Since its legalization in November 2013, online gambling has flourished in New Jersey, establishing the state as a front runner in the legal US market. Currently, there are over two dozen legal and regulated online gambling sites in New Jersey, offering a vast range of options including casinos, poker sites, and digital sportsbooks. Finding the right site among the many choices can be challenging and time-consuming. To assist with this, comprehensive resources are available, providing reviews, legal information, and guidance on selecting safe and legitimate online gambling platforms in New Jersey.
Key Things You Need to Know
- Online gambling has been legal in New Jersey since 2013, meaning that you can legally play at online casinos and poker rooms and place wagers on sports betting sites.
- Although online casinos are legal in NJ, offshore casino sites are still available and accept New Jersey players, especially if you’re looking for bigger welcome bonuses and a range of games to play.
- To ensure you’re playing at a safe and secure offshore gambling site, play at any of our recommended casino sites. They are all regulated by international licensing authorities that ensure fairness and transparency.
- Our recommended online casinos all work seamlessly on mobile and tablet, whether Android or iOS devices.
- Online casinos in New Jersey offer a range of deposit and withdrawal options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. The casinos on this page all accept popular cryptocurrencies and more.
Types of Legal Gambling in New Jersey
In New Jersey, various forms of online gambling, including casino games, poker, sports betting, horse race betting, and daily fantasy sports, are legal. Legislation passed in February 2013 enabled Atlantic City casinos to collaborate with online operators, leading to the launch of NJ online casinos and poker.
In 2017, daily fantasy sports were legalized, and in 2018, following the Supreme Court’s ruling against PASPA, Governor Phil Murphy legalized sports betting, including online formats. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees and regulates all casino activities in Atlantic City and authorized online sites. It’s important to note that legal online gambling in New Jersey is restricted to sites regulated by the NJDGE, and using off-shore gambling sites within the state is illegal.
Age requirements are enforced for online gambling in New Jersey. The legal age for engaging in online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks is 21. However, for daily fantasy sports and horse race betting, the minimum age is 18. Furthermore, to access and use any regulated gambling site, individuals must be physically present within New Jersey’s state boundaries.
Paid DFS contests are legal in New Jersey. The operators are required to obtain a license issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and pay a fee based on annual gross revenue. Consequently, New Jersey residents have unrestricted access to all three major DFS platforms, i.e. FanDuel, DraftKings, and YahooDFS.
New Jersey lottery operates nine draw games, which include popular multi-state options, such as Mega Millions and Powerball, as well as Fast Play games, scratchers, and Second Chance products. Tickets have to be purchased from land-based retailers or self-service machines, as the lottery isn’t authorized to sell them online.
Charitable Gambling
Charitable gambling is allowed in New Jersey, enabling non-profit organizations to host various gaming events like raffles and casino nights to support charitable causes. These activities are regulated to ensure fair and responsible conduct. Such events not only provide entertainment but also play a significant role in community support and engagement..
Bingo Halls
New Jersey charitable gambling laws allow charity organizations to host bingo games. Bingo is also available commercially at some of the Atlantic City casinos. The largest commercial New Jersey bingo hall, called Bingo Bonanza, is operated by Golden Nugget. In addition, three of the NJ-based internet casinos – Virgin, Tropicana, and Pala – offer legal bingo options. Unfortunately, only 90-ball games are currently available on those sites.
New Jersey Online Casinos Vs. Local Casinos
In New Jersey, gamblers have the option to choose between online casinos and traditional land-based casinos. As of 2024, there are 22 legal online casinos in the NJ online casino market. These digital platforms offer convenience and a wide range of gaming options, often linked to Atlantic City’s land-based casinos for seamless integration. They provide the latest in gaming technology, with varied welcome bonuses and the flexibility of playing from anywhere within the state.
Conversely, New Jersey houses nine commercial casinos, all located in the Atlantic City area, including Bally’s Casino, The Borgata, Caesars Casino, Golden Nugget Online Casino, Harrah’s Casino, Ocean Casino, Resorts Casino, Hard Rock Casino, and Tropicana. These establishments are known for their vibrant atmosphere and physical presence, featuring over 2,000 slots and classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. They offer a traditional gaming experience with the added excitement of live entertainment and onsite amenities.
Both online and local casinos in New Jersey cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a comprehensive gambling experience whether players prefer the digital or the traditional casino environment.
How To gamble Online in New Jersey
Step 1: Find Your Online Casino
We suggest Cafe Casino as a highly-rated choice for online gambling in New Jersey. Feel free to browse upwards for our detailed evaluations and comparisons of other NJ-based online casino platforms.
Step 2: Register Your Casino Account
Go to the Cafe Casino site and select the “Join” option. Enter your details such as name, email, and birth date to set up a new account. Finish setting up your account by verifying your email through a link sent to your email.
Step 3: Credit Your Casino Account
Proceed to the “Cashier” area once your email has been confirmed to add money to your account. Utilize the welcome bonus at Cafe Casino, where you could get up to $2,500 on your first eligible cryptocurrency deposit. Select a payment option of your choice and finalize your deposit.
Step 4: Find a Game and Start Betting
Once your bonus is secured and your account is credited, you’re ready to begin gambling. Explore the diverse gaming options offered, ranging from progressive jackpot slots and live dealer games to video poker. Choose your preferred game, place your bet, and enjoy the experience.
Gambling in and Near New Jersey
New Jersey has nine commercial casinos, which are all confined to the Atlantic City area. These casinos are: Bally’s Casino, The Borgata, Caesars Casino, Golden Nugget Online Casino, Harrah’s Casino, Ocean Casino, Resorts Casino, Hard Rock Casino, and Tropicana. Most of these gambling establishments boast at least 2,000 slots, as well as a variety of classic table games, such as blackjack, roulette, and craps. Let’s take a look at the top 5 local casinos in New Jersey.
Tropicana Casino
Address: 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Tropicana Casino, nestled along the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, stands out as a premier entertainment destination in New Jersey. Spanning a vast 200,000 sq ft, it features an impressive complex that includes a hotel with over 2,300 rooms and more than 5,000 parking spaces.
The casino boasts over 30 restaurants and a staggering 2,400+ gaming options, including 2,300+ slot machines and over 100 table games. Established in 1981 and occupying 125,000 sq ft of gaming space, Tropicana also extends its thrilling experience to an online platform, offering a top-tier gaming experience accessible from anywhere in New Jersey.
Borgata Casino
Address: 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa, while not the largest in New Jersey, distinguishes itself with the state’s biggest hotel, boasting nearly 2,800 rooms. The casino, established in 2003, spans 160,000 sq ft and doesn’t fall short in gaming offerings, with an extensive collection of over 4,000 slot machines and more than 200 table games.
Alongside its gaming prowess, Borgata is renowned for its luxurious spa, exceptional dining options, and overall quality, earning a top Google rating of 4.4/5. The casino’s impressive features extend to its online platform, offering an equally remarkable online gaming experience.
Harrah’s Casino
Address: 777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Harrah’s Resort holds the title as the largest local casino in New Jersey, sprawling across 160,000 sq ft. Established in 1980, it features an expansive gaming area with over 5,700 games, including more than 5,500 slot machines and over 90 table games.
The resort boasts a hotel with over 2,500 rooms and is notable for its over 40 poker tables, playing host to the renowned WSOP tournaments. Harrah’s Resort Casino is a top-tier destination for gaming enthusiasts.
Caesar’s Casino
Address: 2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
While Caesars Casino may rank in the lower part of the casinos in New Jersey, largely due to its smaller number of games, it more than compensates with its exceptional venue and meticulous attention to detail.
Established in 1979 and encompassing 145,000 sq ft, this famous casino, complete with a remarkable hotel and spa, has earned excellent Google ratings. It caters extensively to slot fans, table game aficionados, and poker players. Moreover, players across New Jersey can access some of the highest-rated casino games from the comfort of their homes.
Hard Rock Casino
Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Hard Rock Casino, a renowned name in New Jersey’s gaming scene, initially opened in 1990 and underwent a significant revamp in 2018. This refresh introduced a new layout and an exciting array of casino games.
As one of the state’s largest casinos, spread across 120,000 sq ft, it features over 2,300 slot machines and more than 130 table games. Additionally, the casino boasts comprehensive amenities, including various dining options, a hotel, and a spa.
Other Forms of Gambling in New Jersey
Explore our comprehensive resources for in-depth information on various legal gambling activities in New Jersey.
- New Jersey online casinos
- New Jersey online sportsbooks
- New Jersey poker sites
- New Jersey online racebooks
- New Jersey casinos
- New Jersey bingo
- New Jersey lottery
- New Jersey sportsbooks
- New Jersey race tracks
Casino Games You Can Play in New Jersey
Despite New Jersey’s regulated gambling landscape, numerous options for online casino gaming are available. Below is an overview of the favorite games typically pursued by players in New Jersey:
Poker
Poker continues to be a widely favored card game globally. In New Jersey, numerous online sites provide a range of poker versions, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. This game is a blend of skill, strategic thinking, and an element of luck.
Blackjack
Blackjack, a game aiming to achieve a hand value nearest to 21 without surpassing it, is a blend of strategy and rapid decision-making. In New Jersey, online casinos frequently offer an array of blackjack options, featuring both single-deck and multi-deck versions.
Roulette
Roulette, a timeless casino staple, invites players to wager on the result of a revolving wheel. Online casinos in New Jersey present various forms of the game, such as American and European Roulette. The American style is distinct, featuring an extra ’00’ slot, which slightly increases the house’s advantage.
Slots
Slots, known for their ease of play without the need for skill or strategy, are extremely popular in casinos. In New Jersey, online casinos boast an extensive collection of slot games. This includes traditional 3-reel slots and advanced video slots that come with diverse themes and bonus features.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games offer a more genuine casino atmosphere by allowing real-time engagement with a human dealer via video. These games, popular among players seeking an authentic experience, include live versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Video Poker
Video poker, a fusion of slot mechanics and classic poker principles, is a popular choice in casinos. The goal for players in New Jersey’s online casinos is to create the strongest possible five-card hand, with higher quality hands yielding larger payouts. Commonly offered variants include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in New Jersey
New Jersey has been a leader in gambling legislation, marking significant milestones from its lottery establishment to legalizing sports betting and online gambling. This progression showcases the state’s evolving and influential role in shaping the gambling landscape.
- 1970: New Jersey Lottery established.
- 1976: Voters approve casino gambling for Atlantic City.
- 1978: First Atlantic City casino, Resorts International, opens.
- 2010: Sports betting referendum proposed.
- 2011: Sports betting referendum passed by voters.
- 2012: Sports betting legislation signed, but federal challenges delay implementation.
- 2013: Online gambling legalized, including casino games and poker.
- 2018: U.S. Supreme Court overturns federal sports betting ban, paving way for New Jersey sports betting.
- 2019 and beyond: Expansion of sports betting and continuous updates to online gambling regulations.
New Jersey Online Gambling FAQs
How many online casino sites operate in NJ?
Currently, 22 legal and regulated online real money casino sites operate in New Jersey. These NJ online casino sites have been launched gradually since the legalization of the industry in 2013. Many online casinos run by offshore operators also accept NJ residents. However, it is illegal to play on these sites from inside the boundaries of the state.
How many online sportsbooks operate in New Jersey?
There are currently 19 state-regulated online sportsbooks that operate in New Jersey, with more expected to enter the state in 2021.
What is the best online casino in NJ?
Currently, the most popular online casino regulated in NJ is Borgata due to the large number of online casino games and regular bonuses it offers.
Are NJ online casinos safe?
Yes – NJ online casinos are safe as they are all partnered with land-based casinos in Atlantic City and are regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The NJDGE ensures that all the online casino games have fair odds and that your money is safe, and only awards licenses to operators that can be trusted and have great reputations.
How are NJ online gambling sites regulated?
All legal NJ gambling sites are regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. This body is responsible for gambling laws in New Jersey, awarding licenses, ensuring the online casino games and odds given are fair, and monitoring for exclusion list violations.
What is the difference between New Jersey and offshore gambling sites?
Offshore casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms are licensed in and operate from other jurisdictions. On the other hand, NJ online gambling websites are regulated by the state. Because of this, offshore sites don’t have the same level of security and there is the chance that the online casino games and odds provided are not fair.
Who can play at NJ legal online gambling sites?
Anyone can play at NJ gambling sites as long as they are physically located inside the borders of the state and are of legal gambling age. For NJ online casinos, poker, and sports betting, players must be at least 21 years old, whereas daily fantasy sports players and horse race bettors only need to be 18 or older.
Do I have to live in New Jersey to bet online?
No – you do not have to live in New Jersey to bet online. However, you must be physically located in the state at the time you place your wager or bet money at a New Jersey online gambling website. You can make an account from another state, but you will be unable to use your account until within the boundaries of New Jersey.
How do NJ gambling sites know my location?
Every NJ gambling site uses geolocation technology supplied by the software company GeoComply to estimate your location in the world. Your location will be determined when you first log into the app or website and will continue to be monitored as you play.
How do I create an account at a New Jersey online gambling site?
To create an account at a New Jersey online gambling site, simply choose a reputable site and click the “Sign Up” button on the website. You will need to create a username and password, and then provide personal information. This includes your legal name, address, telephone number, email, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
How do I get NJ casino or sportsbook bonuses?
When registering with a new site, players can claim various bonuses, but it’s important to review each bonus’s terms and conditions. These include minimum deposit amounts, minimum bet odds, and the use of promo codes versus automatic application. Bonuses requiring promotional codes are typically entered on the cashier screen. On top of welcome bonuses, most sites will also offer reload deposit bonuses, regular promotions, giveaways, and loyalty programs.
Can I win real money at New Jersey online casinos?
Yes – all of the legal and licensed NJ online casinos offer you the chance to play for real money. The same goes for sportsbooks, DFS sites, poker sites, and all other online gambling options that are regulated by the state.
Can I play at NJ’s online gambling sites on my mobile?
Yes – almost all of NJ’s online gambling sites are mobile-compatible, allowing you to play on the go and from your device from anywhere in the state. The main focus is on the popular iOS or Android smartphones, and mobile apps are commonly found within the industry. You may find fewer online casino games or functions on real-money casino gambling apps when compared to desktop sites, but this is more than enough to satisfy most players.