Enjoy Casino Games, Sports Betting and Poker Online in New Jersey
New Jersey has been operating legal online gambling sites for the last 6 years, ever since Governor Chris Christy signed an act, allowing the NJDGE (New Jersey Division of Gambling Enforcement) to license gambling sites. Each casino and poker room has partnered with existing (B&M) license holders.
What does all this mean? Well, it means it’s legal to gamble online in New Jersey. This page gives you everything you need to get started including how to gamble at NJ casinos, which poker sites are open to NJ players and how to bet on sports in New Jersey.
Best Online Casinos in NJ
Best online casinos in NJ for slots, blackjack and live dealer games
There is a significant difference between the regulated New Jersey online casinos and the offshore ‘grey market’ unregulated ones they replaced. Not only are players guaranteed fair games and protected in case of a genuine dispute – the software is different too.
| Online Casino | Partner | Bonus | Promo Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Nugget | Golden Nugget | $1,000 | Click to claim promo |
| Virgin Online Casino | Tropicana | $30 | 30BUCKS |
| Caesars Casino Online | Caesars | Up to $2,500 | OGS2500 |
| BetMGM Online Casino | Borgata | $25 | OGSBONUS |
| Borgata Casino | Borgata | $20 | OGSCASINO |
Big slot and table game creators like High 5 Games, IGT and Net Entertainment were unable to provide real money casino games to US players before. With these licensed casinos you can enjoy many of the most popular online slots – as well as online versions of popular live slot games.
When you choose a real money NJ casino, keep in mind that there are big differences in the number of games and how easy it is to clear your new player bonuses. The list below gives you an overview of what to expect from the major NJ casinos, along with ownership details and the casino software you will find.
Recently Added New Jersey Online Casinos
- Stardust Online Casino – The classic Stardust casino from the glory days of Las Vegas has returned in online form. FanDuel and Boyd Gaming partnered to launch the online casino in New Jersey in 2021.
New Jersey Sports Betting Sites
Of the three main gambling verticals, sports betting took longest to get approved in New Jersey. The reason was opposition from the pro sports lobby. They cited the PASPA legislation, which barred legal sports betting (both online and B&M) and took their fight all the way to the Supreme Court.
It took until 2018 for online sports books to appear. The major sites have been quick to get established after this breakthrough – with a lot of competition appearing fast. Some of these NJ online betting sites are part of larger casino / poker brands, while others are stand-alone.
Click here to read our full guide to NJ online sports betting.
New Jersey Poker Sites
There was a lot of interest in how popular online poker rooms in New Jersey would become. While other states (Delaware and Nevada) have poker rooms online, the bigger population of NJ meant the player pool could support big guaranteed tournaments and higher stakes cash games.
This was also the first time that big poker brands which left the US after the 2006 UIGEA would return. PokerStars, 888 Poker and Party Poker all run sites in NJ. In 2018, player pools were shared with DE and NV. While poker traffic has been steady (compared with the popularity of the casinos), these sites have shown some promise. With new states legislating (and potentially joining the player pools), regulated poker sites have the potential to boom.
Below is information on the biggest and best of the New Jersey poker sites – along with bonus information and ownership.
#1 – WSOP.com Poker
- Partner: Caesars
- Established: 2013
#2 – PokerStars NJ
- Partner: Resorts Atlantic City
- Established: 2016
#3 – BetMGM Poker
- Partner: Borgata AC
- Established: 2016
#4 – Party Poker NJ
- Partner: Borgata
- Established: 2013
What to Look for in NJ Online Gambling Sites?
You’ll have a lot of choice when it comes to online gambling sites. This section covers the key criteria which can be used to narrow your search. Factors include software, game selection, bonuses and payment methods. Many casinos and poker rooms offer free-to-play games. This gives you the opportunity to try out the sites with no risk (and even enjoy a no-deposit bonus).
Here are the criteria I use when choosing an online gambling site:
- Software / Device Compatibility: All casinos will work in the browser of your desktop or laptop these days. Where there are bigger differences is in mobile device compatibility. Some casinos offer apps, while others use responsive browser games for smartphone play.
- Casino Game Selection: As you become familiar with the casino software makers, you’ll be able to spot your favorites. If you are new, look for a casino offering 100’s of games and slots from different software houses.
- Live Dealer Options: Streamed games with real croupiers are hugely popular. These games are social and recreate that live casino feeling. Not all casinos have live dealer options.
- Bonuses and Promotions: You should look beyond the headline welcome offer when comparing bonuses. Free-play, wagering requirements and extras like reloads and comp schemes can be quickly compared.
- Security and Game Fairness: A big plus of NJ gambling sites is that the deal will be certified as fair. Make sure your casino displays information certifying testing of their ‘Random Number Generator’ software before you play.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: Getting your money in easily and profits back out are primary concerns for gamblers everywhere. NJ gambling sites have a lot of options, though they vary between casinos. I recommend looking at the banking information pages before you sign up.
What Online Casino Games are Available in New Jersey?
With the biggest casino software houses all available to NJ players – the choice of games is huge. Options include online slots, table games, live dealer casinos, video poker, keno and novelty games. Within each of these categories, you’ll find multiple options.
Here is a quick breakdown to help you find the right games for you:
Slots: In the past it was possible to make a simple distinction between 3-reel (traditional) slots and 5-reel video slots. That distinction really only scratches the surface these days. With better technology, slots have transformed in multiple ways. You get live slots that can be enjoyed online, 3D slots with complex bonus features, slots with life-changing progressive jackpots and an endless number of themes and creative ideas at online casinos.
Table Games: You will find many more table games at NJ online casinos than you will find in Atlantic City. The favorites like blackjack, roulette and baccarat are all there. What you’ll find is multiple variations of each game and many different side-bets. Add to this casino poker games, dice games and brand-new variations created especially for online casinos, and you’ll see just how big the choices are.
Live Dealer Casinos: Instead of playing table games against the software, many players prefer to bet on real games these days. Live dealer casinos are operated from remote studios. You can interact with the dealers and other players if you wish. Games spread include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Caribbean stud poker.
Other Games: Video poker fans will find plenty of options both traditional titles and novelty games at NJ online casinos. Keno and game-show type novelty games are also spread.
Other states with legal online gambling
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NJ Gambling Bonuses and Promo Codes
With so many casinos and gambling sites licensed in New Jersey, players can take advantage of the fierce competition between them. You’ll be offered bonus deals, including no-deposit, matched (deposit) bonuses and extras.
Some gambling sites use bonus codes and promo codes which you’ll use to claim each offer. Others have standard bonuses which they award to all new players. Remember to look out for ongoing offers and rewards for loyal players too. These are often valuable over the long run – in some cases more valuable than the original welcome deal.
Here are the types of bonus to expect at New Jersey gambling sites:
- No-Deposit Bonuses: These deals are between $10 and $30 in free-play simply for registering. As a rule, the bonus cash itself is not withdrawable. You can cash out money you win (subject to a play-through and often a small deposit).
- Matched Welcome Bonuses: This is the most common bonus format. Offers can be large. For example, the Golden Nugget is offering a 100% match up to $2,000 for new players. Make sure you check the play-though / wagering requirement when comparing the bonuses at different casinos. Some sites will have weightings for different games which show that percentage of your stake contributes to bonus clearance.
- Reload Bonuses: Loyal players can enjoy reload bonuses at all NJ real money casinos. These work in a similar way to the matched welcome bonuses. They will often have their own bonus codes.
- Loyalty / Comp Point Schemes: Another way that online casinos reward players is by offering comp points. These are collected based on the value of your play. They can be exchanged for extra bonuses, and sometimes entry into slot tournaments.
- One-Off Promos: Don’t overlook those casinos with regular player promotions. Free spins on new slots or chips for live dealer games are just two examples of what you can find. It is worth comparing the active promotions (and promo codes) at the different casinos before you choose which one to join.
New Jersey Gambling Sites Overview
In total there are 26 online gambling sites in New Jersey. They offer a combination of casino games, online poker and sports betting. Some sites offer more than one type of gambling, while others are specialists.
Under the NJDGE licensing regulations, each online site needs to partner with the holder of a brick and mortar casino license. With only 9 casino groups (including racetracks) being licensed, you might be wondering how 26 (and counting!) legal NJ gambling sites are possible.
The reason is that some casinos have multiple sites. For example, the Golden Nugget NJ casino partners with NXY for their branded NJ casino site – and partners with Betfair NJ and Sugarland NJ for additional online gambling sites.
Anyone that is a resident of New Jersey and over 21 can play at these sites. With plenty of easy payment options, moving money around is simple. You’ll find 100’s of slots, table games, live dealer options and video poker to enjoy – along with poker and legal sports betting sites.
New Jersey Casino FAQ
Yes. Online casino gambling and poker was made legal in February 2013. NJ sports betting sites followed in 2018. To gamble legally, you need to choose a site which is licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gambling Enforcement, be 21+ and be physically located within state borders.
Yes. Real money gaming options include slots, casino table games (including live dealer options), video poker, online (multiplayer) poker and more.
Yes. Online casinos are taxed at 15% of their gross gaming revenue, with a further 2.25% going towards the ‘Casino Reinvestment Development Authority’. This is in addition to a $400,000 licensing fee plus $250,000 annual renewal fee.
Your Social Security Number is required by online gambling sites in NJ as part of their player verification process. Some sites require the full 9-digit number, while others only need the last 4 digits. While some players see this as a privacy issue, it does help protect the casinos (and in turn the legitimate players that enjoy their games) from money laundering and fraud.
While you can only play while physically in New Jersey, there are no requirements to be a permanent resident. Players can sign up to the casinos from anywhere in the world – and enjoy the games once inside NJ.
IP address information is easily tracked and will show your location. Routes around this (for example using a VPN) are easy to spot with today’s technology. Cross referencing with Wi-Fi information and known locations of your machine make location even easier to track.
Yes. In June 2018, a series of legal battles was concluded. You can now bet at brick and mortar sportsbooks, and online. There are some restrictions on minor leagues that run in NJ. People who are involved in sports or potentially have an influence on the outcome of games are not allowed to bet.
Yes, PokerStars is the single largest NJ online poker room. Note that the player pool is not shared with the huge global PokerStars brand. You’ll find cash games and tournament action shared with the other states that have regulated online poker (NV and DE).
You need to be 21 to gamble both online and in live casinos / sportsbooks.
Yes. Some casinos – for example Betfair – do have downloadable apps. Keep in mind that these apps don’t include every slot or table game you will find via the main casino. On the positive side, apps do make mobile gambling smoother and clearer.
Yes. You can try out the slots and many table games without making a deposit. This will allow you to find your favorites for when you are ready for the real money versions.
There are huge differences between the regulated casinos and offshore sites. Keep in mind that the offshore sites are risky. They have little oversight, and you’ll have no authority to complain to if your bankroll goes missing.
Aside from the trust-factor, the key difference is in the software and games (especially slots) used. Offshore sites use software from a small number of game creators that are still willing to supply grey-market casinos. Regulated casinos instead take their software and games from the biggest and best of the US and international game creators. You can play games from IGT, Konami and NYX at NJ casinos.
Finally, the payment options are mainstream at NJ regulated casinos. If you stray offshore, you’ll need to get around the banking restrictions. If you play on NJ casinos, your options include credit cards, PayPal or even cash payments at your nearest 7-11 with PayNearMe.
Yes. Licensing requires regular auditing of the ‘RNG’ software which controls outcomes of all online casino games. All New Jersey licensed casinos have been fully certified as fair.
New Jersey has a long history of progressive policies to gambling. These go all the way back to the 1850’s, with the first horse racing tracks. The scene we see today was triggered in a 1976 state-wide referendum, which saw casinos legalized. A similar vote had failed 2 years earlier. The difference to the successful vote was the casinos were restricted to Atlantic City.
In 2011, an opinion on the Wire Act of 1961 by the DoJ was issued. This paved the way for States to regulate and legalize their own online poker and casino gaming – by saying that the Wire Act only applied to betting on sports.
Legislation was introduced and passed, governor Chris Christy refused to sign it into law.
Issues were resolved, and in February of 2013, an amended bill became law. This set up a licensing body (the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement) and stipulated that online casinos needed to partner with existing licensed brick and mortar casinos. 9 months later the first casinos opened their doors – along with only poker sites.
Sports betting proved to be more difficult to regulate. While NJ passed legislation claiming the right to offer both live and online sports betting, legal battles quickly stopped any implementation. The pro sports lobby cited the PASPA act. After initial losses at the supreme court, New Jersey appealed. In 2018, they were successful in their final appeal – and the first live and online sportsbooks were opened.