New Jersey Sports Betting

New Jersey Legal Sports Betting Overview

New Jersey Sports Betting Summary

New Jersey pioneered the legalization of sports betting more than any other US state. In fact, New Jersey’s then-governor Chris Christie appealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in front of the US Supreme Court, effectively ending Nevada’s near-monopoly on sports betting in the country and paving the path for every state to legalize betting.

NJ Senator Raymond Lesniak and Gov. Christie made several attempts to legalize sports betting in the District Court before it moved to the US Supreme Court, which sided with New Jersey and struck down PASPA as being unconstitutional in May 2018. Subsequently, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed bill A 4111 to legalize sports betting in June 2018.

The Garden State is now home to 23 online sportsbooks, all of which must partner with one of the nine land-based casinos in Atlantic City. Retail sportsbooks must either launch in these locations or at a horse racetrack in the state. There are 11 retail sportsbooks, nine of which are in Atlantic City casinos. New Jersey’s monthly sports betting handle regularly surpasses $1 billion. As of June 2022, NJ has the biggest overall betting handle of any US state. Read our complete guide for everything you need to know about sports betting in New Jersey.

New Jersey Online Sportsbooks Compared

With 23 sportsbook operators available, bettors have more options in New Jersey than in many other states. To help quickly find the best betting site for you, we’ve compared the top New Jersey sportsbooks in some key categories:

• Best Mobile App – DraftKings

If you’re seeking out a sportsbook app to bet on the go, look no further than DraftKings. DraftKings’ mobile app is available on the Apple and Android app stores, while you can also download it from the sportsbook’s website. With excellent connectivity and an easy-to-use interface that makes navigation straightforward, the app is the perfect platform for live betting. It also offers mobile-exclusive features like event notifications and live streaming.

Claim your DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best Welcome Bonus – PointsBet

The PointsBet welcome bonus is the best in NJ. This generous promotion gives bettors the chance to wager with up to $2,000 risk-free. You can place a bet up to $500 on fixed odds markets, and if you lose, the sportsbook will give you free bets equal to your stake. You get the same reward with a $1,500 bet on PointsBet’s 'Points Betting' feature. Any profit from these free bets is eligible for withdrawal, but not the value of the free bet.

• Best for Competitive Odds – Caesars

Most sportsbooks offer similar betting odds, but Caesars’ odds are often the most generous in New Jersey. In particular, the sportsbook’s props and European soccer markets have excellent betting lines. Not only that, but Caesars offers daily odds boosts on major league sports like the MLB and NBA that you can find on its main page.

Get your Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Market Coverage – VIE Sportsbook

VIE Sportsbook is an eSports-first platform, so it offers a wide range of eSports such as Counter-Strike: GO and Dota 2 when compared to other NJ sportsbooks. As well as welcoming the relatively new eSports betting market, VIE Sportsbooks also provides markets on 30 sports. You can wager on top US sports like basketball and baseball and even smaller events like MMA and volleyball.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – DraftKings

Anyone new to betting should click the ‘How To Bet’ tab on DraftKings, where there are several handy guides explaining betting types and wagering on different sports. Furthermore, it’s easy to use everything you learn with DraftKings’ simple website design and straightforward navigation.

• Best for Payout Speed – FanDuel

Most sportsbooks process withdrawals at similar speeds, but many FanDuel transactions are quicker than those of their competitors. E-wallet withdrawals require a maximum of two days, but the sportsbook often completes these withdrawals instantly. However, if you’re making your first withdrawal with a new payment method, you are unlikely to get the fastest cash-out times due to additional identity checks being required.

Claim your FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

How Does New Jersey Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) decides which markets betting sites can offer, yet NJ players can bet on professional sports in the US and internationally. The state signed a bill to introduce eSports betting in July 2021, and NJ sportsbooks can accept wagers up to $100 on these events. Betting on eSports is not allowed or limited in other states because some participants are under the age of 18. Overall, with 23 sportsbook operators to choose from, very few states have more options than New Jersey.

The Garden State does not allow betting on in-state college teams or college teams playing games in New Jersey. The state does this to protect younger athletes from the pressure that comes with sports betting.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

The sportsbooks in New Jersey are also available in many other states in the US. However, we saw no differences between the betting lines offered in NJ and those in other states. The 23 sportsbooks offer different betting lines, so players can always find the best odds by shopping around.

• Gambling Revenue

The NJDGE taxes all sportsbook revenue at 14.25%. While this is higher than some states like Iowa (6.75%) and Colorado (10%), it is much lower than other major betting states like Pennsylvania (36%) and New York (51%).

The lower tax rate has helped establish New Jersey as the biggest betting market in the US, with its overall handle of $27,165,357,939 larger than Nevada and Pennsylvania, as of June 2022. Sportsbook revenue from this betting handle is $1,815,719,871, which is much higher than in other states. However, its low tax rate means the Garden State has seen less revenue than Pennsylvania. PA has a betting handle less than half the size of NJ’s.

• Betting Taxes

According to the Internal Revenue Code, every sportsbook must pay a 0.25% excise tax on its betting handle. The code also requires sportsbooks to pay a $50 fee for every employee involved in accepting bets.

If you win over $600, you must report your taxes to the IRS on a W-2G form. Your sportsbook should provide you with this form if you are eligible. Sportsbooks can hold up to 24% of your betting winnings for federal tax purposes. In addition, bettors must also pay a state tax of 3% to New Jersey, even if you’re not a resident. If you won wagers while in the state, you must pay this tax.

How to Place a Bet in New Jersey

Sports betting in New Jersey may have been live since 2018, but new bettors are getting started every day. Follow our straightforward guide below to register with a sportsbook and place your first bet today:

1. Select a New Jersey sportsbook that fits your needs from our list of recommended NJ bookmakers, then follow the link to visit their website.

2. Download the sportsbook’s app directly from the betting site. Alternatively, you can use your device’s app store. Make sure your device’s location services are enabled, allowing the sportsbook to verify you are in New Jersey when placing bets.

3. Provide your date of birth, address, full name, email, phone number, and last four digits of your Social Security number to register an account.

4. Visit the cashier to redeem your welcome bonus with your first deposit. Most welcome bonuses need a minimum deposit. Choose your deposit method and input your deposit amount in the cashier section to unlock these promotions.

5. Browse through your sportsbook’s markets and select one for your first wager. Add it to your bet slip, pick your stake, and place the bet.

6. New Jersey sportsbooks require you to verify your identity before withdrawing. Email or upload copies of documents like your photo ID and proof of address, and the sportsbook will verify your account in a couple of days.

7. Return to the cashier section and follow the sportsbook’s withdrawal instructions.

Who is Not Eligible to Bet in NJ?

New Jersey sports betting laws state you must be 21 or older and within the state’s borders to place legal sports bets. However, these laws also prohibit certain positions and people from betting, including:

• Professional sports team staff, coaches, and athletes.

• College sports team staff, coaches, and athletes.

• Anyone working for a professional or college team with the authority to influence athletes.

• Anyone with access to a sports team’s non-public information that could affect the outcome of sports events (e.g., player medical records).

• Anyone with a stake in a sports team.

• Referees working for professional and college athletic competitions and leagues.

• Employees of the leagues that create regulations and rules for professional and college sports (e.g., MLB, NCAA).

• Employees of companies with a New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) license to provide sports wagering (e.g., key staff members, directors, officers, and owners).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Anyone prohibited from betting by state or federal authorities (e.g., due to criminal history).

Latest New Jersey Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in New Jersey

• July 2021: New Jersey signs a bill to regulate betting on eSports.

• August 6, 2018: DraftKings launches its online sportsbook in New Jersey, becoming the first online betting site in the state.

• June 14, 2018: The first retail sportsbook, Caesars at Monmouth Park, launches in New Jersey.

• June 11, 2018: Gov. Murphy signs A 4111 to legalize sports betting at licensed land-based casinos and horse racetracks. It also allows online sportsbooks to apply for licenses 30 days later.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court rules in favor of New Jersey and strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). States around the US are given the power to legalize sports betting.

• June 2017: The US Supreme Court agrees to hear New Jersey’s argument for legalizing sports betting.

New Jersey Sports Betting Background

While New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley was responsible for the enactment of PASPA, New Jersey was also the state that brought it to the US Supreme Court for repeal. Challenges to the law began in 2009 when Sen. Lesniak brought a case to the NJ District Court. However, the court ruled that only the NJ Governor could support the case. A non-binding referendum on sports betting in 2010 showed massive support for sports betting.

In 2012, Gov. Christie signed SB 3113 to legalize sports betting on professional sports at licensed locations in New Jersey. However, the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and NCAA all challenged the law. While the District Court found this law went against PASPA, it did allow New Jersey to repeal its existing regulations. Gov. Christie signed a law to do this in 2014, which US sports leagues once again challenged. While this case failed in District Court, New Jersey brought the issue to the US Supreme Court. Eventually, this led to the US Supreme Court striking down PASPA in May 2018.

Future of New Jersey Sports Betting

No changes are expected to sports betting laws in New Jersey, as the state recently legalized eSports betting to make almost every form of sports betting legal in NJ. However, new sportsbooks are expected to launch.

New Jersey Sports Betting Locations

Following the state's gambling regulations, land-based New Jersey casinos are only allowed to open in Atlantic City. Still, there is a retail sportsbook at each of these nine locations.

Ocean Casino

• Address: 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

• Website: https://www.theoceanac.com/

• Phone Number: (609) 783-8000

• Operator: Caesars

Ocean Casino’s Caesars-operated sportsbook at the Gallery Bar, Book & Games opens in summer 2022. When it does, you’ll find a 12,000-square-foot venue with sports betting, table games, and other casino games. That includes 170 LED screens and easy access to a mezzanine bar. In the meantime, you can still bet at Oceans using the two betting windows and watch your favorite sports at the 1927 Lounge.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

• Address: 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

• Website: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/

• Phone Number: (609) 449-1000

• Operator: Hard Rock Sportsbook

The Hard Rock Sportsbook, right next to the Sugar Factory, is attached to a sports bar with 40 TVs displaying the latest live sports events. There are six sports betting kiosks you can wager with 24/7. You can also make instant deposits and withdrawals with your online Hard Rock Sportsbook account.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

• Address: 777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-ac/

• Phone Number: (609) 441-5000

• Operator: Caesars

The sportsbook at Harrah’s is operated by Caesars and covers 3,800 square feet. There are ’Fan Caves’ in the sportsbook, with space for ten people you can book for a private experience. The Caesars retail sportsbook is also linked to the Caesars Rewards program. You can place bets to earn points you can redeem at this casino and any other casino operated by Caesars Entertainment.

New Jersey Land-Based Casinos

New Jersey Lottery Locations

The New Jersey Lottery was founded in 1969 and has provided draws to residents of the Garden State ever since. There are thousands of lottery retailers across NJ. However, you can only place retail sports bets at licensed locations in land-based casinos, so you can’t wager at lottery retailers.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

All retail sportsbooks in New Jersey must partner with a land-based casino or a racetrack, so there are no sports betting facilities at stadiums. However, two horse racetracks offer retail sportsbooks in the Garden State. The New Jersey Racing Commission oversees all horse racing betting. New Jersey created the body in 1996 and, alongside its other responsibilities, it licenses organizations to provide horse racing betting. Currently, the body regulates one casino, three racetracks, and six off-track betting (OTB) locations.

Teams to Bet on in New Jersey

• Pro Sports

New Jersey Devils: After moving from Colorado in 1982, the team landed in New Jersey and named itself the New Jersey Devils. Competing in the NHL, the Devils have won the Stanley Cup three times, in 1995, 2000, and 2003.

New Jersey has several professional sports teams based within the state boundaries, but since the Nets' move to Brooklyn in 2012 only the Devils identify as being solely from the Garden State.

The New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL both play at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford's Meadowlands Sports Complex. MLS club the New York Red Bulls, which started life as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in 1994, operate out of the Red Bull Arena in Harrison. However, the Giants, Jets, and Red Bulls are all affiliated to the Empire State.

While it is just the Devils who champion the New Jersey name, NJ sports fans are spoilt for choice when looking for local teams to bet on with a host of franchises based in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.

• College Sports

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights: The Fairleigh Dickinson University Knights basketball program has made it to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament six times. Yet, the team has only won one game in the tournament.

Monmouth Hawks: Monmouth University sponsors 23 varsity teams, most of which will play in the Colonial Athletic Association for the first time in 2022.

NJIT Highlanders: In June 2021, the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders secured its first NCAA victory when its baseball team beat the Northeastern Huskies of Northeastern University, Boston.

Princeton Tigers: Princeton University competes in the Ivy League and has many successful sports programs. In fact, its field hockey program was the first from an Ivy League school to win an NCAA Division I Championship.

Rider Broncs: Notable Rider University alumni include Al Downing, a 1967 All-Star MLB player, and rower Caroline Lind, who won gold at the Olympics in 2008 and 2012.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: The Rutgers University-New Brunswick Knights’ only NCAA Championship came in 1949 in fencing. However, the school was co-champions with the New York-based Army Black Knights.

Saint Peter’s Peacocks: The Saint Peter’s University Peacocks captured the nation’s hearts in 2022 as its basketball program was the first 15th seeded team to reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Seton Hall Pirates: The Seton Hall University basketball program frequently makes the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, with the team famously losing the final in 1989 to the University of Michigan’s Wolverines.

• Women’s Sports

NJ/NY Gotham FC: Attracting soccer fans from New York and New Jersey, the team’s home stadium – the Red Bull Arena – is in Harrison, New Jersey. The team was a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

New Jersey Responsible Gambling Resources

• Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey – Provides a 24/7 helpline and live chat for anyone struggling. It gives people access to resources like self-tests, meetings, and support for friends. (800)-522-4700

• Gamblers Anonymous – Organizes meetings and virtual meetings for problem gamblers across New Jersey. It also directs people to state hotlines and has its own recovery program. (855)-222-5542

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) provides a self-exclusion program bettors can join to protect themselves from problem gambling. You can sign up through a form on the state’s website, and the program will prohibit you from registering with any online sportsbook in NJ. It also stops you from betting at retail sportsbooks and receiving gambling material.

New Jersey sports betting operators are required to offer on their site and app an extensive responsible-gambling section that includes tools for time and account management, resources and articles on safe gambling, and contact information of local support groups.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) oversees all sports betting in New Jersey. The NJDGE was set up in 1977 as a part of the Casino Control Act, which allowed casinos to open in Atlantic City. All sportsbooks wanting to receive a license in New Jersey must pass the NJDGE’s standards for player safety and responsible gambling measures. Part of these tests includes running background checks on key members of sportsbook staff.

Every sportsbook that wants an online license must pay an initial $100,000 fee and another $100,000 for the license renewal. A percentage of this fee is guaranteed to go to responsible gambling and problem gambling services, such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. Furthermore, the NJDGE Director determines that percentage annually.