New Jersey online casinos

Best NJ online casinos

Below are the best online casinos currently operational in New Jersey. Casinos are listed alphabetically:

List of NJ online casinos

New Jersey boasts a vibrant online gaming landscape, home to 30 distinct online casinos. Each of these casinos offers a unique blend of gaming experiences, catering to a wide range of preferences. Below is the full list of NJ online casinos:

How to sign up for an online casino in New Jersey

The process to sign up for an online casino in New Jersey will be slightly different from site to site. However, all will involve some combination of the following (the order of steps may vary slightly as well):

Types of online casino bonuses in NJ

Online casino bonuses are the best way casinos can entice new customers to sign up and keep returning players coming back for more.

Regardless of which casino (or casinos) you choose, these are the main bonus types you should look out for.

With all of these options, you should check the terms carefully, as some bonuses may expire if not redeemed within a certain time period from landing in your account.

About wagering requirements

Whether you’re taking advantage of a bonus or playing games at your leisure, all games will have some form of wagering requirements, including but not limited to the minimum and maximum amount you can bet on each play.

Additionally, most casinos will cap your winnings on free spins to $100 so you aren’t hitting a jackpot on a bonus play. If you aren’t sure of anything regarding the gameplay, check the game’s “About” or “Help” page with the casino to verify you’re playing with as much advanced knowledge as you can get.

Beyond that, it’s important to know your limits and always bet within your means. If you or someone you know may suffer from a gambling problem, you can reference the casino’s problem gambling support pages to figure out the best way to intervene.

Payment methods available at online casino apps in NJ

As with the bonus methods, the payment methods available at online casino apps in NJ will vary from operator to operator. However, you should be able to find most, if not all, of the following as you prepare to make a deposit:

Timeline of casino sites in New Jersey

New Jersey has had a long and detailed history when it comes to the regulation and legalization of casino sites, which we'll show in this timeline:

2013

2014

2016

2017

Do I need to declare my online casino wins in NJ?

Yes, all players should report their online casino wins in New Jersey. If you repeatedly fail to report your winnings, you might get a letter from the IRS saying there is a small error in Form 1040. Avoiding this letter can invite a summons to a court to pay a penalty.

In some cases, players don’t have to fill out W-2G. Filling in this form isn’t necessary in the following cases:

If you win more than these sums, your online casino fills out a W-2G form.

Please note the gambling tax on all winnings in New Jersey is 24%. Also, players should know about their tax liabilities on non-cash prizes. If you’ve won a car as a prize from your casino, you’re on the hook for declaring this prize and paying the right tax amount.

Are online casinos in New Jersey legal?

Yes, online casinos are legal in New Jersey. The state fully permitted online casinos in February 2013 with the first operators launching in November of the same year. The New Jersey Casino Control Commission oversees all online casino play and ensures that licensed casinos remain safe for players.

Who regulates gambling in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) regulates all forms of gambling within the state, including online gambling. The DGE ensures that all gambling activities are conducted in a fair and honest manner and that all operators comply with established regulations. Operators must obtain a license from the DGE in order to offer gambling services in New Jersey.

Some of the laws that operators and players must keep in mind include age restrictions (21 years old), responsible gambling practices, and prohibitions on certain types of gambling activities. The DGE works to protect both operators and players by enforcing these guidelines.

The history of online gambling in New Jersey

The road to online gambling in New Jersey actually began in 1976 before the emergence of the internet. During that year, voters in the state approved brick-and-mortar casinos in Atlantic City.

This beach resort town was in steep decline at the time. Revitalizing the once proud destination appealed to many people, and this had much to do with the green light.

Resorts International launched on the Atlantic City Boardwalk on May 5, 1978, becoming the first legal casino in the United States outside of Nevada. It attracted hordes of visitors from around the region and other parts of the country, so the initiative succeeded.

Fast forwarding to February 2013, then-Governor Chris Christie signed a revised version of A2578/S1565 to legalize online poker and casino games. Under the terms of the legislation, existing casino license holders could offer online casino games and poker.

Voters also approved a 2011 referendum that would allow sports betting. However, a lawsuit was filed by the NCAA and the four major sports leagues to prevent the sportsbooks from opening.

They contended that New Jersey did not have the right to legalize the activity because of the federal prohibition via the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

The first court to hear the case rejected the state’s argument, and the state appealed. That effort was also denied, but in 2017, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case because of the constitutional question at the core of the matter.

The New Jersey legal team contended that PASPA violated the tenth amendment that gives states the right to make their own laws under most circumstances. A Supreme Court majority concurred, and the act was deemed unconstitutional on May 14, 2018.

Exactly one month later on June 14, Governor Phil Murphy placed the first legal sports bet in New Jersey at the William Hill retail sportsbook (Caesars acquired William Hill in 2021) at Monmouth Park racetrack. DraftKings accepted the first legal online sports bet in New Jersey on August 1, 2018.

What taxes do I need to pay for my gambling winnings in NJ?

In New Jersey, online gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state gambling taxes. Individuals must report all gambling winnings, regardless of the amount, as income on their federal income tax returns. The percentage that you pay will be based on your tax bracket.

Additionally, New Jersey residents must pay state income tax on their gambling winnings. Once again, the rate will vary depending on your tax bracket.

For more information about this topic, make sure to read our complete guide to NJ gambling taxes.

How to report gambling taxes to the IRS

According to the IRS guidance on gambling winnings, the establishment that is paying you should issue Form W-2G any time you win more than $600.

If you win over $5000, they must withhold 28% of your winnings if you provide them with a Social Security number. When a Social Security number has not been provided, they are required to withhold 31% of the winnings.

Even if you never received a form, you are required to claim the income. Your winnings should be entered on line 21 of Form 1040. People that itemize can also claim losses to offset the winnings on line 27 of Schedule A.

On the state level, there is a place for “net gambling winnings” on the New Jersey Gross Income Tax return form. If you are reporting winnings, you must include documentation to support the claim.

Licensed gambling sites vs. offshore sites in NJ

We have stated the fact that New Jersey has very strict laws against offshore online gambling sites. They are proactively enforced, and the major operators that are licensed outside of the United States are well aware of the state's efforts.

You simply cannot reach the offshore sites when you are physically in New Jersey. However, this is not the case in some other states that have legal sports gambling sites.

At the end of the day, there is no comparison between licensed state-regulated sites and offshore books. Monetary transactions related to gambling online are illegal on the federal level. Even if you can access one of these sites, it can be challenging to make a deposit.

Plus, withdrawals are processed at a snail’s pace, and the methods are convoluted. When you add in the fact that there is no oversight to ensure player safety, there is no reason to consider offshore sportsbooks even if you can access them.

Responsible gambling in NJ

Online gambling in New Jersey can be a lot of fun, but responsible gaming is key. When you’re entering into the activity, you should have a game plan, you should resolve to stick to it no matter what.

Set aside a budget dedicated to sports betting or any other type of gambling you enjoy. Determine an increment that you will use for your standard sports bets or online casino sessions, and exercise discipline as you go forward.

If you find it difficult, sportsbooks have responsible gaming tools. For example, you could set a limit for yourself that applies to deposits within a particular timeframe.

There are also resources available for people that develop problem gambling habits. The state works with the Council on Compulsive Gambling in New Jersey, a group that was founded in 1983. They operate the 1-800-Gambler Helpline which will provide immediate assistance 24 hours a day.

For more resources and guidance, check out our dedicated article about responsible gambling in New Jersey.

About casino sites in New Jersey

The online casino sites in New Jersey are all based out of New Jersey casinos. Due to a state law passed in 1976, Atlantic City was the only place in New Jersey permitted to run a casino. As such, there are 10 land-based casinos in Atlantic City with 28 online casinos for players to access from anywhere within the state border.

Online casino sites include sites that offer table games, NJ online poker, bingo, slots, or some combination of those four. The Casino Control Commission regularly tests all of these games to ensure there are appropriate payouts and that the games are working correctly to ensure fairness for all players. Because offshore casinos do not fall subject to these same tests and regulations, we strongly recommend you only play with legally licensed casinos.