good or bad features.

Make a Decision

At this point, you should be able to make a decision on your preferred online sportsbook. You should find it easy to choose one if you have researched and filtered available platforms, checked reviews, and conducted tests.

If more than one sportsbook passes all your checks, you may pick the one that offers you the most comfort and begin with small bets. Feel free to switch to a better alternative if you are unsatisfied.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Sportsbook in New Jersey

Whether or not you're new to sports betting, there are several factors to consider when looking for the right online sportsbook. Although specifics may differ between people, most players considerone or more of the following features:

User Experience

Although most online sportsbooks have similar functions, a critical distinction is user experience. You should find out how easy or difficult it is to navigate each sports betting platform for account registration, user verification, as well as finding and placing bets.

An online sportsbook should not be difficult to figure out even when there is little to no experience. If the one you're considering isn't user-friendly, you should try another.

Available Sports

Some online sportsbooks feature a healthy range of sports while others are limited. Most platforms feature big leagues like the NBA, NCAA, or NFL. However, finding the right NJ sports betting app might take some time if you're looking to bet on relatively minor leagues or games.

In addition to sports covered, the number of available games for each sport is also essential. Some Atlantic City online sportsbooks might consider certain games too small or without the traction required for a feature on their platforms. Generally, it is pretty easy to bet on a big NBA game but difficult to find coverage for games between smaller teams.

Account Funding and Withdrawal Options

Deposit and withdrawal options are vital to making a decision. You may start by deciding what payment options are preferable and then find out which sportsbook supports your desired option.

Players might find it easier to stick to an online sportsbook with familiar names than create new accounts with unrecognized banking platforms.

You should also consider how many payment options the NJ sports betting app offers. Even if your preferred choice is supported, platforms with multiple options make it easy for you to switch whenever there is downtime.

If you only use one, any service disruption might prevent you from participating in the next big game.

Furthermore, players should take note of funding and withdrawal limits. In many cases, a sportsbook might enforce an uncomfortable minimum withdrawal amount, especially for passive or part-time players.

If an online sportsbook ticks all your boxes but will not let you withdraw less than $1,000, you might want to consider another one if you're not betting full time.

Mobile Friendly

Most online traffic comes from mobile devices. Consequently, a sportsbook must optimize its platforms for easy access from mobile users. Sportsbooks in New Jersey usually have fully-developed web versions for more immersive participation. However, finding and placing bets from mobile phones should be easy.

All online sportsbooks must ensure that convenience is an essential part of their services. Although it might be challenging to fit all desktop features into a mobile version, users should be able to enjoy basic features and a few extra options on the go.

Live Betting

Experienced bettors may prefer live betting because it is a lot more hands-on. The exciting and fast-paced nature provides players with a wider variety of options than may be available to people who place bets before the game.

Live betting is more suitable for people with betting experience or better-than-average knowledge of the featured games. With enough experience and skill, some players can predict the direction of a game as it goes on and might be able to alter these predictions depending on in-game events.

Sportsbooks without live betting options should probably not make your shortlist if you're looking for large stakes or have experience predicting live games.

Location

Several states have varying legislation that guides all betting activities. While the location and applicable laws might not apply if you don't cross state lines often, you might find yourself short-changed if you place a bet in one location and move to another where you cannot alter it or place another one to prevent loss.

Bonuses and Rewards

Most of the popular sportsbooks in New Jersey use several bonuses and rewards to attract new bettors and keep old ones. In some cases, the bonus offer might be simple knick-knacks that provide customers with a sense of belonging but nothing more.

On the other hand, bonuses could also be rewards like free bets or an added percentage on winnings. However, the offer must be reasonable. You don't want to bother about a $20 bonus only offered to people who have bet a total of $1 million.

You must also take note that the terms and conditions for eligibility are simple. As these platforms protect their interests, you should also protect yours. If a sportsbook offers benefits that seem very attractive but with terms that are difficult to understand, you should probably look elsewhere.

However, it's important to make decisions based on more significant factors than bonuses. Simply put, don't pitch your tent with a difficult or complicated sportsbook because of a few perks.

Security

The safety of accounts and funds is probably the most important standard to consider. Even if everything else is satisfactory, you want to keep funds with online sports betting sites that have security features compliant with industry standards.

You must find out if the sportsbook has a history of complaints from aggrieved customers over missing funds. You should also ensure that your funds will always be easy to access.

Security-focused platforms regularly update their software to prevent breaches. Some online sports betting sites may also have in-house or third-party security teams that constantly conduct penetration tests to find vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Feel free to find alternatives if a sportsbook's security features seem outdated or have obvious system glitches.

Reputation

What do people think about the NJ sports betting app you've decided to use? Do the reviews prove that the platform is a customer favorite or a potential waste of money? Are users happy or at least satisfied? The answers to these questions are vital to concluding on a preferred betting platform.

A New Jersey sports betting service can be great at many functions but have repeated complaints about payments, deposits, or customer service. So even if there is a generally good or bad reputation, you should consider the fine print.

Industry reputation is also as crucial as customer reputation. If possible, try to find out the platform's rating according to regulators or sample opinions from professional or experienced bettors. All the best New Jersey sports betting apps and sites have easily verifiable reputations.

How to Avoid a Bad Sportsbook in New Jersey

Many factors that make a sportsbook excellent or deficient may boil down to personal preference. You might consider one platform attractive for reasons that might be unattractive to others. However, there are several reasons to avoid a bad New Jersey sports betting site, regardless of individual preference. Some of these reasons include:

Unknown or Suspicious Team

The team behind a sportsbook's operations should be public knowledge. Anyone should be able to find out members of the management team and other people in control. New Jersey sports betting sites that are unnecessarily secretive about their management or operations team might not be worth your money.

Where a sportsbook's management team is public, bettors still have to be sure members are not known for anything shady. For instance, a person with an unresolved financial or operational accusation or case should not be at the helm of affairs.

If you're about to register at a sportsbook run by someone who was ousted by another for flouting rules, you probably shouldn't.

Blacklists

Online resources with lists of blacklisted New Jersey sports betting apps and sites are easy to find. People with experience sometimes create pages that contain comprehensive information on shady sportsbooks to warn unsuspecting bettors of possible risks.

However, you can also do your own research to reduce the risk of falling victim to propaganda sponsored by the competition. A good way to do this is to compare multiple blacklists and reviews. Nonetheless, any blacklisted NJ sports betting platform should be off-limits.

Delayed Payments

Reputable platforms have rules and regulations that guide all related activities, including payments. Any sports betting platform that does not follow its own payment rules should be avoided. Once in a while, platforms may experience delays caused by internal or third-party platforms.

However, these delays should be few and far between. Even if the platform has other great features, delayed payments may point to more significant problems that might cause irreparable losses in the future.

Remember that the best sportsbook in New Jersey largely depends on what you want. Regardless of all the above steps and criteria, you still have to decide what features you consider the most important. However, ensure that the sports betting platform you choose does not compromise security.

You can also consider creating accounts with multiple sportsbooks for better comparison. Having more than one means maximizing your deposits for bigger earnings because two sportsbooks may feature the same games and bets but offer different odds. Whichever New Jersey sportsbook you eventually choose, ensure that you consider all of the above tips before settling on one platform.

History of New Jersey Sports Betting

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Atlantic City casinos were hit hard; casinos that were under construction and those already in operation ground to a halt. As a result, the need to boost the state's sports betting revenue from gambling paved the way for innovations in the gambling industry.

2012

In an attempt to bring sports betting out of the shadows where it was illegally operating and boost the state's tax revenue, then-Governor Chris Christie signed the bill allowing sports betting in the state in January 2012, following its approval by referendum in November 2011.

The state legislators had been trying to pass the law since 2010, but the governor had been opposed to it, vetoing it several times before sufficient changes, such as a 15% tax on all internet gambling revenues, were added (brick and mortar casinos pay 8%).

The law permits the state's casinos and racetracks to offer gambling on professional and college sports. The law, however, prohibits them from accepting bets on college events taking place in New Jersey or out-of-state games involving New Jersey college teams.

In order to prevent sports betting in New Jersey, based on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, which banned sports betting in all but four states, a series of federal lawsuits were filed against New Jersey by the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

2013

In February 2013, a Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey ruled in favor of the four major North American sports leagues and the NCAA, stopping New Jersey from issuing sports betting licenses. The judgment was further upheld by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal. However, former Governor Christie vowed to appeal the case to the United States Supreme Court.

2014

New Jersey challenged the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. Due to this law, Nevada had effectively been granted a federal statutory monopoly on legal sports betting. In 1991, New Jersey missed a 1991 federal deadline to legalize sports betting and was also excluded from a 1992 law that allowed it in Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana. Nevada was the only state taking legal bets on individual games.

2017

In 2017, the US Supreme Court agreed to hear Christie v. National Athletic Association (later re-named Murphy v. NCAA for New Jersey's new governor). The case concerned whether the federal government of the United States has the authority to control state lawmaking.

2018

The Supreme Court overturned the decision of the Appeal Court, ruling that New Jersey could proceed with its proposed legislation. Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111, which legalized sports betting at New Jersey casinos and racetracks, on June 11, 2018. After 30 days, the bill allows casinos and racetracks to seek approval for online and mobile sports betting. The first sports bets were placed in August 2018. There were 17 legal online sportsbooks licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement as of 2020.

Online Sports Betting

As was the case in other states, online betting in New Jersey was restricted under the following laws: The Federal Wire Act (1961) and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) (2016). These laws banned businesses from accepting money in relation to online betting. Fantasy sports and skill games were expressly exempted from the UIGEA; the law did not mention lotteries. Online gambling sites continued to accept players from the US. However, several major operators left the US market with the hope of returning to a more favorable legal environment.

In 2011, during the Atlantic City downturn, the New Jersey legislature passed a bill legalizing online betting outside the confines of Atlantic City. Initially, then-Governor, Chris Christie, vetoed the law. The Governor was concerned that "allowing customers to bet through any computer terminal" left "commercial businesses such as nightclubs and cafes'' open to offering online gaming, but after some legal opinion by the US Department of Justice and some revision of the original bill, gambling was legalized in the state in 2013. The law, however, has specific conditions to be met:

It stipulates a 10-year trial period for online gambling.

  • It only allows online casinos to be operated by licensed Atlantic City casinos.
  • Players must be at least 21 years old.
  • All New Jersey gambling apps must have GPS verification systems that allow gambling only within the confines of the state.
  • Online gaming sites are charged a 15% tax on revenue (instead of 8% on land-based casinos).

Although the law did not take effect immediately due to litigations brought against the state by the major athletic leagues, it has boosted the state's tax revenue and status as a travel destination. The industry has proven to be a huge success, with growth on the online casino sites outpacing that of New Jersey's online poker sites. As a result of the strict standards that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement maintains, regulated sites serve as a model for other states considering regulating internet casinos and poker games.

Sports Betting FAQ

Yes, online betting is legal for residents and non-residents living in New Jersey. Online betting became legal in 2018, shortly after the Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on sports betting.

Gamblers must place bets on mobile apps created by legally-approved online betting platforms. Furthermore, most of these online betting platforms are affiliated with land-based casinos. In addition, online betting is only legal to persons in the following category:

  • 21 years or older to gamble online using real money;
  • Must be physically present in New Jersey.

You can legally place bets with these New Jersey Sportbooks:

  • FanDuel
  • Draftkings
  • BetMGM
  • PointsBet
  • Fox Bet NJ
  • Borgata
  • Bet 365
  • Play SugarHouse
  • Caesars Sportsbook
  • Unibet
  • theScore Bet
  • WynnBet Sportsbook
  • Barstool Sportsbook
  • PlayUp Sportsbook
  • Betway
  • Hard Rock
  • Resorts Sportsbook
  • SI Sportsbook
  • betPARX
  • Tipico Sportsbook

A majority of these Sportsbooks are licensed under operators, such as the Meadowlands, Hard Rock, and Monmouth Park.

How Old Do You Have to be to Sports Bet in New Jersey?

Under the NJ State assembly law A4111, you must be above 21 years to place a bet with an authorized online or land-based Sportsbook in New Jersey. However, international betting sites enable players above 18 years old to place bets on any sporting event. You must get familiar with the regional gambling laws and the requirements for signing up with an offshore sportsbook in New Jersey.

Is it okay to bet on an unlicensed site?

You risk exposing your personal or financial information when betting on an unlicensed site. There is no guarantee of fair play on unlicensed sites. Unlicensed betting sites can manipulate odds or games to suit what they want, which will be bad for you. Also, the website might withhold your earnings with excuses such as "technical flaws" or outrightly block you from accessing the platform.

In New Jersey, the state attaches third-party auditing companies to ensure gambling sites follow the fair play rule. These auditors use tools to check the site's software to test for foul plays. In addition, New Jersey gambling authorities require licensed sportsbooks to have top-notch security features on their websites.

How do I identify if a site is licensed or unlicensed?

You can find out if a sports betting operator is unlicensed or legal in New Jersey via these clues:

  1. Look for the Sportbook's License

Many New Jersey sports betting apps will boldly brandish their license to operate on the website. Sportsbooks without this inscription are often unlicensed. Sometimes, some licensed sites may hide their "license to operate" in their terms and conditions. Note that some unlicensed sites may post fake or outdated licenses. So, take the time to look for that "license to operate" tag before depositing money.

  1. The Website's Security Feature

Licensed betting sites must have online security. Also, the security feature must be from a recognized software company legal in New Jersey.

  1. Outrageous Bonuses and Offers

Unlicensed sportsbooks will often trap new players through huge bonus offers. Before you deposit or trade on any platform, look at the rewards and compare them to other betting sites. There's a chance that the website is unlicensed if the offers are too good compared to others.

  1. Delayed Payment

It takes one to seven business days to obtain your earnings from licensed sites. It may take more than 30 days for you to receive your payments with unlicensed sites due to an intentional interference from the betting platform. In addition, most unlicensed websites have limited withdrawal options since payment platforms are hesitant to partner with them.

  1. Absence of a Book to Book Transfer

You can transfer your funds from one sportsbook to the other in a book-to-book transfer. Book-to-book transfers are quite common in licensed sportsbooks. However, unlicensed or fraudulent sites lack this feature since other licensed sportsbooks do not wish to liaise with them.

  1. Bad Website Design

A wrong website design is also a tell-tale sign for identifying unlicensed sites. Licensed sites often invest in a professional and efficient UI/UX design. So, it's best to avoid placing bets if the website has a lot of spammy links, slow loading speed, and non-functioning pages.

  1. Unresponsive Customer Care Service

It is a sign that you are dealing with an unlicensed site if you don't get a fast response after sending an email. Undoubtedly, most licensed betting sites have a well-equipped customer care department to attend to all complaints within a day.

  1. Absence of Good Reviews on Betting Forums

Betting forums are usually the first place to find out if a sportsbook is licensed or unlicensed. A quick google search with the phrase "betting site name+reviews" will show many related reviews about the website.

  1. Too-Long Verification Process

Unlicensed websites will often use the excuse of an incomplete verification process to withhold your earnings. Also, these sites will often send multiple requests for the same verification data to slow down the process.

  1. Large Withdrawal Fees

The standard withdrawal fee for most online banking transactions is within 1 to 3 percent of the total amount. However, unlicensed sites may charge as much as ten percent of your total earnings as withdrawal fees.

Is it okay to join more than one betting site?

You can join more than one site as you become more experienced in placing bets. Betting sites often have different odds for the same bet, and you can take advantage of these minor differences to win huge payouts. That said, you can place bets on multiple betting sites via these steps:

  1. Research and fund your preferred betting sites

Start by searching for the best betting sites in New Jersey. You can take advantage of betting forums or blog posts as a resource. Furthermore, you should sign up and fund at least two betting sites for a start.

  1. Start Shopping Lines

Once you've set up different betting accounts, it's time to start comparing lines for all your future sports wagers. Input the same wager for all your betting accounts to have a uniform baseline for comparison.

  1. Compare Lines and Select the Sites with the Best Odds

Check the lines of different betting sites and select the ones with the best odds. Once you've identified the best odds, place your wagers and earn huge payouts through this strategy.

Can you bet on Horses Online in NJ?

You can place online bets on horse racing through 4NJBets, a licensed New Jersey horse racing platform. By opening an account on the platform, you have access to real-time horse racing events in any part of the world. You can easily place different horse racing bets, from quinella superfectas to trifecta, and much more.

Online Sports Betting: Getting Started

How do I find the best Sportsbook in New Jersey?

You can find the best Sportsbook in New Jersey by considering these criteria:

The Site Reputation

Bet forums and review sites are a resource for getting the best sportsbook in New Jersey. There's a chance that your preferred betting sites have a lot of customer reviews. Note that players who lose money during betting may also leave bad reviews on forums.

Thus, you should avoid betting sites with largely negative reviews and consider those with a few bad reviews. Likewise, you may consider sites recommended by friends or those in your immediate social circle. These word-of-mouth recommendations are often the safest methods of finding the NJ best sportsbook.

The Sports Events On the Platform

This is often one of the most important criteria for selecting a sportsbook in New Jersey. The right sportsbook must cover most of your preferred sports events. In addition, you must check if they cover different games for each sport.

For example, some sportsbooks may cover major basketball leagues like the NBA and WNBA while ignoring college basketball leagues. Note that most US-based sites will not cover obscure sports events like Cricket. You may try international or European-based sites to access exclusive sports.

A Variety of Betting Options

"How many betting options are available on a betting site?" is a major question when selecting a sportsbook in New Jersey. While most sportsbooks offer betting options like spreads, totals, and spread lines, it is often challenging to find props bets. So, what do you do if you like betting on NFL props? The best option is to list your preferred bet types and find the sportsbook offering the most selection.

Mobile Betting Options

Your preferred sportsbook must have a desktop and mobile betting option. The mobile option is an essential criterion for selecting a sportsbook in New Jersey since it allows you to place bets from the comfort of your home. Most sportsbook websites contain links for downloading mobile versions of the websites. In addition, you can also search for the sportsbook's app on Google or iPhone play Store.

Live Betting Options

Live betting options are a preferred option for experienced players or punters. It is a fast and efficient way of placing bets during an ongoing race or match. The odds often change very fast, and you must quickly place bets to avoid losing out on some opportunities.

This is not an essential criterion for those not interested in live betting. However, if you prefer live betting, you might have a sportsbook for live betting and another for regular betting.

Prompt Lines

Your preferred sportsbook must promptly release lines and information at least days before the event. A prompt line enables you to place your bets before bookmakers change the odds quickly.

Bonus, Loyalty Program, and Promotions

Here's a disclaimer: do not solely choose a sportsbook based on the number of bonuses or loyalty programs. Many mediocre betting sites use huge bonuses to trick and trap players. So, look for platforms that fit the criteria mentioned above and offer healthy rewards. This does not include sportsbooks offering free t-shirts or stuffed animals. So, here are a few things to look for in this criteria:

  • Select a sportsbook that offers free bets or cash rewards before or after deposit;
  • Avoid sportsbooks with shady terms and conditions to ensure that the benefits are attainable.

Availability in Other Locations

You should consider the availability of your preferred sportsbook outside the New Jersey state lines. For frequent travelers, state-restricted sportsbooks like Draftking are not the best options for you.

To comfortably place your bets outside the state lines, you should consider sportsbooks functional in more than one state. For example, you can place bets on PointsBet in the following states: Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York. BetMGM, TwinSpires, and FanDuel are available in at least ten states in the U.S.

Under the Casino Control Act (N.J.S.A. 5:12-119), the minimum age for gambling or betting is 21. Furthermore, state law requires online or land-based betting platforms to request a valid identification card during registration. However, there are cases of players above 18 years old placing bets on international betting platforms.

Where can you bet on sports in New Jersey?

You can place sports bets in New Jersey via these licensed sportsbooks:

  • DraftKings
  • PointsBet
  • Resorts
  • SugarHouse
  • Caesars Sportsbook
  • Bet365
  • BetAmerica
  • theScore
  • Borgata
  • Fox Bet
  • Golden Nugget
  • Unibet
  • 888Sport
  • FanDuel
  • BetMGM
  • Hard Rock

These licensed sportsbooks have online and land-based outlets where you can easily place all sports bets.

Do you have to live in New Jersey to bet online?

You do not need to live in New Jersey to place an online bet. However, all players must be physically present within the state's boundary before accessing online betting platforms. Note =: only players above 21 years old can register and place bets on online New Jersey betting platforms.

Online Sports Betting: Withdrawals and Deposit

What deposit methods are available for sports betting in New Jersey?

You can deposit or withdraw funds on a sports betting platform via these options:

Online Bank Transfer

Most bet platforms allow you to deposit or withdraw funds via online bank transfers. You must connect your bank account to the platform's online banking billpay feature to use this option. Furthermore, ensure your bank has a billpay feature too. The Bank of America, Chase, Capital One 360, HSBC, PNC, Santander, TD Bank, Wells Fargo, and Citi, are examples of banks with this option.

Instant eChecks

You can directly fund your accounts by connecting your checking to a third-party payment processor. Most New Jersey betting platforms use VIP Preferred as a third-party payment processor for all instant eChecks. To use the instant eChecks, register an account on VIP Preferred and save your information on it. Next, request a deposit from VIP Preferred to your betting account.

PayNearMe

The PayNearMe option enables you to cash your winnings at an affiliated land-based store. To use this option for a deposit, you must select the "PayNearMe'' option and generate a barcode. Take the barcode to the betting site's affiliated retail store to deposit cash.

PayPal

Paypal is a popular payment option on most betting platforms. You can deposit or withdraw funds by integrating PayPal with your betting account. So, register an account on PayPal using the registration email as your betting account.

Furthermore, you can deposit funds on your PayPal using bank deposit, person-to-person transfer, debit/credit card, and PayPal balance. Note that using different emails for your PayPal and betting accounts will cause issues when withdrawing funds. You can change your PayPal address to match the same email you used for registering on the betting platform.

Credit/Debit Cards

New Jersey sportsbooks allow credit/debit cards for depositing or withdrawing funds. Players can use credit/debit cards like MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover on most betting platforms.

What's the maximum amount I can deposit for sports betting in New Jersey?

The maximum amount you can deposit for sports betting differs for different betting platforms.

What's the maximum amount permitted for a stake in sports betting?

The maximum amount you can stake in a game differs based on the sports event and the sportsbook. For example, betting platforms may set a maximum stake limit of $2,500 for NFL games on Monday.

They may, however, increase the betting limit to $50,000 if many bettors weigh in on a game. Props bets also have a maximum stake limit of less than a thousand dollars. In some cases, sportsbooks will raise the limit to six figures if they believe the player does not have an advantage.

What's the minimum amount permitted for a stake in sports betting?

The minimum bet limit differs across different sports betting platforms. The least amount you can stake is $5 in most New Jersey Sportsbooks. However, Bet365 and Wynnbet have a $10 minimum deposit requirement.

How long do Withdrawals take for Sports Betting?

It takes one to seven days for most sportsbooks to process your withdrawals. Note that the withdrawal time is dependent on your payment option and the sportsbook processing the withdrawal. Here are the withdrawal timeframes for some New Jersey sportsbooks:

  • FanDuel Sportsbook may process instant eCheck withdrawals within four to six business days. However, it takes them two days to send your earnings into a Betfair prepaid card or PayPal.
  • SugarHouse sportsbook processes withdrawal immediately for players using the SugarHouse prepaid card. However, withdrawals via eChecks take three to five business days.
  • William Hill sportsbooks have limited withdrawal options. Players may pick their winnings at William Hills Sportsbook in Ocean Resorts Casino.

Other Details

What is live betting?

Also referred to as "in-game betting, live betting allows players to place bets during an ongoing race or match. Players often take advantage of rapidly changing odds in a live bet. Sportsbooks release live odds, such as new point spreads, props, and money lines before a scheduled break, quarter, inning, or half in a live NFL match.

Can an online account be limited, and for what reasons?

Most NJ sports betting platforms limit online betting accounts for various reasons. Some of the reasons why a sportsbook may restrict your account:

  • If the player misuses a bonus offer or promotion on the platform;
  • If your winnings are too frequent;
  • If you use arbitrage on the platform;
  • If the player owns more than one account;
  • If you ignore promotions and bonuses;
  • Consistently betting strange amounts. For example, sportsbooks may limit accounts that bet strange amounts like 10.45 as opposed to a round figure;

Are the winnings from a bet taxable in New Jersey?

The Division of Gaming Enforcement taxes all winnings in a sports bet. Per N.J.S.A. 54A:5.1(g), the state of New Jersey taxes about 3 percent of all gambling winnings. In addition to this, the New Jersey Income Tax withholds 8 percent from payouts above $10,000 if the winner can't provide a valid Taxpayer Identification Number.

Note: the state will separately tax payouts split between two or more parties or gifted to another person/entity.

Is BarStool Sportsbook in NJ?

The BarStool Sportsbook is live in New Jersey. You can place bets via the BarStool mobile or desktop app.

FanDuel is a legal and licensed sportsbook in New Jersey. The FanDuel sportsbooks market has a large selection of popular sports like soccer, basketball, and rugby. In addition, unlike some NJ sports betting sites, it provides bet options for obscure sports events like cricket and motor racing.

TwinSpies is a legal and fully-licensed sportsbook in New Jersey. Twinspires offers both sports bets and casino games.

MyBookie Legal is an international betting site based in Costa Rica, and it is fully licensed to operate in New Jersey. Furthermore, it is not a state-restricted betting account. MyBookie users can use the NJ sports betting platform in all the states.

BetUS operates out of Costa Rica, and it is fully licensed to operate in New Jersey. The platform offers sports betting options to anyone above 18 years old. However, only bettors above 21 can use BetUS in New Jersey. Since it is an international platform, players can use the NJ sports betting platform outside New Jersey.