Welcome to the heart of NFL betting in New Jersey!
Some say sports betting is the new online game dethroning the casino and poker on the web. Indeed, the landscape of gambling is particularly shaken by the sports predictions that attract more and more gamblers. On the other hand, it's no secret that online casinos are. Resorts casino Resorts casino became the first gambling company in New Jersey to offer online and mobile sports betting before taking in-person bets on Aug. The Resorts Casino Hotel Sports.
That’s right. NJ sports betting sites have odds on the board for your football bets this fall. And of course, there are NBA games, NHL games and college basketball on the horizon.
And there are plenty of casinos/racetracks and online gambling sites in New Jersey.
As of Oct. 31, there are 10 retail sportsbooks and 17 online sportsbooks available in NJ. How’s that for some options?
In this guide, you’ll have the complete rundown of where you can bet, which types of bets you can place and which types of bets you can’t place.
Where can you bet on sports in New Jersey?
If you can believe it, it’s almost a year and a half since the repeal of PASPA. That decision paved the way for legal sports betting in New Jersey.
New Jersey casinos and racetracks were eager to launch land-based and online sportsbooks. As such, one online sportsbook quickly ballooned into 17.
| Online Sportsbook | Sports Betting Partner(s) | Land-Based Affiliate | Launch Date | Promo Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Kambi/SBTech | Resorts AC | Aug. 6, 2018 | $25 free + up to $500 match bet |
| William Hill | NA | Monmouth/Ocean Resort | Sept. 1, 2018 | $50 free |
| FanDuel | IGT/Betfair/FanDuel | Meadowlands | Sept. 1, 2018 | Up to $500 match bet |
| Fox Bet | NA | Resorts AC | Sept. 13, 2018 | Up to $500 risk-free bet |
| PointsBet | NA | Meadowlands | Dec. 11, 2018 | Deposit $50, Bet With $150 |
| BetMGM | GVC/Roar | Borgata AC | Aug. 22, 2018 | $500 risk-free bet |
| Caesars | Scientific Games | Caesars | Sept. 6, 2018 | $10 free + up to $300 deposit bonus |
| SugarHouse Sportsbook | Kambi | Monmouth Park | Aug. 23, 2018 | 100% up to $250 |
| Golden Nugget | SBTech | Golden Nugget AC | Feb. 19, 2019 | Up to $50 risk-free bet |
| 888 Sport | Kambi | Caesars | Sept. 10, 2018 | $10 free + up to $500 deposit bonus |
| Resorts | SBTech | Resorts AC | Jan. 31, 2019 | Up to $250 match bet |
| Borgata Sports | GVC | Borgata AC | May 17, 2019 | Up to $250 risk-free bet |
| Bet365 NJ | NA | Hard Rock AC | Aug. 22, 2019 | Up to $100 |
| Unibet Sportsbook | Kambi | Hard Rock AC | Sept. 11, 2019 | $20 free + 100% up to $500 |
| theScore Bet | Bet.Works | Monmouth | Aug. 16, 2019 | NA |
| Hard Rock | GiG | Hard Rock AC | Jan. 26, 2019 | Up to $1,000 |
| BetAmerica | SBTech | Golden Nugget AC | Feb. 2, 2019 | Up to $500 |
The following is a list of casinos and racetracks in the state, their online partners, and the types of sports betting they offer:
Resorts: In-person, online (DraftKings, Fox Bet, Resorts)
Resorts Atlantic City opened the DraftKings Sportsbook at Resortson Nov. 20, 2018. Powered by Kambi, the new, expansive retail location features five betting windows, 12 self-service kiosks, a VIP area, stadium-style seats, and a full-service bar.
Earlier in 2018, Resorts teamed up with DraftKings and the result was the first-to-market NJ online sports betting site, DraftKings Sportsbook. DraftKings was the go-to online sportsbook for most of August.
Resorts AC also provides a skin for BetStars. The sports betting product from poker giant PokerStars began accepting wagers Sept. 13, 2018.
However, after a deal with Fox Sports in May 2019, the BetStars app was rebranded to Fox Bet just before the 2019 NFL kickoff.
For users, nothing much has changed accept the color theme of the app and website. Among its offerings include promotions, in-game betting, and a cash-out option.
The week of the 2019 Super Bowl, Resorts launched its self-branded online sportsbook. Powered by SBTech, it is nested inside the Resorts online casino.
Meadowlands: In-person and online (FanDuel and PointsBet)
Meadowlands Racetrack opened a FanDuel-branded sportsbook on July 14, 2018, quickly becoming a powerhouse in the NJ sports betting market. Sitting next to New York City, the retail sportsbook is reaping the benefits of its location while NY goes without for online sports betting (at least for now).
And not to be outdone by its daily fantasy sports (DFS) competitor (DraftKings), FanDuel Sportsbooklaunched its mobile sports betting app Sept. 1, 2018, alongside William Hill’s app.
In December, PointsBet emerged into the NJ online gambling scene with its unique sports betting option called Points Betting. After a weekslong soft launch, the site opened up and is now taking bets.
Points Betting rewards players on accuracy. The more accurate your bet is to the outcome, the more you win. You can learn more about it here.
Download PointsBet NJ sportsbook app here.
Caesars/Harrah’s/Bally’s: In-person and online (Caesars and 888 Sport)
Caesars Entertainment opened land-based sportsbooks at Harrah’s and Bally’s. The Caesars AC property, however, has no retail book. It shares the sportsbook at Bally’s.
The entertainment group announced a partnership with Scientific Games and launched its online sportsbook hours before the start of the 2018-19 NFL regular season.
Caesars added its sportsbook to its existing Caesars NJ online casino app, which is available on browsers and mobile for iOS and Android.
Additionally, Caesars provides a skin for 888 Sport NJ. You can place sports bets on the 888 Sport website or by using the mobile app on Android and iOS.
Monmouth Park: In-person and online (William Hill, SugarHouse, theScore)
MonmouthPark partnered with William Hill to open the first land-based sportsbook June 14, 2018.
Their partnership also extends to the online space, where William Hill NJ accepts sports wagers online and on its Android and iOS apps.
At one point, SugarHouse Sportsbook was under Golden Nugget’s NJ online gambling license, but not anymore. As of October 2018, SugarHouse switched its online sports betting site to the Monmouth Park license.
The reason was simple: SugarHouse wanted to accept NBA bets and with Golden Nugget, that’s not possible (see below for the why).
The online casino side of the integrated site is still under Golden Nugget’s license.
SugarHouse Sportsbook includes all your favorite betting options, apps, and a shared wallet with SugarHouse NJ online casino.
Pennsylvania’s SugarHouse online casino and sportsbook are also now available, but the two sites do not share accounts.
In August 2019, Monmouth became the first licensee to complete its online skins when theScore Sportsbook began testing in New Jersey. It got official approval a few days later and went live statewide on Sept. 3.
TheScore Bet, as it is called, is the first entry into sports betting by the well-known sports media company. The testing period is exclusive to select users until the site gets final approval from the DGE.
Golden Nugget: In-person and online (BetAmerica, Golden Nugget)
Golden Nugget opened the doors to its temporary sportsbook in summer 2018.
But as promised, The Sportsbook opened in its new and permanent space a few weeks later, complete with nine self-service kiosks and lounge areas.
Meanwhile, via its partnership with Churchill Downs Inc., BetAmerica online gambling opened for business the day before the 2019 Super Bowl.
The site features both an online sportsbook and an online casino. It, too, is powered by SBTech.
Online Betting In Nj
Golden Nugget Sportsbook online site opened for business on Feb. 19, just before Oscars betting weekend.
While you won’t find NBA games on the sportsbook app, it is integrated with Golden Nugget’s online casino and therefore shares a wallet.
In fact, BetAmerica, the Golden Nugget retail book, and the online sportsbook do not feature NBA games as per NJ sports betting regulations.
Borgata: In-person and online (BetMGM, Borgata Sports)
Borgata opened its much-anticipated $11 million sportsbook this summer. The Moneyline Bar & Book includes 144 seats, self-betting kiosks and six betting windows. Nearby is the original Race & Sports Book, which still accepts sports wagers.
Borgata is owned by MGM Resorts, which means that a playMGM sports betting app was always a likely scenario. On Aug. 22, 2018, playMGM opened its online app in New Jersey.
Just before the 2019 NFL season began, however, BetMGM became the new name of the app. Along with the name change was a platform upgrade.
Then, on the one-year anniversary of the fall of PASPA, Borgata Sports online launched, becoming the 14th app in the NJ sports betting market.
This brings Borgata’s online skin count to two. With one more slot left, its possible Borgata’s parent company and its partners GVC and Boyd Gaming have something else up their sleeves.
Ocean Casino: In-person
Hard Rock Atlantic City may have earned more revenue in the first couple of months, but Ocean Casino beat its rival to the punch by opening a retail sportsbook the day it opened (June 28, 2018).
The William Hill Sports Book at Ocean Resort claims to be the best in the business, with nearly 7,500 square feet of space. It sits in the center of the casino floor and features seating, a bar, TVs and plenty of betting windows. The grand opening of the new Ocean Sportsbook occurred Sept. 6, 2018.
However, the new Bally’s sportsbook at 15,000+ square feet easily trumps Ocean’s status as sportsbook king.
Ocean Resort is also partnered with William Hill US, a union which most likely will result in a self-branded online app at some point in the future. The timeline for that supposed launch, however, is unclear.
Hard Rock: In-person and online (Hard Rock, Bet365, Unibet)
One of Atlantic City’s newest casinos, Hard Rock AC has a partnership with Gaming Innovation Group for its sportsbook. And on Jan. 26, that sportsbook joined the club.
The online betting site is nested in the Hard Rock online casino.
A few days later, Hard Rock casino opened a temporary on-site sportsbook until its new sportsbook loungeopened April 1 (no foolin’).
In June 2019, Unibet online casino launched, and Unibet online sportsbook went live in Setember 2019.
The property also has a partnership with Bet365, a leading international sportsbook operator. Bet365 NJ began testing its app on Aug. 22, becoming the 16th sportsbook app in New Jersey. It got final approval on Aug. 30.
But it did not come to this crowded market unprepared: Bet365 Casino also is in soft launch mode and the two sites share a wallet.
Tropicana: In-person
Tropicana underwent a sale, the consequences of which have Penn National running the property and ElDorado Gaming running the gaming operations. Now, ElDorado will soon join forces with Caesars to create one of the largest networks of gambling properties.
But, Tropicana AC signed a deal with William Hill to offer sports betting in Atlantic City long before that merger was even rumored. On Oct. 25, 2019, the casino opened its temporary sportsbook.
The full 5,000-square-foot permanent space opened in time for March Madness betting on March 8 and features seating for 180 sports fans, and 1,000+ square feet of video displays.
The only other properties in the state that could offer sports betting are Garden State Park and Freehold Raceway, the oldest racetrack in the state.
Freehold’s plans, while in the works, are pretty much a mystery.
And GSP is in the midst of a court battle between the developers and the former owners.
Types of bets you can place in NJ sports betting
You’ll get the full-fledged betting experience at all the in-person locations throughout the state, with everything from spread to prop bets in play.
Shop around each online and mobile sports betting app to see which kinds of lines you can get, as they may not all be uniform. In-game betting is a popular addition to sportsbooks, and most if not all of the new apps in the state offer it.
Some books also have special events and promotions. BetStars NJ often has a rotating slate of offers for each sporting event. And almost all 16 apps have special odds boosts to entice bettors, especially during NFL betting and football season.
Also, remember that Golden Nugget’s relationship with the Houston Rockets will exclude them from offering bets on NBA games. But this might also soon go the way of the dodo bird.
NJ lawmakers passed a bill that loosens the restrictions that kept Golden Nugget and its online partners out of the NBA betting market in the first year.
Once signed into law, Golden Nugget’s NBA betting ban will be no more. The only bets they won’s be able to offer will be on the Rockets.
Types of bets you can’t place
There are no specific sports excluded from sports betting in New Jersey, although it’s not a guarantee that sportsbooks will offer those sports. Each sportsbook is different.
Mgm Sports Betting Online Nj
Also, the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement, which regulates sports betting in the state, has ultimate control over what sports or events can be booked and the types of bets allowed.
The only bets excluded (as per regulations) from in-person and online sportsbooks are bets made on high school sports, as well as bets made on college teams and games in New Jersey, which includes Seton Hall, Rutgers, Monmouth and more.
New Jersey Gambling Sites Overview
In total there are 26 online gambling sites in New Jersey. They offer a combination of casino games, online poker and sports betting. Some sites offer more than one type of gambling, while others are specialists.
Under the NJDGE licensing regulations, each online site needs to partner with the holder of a brick and mortar casino license. With only 9 casino groups (including racetracks) being licensed, you might be wondering how 26 (and counting!) legal NJ gambling sites are possible.
The reason is that some casinos have multiple sites. For example, the Golden Nugget NJ casino partners with NXY for their branded NJ casino site – and partners with Betfair NJ and Sugarland NJ for additional online gambling sites.
Anyone that is a resident of New Jersey and over 21 can play at these sites. With plenty of easy payment options, moving money around is simple. You’ll find 100’s of slots, table games, live dealer options and video poker to enjoy – along with poker and legal sports betting sites.
NJ Gambling Bonuses and Promo Codes
With so many casinos and gambling sites licensed in New Jersey, players can take advantage of the fierce competition between them. You’ll be offered bonus deals, including no-deposit, matched (deposit) bonuses and extras.
Some gambling sites use bonus codes and promo codes which you’ll use to claim each offer. Others have standard bonuses which they award to all new players. Remember to look out for ongoing offers and rewards for loyal players too. These are often valuable over the long run – in some cases more valuable than the original welcome deal.
Here are the types of bonus to expect at New Jersey gambling sites:
- No-Deposit Bonuses: These deals are between $10 and $30 in free-play simply for registering. As a rule, the bonus cash itself is not withdrawable. You can cash out money you win (subject to a play-through and often a small deposit).
- Matched Welcome Bonuses: This is the most common bonus format. Offers can be large. For example, the Golden Nugget is offering a 100% match up to $1500 for new players. Make sure you check the play-though / wagering requirement when comparing the bonuses at different casinos. Some sites will have weightings for different games which show that percentage of your stake contributes to bonus clearance.
- Reload Bonuses: Loyal players can enjoy reload bonuses at all NJ real money casinos. These work in a similar way to the matched welcome bonuses. They will often have their own bonus codes.
- Loyalty / Comp Point Schemes: Another way that online casinos reward players is by offering comp points. These are collected based on the value of your play. They can be exchanged for extra bonuses, and sometimes entry into slot tournaments.
- One-Off Promos: Don’t overlook those casinos with regular player promotions. Free spins on new slots or chips for live dealer games are just two examples of what you can find. It is worth comparing the active promotions (and promo codes) at the different casinos before you choose which one to join.
NJ Online Casinos
There is a significant difference between the regulated New Jersey online casinos and the offshore ‘grey market’ unregulated ones they replaced. Not only are players guaranteed fair games and protected in case of a genuine dispute – the software is different too.
Big slot and table game creators like High 5 Games, IGT and Net Entertainment were unable to provide real money casino games to US players before. With these licensed casinos you can enjoy many of the most popular online slots – as well as online versions of popular live slot games.
Legal Online Sports Betting Sites
When you choose a real money NJ casino, keep in mind that there are big differences in the number of games and how easy it is to clear your new player bonuses. The list below gives you an overview of what to expect from the major NJ casinos, along with ownership details and the casino software you will find.
All Legally Licensed NJ Casinos
| Online Casino | Partner | Bonus | Promo Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Nugget | Golden Nugget | $20 | PLAY20 |
| Betfair NJ | Golden Nugget | $30 | PLAY30 |
| Virgin Online Casino | Tropicana | $25 | 25BUCKS |
| Caesars Casino Online | Caesars | $25 | PLAYFREE25 |
| 888 US | Caesars | $25 | None needed - click here |
| SugarHouse Casino | Golden Nugget | 100% up to $250 | PLAYNJ |
| Tropicana Online | Tropicana | $20 | PLAY20 |
| Harrah's Online Casino | Caesars | $10 | None needed - click here |
| Pala Online Casino | Borgata | $25 | OVBONUS |
| Resorts Online Casino | Resorts | $20 | N/A |
| Mohegan Sun Online | Resorts | $20 | N/A |
| Ocean Resort Online | Ocean Resort Casino | $125 | N/A |
| PlayMGM | Borgata | $25 | N/A |
| PokerStars NJ Casino | Resorts | $30 with $20 deposit | N/A |
| Party Casino | Borgata | 100% up to $500 | N/A |
| Borgata Online | Borgata | $20 | N/A |
| Hard Rock Online | Hard Rock Atlantic City | 100% up to $1,000 | N/A |
| BetAmerica | Golden Nugget | Up to $500 | N/A |
New Jersey Sports Betting Sites
Of the three main gambling verticals, sports betting took longest to get approved in New Jersey. The reason was opposition from the pro sports lobby. They cited the PASPA legislation, which barred legal sports betting (both online and B&M) and took their fight all the way to the Supreme Court.
It took until 2018 for online sports books to appear. The major sites have been quick to get established after this breakthrough – with a lot of competition appearing fast. Some of these NJ online betting sites are part of larger casino / poker brands, while others are stand-alone.
Below you will find the main online sports betting sites available in NJ, along with ownership and bonus information.
#1 – DraftKings Sportsbook NJ
- Partner: Resorts Atlantic City
- Established: 2018
#2 – BetStars NJ
- Partner: Resorts Atlantic City
- Established: 2018
#3 – FanDuel Sportsbook NJ
- Partner: Meadowlands Racetrack
- Established: 2019
#4 – 888 Sports NJ
- Partner: Caesars
- Established: 2018
New Jersey Online Poker Sites
There was a lot of interest in how popular online poker rooms in New Jersey would become. While other states (Delaware and Nevada) have poker rooms online, the bigger population of NJ meant the player pool could support big guaranteed tournaments and higher stakes cash games.
This was also the first time that big poker brands which left the US after the 2006 UIGEA would return. PokerStars, 888 Poker and Party Poker all run sites in NJ. In 2018, player pools were shared with DE and NV. While poker traffic has been steady (compared with the popularity of the casinos), these sites have shown some promise. With new states legislating (and potentially joining the player pools), regulated poker sites have the potential to boom.
Below is information on the biggest and best of the New Jersey poker sites – along with bonus information and ownership.
#1 – PokerStars NJ
- Partner: Resorts Atlantic City
- Established: 2016
#2 – WSOP.com Poker
- Partner: Caesars
- Established: 2013
#3 – 888 Poker NJ
- Partner: Caesars
- Established: 2013
#4 – Party Poker NJ
- Partner: Borgata
- Established: 2013
What to Look for in NJ Online Gambling Sites?
You’ll have a lot of choice when it comes to online gambling sites. This section covers the key criteria which can be used to narrow your search. Factors include software, game selection, bonuses and payment methods. Many casinos and poker rooms offer free-to-play games. This gives you the opportunity to try out the sites with no risk (and even enjoy a no-deposit bonus).
Here are the criteria I use when choosing an online gambling site:
- Software / Device Compatibility: All casinos will work in the browser of your desktop or laptop these days. Where there are bigger differences is in mobile device compatibility. Some casinos offer apps, while others use responsive browser games for smartphone play.
- Casino Game Selection: As you become familiar with the casino software makers, you’ll be able to spot your favorites. If you are new, look for a casino offering 100’s of games and slots from different software houses.
- Live Dealer Options: Streamed games with real croupiers are hugely popular. These games are social and recreate that live casino feeling. Not all casinos have live dealer options.
- Bonuses and Promotions: You should look beyond the headline welcome offer when comparing bonuses. Free-play, wagering requirements and extras like reloads and comp schemes can be quickly compared.
- Security and Game Fairness: A big plus of NJ gambling sites is that the deal will be certified as fair. Make sure your casino displays information certifying testing of their ‘Random Number Generator’ software before you play.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: Getting your money in easily and profits back out are primary concerns for gamblers everywhere. NJ gambling sites have a lot of options, though they vary between casinos. I recommend looking at the banking information pages before you sign up.
What Online Casino Games are Available in New Jersey?
With the biggest casino software houses all available to NJ players – the choice of games is huge. Options include slots, table games, live dealer casinos, video poker, keno and novelty games. Within each of these categories, you’ll find multiple options.
Here is a quick breakdown to help you find the right games for you:
Slots: In the past it was possible to make a simple distinction between 3-reel (traditional) slots and 5-reel video slots. That distinction really only scratches the surface these days. With better technology, slots have transformed in multiple ways. You get live slots that can be enjoyed online, 3D slots with complex bonus features, slots with life-changing progressive jackpots and an endless number of themes and creative ideas at online casinos.
Table Games: You will find many more table games at NJ online casinos than you will find in Atlantic City. The favorites like blackjack, roulette and baccarat are all there. What you’ll find is multiple variations of each game and many different side-bets. Add to this casino poker games, dice games and brand-new variations created especially for online casinos, and you’ll see just how big the choices are.
Live Dealer Casinos: Instead of playing table games against the software, many players prefer to bet on real games these days. Live dealer casinos are operated from remote studios. You can interact with the dealers and other players if you wish. Games spread include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Caribbean stud poker.
Other Games: Video poker fans will find plenty of options both traditional titles and novelty games at NJ online casinos. Keno and game-show type novelty games are also spread.