New Jersey Online Gambling – NJ Gambling Guide December 2024

Written by: Martin Pramatarov

Fact checked by: Kate Matthews

New Jersey Map

Want to know how to spend some valuable time pleasantly and reasonably at an online portal with games of chance and betting on sports? Then, this New Jersey online gambling guide is precisely what you need.

It features helpful information on the history, the current legislation state, licensing, safety, and more. Finding reliable sites requires plenty of time and effort you can save. Our guide will give you helpful information and advice.

Best NJ online gambling websites

Last updated: 18.12.2024
CasinoCasino RatingWelcome BonusProsSports BettingPaymentLegal StatesGo to CasinoCasino ReviewSignificant Terms
4.9/5 Up to C$ 1600
  • Mobile-optimized games
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No
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Yes
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4.9/5 Up to C$ 750
  • Live casino
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Yes
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4.9/5 Up to C$ 2500 + 150 free spins
  • Mobile friendly
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Yes
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4.8/550 free spins
  • Lots of bonuses
  • No commission games
  • 50+ live dealer games
No
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4.8/5 Up to C$ 1500
  • Mobile friendly
  • Loyalty program
  • Various of payment methods
No
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4.8/5C$ 200 and 40 free rounds
  • Trusted payment methods
  • Mobile friendly
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Yes
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4.7/5 Up to C$ 2500 + 250 free spins
  • King's tournaments
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No
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4.7/5 Up to C$ 1200
  • Mobile casino app
  • Various payment methods
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4.7/5 Up to C$ 1000 + 50 Bonus spins
  • 550+ casino games
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4.7/5 Up to C$ 500 + 50 free spins
  • 2000+ slots
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  • Live tournaments
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4.7/5Get $100
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4.7/5 Up to C$ 750 + 200 free spins
  • Live Casino & Betting
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4.6/5 Up to C$750 + 200 FS
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  • Plenty of Casino & Betting Promotions
  • Crypto friendly
Yes
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 750
  • Fast payouts
  • Mobile friendly
  • Live casino
No
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4.6/540 Spins For C$ 1
  • Live casino
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No
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 1000 + 100 Free Spins
  • Diverse Selection of Banking Options
  • A secure gaming site
  • 24/7 Support
No
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 750 + 200 free spins
  • Live Casino & Betting
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Yes
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 750 + 200 free spins
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Yes
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 750 + 200 free spins
  • Casino & Betting promotions
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Yes
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4.6/5 Up to C$600 + 500 FS
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  • Casino & Betting Promotions
Yes
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 500
  • Fast payouts
  • Mobile app
  • Live casino
No
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4.6/5 Up to C$600 + 400 FS
  • Various bonuses
  • Live Chat 24/7
  • Live Casino
Yes
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 800
  • Fast payouts
  • Live dealer games
  • Loyalty Rewards
No
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4.6/5 Up to C$600 + 400 FS
  • iOS and Android App
  • Live Casino
  • Crypto friendly
Yes
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 2000 + 200 free spins
  • Instant Deposits
  • Licensed and Regulated
  • Fast Payouts
No
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4.6/5 Up to C$ 800
  • Live dealer games
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No
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4.5/5 Up to C$ 1000 + 100 free spins
  • Blackjack Toronto
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4.5/5 Up to C$ 1,500 + 200 Free Spins
  • Over 8000 games available
  • Trusted payment methods
  • Live dealer games
No
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Before choosing a platform, you need to know what gambling you can exercise according to the law. Find the most attractive bonus offers, legislation, and safety requirements at the leading NJ online casinos.

We have made it easy for you to choose using the information in this guide with less effort and time. Discover the best sites that you can count on and play safely with our recommendations.

Thanks to the Jersey Division of Gaming, you can be sure that there is an organization that constantly checks the portals and keeps the players secure. Each state has its auditor, and this one is responsible for NJ. So far, there haven’t been any scandals, so it looks like it is doing its job well.

Countless online casinos are legally allowed to operate in Garden State, so finding the better ones is hard. Check the ones above, which have been proven as leaders in the industry.

Luckily, all popular forms are legal at NJ online gambling sites and land-based establishments, including casinos, sportsbooks, and poker. Bingo and state lottery are also allowed and even at the disposal of a bit younger players than the 3 previously mentioned forms. Free social iGaming is also available on some sites, and many offer games of chance for you to play for free.

Remember, however, that you must be physically within the New Jersey state to play legally for real money at land-based and online places. The legal age to play online casinos and on-site is 21 in most cases and 18 for some verticals.

State legal forms:

  • Оnline casinos
  • Online poker
  • Land-based establishments
  • Sports betting
  • Lottery
  • Horse racing
  • Social sites
  • Bingo
  • Keno
  • E-sports

Online casinos Legal

The laws of New Jersey are some of the most liberal ones since it was the first state to legalize gambling. Legal online gambling platforms have been operating since 2013. As this practice has existed longer than the rest of the states, the NJ sites are among the best for gaming and betting. The state excels in every aspect compared to the others. The industry of Garden State is flourishing and constantly improving.

New Jersey online portals have the cherry on the pie compared to the other American states. Once you register and start to use one, you can expect the following:

  • Many games, rivalling Pennsylvania and Michigan
  • The most extensive game library – the best online gambling sites NJ have over 700 games
  • Diversity of software providers – on average, 20+
  • Most payment methods
  • On average 5 more payment methods than in other states – the best platforms offer 15+

However, the bonuses at NJ casinos are like those in other states. Players in the Garden State must be 21 or older to wager real money and have fun online and at physical venues.

Online poker Legal

The same bill that made casino gambling legal in 2013 ensured poker advancement and gave New Jersey a head start. That was very welcomed news by many people. The game had a big group of fans waiting for its liberation. It is a significant benefit to play your favorite form of gambling on the Internet and not need to go to a physical venue.

888 was one of the first NJ gambling sites that were launched. The brand had a dedicated website especially for this activity, with the functionality of a single account for this game, sportsbook, and other games. That is very convenient and safe time for the regular users.

When it comes to online gambling NJ big brands bring great perks. Such an example is Caesar’s portal which operates in in this state and runs digital tables through the World Series of Poker (WSOP). World Series players can earn points towards the website’s rewards program.

The state provides interstate action. This was the result of the merging of the Delaware, Nevada, and NJ player pools that took place in 2018. The effect it has on them is that they compete for higher prices. More players can participate in the battle and can get more generous wins. If you are interested in improving your skills, facing a stronger competition on this kind of virtual arena is a great way to do it. You can learn new tricks and level-up.

PokerStars – one of the world’s top brands, has been operating here since 2016. For sure you have watched their big events on TV. They are massive, with enormous bets and they are also very entertaining. Players can participate in tournaments. This iconic operator increases the quality of the game in the state a lot. If you want to play it legally, you need to be 21 years old or above this age.

Land-based establishments Legal

Currently, only Atlantic City has the right to have land-based casinos in New Jersey.

Here are our choices:
Borgata Casino

Borgata Casino

Borgata is luxurious and offers plenty of rooms, suites, gaming space, and many other amenities. The combined slot machines in the physical establishment are 3,000. There are video poker games, keno, and the only racebook in Atlantic City. Players in this abundant place can also try their luck with some of the over 180 table games, including poker.

Caesars Casino

Caesars Casinos

Caesars spreads over 150,000 square feet of space hosting over 3,000 combined slots, video keno, and more. Fans of table games will be pleased as there are about 120 of them.

Golden Nugget Casino

Golden Nugget Casino

Golden Nugget has a venue with 1,500 combined slot machines, and video keno. There is a 24K lounge for high-class players and a high-limit room with 100+ machines, in this number, a single-zero Roulette. European Roulette has a house edge of 2.70% with better odds for payout compared to American double-zero Roulette, with a house edge of about 5.26%

Land-based casinos are an alternative to Internet portals, although both activities have their benefits and drawbacks.

Sports betting Legal

NJ wasn’t the first state to make lawful sports betting, as Nevada made this step decades earlier. Yet, Garden State was the leader in pushing to reverse the restrictive laws regarding gambling in the United States.

New Jersey was one of the first states to enhance the online betting scene back in 2018 significantly. It is the first state to break the billion-dollar mark in revenue, followed by Nevada. Yes, people here love wagering on football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and soccer. There are quite good teams here like the New Jersey Devils, New York Giants, New York Red Bulls, Gotham FC, and more. NJ gambling sites offer you countless types of bets that will make your experience very interesting. If you are new, you can check first the moneyline wager, point spread, and totals, and later on jump to parlays.

Wagering is legal for almost everything apart from events that involve local college events or teams. At an Internet platform, you can bet on professional outside-the-state college events, e-sports, and international events. The most popular wagering activities are football, baseball, and basketball, which you can bet on in online casinos in NJ.

The better New Jersey gambling sites should be able to offer over 30 different sports. You also need access to great features such as cash out, bet builders, and live data for in-play bets.

Overall, most sports are available on NJ online casino sites, the top operators are accessible, and there are VIP rewards. You must be at least 21 to wager from online websites and physical venues in the state.

Lottery Legal

New Jersey has a state lottery and sells tickets to games of chance, including lotto and scratch-off cards. The most impressive win from the state’s lottery was the mind-boggling prize of $ 33 million, which took place in 2018. This type of gambling in the state has been running since 1970, and now it offers 8 draw games, though no official website operates exist.

Revenue from the NJ gambling is used for retirement benefits for teachers, firefighters, and community servants. We expect the lottery to expand soon.

To be eligible to play the lottery on online portals and brick-and-mortar premises, you must be 18 years or older. You can try your luck in lottery draws using licensed NJ online casinos or land-based venues.

Horse racing Legal

New Jersey authorizes live horse racing and simulcast wagering. In the whole US, this king of gambling has been popular since centuries. It is a pure adrenaline rush, to see the animals run on the track, and fill the vibration of their feet, hitting the ground with an incredible power. The state currently has 3 physical tracks:

  • Freehold Raceway – a half-mile racetrack operating since the early 1800s, which is quite impressive.
  • Monmouth Park – located in Oceanport, New Jersey. In the facility, you can watch and place bets on thoroughbred racing. Its 1- and 1/8-mile racetrack has been functioning since 1870, and Monmouth Park hosts a William Hill sportsbook.
  • Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment – a live horse racing complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It opened in 1976 and featured thoroughbred and harness racing as well.

Social casinos Legal

Social NJ online casinos are an excellent pick for players who aren’t yet prepared to take the plunge and gamble for real money. With these, you can play games without risking any money to learn the rules and specifics of games. For some it is the test ground, on which they learn. They try different strategies and try all the features of the games. For others, it is the only thing they need. Just some fun time, without thinking about money or taxes from winning.

Greyhound race betting Not Legal

Greyhound contests, also known as dog racing, is illegal in New Jersey, except for sled competitions at fairs. If you are a fan of it, you should check West Virginia. There it is still allowed, and you can enjoy watching it live. The sport is in decline for quite some time, and it is possible that it will eventually disappear.

BingoLegal

The Garden State allows charitable gambling forms such as raffles and bingo games run by educational, religious, and philanthropic organizations. Charities are permitted to hold bingo games and raffles.

The charitable gaming industry is estimated to be worth over $80 million annually. Players of bingo must be of 18 years of age or older to be allowed to take advantage of Internet and on-site activities.

Keno Legal

Playing keno machines is allowed in some taverns and bars. The Division of State Lottery has approved them. It is not so popular, but still many people find it quite entertaining.

E-sport Legal

In June of 2021, the lawmakers passed a bill to make esports part of Garden State’s legal sports betting industry. As a result, licensed operators can accept bets on esports up to $100 and a possible winning of up to $500. This is the future. The US is still lagging behind, be we hope to see new NJ gambling sites that offers it in the future. Some online events attract more viewers than traditional sports events, so why not to improve it? Probably we are just a few years away from the wider adoption in the country.

The legal age for most gambling activities is 21. You can play at a physical establishments and Internet portals, bet online and at on-site sports, play Internet poker and the same game at a venue, or play bingo at a website. To do that, you need to be 21 years old or above. Players 18 years or older can participate in offline lottery and bingo at a website or a land-based venue.

Gambling typeLegal age land basedLegal age onlineOnline since
Casinos21212013
Social casinosN/A212013
Sportsbooks21212018
Social betting appsN/A212019
Poker21212018
Lottery18N/A2019

Top online casinos in New Jersey

Here we have prepared a selection of the most reliable and proven Jersey online casinos you can feel safe at. They have many games, plenty of perks, convenient banking methods, and robust security. Check them out, compare their bonus deals and choose the ones you like most, depending on your priorities. Our choices will help you stay safe while playing hit titles for free and with real money.

Our list of the best NJ online casinos consists only of brands thoroughly inspected and tested by the experts in GameZinger.com, so you risk nothing if you decide to register and play on them. Choose an online site or a sportsbook and try your luck with your favorite games and sports.

CasinoCasino RatingWelcome BonusBenefitsCasino GamesSecure LinkSignificant Terms
4.9/5 Up to C$ 1600
  • Mobile-optimized games
  • 500+ casino games
  • Loyalty program
500+ Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.9/5 100% match up to $3,000 Plus $100 on the house
  • Live Casino & Poker
  • Mobile app available
  • MGM Rewards Loyalty program
2500+ Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.9/5 Up to C$ 750
  • Live casino
  • Daily tournaments
  • Mobile friendly
400+ Claim Bonus!Read Casino Review Terms & Conditions apply
4.9/5 Up to C$ 2500 + 150 free spins
  • Mobile friendly
  • Lots of bonuses
  • Casino & Betting
3000+ Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.8/550 free spins
  • Lots of bonuses
  • No commission games
  • 50+ live dealer games
1000+ Claim Bonus!Read Casino Review Terms & Conditions apply

New Jersey gambling and safety

The primary licensor of New Jersey is the Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) – a very transparent organization and some of the most stringent ones. Most NJ gambling sites have the NJDGE logo on the footer of their websites. Here you can check which operators are currently legal and supervised by this regulatory body.

All legal service providers are listed by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). This investigatory body oversees and ensures that every online portal and physical venue in New Jersey plays fair. The logo has the DGE initials and a black and white dice. Licensed online casinos must have it on their footer. Choose an approved platform by the above institutions to be protected.

  • New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)
  • New Jersey Casino Control Commission (CCC)

The Technical Services Bureau (TSB) of DGE tests the websites’ games and their Internet security. Although the Division does the footwork, the issuer of the licenses in is the Casino Control Commission (CCC). An interesting fact is that slots must pay at least 83% to be approved. NJ online gambling sites must keep their legal status by adhering to specific criteria. Sportsbooks and games also need to be audited for fairness.

Apart from the logo mentioned above, all portals holding New Jersey licenses must have a responsible gaming page. It must be easily accessible and hold information about responsible gambling. This is usually positioned at the header or footer of the website. The logo has the RG letters in yellow on a green circle over a New Jersey silhouette. All winnings scored from the legal online casinos of New Jersey are taxable by the state.

To stay perfectly safe, you also need to check the internet security of the portal, you play at. You can do this by simply clicking the padlock on the left side of the browser’s address bar and clicking on “View Certificates.” The big names among the operators offer high levels of security. Big IT companies such as DigiCert, Amazon, and R3 ensure SSL encryption. The latter provide your banking information and personal data security. The best online gambling sites NJ use these firms’ services to ensure your sensitive information’s safety.

New Jersey gambling laws through time

The history of online casino games in New Jersey has been exciting, and the state’s laws have always been highly permissive. Lotteries were the primary revenue source that ensured the funding of the construction of Princeton University, which was later renamed the College of New Jersey.

Nowadays, the New Jersey online gambling industry is a huge one. Its sports betting set records by wagering $1 billion in a month. The status of Garden State as a top for games of chance destination hasn’t changed. Whatever happens in the industry in the US is first reflected in the Garden State

The 1830s - The start of gambling in NJ

1830The start of gambling in the state

It commences with horse racing at the oldest US racetrack – the Freehold Raceway. In 1870, NJ’s first racetrack opened doors at Monmouth Park.

1897 - Ban on all forms of gambling

1897Ban on all forms

In 1897 the voters in the state approved a referendum that made all forms of gambling illegal.

1939 - Gambling relegalizing

1939Gambling relegalizing

In 1939 after the complete ban in 1897, racetrack betting events were officially allowed again. In 1953 became possible for non-profit organizations to have raffles and bingo.

1970 - The openi ng of New Jersey Lottery

1970The opening of New Jersey Lottery

In 1970, the New Jersey Lottery was created after a referendum with a solid majority of 85% in favor of it. Five years later, the first legal lottery that allowed American players to choose their numbers was established. It was called Pick-It, now known as Pick-3.

1976 - T he legalizing of casino gambling in Atlantic City

1976The legalizing of casino gambling in Atlantic City

Six years after the start of the NJ lottery, table games became legal if they took place in Atlantic City. 1976 was also the year of Jimmy Carter’s victory in the presidential votes. Two years later, in 1978, the Atlantic City resort became the first establishment of this kind in New Jersey.

2012- Battle for the legalization of sports betting

2012Battle for the legalization of sports betting

In 2012 Governor Chris Christie signed legislation that makes sports gambling lawful in New Jersey. The United States District Courts rebuffed the law, so Garden State started a long battle to legalize sports betting again.

2013 - New Jersey - the first state in the USA with legal online casino activities

2013New Jersey – the first state in the USA with legal online casino activities

The Garden State leads the way with its officially legalizing online games of chance and skills for a 10-year trial period. For that time, NJ online casinos and games have been perfected to meet US players’ preferences. The state paves the way for the rest of the US.

2016 - First steps toward having an official online state lottery

2016First steps toward having an official online state lottery

In 2016, New Jersey attempted to create its official lottery. The Governor signed the lottery bill. However, its effect failed to impress the community enough as it didn’t pay much attention to this. Online casino activities increased with one more. The Garden state made legal a courier service that could deliver the already purchased online tickets for the lottery.

2017 - Daily Fantasy sports on the scene

2017Daily Fantasy sports on the scene

In 2017, New Jersey officially made legal Daily Fantasy sports. The state has agreed with Delaware and Nevada to create a shared online poker pool. This ensured players decent chances for impressive wins when playing on the Internet. The gambling revenue of NJ at the time exceeded $100 million. Daily Fantasy sports and networked online poker made online casino games even more diverse and exciting.

2018 - The kickoff of sports betting

2018The kickoff of sports betting

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled favourably towards New Jersey, granting the state the right to provide sports betting legally. A month later, Governor Phil Murphy made the state’s first sports betting in June. Behind Nevada and Delaware, New Jersey became the third state to provide sports wagering activities. Players could access them through online casinos and sportsbooks.

2021 - Massive revenue from sports bets

2021Massive revenue from sports bets

In September 2021, New Jersey’s racetracks and casinos accepted sports wagers worth $1.01 billion. In a month, this broke the billion-dollar mark, and the operators, and venues could reap massive payouts.

The most important New Jersey gambling laws

The Governor signed the Assembly Bill in 2013, which legalized only online casinos that Atlantic City operates. The law was made so land-based establishments in New Jersey could apply for gaming permits by partnering with the existing companies in the iGaming sector. This way, online development started in Atlantic City first.

The state is blessed with one of the most open gaming legal environments for all forms of gambling in the USA. Players can place bets on sports, participate in daily fantasy sports, visit brick-and-mortar venues in Atlantic City, and more. As a result of all the efforts, New Jersey is now one of the country’s most desired states with the best online casinos. If you are living here, congrats. A great place to live.

New Jersey latest updates

In almost every aspect, New Jersey is the leader in the United States gambling market. Being one of the first states to legalize this activity, it offers most games, the best software providers, and diverse payment methods. NJ online casinos are some of the most permissible and provide a high-class experience. The future of the state is more than promising. Changes in iGaming in the US will most probably first hit it, and we expect online platforms, physical venues, and sportsbooks in the state to continue to flourish. More and higher quality games, New Jersey gambling sites, and benefits await players.

Esports gaming entered for the first time in January – February 2022. Rumors of tax increases in the sector of New Jersey spread. But they are considered speculation, not something to be seriously considered. Two big brands – BetMGM and Borgata, have featured online bingo in their portfolio for the first time. These and the rest of the websites and apps continue to enhance their services.

The law, making gambling legal in New Jersey was extended for 5 additional years in 2023, so now it covers up to the end of 2028. What will happen after that? In the past, the period was extended with 10 years, and the next time with only 5. It is too early to say, and it will depend on the people in the state and Jersey Division of Gaming.

NJ online gambling FAQ

Is online gambling legal in New Jersey?

Yes, New Jersey was the first state in the country to legalize it, which happened in 2013. As of now, there are over 30 functioning legal online casinos.

Is online sports betting legal in New Jersey?

Yes, online wagering is permitted within the state. You can place bets on every sport and activity except on events involving local college teams.

How old do you need to be to gamble in New Jersey?

You must be at least 21 years old for almost all forms. If you are 18, you can participate in charitable gambling and buy lottery tickets. Check out our legal age section.

Are there real money online casinos in New Jersey?

Many sites here pay real money, and what matters is that you choose legal and licensed ones.

Is playing online games in New Jersey safe?

You will be perfectly safe if you choose a legitimate site. You will find numerous legal online casinos to choose from.

What games are available at NJ online gambling websites?

You can play slots, table games, live dealer games, blackjack, Roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, video poker games, and more.

Can I play for free at online casinos in New Jersey?

Absolutely. The better part of Jersey online casinos offers free games in demo versions you can load and play. Usually, that would be demo versions of all slots and table games.

Are my winnings at a New Jersey casino taxable?

Yes, all winnings from gambling activities at an online casino and land-based venues in New Jersey are subject to a tax of 3% of the total playout (state level).

Martin PramatarovAuthor at Gamezinger.com