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Best betting sites in New Jersey

  1. Bet365 New Jersey: Best for European sports
  2. Caesars New Jersey: Best for boosted odds
  3. DraftKings New Jersey: Best established player bonuses
  4. BetRivers New Jersey: Best for beginners
  5. FanDuel New Jersey: Best for multifaceted sports betting
  6. BetMGM New Jersey: Best for rewards & promos

Bet365 New Jersey

1. Bet365 New Jersey

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
  • Retail location in NJ: None
  • Live in New Jersey since: 2019

Bet365 flies under the radar of many United States consumers, but this operator is absolutely huge internationally. They offer gaming services in over 100 countries as part of the Kindred Group which is headquartered in Malta.

The bet365 platform is minimalist in a very good way. You are greeted by matchups in the sport that is most popular at any given time when you reach the homepage. Links to all of the sports that are available are clearly displayed, and their offerings span from NFL football to lacrosse and snooker.

Welcome bonus offers are subject to change at any time, but this being stated, the bet365 NJ sports betting site has developed a reputation for very sweet sign-up rewards. They typically require a $1 minimum bet, and that triggers a guaranteed bonus bet return that can be a couple of hundred dollars or more.

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Caesars New Jersey

2. Caesars New Jersey

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000
  • Retail location in NJ: Caesars Atlantic City
  • Live in New Jersey since: 2018

Caesars Sportsbook NJ is one of the heavy hitters on this list. Caesars Entertainment is a very big deal in the gaming industry, and they got into the online sports betting space in the United States when they acquired William Hill in 2021 for about $4 billion.

It is important to understand the fact that all of the top online sportsbooks in New Jersey are well-designed. Plus, for the most part, they offer the same sports and the same bet types. The major differences are in the policies and bonus structures that impact the players.

Caesars gets very high marks in the bonus department. Their welcome offers for new users are especially generous, and they are the home of the daily odds boosts. Each day, they pump up the odds on a number of winnable propositions and parlays.

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Fanatics New Jersey Logo

3. Fanatics New Jersey

  • Welcome bonus: Bet & Get Up To $1000 in No Sweat Bets
  • Retail location in NJ: Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
  • Live in New Jersey since: 2024

Fanatics Sportsbook launched in New Jersey on May 8, 2024, following its acquisition of PointsBet’s U.S. operations. This expansion marks the 20th state for Fanatics Sportsbook and the fourth for its online casino. The platform features a seamless betting experience with a native app for iOS and Android, fast signup, and transparent withdrawals.

Unique offerings include FanCash rewards, live betting, and advanced search functionality. The integrated online casino provides a range of games from top developers like IGT, Evolution, and Light & Wonder.

Fanatics also opened its first New Jersey retail sportsbook at the Oceans Casino Resort in Atlantic City in September 2024.

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DraftKings New Jersey

4. DraftKings New Jersey

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
  • Retail location in NJ: Resorts Casino Hotel
  • Live in New Jersey since: 2018

DraftKings is one of the most recognizable names in the American sports betting industry. They were poised to enter the market as soon as sports betting became legal in New Jersey in 2018 because of their daily fantasy sports presence.

Many people with DFS accounts would naturally sign up on the sportsbook as well. This is a very well-developed platform with a high player satisfaction rate.

We have found that the DraftKings online sports betting site prioritizes ongoing bonuses for established players. The specials give you an advantage, and they also have daily free-to-play pools. They deliver generous cash prizes, and you don’t have to dent your bankroll to participate.

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BetRivers Logo

5. BetRivers New Jersey

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $250
  • Retail location in NJ: None
  • Live in New Jersey since: 2018

BetRivers is another operator with strong corporate backing and a national reach. There is no brick-and-mortar BetRivers location in the Garden State, but their online sports betting site is readily available.

There is a lot to like about this NJ sports betting platform. They offer a solid welcome bonus, and their interface is easy to understand on the first visit. Everything is laid out simply and efficiently, so it does not feel intimidating or confusing in any way.

Readily available customer support is a standout BetRivers feature that gets your attention right away. There is a link at the middle of the top of the homepage for support chat, so help is always a quick click away if you need it.

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FanDuel New Jersey

6. FanDuel New Jersey

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets & 3 Month Trial of NBA League Pass
  • Retail location in NJ: Meadowlands Racetrack
  • Live in New Jersey since: 2018

FanDuel Sportsbook is another operator that was able to build on the success of its widespread daily fantasy sports network. The New Jersey online sportsbook launched on day one for legal sports betting in 2018. It is top-notch on every level, and this is exactly what you would expect from an industry leader in terms of revenue.

They are aggressive with their bonuses, and they will frequently offer guaranteed welcome rewards for new players. After you make your first bet, you will receive a steady succession of special offers for standard users, and some of them are personalized.

This is a good site if you like to get involved in fantasy sports contests and full-scale sports betting. You can toggle between the two platforms easily, and this is an efficient way to enjoy multifaceted sports gaming.

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BetMGM New Jersey

7. BetMGM New Jersey

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500
  • Retail location in NJ: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
  • Live in New Jersey since: 2018

BetMGM is one of the most popular online sports betting sites in New Jersey and many other states nationwide. MGM Resorts International is a global gaming powerhouse, so they are in a position to compete at the highest levels.

You will find everything you need and more on the BetMGM NJ sports betting website. All the different sports are listed at the top of the homepage, and it defaults to the most popular sport for betting on any given day.

The BetMGM Rewards Program sweetens the pot. You earn Rewards Points that can be redeemed for hotel accommodations, show tickets, and other perks. Players simultaneously accumulate Tier Credits, and the benefits improve as you reach higher levels.

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Other NJ sports betting sites

ESPN Bet New Jersey

In August 2023, ESPN and Penn Entertainment announced a 10-year partnership, opening the door for the Worldwide Leader in Sports to dive head-first into the sports betting sphere with ESPN Bet.

With ESPN Bet going live in November 2023, PENN was able to make a seamless transition from the Barstool platform to the new site and app. A strong showing out of the gate gives plenty of optimism for future ESPN Bet endeavors.

Golden Nugget New Jersey

Golden Nugget is a name that is synonymous with the Las Vegas gaming scene, and they have operated a brick-and-mortar casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey since 2011. In August 2018, they were one of the first operators to open a retail sportsbook in their facility.

They rolled out their online sports betting product on March 24, 2021. The interface is a typical standard layout, but it’s a bit busier than some.

You will find a comprehensive betting menu at Golden Nugget NJ, with international sports like cricket, Australian rules football, rugby, handball, and soccer. This is not one of the true standouts, but they offer a decent welcome bonus, and something for nothing is always a good thing.

betPARX New Jersey

BetParx is the online sports betting platform of Parx Casino, a popular gaming facility just outside of Philadelphia. There is also a horse racing track at the complex, so there is a lot of brand recognition in the greater Philly area, which includes south and central New Jersey.

This online NJ sports betting site is powered by the Playtech IMS platform. It is impressive with a clear and concise format that is self-explanatory if you have a rudimentary understanding of the nuts and bolts of sports gaming.

They have a top-of-the-page slider with prominent buttons that point toward special offers and handpicked boosted odds bets. BetParx is delivering a solid product, and it is definitely worth a look.

Hard Rock Bet New Jersey

The Hard Rock Bet NJ online sportsbook made its debut just a few weeks before the Super Bowl in 2019, allowing it to gain an early boost in revenue that helped establish its presence quickly. Additionally, there’s a physical Hard Rock Hotel & Casino located on the Atlantic City boardwalk, which features a retail sportsbook.

While fans of the Hard Rock brand might appreciate the connection, the website doesn’t match the quality of the leading sportsbooks in New Jersey. The welcome bonus is also less competitive, contributing to Hard Rock Bet NJ being ranked lower on our list.

Prime Sports New Jersey

Prime Sports launched its online sportsbook in New Jersey on April 3, 2024, following a brief soft launch at the end of March. Unlike many of its competitors, Prime Sports entered the market without a massive marketing blitz, focusing instead on offering an “American-style” sportsbook that appeals to traditional bettors. The platform, which operates under the license of the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, prides itself on its customer-centric approach, including features like reduced juice, high betting limits, and no restrictions on successful bettors.

While Prime Sports doesn’t have a retail sportsbook in New Jersey, it distinguishes itself by catering to both recreational and professional bettors alike, ensuring fast payouts and direct access to customer support.

Borgata New Jersey

Launched in May 2019, Borgata is the online NJ sports betting platform of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. The casino is a longstanding AC staple, fitting right into the Garden State online sports gaming landscape.

The Borgata online sports betting environment is inviting with a clean white background and sensible spacing. There are links to all the sports that you can bet on with corresponding icons at the top of the homepage.

They offer an early cashout option, and there is an “edit my bet” function for events that are eligible for a cashout. You can stream games through their site free of charge, and there is a player rewards program.

SI New Jersey (Coming soon)

Sports Illustrated is owned by Authentic Brands Group, and they partnered with 888 Holdings in 2021 to create SI Sportsbook NJ. Back in 2018, 888Sport was one of the first sportsbooks in New Jersey, so they simply rebranded the existing product.

This is a win-win for both entities. Sports Illustrated has been one of the most highly respected names in sports journalism in the United States for generations. Their status in that context gave them instant credibility in the sports gaming space.

Our impression of the SI Sportsbook was very positive. The layout couldn’t be any clearer, and there are some interesting features. Their SI Sportsboosts are displayed front and center, and they provide pumped-up odds on winnable parlays.

Online sports betting is live and legal in the state of New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy placed the first legal bet in NJ on June 14, 2018, and DraftKings took the first legal online wager on August 1 of the same year.

As long as you are 21 or older and physically present in the state, you can register an account and place bets.

There are currently 12 sports betting sites to choose from, and there could be further expansion. In addition to these sites, there are a dozen brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in New Jersey.

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New Jersey sports betting facts

Sports betting legal since: June 2018
Number of online betting sites: 12
Number of retail locations: 12 
Legal betting age: 21
Governing body: The Division of Gaming Enforcement

You can choose from a wide variety of markets when you are placing bets in person or through an NJ betting site. Below is a walkthrough of the most popular sports to bet on in NJ:

Football

NFL football is the most popular sport in the United States in general, and it is also the sport that generates the most interest at the betting sites. College football is second on the list, and Saturdays during the season are off the chain with dozens upon dozens of matchups.

Basketball

The NBA is next on the list, and it’s a lot of fun to follow the action when you have some money riding on the outcome. NCAA basketball is also in the mix, and the March Madness Tournament offers some of the best betting opportunities of the year.

Baseball

Major League Baseball is a summer tradition, and a bet makes any game more interesting. The intensity rises when the postseason rolls around, and the sportsbooks take considerable action during the World Series.

NHL

Hockey is the fourth major American sport, and there are plenty of hockey markets on the board during the season, especially when betting on the New Jersey Devils. Like the other team sports, the regular season is a precursor to the second season that will decide the championship.

MMA

Mixed martial arts fans are not left out in the cold at the New Jersey sportsbooks. You can bet on all of the big UFC events, and a lot of books run promotions that give fans an edge.

Soccer

Soccer is huge worldwide, and it has become a big deal in the United States. You can find soccer on the betting board at all of the sportsbooks, and some of them place an added emphasis on this sport.

Latest events in NJ sports betting

  • October 30, 2024 – DraftKings is laying off 101 employees in New Jersey, primarily due to the closure of its live dealer studio in Atlantic City, amid growing state concerns over problem gambling and potential regulatory changes.
  • October 24, 2024 – A hearing in New Jersey discussed both the positive and negative impacts of legalized sports gambling, with advocates highlighting economic benefits while critics raised concerns about addiction and regulatory challenges.
  • October 18, 2024 – New Jersey set a new record for iGaming revenue in September 2024, reaching $208.1 million, a 27.1% year-over-year increase, while total gambling revenue hit $558.3 million, with sports betting revenue jumping to $119.6 million driven by the start of the NFL season.
  • October 11, 2024 – Online casino operators in New Jersey, like PlayStar, are increasingly partnering with professional sports teams, such as the New Jersey Devils, to engage sports fans through special promotions and experiences, aiming to attract new players to iGaming platforms and enhance player crossover between sports betting and online casino games.
  • October 7, 2024 – The Freehold Raceway’s planned closure has led the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey to sue its owner, FR Park Racing, for breach of contract, claiming they failed to maintain the track and withheld sports betting revenue, causing significant financial losses for the state’s harness racing industry.
  • September 26, 2024 – New Jersey has seen a significant rise in problem gambling, with the state helpline receiving a 10% increase in calls over the past year. The spike is particularly pronounced among young men, with nearly 30% of callers under 35, largely driven by the surge in sports betting.
  • September 16, 2024 – New Jersey’s sports betting revenue in August 2024 dropped 35% year-over-year, marking a significant decline due to a lower handle and reduced betting activity compared to the previous year.
  • September 15, 2024 – Jay-Z participated in the ribbon-cutting event for Fanatics’ new sports betting lounge at Ocean Casino Resort in New Jersey, showcasing the company’s ongoing expansion into the sports betting industry.
  • September 5, 2024 – Sports betting firm bet365 was fined $33,000 by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for accepting 18 wagers on non-permitted amateur sports events, violating state regulations.
  • August 20, 2024 – Borgata Casino has agreed to pay a $75,000 fine to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for repeatedly overstating promotional credits, resulting in significant underpayment of taxes.

How to bet on sports online in NJ

It is easy to take advantage of legal sports betting in New Jersey. All you have to do is take these simple steps, and you will be ready to hit the ground running:

  1. Choose a betting app. We have listed all the best NJ sports betting apps at the top of this page, along with the bonuses that they are offering. Go through them one by one to determine which one you prefer as a starting point.
  2. Grab your bonus. Make sure that you reach your preferred site through the “Get Bonus” button that we provide. This will lock in the promo automatically, and you will be eligible when you reach the landing page.
  3. Set up your account. When you reach the registration page, follow the prompts to establish your account. For the most part, this is like any other online account creation process with an added identity and geolocation verification. Those final steps are required to comply with state gaming laws.
  4. Fund your account. In almost all cases, you will be required to make a deposit to receive your welcome bonus. This is easily accomplished because all of the typical methods are accepted.
  5. Make your first bet. The last step is the fun part. Place your first bet, and this action will typically trigger the sign-up bonus.

Professional sports teams to wager on in New Jersey

New Jersey is in a unique position when it comes to team loyalties. Aside from the Devils, there are no NJ teams per se, but a couple of New York teams play in New Jersey. These are some of the organizations that have a Jersey connection:

New York Giants

A lot of football fans in New Jersey support the New York Giants. They play their home games at MetLife Stadium, which is located at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium is rocking on Sundays during the season, and the FanDuel retail sportsbook is adjacent to the venue so you can bet on the New York Giants easily.

New York Jets

Founded in 1959, the Jets are another NFL team that plays their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. There are many people in Jersey that love betting on the New York Jets, and they can now legally back their team with cold hard cash at the NJ sports betting sites.

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils have been representing the state in the NHL since 1982. They play their home games at Prudential Center in Newark. This team has captured the Stanley Cup on three different occasions, and the Devils are a major source of pride for many people in the state.

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets were the New Jersey Nets for about 35 years, so there is a deep connection even though the team is now firmly entrenched in Brooklyn. This was one of the original ABA franchises, and they moved over to the NBA after the merger in 1976. Betting on the Brooklyn Nets is as popular as ever in NJ.

Different types of NJ sports betting promos

When you bet on sports online in New Jersey, you should take full advantage of the bonus opportunities that are out there. There are different types of rewards, and they give players an advantage. These are some of the most common types of NJ sportsbook promos:

  • Guaranteed bonus bets: You receive a welcome bonus when you sign up at any of these sportsbooks. One of the most common models is the guaranteed bonus bet or bets. After you make a deposit and place a bet, you receive bonus betting credit regardless of the outcome of the qualifying cash wager.
  • Protected wagers: The protected bet is the other most widely used sign-up bonus offer, and there are different names given to it, like “no-sweat” bet. With this type of wager, you get your money back in the form of bonus bets if you lose the promotional wager.
  • Boosted odds: After you receive your first bonus as a new user, you can take advantage of the standard player specials. Many NJ sports gambling sites will offer odds boosts on specific sides, totals, parlays, or propositions.
  • Reload bonuses: A “reload” in a sports betting context is the act of depositing more money into your account after you have made your initial deposit. You may get a bonus of some kind if you re-fund your account under the terms of a promotion.
  • Merchandise and ticket giveaways: You can take advantage of merchandise and game ticket giveaways that are rolled out from time to time. There are also some high-end VIP experience drawings at some of the online sports betting sites in New Jersey.

3 tips when wagering online in New Jersey

People spend years developing their sports betting skills, so there is definitely a learning curve if you want to get to the highest levels. However, you have to start somewhere, and we share some key tips for beginners below:

Take advantage of sports betting bonuses

We cannot overemphasize the importance of betting bonuses. There are very tight margins when you are betting on sports, and it is hard to come out on the positive side of the ledger. You can use every advantage that you can possibly get, and the bonuses can alter the playing field in your favor.

Do your homework

It is very satisfying to win a bet because the outcome of the game is consistent with the model that you envisioned based on your research. You have a much better chance of success if you take the time to do your homework. There are plenty of resources online, and handicapping can be an enjoyable way to spend some of your spare time.

Do not use offshore sportsbooks

There are offshore sportsbooks that are licensed in foreign countries. The state does not regulate these sites, and it can be very difficult to deposit and withdraw funds even if you somehow gain access. With so many perfectly legal NJ sportsbooks, there is no reason to patronize an offshore betting site.

Taxes on New Jersey sports gambling winnings

When you turn a profit over the course of the year betting on sports, you are required to claim the income when you file your state and federal taxes. New Jersey sports betting sites are required to issue IRS form 1099-MISC at the end of the year, and the IRS will also receive the form. If you were paid through digital wallets like PayPal and Venmo, Form 1099-K may be used.

A sportsbook is required to send a W-2G federal income tax form if you win over $600 and the payout is at least 300 times the bet amount. Sportsbooks are required to withhold federal taxes if you win more than $5,000 and it was at least 300 times the wager amount.

If you have to claim profits, you can also deduct your losses when you are filing. The actual percentage that you pay will depend on your tax bracket. Final note: Even if you do not receive the forms you should have gotten, you are still required to claim the income.

NJ sports betting taxes

History of NJ sports betting

Sports betting has a long and complex history in New Jersey. The first pari-mutuel horse race bets in New Jersey were placed at Freehold Raceway in 1941, so the gambling roots run deep. In 1978, Resorts International in Atlantic City became the first legal casino in the United States outside of Nevada.

In recent years, New Jersey has been at the forefront of the movement to legalize online gambling, with a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2018 paving the way for other states to follow suit. Here is a timeline of the most important dates in the history of sports betting in New Jersey:

  • 2011: New Jersey voters approve a non-binding referendum to legalize sports betting.
  • 2012: State Governor Chris Christie signs a sports betting bill into law, but it is later overturned by a federal court.
  • 2014: NJ passes a new sports betting law, which again is challenged in court by professional sports leagues and the NCAA.
  • 2017: The Supreme Court agrees to hear New Jersey’s case to legalize sports betting.
  • 2018: The Supreme Court strikes down the federal ban on sports wagering, allowing states to legalize it.
  • 2018: New Jersey becomes the second state to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court ruling. Sports betting sites start to launch in August, with DraftKings being the first to go live.

Retail sports betting locations in NJ

Online sports betting is obviously very convenient, but it is also impersonal. It can be fun to get together with others from time to time when you are placing wagers on sporting events. Below you will see a list of the physical sportsbooks in New Jersey.

Betting laws and regulations in New Jersey

The state has implemented a set of regulations governing the betting industry to ensure its integrity and fairness. Here are some key points pertaining to laws and betting regulations in New Jersey:

  • Sports Wagering Act: This law legalized sports betting in Atlantic City and New Jersey generally and established the framework for the regulation and taxation of sports betting in the state. The act empowers the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which was established in 1977, to serve as the regulatory body overseeing the sports betting industry.
  • Licensing and permitting: Operators seeking to offer sports betting in New Jersey must obtain a license from the DGE, which involves undergoing a thorough investigation of their operations and financial standing. Additionally, some employees must obtain a Casino Key Employee License from the DGE.
  • Geolocation and identity verification: To ensure that all bets are placed within state borders, operators must use geolocation technology to verify the physical location of bettors. Additionally, bettors must undergo identity verification to ensure that they are of legal gambling age and are not on any self-exclusion lists.
  • Problem gambling measures: New Jersey requires operators to offer responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion programs and deposit limits, to help prevent problem gambling.
  • Prohibited events and wagers: The state prohibits betting on collegiate events that take place in New Jersey or involve NJ teams, as well as on high school events and electronic sports. Additionally, operators are prohibited from offering odds on events that are deemed to be too easily manipulated, such as player props in college sports.
  • Data usage agreements: Operators must enter into agreements with sports leagues and data providers to use official league data for in-play betting markets. These agreements help to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data used for live betting.
  • Advertising and marketing: Operators must adhere to strict rules governing their advertising and marketing practices, including restrictions on advertising to minors and limitations on certain types of promotions and bonuses.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the legal age in New Jersey for online sports betting?

To legally bet on sports online in New Jersey, you need to be over the age of 21.

Is horse race betting legal in NJ?

Yes, NJ horse race betting is fully legal. The state has three live race tracks: Freehold Raceway, Meadowlands Racing, and Monmouth Park. You can bet in person at the race track, the Borgata race book in AC, at an OTB parlor, or through the 4NJBets advance deposit online horse betting platform.

Who is the biggest online sports betting provider in New Jersey?

The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement does not break down its revenue reports by the operator. However, in general, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM are the biggest sportsbooks in the United States.

Is daily fantasy sports betting legal in NJ?

In 2017, daily fantasy sports betting was officially legalized in New Jersey.

How much money does sports betting generate in NJ?

In 2022, NJ sports betting generated nearly $11 billion in revenue. This includes revenue from in-person betting venues and online bookies.

Compared to other legal states, how does New Jersey perform when it comes to sports betting?

New York was the only state that generated more revenue than New Jersey in 2022.

Do you have to live in the state to bet online at a New Jersey sports betting site?

No, you don’t have to live in NJ, but you have to be in the state when you place the bet.