New Jersey Betting Sites

Is Online Sports Betting legal in New Jersey?

Yes. Sports betting is legal in New Jersey, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Garden State played an extremely important role in forming the wider US sports betting industry, taking the legal fight to the Supreme Court and ultimately overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018.

Not only did lawmakers establish the conditions for NJ sports betting to prosper, but they also made it possible for other states to govern their own online sportsbook markets. With the way online sports betting has swept the nation since 2018, everybody – from bettors to local residents enjoying greater tax revenue – should be thanking Governor Philip D. Murphy and the State of New Jersey for their indispensable role in Murphy v National Collegiate Athletic Association. 

The Supreme Court struck down PASPA in May 2018, and it took the Garden State less than a month to enshrine new sports betting laws into its legislation. Governor Murphy signed A 4111 on June 11, heralding a brand new dawn for US gambling. DraftKings Sportsbook, until then a Daily Fantasy Sports channel, launched the first NJ sports betting site in August, and the rest is history. 

How did New Jersey sports betting lift off so fast? In actual fact, sportsbook and casino gambling laws were in place since 2012, when residents voted in favor of legal sports gambling during a referendum. Unfortunately for Garden State lawmakers, the Sports Wagering Act was repeatedly blocked by professional and college sports organizations. 

A long legal battle ensued, ultimately enabling NJ sports betting apps and websites to launch with limited issues after the state legislature could finally push through betting laws. It has been an unequivocal success, with NJ sports betting handle for January hitting an all-time record of $1.72 billion. This equates to $506,304,750 in taxes, a total bettered only by New York and Pennsylvania.

New Jersey Betting Info

• Is online sports betting legal? Yes
• New Jersey sports betting launch date? Retail sportsbooks launched in June 2018, with NJ online sports betting commencing a few months later in August. 
• What is the legal age to gamble? 21+ 
• How many sportsbooks are available? NJ bettors can currently choose from seventeen online sportsbooks.  
• Are retail sportsbooks available? Yes. There are a dozen retail NJ sportsbooks, primarily concentrated within Atlantic City. 
• New Jersey college sports betting? New Jersey bettors can wager on college teams as long as they aren’t native to the Garden State. Wagering on college events taking place within state boundaries is also prohibited. 
• Who is the state regulator? The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates the legal sports betting industry. 

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in New Jersey

New Jersey sports bettors have seventeen NJ sportsbooks to pick from, with each operator differing regarding its main selling points and most pertinent advantages. Our experts employ strict criteria to find the top sites for bonus bets, odds boosts, same-game parlays, mobile sports betting, and more. Check below for the top four options:

FanDuel Sportsbook New Jersey 

FanDuel launched its New Jersey sports betting platform in September 2018. Previously known as the best Daily Fantasy League platform alongside its rival DraftKings, the Flutter Entertainment-owned sportsbook is currently America’s most popular operator. And there’s no surprise there, as FanDuel regularly scores highest on several of our most important review metrics. 

Right off the bat, FanDuel Sportsbook has the best mobile app, backed up by a superb 4.9 out of 5 average App Store rating from over 1,400,000 reviewers. Our experts especially love the mobile live streaming feature, allowing you to watch things using landscape orientation while taking advantage of the operator’s extensive in-play wagering possibilities. 

FanDuel excels in several other notable areas. Our next favorite selling point is the bountiful selection of bonus bets, odds boosts, same-game parlay insurances, and other offers. These change regularly, but a few current examples include bonus bets for successful home run MLB wagers, a 30% profit boost on the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta, and an up to 105% parlay booster. FanDuel promo currently offers a bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets if you win – notably one of the only introductory promos offering bonus bets in undesignated amounts rather than as set tokens.

BetMGM Sportsbook New Jersey 

While FanDuel has slightly more advanced all-round functionality than BetMGM, our experts recommend the Las Vegas giant’s sportsbook arm as the most suitable for beginners. This is mainly down to the design, offering a more straightforward user interface that won’t be anywhere near as overwhelming for New Jersey sports bettors just starting out. It takes slightly more clicks to get through to specific games or betting markets at BetMGM, but the tradeoff is a much clearer and immediately intelligible layout. 

But don’t be fooled either – BetMGM can more than hold its own against the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings. The operator comes third overall after these ex-DFS giants for overall US market share, demonstrating its far more than just a platform for beginners. In fact, BetMGM is the only sportsbook other than bet365 currently offering an Edit Bet tool. This enables bettors to alter their wager or parlay selections after confirming the wager. We particularly enjoy using the feature for live betting.

Another unique BetMGM feature is the Select Your Squad tool. Users can set their favorite NFL and NBA franchises to receive personalized offers and customized content. With the New York Giants, New York Jets, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Knicks all in close proximity to New Jersey, this could be particularly eye-catching for NJ bettors. Last but not least, BetMGM also regularly has some of the most generous welcome bonuses. As an example, new customers can currently claim a BetMGM promo of up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager loses. 

DraftKings Sportsbook New Jersey

DraftKings will forever hold a special place in NJ sports betting history, being the first online betting platform to launch in the Garden State. What a journey the Daily Fantasy League platform has been on since, launching its operations in 22 states and counting. DraftKings is famed for its extensive betting markets in particular, with thousands of options on major league games. 

Another thing regularly setting DraftKings apart from the rest is its odds quality. Our experts regularly compare odds from across the US sportsbook landscape to ascertain which platforms are best for specific types of wagers. DraftKings comes up on top for bettors backing favorites almost every time. For example, you could win $3 from a $100 bet on the Baltimore Orioles to beat the Boston Red Sox compared to FanDuel – it may not be much as a one-off, but as expert bettors will tell you, incremental gains can make all the difference in the long run. 

The DraftKings promo is also a regular winner in the bonus bet rankings, especially for ongoing promotions. Bettors can typically find at least half a dozen options on the “Promotions” page, including parlay odds boosts, match-specific bonus bets, and more. The operator currently has one of the top welcome bonuses, mixing a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000 with a bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets promo. 

bet365 Sportsbook New Jersey

bet365 launched in New Jersey much earlier than most other states, with the prestigious UK brand first appearing in the Garden State in 2019. The operator is a particularly appealing choice for bettors who enjoy the English Premier League and other sports popular across the pond. Competitors can struggle to match the same level of betting markets on UK and European sports, but bet365 excels here – definitely something to consider if you prefer soccer over football and basketball. 

And this isn’t the only thing bet365 brings to the table inspired by its UK operations. The sportsbook has arguably our favorite same-game parlay interface, making brilliant use of primary and secondary menus. For example, NBA same-game parlay fans can use horizontal menus to choose from player milestones like points, assists, rebounds, and threes made. It vastly simplifies the process of choosing each SGP selection, especially compared to the more cluttered displays at alternatives like FanDuel. 

Another bet365 highlight is the popular “Bet Boost” odds boosts. You can choose from several of these daily, significantly increasing potential payouts. A handpicked same-game parlay for the Indiana Pacers @ Toronto Raptors was boosted from +400 to +450, just one example of many. It’s a good time to be a first-time sports betting customer at the moment, with several highly appealing offers. bet365 leads the pack with an eye-catching choice between an up to $1,000 first bet safety net or bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets welcome bonus. 

New Jersey Sports Betting Timeline & Legislation Updates

There’s a lot to learn from New Jersey’s legal online sports betting history, as the state was instrumental in changing federal attitudes to sports gambling nationwide. The key milestones below can help you understand how things developed over the past decade and more: 

• 2024 – Any worries regarding the impact of New York sportsbooks on the NJ market are alleviated as the Garden State records a $1.71 billion betting handle in January. Sports betting revenue also hits a record-breaking $170 million. 
• 2022 – New York online sports betting launches in January, causing mild concern within the NJ sportsbook community. 
• 2021 – A referendum proposing to legalize betting on in-state college games fails, with 57% of voters rejecting the motion. 
• 2020 – The number of New Jersey sportsbooks continues to skyrocket, with seventeen available as of 2020. 
• 2019 – New Jersey beats Nevada in total monthly betting handle in November and December, demonstrating sports betting’s popularity in the Garden State.  
• 2018 – The next few years after Christie vs NCAA II is characterized by sustained rumblings within the New Jersey legislature. Things escalate in 2017, when the Garden State appeals to the US Supreme Court, citing that PASPA goes against the 10th Amendment. This results in Murphy v National College Athletic Association in May 2018, a Supreme Court case that results in PASPA being overturned. Governor Philip D. Murphy immediately sets about signing A 4111 into law, finally allowing NJ sportsbooks to legally commence operations. 
• 2014 – New Jersey tries to legalize sports betting again, this time allowing casinos and racetracks to offer sports wagers without state licensing. The professional sports leagues involved in the first Christie vs NCAA case again file litigation. The court again rules that the intended laws violate PASPA, meaning that the 2014 Sports Wagering Act is also illegal. 
• 2012 – New Jersey residents vote in favor of a motion to legalize sports betting by 2 to 1 in the Public Question 1 referendum at the start of the year. Governor Chris Christie immediately sets out to enshrine the referendum into law, signing the Sports Wagering Act on January 17. But the NCAA, NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB aren’t happy. They collectively sue in August, and the Sports Wagering Act is overturned.

New Jersey Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

Prime Sportsbook was the latest NJ sports betting platform to commence operations in the Garden State, launching in 2024. The operator’s big selling point is a less restrictive approach to bet and withdrawal limits, hoping to capture some of the state’s sharper bettors with its high-volume, low-margin approach. 

There aren’t many other NJ sportsbooks slated to launch soon, with most already active in the state. However, keep an eye on Betr – the brainchild of Joey Levy and Jake Paul that is hoping to shake up the market with its focus on “micro betting”.

Best Sportsbook Promo in New Jersey

Finding the best NJ sports betting bonus is imperative if you want to take optimal advantage of these typically rather generous promo offers. BettingOddsUS consistently scours the industry to find the best options on the market. Here is a breakdown of our favorite bonus as of 2024:

bet365 Sportsbook: $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or $150 in Bonus Bets 

NJ betting sites very rarely offer bettors a choice between two equally effective welcome bonuses, immediately placing this bet365 promo among the best-ever offers. It’s not just the generous bonus bet amounts that set the operator’s offering apart from the rest. 

bet365 also allows users to use bonus funds in an extremely flexible way. Instead of being awarded set free bet tokens of a certain amount like at most other platforms, the operator enables bettors to toggle the bonus funds to real money ratio on the betslip. As a result, you can keep the bonus going for far longer than usual. bet365 also allows you to keep the bonus bets for at least 90 days – well over the standard seven days. 

We’ll run you through the terms and conditions quickly below: 

$1,000 First Bet Safety Net

• $10+ initial deposit 
• Qualifying wager must be on straight, parlay, or same-game parlay markets 
• Stake up to $1,000 is refunded as bonus funds if your wager loses 
• Bonus bet value removed after 90 days of account inactivity 

Bet $5 Get $150 

• $10+ triggering deposit 
• Place a $5 bet 
• $150 in bonus funds credited once the qualifying stake settles 
• Bonus bets valid for 90 days (or more for active accounts)

Requirements to Play at New Jersey Sports Betting Sites

New Jersey was the first state to authorize legal sports betting sites, essentially writing the rulebook for requirements nationwide. Here are the main things you must satisfy to legally place a wager in the Garden State: 

• Age – All New Jersey bettors must be over 21. 
• Location – New Jersey sportsbooks are required to verify their customers are physically located within state boundaries with geolocation software. 
• Valid Account – Placing a sports bet is impossible without a valid account.

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in New Jersey

New Jersey residents are well placed to enjoy major sports leagues. We’ll go into more detail below.

New Jersey Sport Leagues

Generally speaking, the most popular New Jersey sports leagues for betting include: 

New Jersey Teams to Bet On

Technically, New Jersey only has one major league team – the New Jersey Devils. Three other major league teams actually play games in the Garden State: 

• New York Giants 
• New York Jets 
• New York Red Bulls

Betting Types Available At New Jersey Online Sportsbooks

Get acquainted with the main wager types available at New Jersey sports betting apps and sportsbooks: 

• Moneyline – A straight wager on the winner or loser of a game best for beginners. 
• Totals – A prediction of the number of event statistics during a game, like touchdowns. 
• Props – Precise wagers on team or player events during a game. For example, number of rebounds by a particular NBA player. 
• Parlays – Multiple bets wrapped under one stake are called parlays. Each selection multiplies the odds and potential payout, but all must be guessed correctly for the bet to ultimately win. 

What You Can't Bet On In New Jersey

NJ sports betting law notably allows for eSports and award show betting, categories that are prohibited in almost every other legal betting state. Nevertheless, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement still doesn’t allow politics wagers, mainly due to federal laws. 

Can you bet on New Jersey College Sports?

Yes, New Jersey bettors can wager on college sports, but only on out-of-state teams and events. Anything happening within the Garden State is off limits.

Responsible Gaming in New Jersey

BettingOddsUS is fully committed to helping our readers understand the importance of responsible gambling at NJ sportsbooks. You really cannot afford to take this lightly, as problem gambling can have devastating consequences. 

One of the main things we stress is the importance of setting budgets, a vital barrier to overspending. Additionally, don’t let yourself get carried away regarding the time you spend wagering. Be as open as possible with family and friends to avoid slipping into bad and secretive habits.

Here are a few resources that can help you stay responsible: 

• National Council of Problem Gambling
• GambleAware.org
• Gamblers Anonymous 

Other Types of Gambling in New Jersey

New Jersey is one of the most gambling tolerant states nationwide, so it’s not just sports betting you can enjoy here. Other options include: 

• Real Money Casino – Atlantic City casinos have been in business since the 1970s, creating abundant options for real money casino gambling. New Jersey is also one of the few states offering legal online casino gaming. 
• Sweepstakes – Despite the legality of online casino platforms, many Garden Staters still opt for sweepstakes sites as they don’t require real money purchases to play. Head to our best sweepstakes page for the full lowdown. 
• Horse Racing – Three tracks offer in-person horse racing betting in New Jersey: Freehold Raceway, Meadowlands Racing, and Monmouth Park. Residents can also use online platforms like TwinSpires. 
• Online Poker – Online poker was legalized in 2013, making the Garden State one of four states with fully regulated online poker platforms.

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

With an increasing number of states legalizing online sports betting, New Jersey’s impact on the wider US market has never been more apparent. Some of the upcoming states anticipated to launch online sportsbooks include: 

• North Carolina – The Tar Heel State legalized sportsbooks in March 2024, with North Carolina betting sites expected to launch within twelve months. 
• Oklahoma – The Sooner State is tipped to legalize Oklahoma betting sites within the next year or so. 
• Georgia – Representatives in the Peach State are getting closer and closer to legal sports gambling. Georgia betting sites could launch as early as 2025.

Overview of New Jersey Sports Betting Sites

New Jersey stands proud as arguably the best US state for sports betting. Residents enjoy access to seventeen platforms and counting, wagers on eSports and award ceremonies, a brilliant array of betting bonuses, and other highlights. 

This page has everything you need to know to enjoy NJ sportsbooks to the max. Get to know the top sites and register using our links to get started.