New Jersey Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in NJ

When it comes to land-based gambling on the East Coast, New Jersey is the undisputed king. It’s got more gambling options than any other state, which is great news for Garden State residents and visitors alike. You’ve got tons of live and online casinos and sports betting sites to choose from here.

Most of the big-name gambling joints are on the Atlantic City boardwalk, but don’t forget about the pari-mutuel race tracks out in the boonies. You can also do some charitable gambling and play the lottery. And if you’re into online gaming, you’ll be happy to know that New Jersey was the second state to regulate its intrastate online gambling market. That means locals can enjoy licensed casino and poker games without having to risk it on shady offshore sites.

List of Top Gambling Venues in New Jersey

Related reading: New Jersey online casinos

Reviews of the Top New Jersey Casinos

1. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is a luxurious casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The venue was launched in July 2003 at a cost of $1.1 billion, making it one of the most expensive casinos ever built.

The casino offers over 3,000 slot machines, with popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, and Double Diamond. Table games include Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, and various forms of Poker, such as Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, and Pai Gow. The Borgata also has a large poker room with daily tournaments and cash games.

Aside from the casino floor, Borgata offers a wide range of dining options, including casual and fine dining restaurants, bars, and cafes. Some popular dining options include Wolfgang Puck American Grille, Izakaya by Michael Schulson, and Bobby Flay Steak.

The hotel at Borgata features over 2,000 guest rooms and suites, with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms, and comfortable bedding. The hotel also offers a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools.

2. Tropicana Atlantic City

Tropicana Atlantic City, located on the renowned Boardwalk of Atlantic City, New Jersey, has been a popular casino since its launch in November 1981. The casino has undergone multiple expansions and renovations over the years.

With over 2,400 slot machines, Tropicana Atlantic City’s gaming floor offers favorites such as The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Wheel of Fortune. Table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, and various types of Poker such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha are also available. The casino also has a poker room with daily tournaments and cash games.

In addition to the casino, Tropicana Atlantic City provides over 25 restaurants, bars, and cafes. Popular dining options include Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, Olón by Chef Jose Garces, and Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar.

With over 2,400 guest rooms and suites, Tropicana Atlantic City’s hotel boasts amenities such as flat-screen TVs, comfortable bedding, and marble bathrooms. The hotel also has a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools.

3. Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City

Located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Harrah’s Resort is a prominent casino and hotel launched in November 1980, and has undergone significant expansions and renovations since then.

With more than 2,100 slot machines, Harrah’s Resort provides popular titles such as Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and Lock It Link. In addition, table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, and various forms of Poker, such as Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker are available. The resort also houses a poker room that offers daily tournaments and cash games.

Apart from the casino floor, Harrah’s Resort presents a diverse range of dining options that include over 10 restaurants, bars, and cafes. Notable among the dining options are Gordon Ramsay Steak, Coastal Craft Kitchen & Bar, and Martorano’s Italian Restaurant.

The hotel at Harrah’s Resort consists of more than 2,500 guest rooms and suites that provide amenities such as flat-screen TVs, comfortable bedding, and marble bathrooms. Additionally, the hotel has facilities like a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools.

4. Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Golden Nugget Atlantic City is a celebrated casino and hotel situated in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The establishment opened in 1985, and after a major renovation in 2011, it has continued to be a popular attraction.

With a gaming floor featuring over 1,500 slot machines, including favorites like Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, and Buffalo Gold, Golden Nugget Atlantic City provides exciting gaming opportunities. The casino also offers a range of table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, and various forms of Poker, including Texas Hold’em, Pai Gow, and Mississippi Stud. There’s a poker room that offers daily tournaments and cash games as well.

In addition to the casino, Golden Nugget Atlantic City offers a diverse range of dining options, with over 10 restaurants, bars, and cafes. Some of the most popular dining options include Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Chart House, and The Deck Bayfront Bar & Restaurant.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City’s hotel features over 700 guest rooms and suites, with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, comfortable bedding, and marble bathrooms. The hotel also has a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools to offer guests a luxurious stay.

5. Resorts Casino Hotel

Resorts Casino Hotel is a popular casino and hotel located on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The venue was launched in May 1978 and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then.

The casino offers over 1,500 slot machines, with popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Quick Hit Platinum, and Buffalo Gold. Table games include Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, and various forms of Poker, such as Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker. Resorts also has a poker room with daily tournaments and cash games.

Aside from the casino floor, Resorts Casino Hotel offers a wide range of dining options, with over 10 restaurants, bars, and cafes. Some popular dining options include Margaritaville, LandShark Bar & Grill, and Capriccio Italian Restaurant.

The hotel at Resorts Casino Hotel features over 1,100 guest rooms and suites, with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms, and comfortable bedding. The hotel also offers a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools.

Resorts Casino Hotel has received mixed reviews from customers. Some common complaints include long wait times for hotel check-in and check-out, crowded elevators, and occasional issues with cleanliness. However, the casino generally receives positive reviews for its overall customer experience, gaming options, and dining selection.

New Jersey Gambling Revenues

New Jersey’s gambling industry generates billions of dollars in revenue every year. In 2020, the state’s total gaming revenue was $2.88 billion, down from the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The revenue comes from a variety of sources, including casinos, sports betting, online gaming, and lottery sales.

The state allocates a significant portion of the gambling revenue to various programs, including education, senior citizens, and disabled residents. In the fiscal year 2020, New Jersey’s Lottery generated $3.46 billion in sales, with approximately $1.2 billion in net proceeds going to support education programs.

The state also collects a 9.75% tax on all sports betting revenue, which goes towards the Casino Revenue Fund. This fund provides revenue to the horse racing industry, supports problem gambling initiatives, and provides funding for various state programs.

New Jersey’s casinos are required to pay a tax of 8% on their gross gaming revenue. This tax revenue goes towards supporting the Atlantic City government, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, and other state programs.

Indian Gaming Tribes in New Jersey

New Jersey does not currently have any federally recognized Indian tribes that are authorized to operate casinos under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. However, there has been a long-standing legal dispute between the state and the federally recognized Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes of Connecticut over the right to build a casino in New Jersey.

In 2018, New Jersey passed a law that allowed for sports betting at casinos and racetracks. The law also included a provision that prohibited any person or entity that owns a 10% or greater interest in a sports team from owning or operating a sports betting facility in the state. This provision was seen as a direct attack on the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, as they both have partnerships with sports teams.

The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes have sued the state of New Jersey over this provision, arguing that it is unconstitutional and violates their rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The case is currently ongoing.

A History of Gambling in New Jersey

Gambling has a rich history in New Jersey, with a long tradition of horse racing and legal lotteries dating back to the 19th century. The first state-run lottery was established in 1970, with the New Jersey Lottery becoming one of the most successful state-run lotteries in the country, generating billions of dollars in revenue. In 1976, New Jersey became the second state after Nevada to legalize casino gambling.

Atlantic City quickly became a gambling mecca, with the first casino, Resorts Casino Hotel, opening in May 1978. By the end of the year, three more casinos had opened: Caesars, Bally’s, and Harrah’s. By 1984, there were nine casinos in operation in Atlantic City, and the city’s casinos were generating over $2 billion in annual revenue.

In the 1990s, the industry continued to thrive, with new casinos opening, such as the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which opened in 2003 at a cost of $1.1 billion. By 2006, Atlantic City’s casinos were generating over $5 billion in annual revenue, with over 30,000 people employed in the industry.

However, the industry also faced its fair share of challenges. In 2011, the Revel Casino Hotel opened in Atlantic City at a cost of $2.4 billion, but struggled to turn a profit and closed just two years later. In 2014, four of Atlantic City’s casinos closed their doors, causing thousands of job losses.

In recent years, the industry has faced increased competition from neighboring states, such as Pennsylvania and New York, which have expanded their own gambling industries. However, the legalization of sports betting in New Jersey in 2018 has provided a boost to the industry, with sports betting revenues exceeding $4.5 billion since its legalization.

Despite its ups and downs, gambling continues to be an integral part of the New Jersey economy, with the industry generating over $3 billion in annual revenue and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. The state’s gambling taxes have also contributed significantly to state revenues, with the New Jersey Lottery alone generating over $1 billion in net revenue for the state in 2020.

Gambling Taxes in New Jersey

Gambling taxes in New Jersey are a significant source of revenue for the state. Any winnings from gambling activities are taxable, and it’s essential to understand how much you owe and how to pay your taxes correctly. In New Jersey, gambling winnings are taxed at a rate of 8.5%. If you win more than $5,000, 3% of your winnings will be withheld for state taxes. However, if your winnings are less than $5,000, you are still required to report them on your tax return.

To calculate the amount of taxes you owe, you’ll need to keep track of all your gambling winnings and losses throughout the year. You can deduct your gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings, but you must have accurate records to do so. This means keeping track of all your gambling activities, including the date, location, amount won or lost, and the type of game played.

Once you’ve calculated your total gambling winnings for the year, you can use Form W-2G to report them on your federal income tax return. You’ll also need to include your winnings on your New Jersey state income tax return. If you had state taxes withheld from your winnings, you’ll receive a W-2G form from the casino. If you didn’t have taxes withheld, you’ll still need to report your winnings and pay the taxes you owe.

If you’re a nonresident of New Jersey and you win money gambling in the state, you’ll still be required to pay taxes on your winnings. Nonresidents are taxed at a flat rate of 8% on gambling winnings above $10,000.

It’s important to note that New Jersey also taxes casino operators and other gambling establishments. The state’s gross revenue tax on casino gambling is currently set at 9.25%, while internet gaming is taxed at a rate of 15%. These taxes generate significant revenue for the state, which is used to fund programs and services such as education, healthcare, and public safety.

To pay your gambling taxes in New Jersey, you can either include the amount owed on your state income tax return or pay separately through the state’s online tax portal. You’ll need to provide your Social Security number or tax ID number, along with the amount of taxes owed. Payments can be made by electronic check or credit card.

In conclusion, understanding gambling taxes in New Jersey is essential for anyone who participates in gambling activities in the state. By keeping accurate records and reporting your winnings and losses correctly, you can avoid penalties and ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of taxes. The state’s gambling taxes generate significant revenue, which is used to fund essential services and programs.

New Jersey Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at New Jersey casinos before being taxed?

In New Jersey, all gambling winnings are considered taxable income. The threshold for reporting gambling winnings to the IRS is $600 or more, while the threshold for casinos to issue a W-2G form is $1,200 or more. Keep in mind that the IRS requires you to report all gambling winnings, regardless of the amount.

How to ban yourself from casinos in New Jersey?

If you feel like your gambling has become a problem, you can voluntarily ban yourself from all New Jersey casinos and gambling establishments. You can either request a self-exclusion from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for a period of one year, five years, or for life. During the exclusion period, you will not be allowed to enter any casinos or engage in any gambling-related activities in New Jersey.

Who regulates gambling in New Jersey?

Gambling in New Jersey is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which operates under the jurisdiction of the state’s Attorney General. The DGE is responsible for issuing licenses to casinos and other gambling establishments, as well as overseeing their operations and enforcing gaming regulations to ensure the integrity of the industry.

What is the minimum gambling age in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the minimum gambling age is 21 years old for all forms of gambling, including casino gaming, sports betting, and online gambling. Anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed to enter a casino or engage in any gambling-related activities in the state. Additionally, casinos and other gambling establishments are required by law to verify the age of all customers before allowing them to gamble.

Can I gamble online in New Jersey?

Yes, online gambling is legal and regulated in New Jersey. You must be physically located within the state’s borders to place online bets or play online casino games.

What types of gambling are legal in New Jersey?

New Jersey allows a variety of gambling options, including casino games, sports betting, online gambling, horse racing, and lottery games.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in New Jersey?

Yes, you can deduct gambling losses on your state income tax return in New Jersey, but only if you itemize your deductions. You can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your gambling winnings for the year.