New Jersey Sports Betting: Best NJ Betting Sites & Apps | April 2025

The bet365 brand was established in the UK in 2000, and they have always been quick to move into new territories. Since restrictions on online gambling were eased in the US from 2018 onwards, bet365 has become accessible across the country, and they now have an NJ online sportsbook.

The operator is known for providing a great live betting experience, but there is plenty to enjoy for pre-match bettors too. They publish exceptional odds on all major sports leagues and have a wider choice of bet types than most. With excellent offers and promotions included, bet365 are an ideal all-round sports betting site.

If you're new to the platform, be sure to use the bet365 bonus code to choose from the available dual welcome offers.

• Retail partner: Hard Rock Atlantic City

• Online launch date: 2000

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: Great for soccer and live betting

Fanatics Sportsbook NJ

Fanatics Sportsbook hit the New Jersey market in May 2024. It remains competitive in this cutthroat industry via a generous welcome offer to Bet $30, Get $300 in Bonus Bets!

Or, those in NJ can decide to get this offer instead: Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets!

Besides the initial reward for creating a new account and placing initial bets, Fanatics offers lots of other enticing features to keep users around. Highlights include the FanCash rewards program and the ability to live stream NFL games.

BetMGM NJ

BetMGM launched in New Jersey in August 2018 when it was still known as PlayMGM. Users get a kick out of its live betting features, diverse markets, and competitive odds.

You'll also appreciate the lucrative rewards program that is compatible across sports betting and casino and poker play.

Like bet365, BetMGM is offering new users in New Jersey the choice between two generous welcome offers when they register with the BetMGM bonus code.

• Retail partner: BetMGM at Borgata

• Online launch date: 2018

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: Ideal for NFL, NBA, and live betting

DraftKings NJ

Another operator who began by offering daily fantasy sports, DraftKings were established in 2012. They began to supply sports betting services around many US states from 2018 onwards, and have been available in New Jersey for some time.

This is another New Jersey sportsbook to get things moving with a generous welcome deal, no DraftKings promo code needed. Ongoing promos are plentiful, and there’s always additional value through odds boosts, bonus bets, and other offers.

The DraftKings sportsbook also offers solid backup through efficient customer service and a wide range of funding options.

• Retail partner: Resorts Digital

• Online launch date: 2012

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: Soccer, Golf

Caesars NJ

As part of the big Caesars Entertainment brand, this sports betting site has a lot of history. This helps to build trust and the Caesars Sportsbook NJ has built a solid customer base on the back of their solid reputation.

They are another New Jersey sports betting site to have come online when legalized sports betting arrived in 2018. There are all the usual benefits to playing here including competitive odds, extensive markets, a Caesars Sportsbook promo code, and regular promotions including odds boosts.

Because of their wider reach, Caesars Sportsbook also has one of the best rewards programs in the sports betting industry. With bonus bets leading to luxury entertainment packages, it’s a great addition to the Caesars platform.

• Retail partner: Ocean Resort, Monmouth Park

• Online launch date: 2018

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: Horse racing, major US sports divisions

Borgata NJ

Bettors and online casino players in New Jersey will be familiar with the Borgata brand. They have luxury offline facilities in the state and the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa opened for business in 2003.

In the online world, Borgata are known for providing regular bonuses and promotions. The levels may be smaller than other New Jersey betting sites, but the deals are more frequent.

They are a flexible bookmaker too, and Borgata’s choice of over twenty sports is greater than most.

• Retail partner: Borgata Casino

• Online launch date: 2018

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: Tennis, golf, soccer

BetRivers NJ

BetRivers launched under the Sugarhouse brand name in 2010, and they were another operator to provide casinos in New Jersey. When legalized sports betting arrived in the state, they were quick to follow in 2018.

The operator has a popular live betting platform, and the streaming package that goes with it is an impressive one. Customers can live stream NFL games with fair qualification rules.

BetRivers publish weekly promotions, and the customer’s journey begins with a second chance bet offer worth up to $250.

• Retail partner: Monmouth Park

• Online launch date: 2018

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB

ESPN BET NJ

ESPN BET is now live in the Garden State. The ESPN BET platform is unique because of its special deals involving ESPN media personalities. 

The ESPN BET sportsbook offers a wide range of sports to wager on, with competitive odds. 

Hard Rock Sportsbook NJ

The Hard Rock entertainment group made its way into sports betting when the landscape opened up in 2018. That was the year that the company took over the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and changed it to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Online sports betting was quick to follow, and there’s lots to like at this sportsbook. Customers enjoy the live betting experience here, and the sportsbook app is an impressive one in terms of speed and functionality. 

Hard Rock Sportsbook begin with a No Regret First Bet bonus offer, and they are another active operator in terms of ongoing promotions.

FanDuel NJ

Originally launched as a Daily Fantasy Sports provider, FanDuel moved into online sports betting when the practice was legalized in New Jersey in 2018. The operator remains a market leader in DFS, but it’s important not to overlook the sportsbook.

It’s another solid all-round bookmaker with the good mix of choice and value that every sports bettor wants.

• Retail partner: Meadowlands

• Online launch date: 2018

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: Good for niche sports as well as major sports leagues

• Retail partner: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

• Online launch date: 2018

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: Excellent live betting sportsbook

Betway NJ

Betway are another online sports betting site that originated in the UK. The company was founded in 2006, and there are similarities between it and its competitor bet365. Both are widely available across the US and are great for live betting.

Betway are a serious sportsbook with its own identity, and customers enjoy lots of benefits here. They focus on many of the UK’s favorite sports, so if you like to stake on soccer and horse racing, there is a huge choice of markets. Betway offer competitive odds, while regular odds boosts increase the value.

Major sports events in the US are covered too, and this is one of the most proactive betting companies for eSports markets.

• Retail partner: Golden Nugget Casino

• Online launch date: 2006

• Online betting: Yes

• Best game options: UK sports including soccer and cricket

Top NJ Sports Betting Land-Based Operators

Along with the many online operators, sports betting in New Jersey can also take place in person. There’s an extensive list of land-based betting companies, and here are the best of them.

The Meadowlands Racetrack

The Meadowlands Racetrack opened in 1976, and it provides horse racing right through the calendar year. Situated in East Rutherford, this New Jersey track is one of the busiest in the United States.

Meadowlands is now part of a wider entertainment package which includes a retail sportsbook. The company is partnered with FanDuel and therefore provides all the benefits that their customers currently enjoy.

• Retail sportsbooks: FanDuel

• Retail launch date: 1976

• Online betting: No

• Online sportsbooks: FanDuel

Monmouth Park

Out in Oceanport lies one of the oldest sporting venues in the whole of the United States. The Monmouth Park racetrack was first opened back in 1870, and it is home to some important horse races including the Monmouth Cup, the Haskell Invitational Stakes and the United Nations Stakes.

Monmouth Park was one of the first set of venues to allow on-course betting, and it currently has two betting partners, Caesars Sportsbook and BetRivers. 

One of the big advantages for Caesars customers in particular is the ability to stake and earn reward points for the operator’s exceptional rewards program.

• Retail sportsbooks: BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook

• Retail launch date: 1870

• Online betting: No

• Online sportsbooks: BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook

Resorts Casino Hotel

Resorts is a hotel and casino in the heart of Atlantic City’s gaming district. The complex first opened its doors in 1904 as a hotel, while casino play has been available from 1976 onwards. 

It’s a tradional casino with a huge choice of games, but it’s another location that has offered legal sports betting since 2018.

Resorts Casino Hotel is now a betting partner of DraftKings and a large area of the resort has been given over to the partnership. Resorts offer a 5,000 square foot betting floor with 18 kiosks. There’s also a VIP area with table service.

• Retail sportsbooks: DraftKings

• Retail launch date: 1976

• Online betting: No

• Online sportsbooks: DraftKings

Ocean Resort Casino

One of the most eye-catching building is Atlantic City, the Ocean Resort Casino was first opened in 2012. In the present day, it is a partner of the vast Caesars Entertainment Group and it therefore provides sports betting services in association with the Caesars sportsbook.

Players still flock to the ocean resort, but the sports betting operation is a big draw. There is 7,500 square feet of space, and the area is equipped with a bar and other leisure facilities. 

Customers are especially attracted to the live ticker, which shows in-play odds in real time.

• Retail sportsbooks: Caesars

• Retail launch date: 2012

• Online betting: No

• Online sportsbooks: Caesars

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

When the Hard Rock group took over the Trump Taj Mahal casino in 2018, they made a huge statement to the online gambling world. Such a recognizable brand was certain to attract an initial customer base, and the established Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was an obvious partner for the new Hard Rock Bet website.

The sports betting floor is situated on the north side of the casino, and it’s fully equipped with everything that Hard Rock customers need. While there is no horse racing available, wagers are accepted on all other major sports.

The Hard Rock Casino sports betting area also has 40 large TV screens, so you can watch the action and enjoy a drink while your bets play out.

• Retail sportsbooks: Hard Rock Bet

• Retail launch date: 2018

• Online betting: Yes

• Online sportsbooks: Hard Rock Bet 

Caesars Interactive Entertainment

The Caesars Interactive Entertainment company own and operate several casinos across the United States, and they have a historical presence in New Jersey. Caesars and Harrah’s are the big physical casinos in Atlantic City, and both offer in-person opportunities for sports betting.

The Caesars Sportsbook is a natural fit for the operator, and all of the benefits for online players can be found in the sportsbook halls.

Both Harrah’s and Caesar’s Casino have huge areas in place with plenty of kiosks for customers to use. The opportunity to earn reward points for the impressive loyalty program is also available.

• Retail sportsbooks: Caesars Sportsbook

• Retail launch date: 1996

• Online betting: Yes

• Online sportsbooks: Caesars Sportsbook

Golden Nugget Hotel Casino & Marina

Established in 1995, the Golden Nugget is one of the most popular casinos in Atlantic City. It’s a vast entertainment complex with a casino floor covering almost 75,000 square feet, and there are multiple options for all of your favorite games.

Betway are a licensed sportsbook partner of Golden Nugget, and the two operators have produced an exceptional sports betting business for customers.

Large screen TVs are banked up at the front of the hall, so you never need to miss any of the action. Betway customers can pay using funds from their account, and they can also make cash deposits and withdrawals.

• Retail sportsbooks: Betway

• Retail launch date: 1985

• Online betting: Yes

• Online sportsbooks: Betway

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

The Borgata Complex is one of the favorite destinations of New Jersey gamblers. It opened in 2003, and is an established entertainment complex in Atlantic City, providing options for casino play and online sports betting.

The hotel, casino, and spa is part of the overall Borgata network, so they are an obvious partner for the Borgata Sportsbook. New and existing customers are welcome here, and there’s a great atmosphere in the betting hall.

Borgata strive to make this more than just a betting experience, with a fully stocked craft beer bar and excellent dining options. Those who want to focus on the sport will find a vast bank of TVs and more than enough kiosks.

• Retail sportsbooks: Borgata Sportsbook

• Retail launch date: 2003

• Online betting: Yes

• Online sportsbooks: Borgata Sportsbook

Freehold Raceway

The Freehold Raceway was officially opened in 1854 and it’s a track dedicated to harness racing. Some of the most important meetings in this sport take place here, and it remains a hub of the discipline in the modern day.

It’s located in Freehold Borough and is a betting partner of ESPN BET. The familiar brand has recently become involved in the New Jersey sports betting scene, and it’s made a big impression on the industry.

Freehold Raceway offers a busy betting hall and, due to its connections, it’s one of a selection of offline sportsbooks offering markets for horse racing.

• Retail sportsbooks: ESPNBET

• Retail launch date:

• Online betting: Yes

• Online sportsbooks: ESPNBET

Bally's Atlantic City

Located on Atlantic City’s historic boardwalk, Bally’s Casino has been a part of the gambling landscape here since. Bally’s have developed their own sports betting arm known as Bally Bet, and there are deals with other sportsbooks in place.

It’s another offline sportsbook where New Jersey online sports betting attracts bettors, as well as those legions of casino players.

• Retail sportsbooks: Bally Bet

• Retail launch date: 1979

• Online betting: Yes

• Online sportsbooks: Bally Bet

Sports Teams to Bet on in NJ

New Jersey is a sports-mad state, and there are many top teams to get behind. All of the big leagues in the United States have at least one franchise based here, and several teams have enjoyed sustained success.

New York Giants

New Jersey sports bettors follow teams on both sides of the Hudson River. In the case of NFL’s New York Giants, the team crosses the divide. While they originate from New York, the Giants now play their home games at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

The New York Giants have been a part of the NFL since 1925, and they have so far won four Super Bowl championships. They are strong, historically, so NJ sports betting usually offers options for the Giants from the regular season through to the postseason.

New York Jets

Sharing that MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford are the New York Jets. This franchise has just one Super Bowl win to date, and that came back in 1968. They remain a competitive unit and one that looks to get into the playoffs, so sports bettors have extended interest in the Jets throughout the campaign.

The New York Jets have a big fanbase, and many of those supporters like to get behind them in the sports wagering markets too.

New York Knicks

New Jersey bettors and sports fans have two teams to follow in the National Basketball Association. The Knicks have been part of the league since 1946, and they play their home games at the iconic Madison Square Garden.

New York Knicks have also enjoyed levels of success since their formation and have so far won two NBA Championships. Their last title came in 1973, but they remain competitive, and will usually offer sports bettors hope throughout the season.

Brooklyn Nets

The second New York franchise in the NBA is the Brooklyn Nets. Most New Jersey fans prefer the Nets, as they were originally formed as the New Jersey Nets (formerly Americans) based in Teaneck, NJ. 

The Nets now play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, but they still enjoy great support from the two sides of the Hudson. They have yet to win the NBA Championship, but the Brooklyn Nets are currently strong and are among the favorites in NBA futures markets.

New Jersey Devils

As one of the few professional sports teams based in New Jersey, the New Jersey Devils enjoy huge support across the state. They are based in Newark and play in the Metropolitan Division of the National Hockey League.

The New Jersey Devils have won three Stanley Cups in their history, with the most recent of these coming in the 2002/03 season. With that NJ base, the Devils have a significant following among New Jersey bettors, and the franchise attracts a lot of attention in the online sports betting markets.

New York Islanders

NHL team the New York Islanders have won four Stanley Cups in their history, but the last of those successes came back in 1983. Despite that relative lack of recent success, the team is strong in the Metropolitan Division, and regularly targets the postseason.

The Islanders also play at the Barclays Center, and home games attract a big fanbase from two states.

New York Rangers

The Rangers are another team to have secured success in NHL. Any franchise with strength in depth will attract support from New York and New Jersey, and that’s the case here. The New York Rangers have four Stanley Cup titles between 1928 and 1994, and they are genuine contenders for the playoffs each season.

The Rangers enjoy support in most online sports betting market options, and they are a popular choice across various futures. 

New York Mets

New York provides two of the most successful and popular teams in Major League Baseball. The Mets were formed in 1962 and have won titles at divisional and Conference level. The franchise also won their second World Series pennant in 1986.

The Mets are one of those teams that attract wide support around the US and beyond, so there’s always interest across all available betting markets.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history. Their total of 40 World Series wins is a record, and it’s one that may stand for all time. As of 2024, no other franchise has won more than 19 World Series pennants, and that’s a testament to the Yankees’ quality.

That kind of record will ensure a team enjoys huge support around the world. The New York Yankees are consistently backed across all top sports betting sites. Their most recent World Series win at the time of writing came back in 2009, but they continue to aim for postseason games at the very least.

NJ Sports Team Futures

Futures markets are season-long bets based on winners of outright markets in major sports tournaments. They appear ahead of the new campaign and switch to live betting markets when the season gets underway.

Futures options are in place for the overall winners of the main trophy, and these will include the Super Bowl in the NFL and the NHL’s Stanley Cup.

As well as those overall championship markets, futures can also apply to divisional and conference winners. With many strong teams in New York and New Jersey, there’s a lot for New Jersey sports betting enthusiasts to get behind. 

NJ Sports Betting Banking Options

It’s important for NJ sports betting sites to have a wide range of payment options in place. Customers want flexibility from their outlets, and many need more than just the traditional banking options. Here are the many methods you can find at a typical New Jersey sportsbook.

Deposit Options in NJ

Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercards are commonly accepted for deposits. Players enter their account details, and any funds are taken from their bank account.

Credit Cards: Credit cards work in the same way as debit cards, with the amount debited to the player’s balance once they complete the transaction.

Wire Transfers: Transfers between banks remain common. Money is taken from the player’s bank account and credited to their sportsbook balance. The point to remember is that wire transfers are not instant and may take up to 5 working days.

Paypal: PayPal is the largest digital wallet, and many sportsbooks accept this as a form of payment. Transactions are instant, and the fact that financial details aren’t shared adds an extra layer of security.

Skrill: Skrill is another digital wallet provider, and transactions work in the same way as PayPal.

Prepaid Cards: Money can be loaded onto a prepaid card and used to fund a sportsbook account. Transactions are usually instant, and the funds are taken from the card immediately.

Cash in Person: Many of the retail premises listed on this round up will also allow players to fund legal sports betting accounts with cash.

Withdrawal Options in NJ

Debit Cars: Debit cards can also be used for withdrawals. As long as the method has previously been used to make a payment, funds can be returned to your bank account via VISA or Mastercard.

Credit Cards: As with debit cards and all other methods, credit cards must have been used for a deposit before withdrawals can be made. Funds should be credited to your account in less than 48 hours.

Wire Transfers: Bank accounts can also receive withdrawals via wire transfer. Once again, this may be the slowest method, with funds taking up to 5 working days.

Paypal: If PayPal has been used for account funding, withdrawals can also be made to this digital wallet. There should be no fees involved, but remember to check this point with PayPal.

Cash in Person: If customers have funds in their accounts, they can make a withdrawal via a retail sportsbook that is partnered with their online provider.

Who Can Bet on Sports in New Jersey

While the state government moved to legalize online sports betting in 2018, not everyone can place a wager. There are certain restrictions in place, which residents must adhere to.

Age Restriction

Only those over the age of 21 can take part in legal sports betting in New Jersey. When each New Jersey sportsbook sets down its registration process, they will ask for your date of birth. If the operator cannot verify the customer’s details, they will ask for ID. Valid documents such as passport, social security card, etc will be requested to prove your age and identity.

Geolocation & Physical Location

Online sports betting sites use geophysical software to determine where a customer is based when they are placing bets, and anyone looking to access the platform from elsewhere will be blocked. You must be in the state where a sportsbook is licensed for online play in order to legally bet.

Mobile Sportsbooks

All online operators offer some form of mobile sports betting platform. In most cases, there will be a sports betting app in place that can be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet.

Retail Sportsbooks

When the sports betting landscape opened up in 2018, a number of retail sportsbooks were established. We’ve listed our recommended outlets earlier in this review, together with the top New Jersey betting sites that are attached to them.

Players can head to these brick-and-mortar outlets and place bets using cash or card. They can also link to their sportsbook account where available.

How to Start Betting in NJ

Those who have yet to start betting at a New Jersey online sportsbook but want to get involved should follow a simple process. In this section, we will outline the steps you need to take to find your New Jersey sports betting provider and place your first bet.

1. Select a Sportsbook

Choosing the right sportsbook is the first step in the process, and it’s one of the most important. We’ve listed our recommendations at the top of this page, and each online sports betting operator offers something different.

Each sportsbook provides advantages, but if you don’t want to sign up with all of them, it depends on what you need. Some customers want a wide selection of sports betting markets, while others look for the best odds every time. A platform with regular offers and promotions and an excellent rewards program will earn a solid customer base. Other NJ sportsbooks provide extensive live betting and streaming services. If you want to stream NFL games or any other major sport, these are the operators to go for.

Having chosen your NJ sports betting provider, it’s time for the next stage.

Every New Jersey sportsbook will require new players to register via an online form. It’s a brief process, but it’s necessary to check information and verify that you can legally play here. 

NJ sports betting sites have a button on their homepage that will take you to the form. You will then be asked to enter essential information, including name, date of birth, email address, and other contact details. 

The sportsbook may ask for ID documentation if they can’t verify your identity, so remember to keep this handy. Once the process is complete, you can start betting.

2. Claim a Bonus Offer

All the best New Jersey betting sites have welcome bonuses when new customers sign up. These come in different formats, but each one offers extra value when the player registers and completes any initial qualifying procedure.

Here are the types of deals that new players can look forward to when they bet online.

Deposit Bonus 

A deposit bonus is a match on the first set of funds that you add to your player account. Many of the top sports betting sites have this promo in place, and it’s one of the most popular offers around.

The percentage match will vary depending on the sportsbook, as will the minimum and maximum limits. For example, there could be a match of 100% on your opening deposit up to a top limit of $1,000. Other operators may list a higher match of 200% with a lower maximum level of $500.

Terms and conditions of any promotion should be checked in full, but this type of offer will regularly come with wagering requirements. Also known as playthrough, this is the amount of times that you need to wager that bonus before you can withdraw any winnings.

Second Chance Bonus Bet 

This is another common offer that many sports betting sites provide. It’s a second chance of winning a return if your first bet is unsuccessful. A second chance bonus bet is a first bet safety net if the opening wager doesn’t win.

Customers complete the registration process in the usual way before adding funds to the account. They must then make a wager at qualifying odds. If that bet wins, they collect, but if the wager loses, the first bet safety net kicks in, and they get a second chance. Terms to look out for include the minimum odds for the qualifying bet and the maximum level of the second chance bonus bet.

Bonus Bets 

Bonus bet offers work in a similar way to the second chance deals, but there is one key difference. In these cases, a bonus will make its way to the customer if the first bet wins or loses. After registration, players make that qualifying wager at minimum odds. Bonus bet tokens are then added to the customer’s account.

Aspects of this offer to look out for include minimum odds requirements and expiry dates. Bonus bet tokens will have a specific shelf life before they expire.

3. Choose a Bet

Each of the available NJ sports betting sites will list a range of bet types that customers can get involved in. The most common of these is the Moneyline which is a wager on the winner of a specific match. Along with this bet, is a host of alternatives including.

Futures: A stake on season-long outcomes such as the winner of the Super Bowl or the Stanley Cup.

Totals: This is a bet online on total points, goals, or runs scored in a game. A totals bet can apply to the entire match or it can be split into periods such as halves and quarters.

Spread: A spread bet is a type of handicap where one side is given a theoretical head start. For the bet to convert, the other side has to beat the spread, by winning and overcoming the imaginary points deficit.

Prop Bets: The term “prop” is short for proposition and is a bet on any aspect of a game that a sportsbook is prepared to quote a sports betting market for. One of the most popular types of prop bet is a stake on the scorer of the first touchdown in NFL games.

Parlays: Parlay is the term for a multiple bet containing two or more selections. For the wager to pay out, all of those picks have to win. A parlay can cover one event, and this is known as a Same Game Parlay. Other parlays can combine selections from two or more matches.

Having chosen which bet type suits you, it’s time to move on again.

4. Deposit Funds

New sports betting customers in New Jersey will need to add funds to their account to cover opening bets. We’ve listed the most common types of withdrawal method in another section, together with their pros and cons.

The process for adding those funds is similar between each provider. There is a button, usually marked as “deposit” which is placed on the New Jersey sportsbook homepage. Click on this, and enter account details and the amount you wish to add before hitting submit.

5. Start Playing

Now it’s time to get fully involved with your NJ sports betting site. Funds are available and you’ve chosen a bet. Click on the odds attached to that wager and a bet slip will open on your screen. Now enter the amount that you wish to stake.

The bet slip will show your outlay and the returns available should that bet win. If you are happy with how things look, click to confirm and your bet is placed.

What You Can't Bet on in NJ

While the online betting industry provides lots of options for New Jersey bettors, there are some areas where you can’t place bets.

NJ Collegiate Sports Betting

It’s not possible for New Jersey sports bettors to stake on NJ-based college sports in the state. College sports betting is heavily regulated and this is one area where customers can’t get involved. (This restriction does not apply to tournaments like March Madness).

It is possible to bet on other college games where New Jersey teams are not taking part, but only if those games are taking place outside of NJ.

NJ Politics Betting

Under the rules of the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement, it is not possible to stake on politics within the state. Political markets may be available elsewhere, and this is a fringe area of online betting, but they are not accessible at New Jersey sportsbooks.
Other Ways to Play in New Jersey

Online sports betting in New Jersey is hugely popular, but there are other ways to get involved with the top betting sites. Each operator on this list has other areas of their platform and they may also include the following.

Alternatives to Sports Betting in NJ

Here's a look at alternatives to sports betting in NJ:

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) began to take a foothold before sports betting operations were allowed. Operators such as the FanDuel Sportsbook began as DFS providers before they branched out.

Daily Fantasy Sports is still available across New Jersey, and there are many ways to get involved. Pick ‘Em games involve selecting a roster of players and earning points whenever they perform well in the major sports leagues. It’s also possible to pick players and go head to head with other players.

Casino

Most New Jersey sportsbooks also have a section for online casino games. There’s a huge selection at each operator including online slots, blackjack, roulette, plus other table and card games.

Customers can switch between their sportsbook and online casino accounts, using the same funds. Stakes are made on the title of your choice, and wins can be earned, according to the rules of the game.

Poker

Poker is such a popular game that it usually has a separate area of the operator’s platform. There are so many different versions of poker to accommodate and that’s why it has its own setup.

Players can play using automated software while many NJ betting sites also have live betting casinos in place. Dealers run these games and they are usually accessible 24/7. The rules will differ, depending on which poker version you are playing, but it’s a case of best hand wins.

Horse Racing

Some online betting sites include horse racing in their regular sportsbook, but many have a separate section. The big US events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders Cup will be covered, whole most outlets have markets for meetings across the world.

There are many sports bets types associated with horse racing including the straight win, each way, and place wagers.

Pros & Cons of NJ Sports Betting

There are many advantages to getting involved, and the state of New Jersey benefits greatly from sports betting revenue. But what are the pros and cons for the individual sports bettor?

Pros	Cons
Staking on a sporting event can enhance your interest in that game	Wins are not guaranteed and it’s very possible to lose money
Potential to win money	Restrictions on certain betting markets
Added value through offers and promotions
Potential additional benefits including live streaming and mobile betting

Sports Betting in Surrounding States

We’ve seen how sports betting works in New Jersey, but what about the surrounding states. Here is a guide on how things stand in the neighboring regions.

New York

New York sports betting was made legal in January 2022. It is now legal for residents to register and place bets, or stake in person, providing they are of legal age and are not excluded for other reasons.

As of 2024, it is not legal to gamble on online poker or any other form of casino play in NY.

Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania introduced PA Act 42 in 2017, which legalized online sports betting in the state. The region was one of the more progressive in the US and moves to allow all forms of gambling in Pennsylvania date to 2004.

2004 was the year that act 71 was passed, which allowed for casinos and racetracks to appear and accept casino play and betting around Pennsylvania.

Delaware

Delaware waited until the PASPA act was repealed before they legalized online betting. The state was quick to move in 2018, following the decision and online sportsbooks were allowed from this year onwards.

Only one sports betting site offers play to Delaware-based users: BetRivers. As there is essentially a monopoly in that state, BetRivers' offers in DE are not as lucrative as in other states.

Other Nearby States

Other states close to New Jersey have a mixed outlook on sports betting. Rhode Island have legalized the practice, but it is heavily regulated. Currently, only two in-state casinos provide sports betting facilities.

In Maine, state governors were slow to react to the changes to PASPA in 2018, but online sports betting has been allowed there since November 2023.

In Washington DC, sports wagering used to only be available via FanDuel, but the market has now opened up, with BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics now available.

Responsible Gaming in NJ

It’s important for all New Jersey sportsbooks to promote responsible gambling. Anyone who feels that may have a gambling problem will need support, so the betting site should link to resources while implementing a number of tools that can help customers keep on top of their play.

Those tools should include options to set deposit and wagering limits over certain periods of time. Customers can also take a short break from playing from a few days onwards. In extreme cases where players feel they have an online gambling problem, the sportsbook should allow them to self-exclude for longer periods of time. During that exclusion period, they will not be able to log on to their sports betting account.

NJ Sports Betting Resources

If you need support, don't hesitate to reach out to the following resources:

• NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement: The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement was set up in 1977 as part of the Casino Control Act of the same year. Their role has evolved since inception to cover the changing landscape and their responsibilities now include New Jersey online sports betting. One of the most important roles of the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement is to grant licenses to sportsbooks that wish to operate here. That license is a sign of trust and legitimacy.

• Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ: The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ is the prominent body for those that need help with their play. The organization offers practical help and resources for anyone who feels they have a gambling problem. The top online sports betting sites in New Jersey should link out to the Council.

Legal NJ Sports Betting Timeline

See below for a timeline of legal sports betting in New Jersey:

• January 2012: The New Jersey State Governor agrees to legislation allowing offline sports betting in New Jersey. Bettors are now able to stake in-person at certain casinos and racetracks around the state.

• 2013: Major sports leagues including the NBA and NFL file a lawsuit following the decision, arguing that sports betting should remain outlawed. The judge upholds their claim.

• 2014: New Jersey challenges the PASPA ruling from 1992 which outlaws sports betting

• 2018: A federal judge rules that the PASPA law is unconstitutional, paving the way for online sports betting to take place.

• August 2018: The first online sports bet in New Jersey is wagered.

NJ Sports Betting FAQs

Check out these FAQs surrounding sports betting in New Jersey:

Who is eligible to place bets in New Jersey?

Online sports betting is open to anyone aged 21 and above, provided they are not excluded for any other reason, such as a self-exclusion due to a gambling problem. Anyone who meets those requirements can sign up and wager.

How do I sign up at a NJ sportsbook?

Each New Jersey sportsbook has its own registration process. The operator will ask for essential information, including name, date of birth, and contact details. Copies of ID documents may be required if the sports betting site cannot verify your identity.

What types of sports bets are available in NJ?

The top betting sites in New Jersey list a range of bet types. There is the moneyline bet on the match result, plus futures betting for season-long stakes. Other bet types include parlays, props, spreads, and totals.

Where can I bet on sports in New Jersey?

Sports betting can be carried out with a range of online sportsbooks in New Jersey. Each is open to accepting new customers. In addition, there are several retail outlets that will also take bets including Ocean Resort Casino and Monmouth Park.

How do I place a bet in NJ?

After registering with a New Jersey sports betting site, players choose their bet from the list of  events taking place. Click on the odds and a bet slip will open. Enter a chosen stake, and click to confirm. The bet is now placed.