HomeAtlantic City Sports Betting

Atlantic City Sports Betting

Atlantic City sports betting continues to grow in popularity. Learn more about the best in-person and online sports betting options in AC here.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
| Last Updated:
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New Jersey is one of the biggest states for sports betting, with a betting handle that tops $44 billion since the first legal bets were permitted in June 2018. In Atlantic City, gamblers are permitted to place sports wagers in person at the casino sportsbooks or through an online platform such as a betting website ormobile betting app.

Here, we’ve laid out the ways you can take part in Atlantic City sports betting, including what online sportsbooks are available, which casinos have bookie services, and a history of sports betting in Atlantic City.

Best Atlantic City online sportsbooks

Each of the 16 legal, licensed sportsbooks in New Jersey are available to gamblers statewide, including those in and around the Atlantic City area. Here is our list of the best online sportsbooks in Atlantic City.

AC Sportsbook

Promo

🏈 bet365

💰 Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

🏈 DraftKings

💰 Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

🏈 Caesars

💰 Second Chance Bet Up To $1000

🏈 BetRivers

💰 Second Chance Bet Up To $250

🏈 Unibet

💰 No Promo

Yes, sports betting is legal in Atlantic City. Sports betting in New Jersey launched in June 2018, just one month after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The Supreme Court’s decision allowed states to decide for themselves whether to permit sports betting rather than to prohibit the practice at the federal level.

Sports betting operators are required to apply for licensure through the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). An extension of the state Attorney General’s office, NJDGE enforces sports betting regulations throughout the state to ensure sportsbooks are safe and fair to use.

New Jersey sports bettors must be at least 21 years old to place a wager, and this requirement is in place for both online and in-person bets. Sportsbooks at casinos will not allow those under 21 to walk on the casino floor, with designated walkways to prevent incidents for those attending concerts, boxing matches, etc., in casino spaces.

How to get started with online sports betting in Atlantic City

Getting started with online sports betting in Atlantic City is easy and convenient. The simple process will take most users 10 minutes or less to complete. Here’s how you can sign up with an online sports gambling platform today.

  1. Choose a site: The most important step is picking a legitimate site to use when placing your wagers. To make things easier for you, we’ve written review pages of each New Jersey sportsbook, complete with an overall score, link to the registration page, and welcome bonus promo codes (for applicable bookies).
  2. Fill out the registration form: Once you’ve used the link from the sportsbook review to open the sports betting site’s registration form, you’ll need to set up your login credentials with an email address and password. You will also need to provide your legal name, address, phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number to verify your identity and betting eligibility. After that, check a box to agree to the terms and conditions of service and the privacy policy. Then, click “submit” to finalize your registration.
  3. Make a deposit to fund your account: Sportsbooks in Atlantic City will vary slightly in which deposit and withdrawal methods they accept. If you’re unsure about which option to use, check the sportsbook review pages for more information. The amount you deposit is up to you, but you should ensure whatever amount you choose is within your financial means and also is enough to qualify you for a welcome bonus.
  4. (Optional) Download the sports betting app: Placing wagers through a mobile gambling app is a preferred way to play for most players. According to a report from USA Today, around 90% of sports bets are made online, the bulk of which come through betting apps. Use whichever version of the betting platform you’re comfortable with, but don’t be afraid to try things out and figure out what gambling experience is right for you.

Retail sportsbook locations in Atlantic City


The nine casinos in Atlantic City each offer either a retail sportsbook location or another in-person betting service (by definition, it’s only a retail sportsbook if the company that owns the venue also owns the sportsbook). These are the in-person betting options in Atlantic City.

Bally Bet Sportsbook at Bally's AC

Bally’s AC used to operate a FanDuel Sportsbook facility at its casino but that facility has since been replaced by Bally Bet. The changeover occurred in August 2023 to allow sportsbook users to “double dip” their sports betting ventures with Bally’s loyalty program.

It is important to note that the mobile app is not yet live in New Jersey, though that should change in the near future. Bally Bet overhauled its sportsbook platform for both desktop and mobile users over the summer of 2023 and has been slow to roll out the app; it only operates in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.

  • Address: 1900 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's AC

Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s AC offers bettors a unique “Fan Cave” experience, allowing gamblers to reserve rooms for up to 10 people to watch their bets play out in real-time with dozens of screens, table service, and luxury theater-style seating.

However, if the Fan Caves are reserved, you can still access the 3,800 square foot sportsbook space, complete with big-screen TVs and food service.

  • Address: 777 Harrah's Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

The Gallery Sportsbook at Ocean Casino

One of the newer sportsbooks to the Atlantic City scene is The Gallery Sportsbook at Ocean Casino.

The elevated bar is surrounded by blackjack tables and slot machines, and though the sportsbook is limited to two betting windows, we still believe you’ll enjoy the experience. Ocean opened The Gallery in 2022.

  • Address: 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts Casino

Resorts Casino houses DraftKings Sportsbook, one of the top sports betting platforms in the state. With betting windows and self-service kiosks available at all hours of operation, you’ll always be able to get your wagers in.

The bookie also features LED video walls and a 15-foot video wall, and you can always count on live odds - no need to bring a preprinted odds sheet!

  • Address: 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Hard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino

You can find Hard Rock Sportsbook at the north end of the casino next to the Sugar Factory restaurant. The sportsbook offers six betting kiosks covering major North American sporting events, extending to UFC, NASCAR, and tennis.

However, horse race betting is not offered.

  • Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Golden Nugget Sportsbook at Golden Nugget AC

Golden Nugget has largely shut down its sports betting services across the U.S., and its online platform is now live in just six states. However, despite the smaller operation, the in-person experience at Golden Nugget AC is still an excellent option that holds its own against other retail books and in-person bookies.

Boosted parlays and in-play wagering are always popular, and the sportsbook is open daily (though it is not open at all hours).

  • Address: 600 Huron Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

BetMGM Sportsbook at The Borgata

The Borgata is the highest-grossing casino in Atlantic City, and as an MGM Resorts International property, the sportsbook service is top-notch as well.

The rewards program is an industry gold standard, and the sportsbook kiosks are open 24/7 (betting windows are typically open 12 hours a day, but the hours are longer over the weekend).

  • Address: 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Caesars Sportsbook at Tropicana AC

Caesars dominates the in-person sports betting scene in AC, and its location at “The Trop” is another high-quality option. You’ll find Caesars Sportsbook at the North Tower, just look for the 250-square-foot odds board.

Unlike other casinos where kiosks are open at all hours, the betting windows have wider hours of operation than kiosks.

  • Address: 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Caesars Sportsbook at Caesars AC

The third and final Caesars Sportsbook is, naturally, at Caesars AC. This time around, though, the operation is even bigger, with more Fan Caves (with capacity for up to 24 people), betting windows open til midnight or later on most days, and a massive wrap-around video wall. The experience is immersive and exhilarating!

  • Address: 2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Timeline of sports betting in Atlantic City

Sports betting has always been popular in Atlantic City, and as one of the most popular destinations for gambling in the U.S., we expect to see even more added to the history below.

  • November 2011: New Jersey voters pass a referendum by a 2-to-1 margin in favor of legalizing sports betting in the state. Gov. Chris Christie then signed the legislation into law in January 2012.
  • August 2012: The NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and NCAA file a lawsuit against New Jersey to block sports betting operations in the state.
  • February 2013: United States District Court Judge Michael A. Shipp ruled against New Jersey in the aforementioned lawsuit, citing the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). A court of appeals upheld Judge Shipp’s decision in September, leading Gov. Christie to appeal to the Supreme Court, citing PASPA’s unconstitutionality under the Tenth Amendment.
  • June 2017: The Supreme Court agrees to hear Christie v. National Collegiate Athletics Association (later renamed following the election of Gov. Phil Murphy). Oral arguments in the case were heard in December.
  • May 2018: The Supreme Court overturns PASPA as wholly unconstitutional in a 6-3 decision.
  • June 2018: Gov. Murphy signs Assembly Bill 4111, legalizing sports betting at New Jersey’s casinos and racetracks and allowing those same facilities to apply for online licenses 30 days later.
  • August 2018: The first online sports bets are accepted in New Jersey.
  • March 2020: Sportsbooks at Atlantic City casinos close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. sports leagues paused their seasons as well, leading to an unprecedented lull in gambling activity.
  • July 2020: Sportsbooks in Atlantic City reopen in limited capacities as U.S. sports leagues resumed play.
  • September 2021: Atlantic City sportsbooks report a total betting handle (combining online and retail) of more than $1 billion in a month for the first time.

FAQ

Is Atlantic City sports betting regulated?

Yes, Atlantic City sports betting is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). Sportsbook operators must obtain a license from the NJDGE and abide by strict standards for consumer safety and fair play to maintain legal status.

Are there any sports betting bars in Atlantic City?

Yes, there are sports betting bars in Atlantic City. The bars are located within the casinos where the sportsbooks operate. Typically, betting windows or kiosks will be available in the bar, though in some cases, the bars/restaurants are adjacent to the sports betting facility to air the games on TV.

What types of sports can I bet on in Atlantic City?

You can bet on virtually every sport in Atlantic City, though football, basketball, and baseball betting tend to dominate the market. The list of available sports will vary depending on which retail sportsbook or online operator you use.

Are there any restrictions on the types of bets I can place in Atlantic City?

Yes, there are restrictions on the types of bets you can place in Atlantic City. For example, under New Jersey law, wagers on in-state collegiate events and out-of-state contests featuring NJ-based teams are prohibited at sportsbooks. If you aren’t sure about the validity of a bet you want to make, you should contact the bookmaker’s customer service team.

What is the legal gambling age for sports betting in Atlantic City?

The legal gambling age for sports betting in Atlantic City is 21 years old. This is the age throughout New Jersey and in most states where sports gambling is permitted.

Do I need to register in person to use a sports betting app in Atlantic City?

No, you do not need to register in person to use a sports betting app in Atlantic City. New Jersey law does not require in-person registration, so you can sign up through a mobile app or betting website. BettingNJ.com offers promo codes and registration links to help you obtain the best welcome bonus when signing up for a betting app.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley is a researcher and betting expert at Betting NJ. He has over 10 seasons as a hockey broadcaster for junior teams in Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. When not writing or cohosting his NHL podcast, Pod Snipe Celly, he can often be spotted at the rink.