Online Gambling in New Jersey

New Jersey isn’t just home to the best tomatoes and Tony Soprano—it’s also one of the OG states for online gambling. It didn’t hop on the bandwagon like most other states, no, no, no. It basically built the industry. 

Way before most other states started figuring out how to bring casino games and sports betting to people’s phones and laptops, NJ was already ahead of the game! Because it cut its teeth with physical casinos in Atlantic City, it already had the framework and started to build up the rules, licensing online platforms, and setting up a reliable structure that other states would later study and follow.

And in 2025? NJ’s digital gambling scene is absolutely booming. If you’re into poker tournaments, a slot junkie, want to bet on the Mavericks, or are just curious about how it all works, NJ is one of the best places in the country to do it (besides Vegas, because Vegas is the OG). Not only is it legal, it’s regulated by one of the toughest watchdogs in the industry—the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). That means that when you play, you’re doing it on gambling sites that are constantly being checked for fairness, security, and industry compliance.

And if you’re wondering which NJ gambling sites actually pay out when you win and want to know which ones are just collecting dust in the app store, we’ve sorted that out for you, too!

We are gonna go over everything about online gambling in New Jersey—from the best sites and apps, how to place bets legally, what bonuses are out there, and, of course, what separates New Jersey from all of the other states that are playing catch up!

Contents of Page

Best NJ Gambling Sites in 2025

There’s not exactly a shortage of NJ gambling sites that are promising big wins, slick apps, and generous welcome bonuses—but not all of these platforms deliver on what they promise players. The ones that we picked? They actually come through.  No matter if you’re playing on mobile, desktop, or switching between the two, all of the brands run on a legit license from the NJDGE and are partnered with a land-based casino right here in the Garden State!

Below are the five best gambling sites that we recommend for Jersey players:

NJ Gambling Sites	Key Details	More Info
Caesars Palace Online Casino	Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $2,500 on Deposit + 2,500 Rewards Credits Features: Big jackpot slots, live dealers, loyalty perks Games Offered: Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Live Games License Partner: Tropicana Atlantic City	Read Review
DraftKings Casino	Welcome Bonus: $35 Casino Credits + Up to $1,000 Back on First Day Features: Custom games, fast interface, and daily promos Games Offered: Slots, Table Games, Blackjack, Live Casino License Partner: Resorts Casino Hotel	Read Review
Hard Rock Bet	Welcome Bonus: 100% Deposit Match up to $1,000 + 500 Bonus Spins Features: Smooth app, live sports betting + casino combo Games Offered: Table Games, Live Dealer, Slots License Partner: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino	Read Review
BetMGM Casino	Welcome Bonus: $25 Free + 100% Match up to $1,000 Features: Progressive jackpots, MGM Rewards integration Games Offered: Slots, Poker, Table Games, Live Casino License Partner: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa	Read Review
FanDuel Casino	Welcome Bonus: $1,000 Play It Again Features: Sportsbook crossover, great game filters Games Offered: Roulette, Slots, Blackjack, Live Dealer Games License Partner: Golden Nugget Atlantic City	Read Review

Our team of experts carefully researches and reviews the gambling sites and services we feature. We aim to provide honest and unbiased opinions. We may receive a commission if you sign up for a service through links on our site. This commission helps support our work, but it does not influence our recommendations.

All of the above sites are loaded with features that players in NJ actually want—like quick withdrawals, user support that you can reach without a ton of back and forth, and regular promos and bonuses that are specifically tailored to NJ users. They aren’t reskinned national apps, as they were created with NJ in mind.

Why These Are the Best

Why did we choose these five sites? Easy! They’re fully licensed. They’re tied to respected casinos in the state. And they’ve proven, over years and years of real play, that they run fair games and pay out quickly.

Every single one of these brands has been vetted by the NJDGE, so you know that you’re not spinning into the void or wagering on rigged odds. That peace of mind? It’s exactly what makes NJ one of the most trusted online gambling states in the country.

Is Online Gambling Legal in New Jersey?

Fuggedaboutit! Yes, online gambling is totally 100% legal in New Jersey. And it’s been that way since 2013, which makes the state one of the earliest to legalize digital wagering. But there’s some backstory here about how it got to this place. 

Timeline

Here’s a quick timeline on how online gambling came to fruition in New Jersey:

• 2013: New Jersey legalizes online casino and poker games, and the first sites go live later that year.
• 2018: After the federal ban on sports betting is lifted (hallelujah), New Jersey expands to online sports betting as well.
• Now: Over 30 gambling sites and apps are operating legally across casino, sports, poker, and daily fantasy sports categories.

The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates all online gambling in the state. If a site or app isn’t licensed by the NJDGE, then it’s not legally allowed to accept bets from within state lines, plain and simple.

What about Offshore Sites?

These are not legal in NJ, as they aren’t regulated by the state, and there’s zero in terms of protection if something goes wrong. If you want to gamble online safely—and not risk forfeiting your winnings—only play on the apps and sites that have that NJDGE stamp of approval.

NJ Online Gambling Laws Explained

New Jersey’s online gambling laws are pretty clear, but the following is a quick breakdown of what players need to know about them!

Minimum Age to Play

You must be at least 21 years old to gamble legally online in New Jersey. That applies to all types of betting—casino, poker, and sports.

Location Requirements

You don’t have to be a legal resident of NJ to play, but you do have to be physically located in the state. Every legal NJ gambling app uses geolocation tech to confirm where you are before you’re allowed to make a bet.

What’s Legal?

• Online Casinos: You can play digital slots, table games, and live dealer games through licensed casino platforms.
• Online Poker: PokerStars and WSOP run poker rooms where you can join tournaments, cash games, and more.
• Online Sports Betting: Players can wager on everything from major pro leagues to international events.
• Daily Fantasy Sports: DFS sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are still going strong in NJ.

Land-Based Casino Partnerships

All legal online gambling platforms in NJ are required to be tied to a licensed brick-and-mortar casino in the state. That partnership rule is what makes NJ’s system one of the most secure and transparent in the U.S. The system was designed to keep operations local, add accountability, and connect the digital and in-person sides of the gaming experience.

Below are the main partnerships between brick-and-mortar casinos and online gambling sites:

But wait! There’s more. There are other NJ casinos that host multiple partnerships at the same time, which gives additional brands a way into the market without having to launch their own land-based venue.

• Unibet + Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City: In addition to Hard Rock’s own app, Unibet uses its license to run a sportsbook and casino platform in NJ.
• PointsBet Casino + Bally’s Atlantic City: PointsBet operates through Bally’s license. Their clean interface and fixed-odds betting options give NJ players a little something different.
• Golden Nugget Online Casino + Golden Nugget AC: Golden Nugget’s online platform uses its own license and was one of the first to launch in NJ. It’s still known for exclusive slots and a standout live dealer section.
• Parx Casino + Ocean Casino Resort: Parx, which is better known in PA, entered the NJ scene using Ocean’s license. It’s a smaller partnership, but it does give Parx a fully legal presence in NJ.
• Mohegan Sun Online Casino + Resorts Casino Hotel: Mohegan Sun’s online platform uses Resorts’ license. If you’ve visited their Connecticut casino, you’ll no doubt recognize the branding and experience.
• PokerStars NJ + Resorts Casino Hotel: Resorts is also the partner for PokerStars NJ, home to regular tournaments, cash games, and New Jersey-only events like NJCOOP.
• Virgin Casino + Tropicana Atlantic City: Virgin runs its online casino via the Tropicana. The site targets a more casual crowd and concentrates on basic table games and slots.
• WSOP.com + Caesars Interactive: WSOP.com uses Caesars’ license to operate online poker in NJ. This is the go-to spot for bracelet events, qualifiers, and all official World Series of Poker content.

Winnings and Taxes

Yes, your winnings are taxable. Yes, we know that’s no fun. But you need to know that federal and state income taxes both apply to any and all loot that you walk away with. A lot of platforms will give players tax documents if you hit certain thresholds, but it’s on you to report your earnings accurately. You don’t want the IRS on your back.

New Jersey Gambling Apps

You don’t have to play on a laptop or desktop anymore. You have a ton of options in New Jersey! Almost every major platform has released dedicated mobile apps where you can make bets, play games, and cash out all from your phone or tablet. You could be on a plane, hanging on the couch, or sitting in a sports bar watching the game! All of the best gambling apps give you complete access to all of the action.

If you’re betting or playing casino games on your phone in Dirty Jerz, you’re definitely not short on choices. But there are some apps that are clearly doing it better than others with quicker loading times, cleaner interfaces, seamless syncing, and less glitches. And they aren’t just mobile add-ons. The best apps in NJ were built to handle everything from placing sports bets to spinning slots, all from your smartphone or tablet!

Below are some of the most reliable real money gambling apps in NJ right now, and we based this on performance, ratings, and how they hold up on both iOS and Android.

Safety & Security Features

All top-rated New Jersey gambling apps have to pass strict checks before going live. If it’s licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), then you know it hasn’t cut any corners.

What does that mean for you?

• Secure Logins: Two-factor authentication and encryption keep your account safe.
• Geolocation Tech: Apps verify that you’re physically in New Jersey before allowing you to bet. This is built-in and runs in the background.
• Responsible Gaming Tools: Deposit limits, timeouts, and self-exclusion options are included in every licensed NJ gambling app.

If you’re downloading an app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and it’s licensed in NJ, it’s gone through this entire process.

Cross-Platform Sync: Desktop & Mobile Play

One of the best parts about using real money gambling apps in NJ is that they don’t lock you into one device. You can start a poker game on your laptop and then finish it on your phone. Deposit from your desktop? You can withdraw it through your app.

Everything syncs up in real time—your balance, game history, bonus progress, and even loyalty points. That kind of flexibility makes it so much easier to play however and wherever you want to!

Popular Types of Online Gambling in NJ

New Jersey gives players a lot of options, so if you’ve got a favorite way to gamble, you will find it here! And if you’re looking to try out something new, it’s a cinch to bounce between casino games, sports betting, poker, and more, all within the same account.

Bonuses & Promotions for NJ Players

Online casinos and sportsbooks love to welcome new players, and in New Jersey, you’ll find some of the most generous bonus offers in the country, especially if you’re a first-time user. And they don’t ignore their regulars, who also get ongoing deals that reward their loyalty.

Common Promotions You’ll See

• Deposit Match: Double your starting funds. If you deposit $200, you might get another $200 in bonus money, although you’ll usually need to play through it a few times.
• No-Deposit Bonus: Sign up and get something for free. Some apps give $10–$30 just for verifying your identity.
• Free Spins: Great for slot lovers, but they are usually tied to specific games or used as a welcome reward.
• Risk-Free Play: A refund in site credits if your first day or week doesn’t go as planned (FanDuel does this a lot).
• Loyalty Tiers & Points: Earn rewards as you play and unlock perks like cashback, bonuses, or hotel discounts if you’re linked to a land-based casino.

What To Watch For

Before you claim any bonus, make sure that you check all of the details like the following:

• Wagering Requirements: Most bonuses come with a condition, and it’s that you’ll have to wager the bonus amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw it.
• Eligible Games: Some offers will only apply to slots or select table games.
• Expiration: You might have only 7 or 30 days to meet the terms before the bonus goes bye-bye.

Exclusive NJ-only offers

Here’s where New Jersey has a supercharged advantage over other states. Because of the casino partnerships and the maturity of the market, you’ll always be able to find promos that are only available to players who are located in NJ!

Below are a few examples:

– BetMGM NJ sometimes offers double loyalty points for New Jersey players during certain weekends or ties certain promos to Borgata in Atlantic City.
– Caesars NJ has run New Jersey-only leaderboard races with bonus cash for the top players each week.
– DraftKings Casino NJ is known for running special events like exclusive slot tournaments or extra cash for playing their custom games—but it’s only for verified NJ users.
– PokerStars NJ routinely hosts local-only series like NJCOOP (New Jersey Championship of Online Poker), which is exclusive to players in the state.

The offers are usually short-term or geo-fenced, so if you’re in NJ and logged into the app, you’ll see options pop up that wouldn’t be visible elsewhere. It’s one of the many perks of playing in one of the most established legal gambling states in the U.S.!

How to Start Gambling Online in New Jersey

Signing up to gamble online in NJ only takes a few minutes. If you’re 21 or older and physically located in the state, you can get to it! Below is a step-by-step guide for how to register, deposit, and start playing.

How to Deposit & Withdraw in NJ Gambling Sites

Before you can play for real money online in New Jersey, you have to put some funds into your account! And if you do win, you are gonna want to be able to get your winnings back out. Gambling sites in NJ make this whole process pretty cut and dried. All of our recommended platforms support the payment methods that you are already using in your day-to-day life!

Next up, we’ll walk you through the most popular ways players in NJ deposit and withdraw funds, tell you which ones are the fastest, and what kind of security is built into the process.

Common Deposit Methods

The best NJ gambling apps all support multiple ways to fund your account. Most deposits are instant, and you’ll usually see your balance update in seconds. Below is what most players use:

Fastest Payout Methods in NJ

Withdrawing your winnings should be just as easy as depositing, and in New Jersey, it is. That being said, the speed of your withdrawal all depends on the method that you choose and how quickly the site processes your request. Below is a rundown of each payment method:

• PayPal: This is the fastest way to get your cash. Once it’s approved, the funds usually hit your account within 24 hours.
• Play+: This method is just as quick as PayPal in most cases. Your winnings go right to your prepaid card, which you can then use at ATMs or transfer to your bank.
• Online Banking / ACH: A reliable option, although it’s slower and usually takes anywhere from 2–5 business days to show up in your bank account.
• Check by Mail: This is still technically an option, but it’s definitely the slowest of the bunch. You can expect to wait up to two weeks, and that feels like forever compared to the other methods.

Almost all gambling sites and apps in NJ will process withdrawal requests in about 24–48 hours. After that, it comes down to how fast your bank or payment processor moves.

Built-In Security

Because you’re dealing with real money, security is a really big deal. Every licensed platform in New Jersey follows the strict requirements we list below to keep your info and transactions safe.

• Encryption: All of your personal and financial info is encrypted end-to-end.
• Verified Logins: Most platforms use two-factor authentication, especially when you’re making withdrawals or large deposits.
• Fraud Protection: The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement requires real-time monitoring of transactions to prevent any kind of suspicious activity.
• Account Verification: Before your first withdrawal, you’ll need to upload documents to verify your identity, which is standard practice for real money online gambling in New Jersey and a one-time process.

As long as you’re using a licensed NJ gambling app, your money is protected under state regulations. And if something ever does go sideways, you’ve got the NJDGE to back you up.

Responsible Gambling in New Jersey

It’s super easy to get caught up in the fun of betting, especially with how accessible it is on phones and laptops. That’s why New Jersey has built a really solid framework to support players who want to set limits, take a break, or quit altogether.

You’ll find all of these in your account settings or the “Responsible Gaming” section of the site or app that you’re playing on.

Where to Get Help

If gambling stops being fun or if it has started to affect your day-to-day life, New Jersey has the resources in place to help.

• Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey: They run a confidential 24/7 helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER and offer local support services.
• NJDGE Support Programs: You can also reach out to the state for assistance with self-exclusion or setting stronger restrictions.

NJ Online Gambling History & Background

New Jersey didn’t just legalize online gambling—it helped mold the entire discourse around it in the U.S.! It challenged outdated federal laws and became one of the first states to launch real-money casino and poker platforms. It’s fair to say that NJ played a huge role in how legal gambling looks at present.

Want to see how it all started, the biggest turning points, how much the market has grown, and where it’s probably going in the future? Keep reading to find out!

How NJ Led the Way After PASPA

Prior to 2018, sports betting was still banned under a federal law called PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act). New Jersey pushed back hard against it. The state took its case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in NJ’s favor and overturned PASPA.

The win didn’t only enable New Jersey to launch legal sportsbooks—it gave every state the ability to decide for itself. It was a huge turning point that jump-started sports betting in dozens of states.

But NJ didn’t stop at sportsbooks, no sir. It had already been running legal online casinos and poker rooms since 2013, and that made it the first U.S. state to fully regulate real-money online gambling.

Biggest Moments in NJ’s Gambling Timeline

Growth of the Market and Revenue Stats

New Jersey’s online gambling market has consistently brought in over $1 billion annually in revenue since 2020, with numbers climbing steadily thanks to mobile growth and more players moving online.

Here are a few of the important stats:

• Casino games are still the biggest revenue driver, and online slots make up the majority of it
• Sportsbooks handle billions in bets every year, especially during football season
• Poker is smaller but steady, and it gets a boost from shared traffic with Michigan and Delaware
• Revenue supports education, senior programs, and responsible gambling initiatives across the state

What’s Next for NJ Gambling?

New Jersey has no intention of slowing down! The state is still one of the most competitive gambling markets in the country, and operators will keep up the innovation with better mobile apps, exclusive in-state promotions, and more crossover between online and land-based play.

What’s coming down the pike? If we had to guess, it would be:

• More casino/poker app integrations
• Possible partnerships with more states for even bigger poker pools
• Continued revenue growth as the tech improves and more players move to online play

NJ vs. Other States for Online Gambling

New Jersey was one of the first states to make online gambling legal, and it’s still one of the best places to play. But what about everywhere else? In 2025, more states are joining up, although some are moving faster than others. Some have online casinos, some just have sports betting, and a few are still sorting out the myriad of legal details.

Below, we’ve put together a breakdown of how New Jersey compares to other major gambling states. If you’re curious about how things compare—or thinking of playing while visiting somewhere else—this gives you the lay of the land!

Why NJ Excels

• Experience: Other states are still in the “testing the waters phase, but NJ’s been swimming laps around them since 2013.
• Player Protections: There is much stronger oversight, tighter regulations, and a lot more tools for responsible gaming.
• Variety: Casino games, poker rooms, sportsbooks, DFS, you name it—they are all legally online.
• Tax Model: Operators pay a fair rate to the state, and that means that NJ platforms are able to run smoothly, and players are more than satisfied with their gambling experiences.

Want to see how the Garden State compares to others? Check out the table below!

The following are the main differences between gambling in NJ and in the above states:

• Game Selection: New Jersey and Michigan tend to have the biggest variety of games, especially when it comes to slots and live dealer content. Pennsylvania is close, but some game developers tend to prioritize NJ and MI, so they get first dibs.
• Poker Player Pools: Because of shared liquidity agreements, New Jersey, Michigan, and Delaware allow pooled online poker, which means that if you’re playing on sites like PokerStars or WSOP, you’ll find bigger tournaments and way more active tables.
• Tax Rates & Promos: States like Pennsylvania impose higher taxes on operators, and this means that sometimes there are fewer bonuses or promos for players. NJ has found a sweet spot, though—it’s attractive enough for brands, and it still benefits the state.
• Licensing Speed: NJ has a super streamlined process. In other states, especially those that are newer to the industry, it can take months (or way longer) for new apps to launch after they are legalized.

FAQs About Online Gambling in New Jersey

If you feel overloaded with info, that’s okay! No one can absorb all of the data we hit you with in one go, so we put together a list of some of the most common and frequently asked questions that we get about online gambling in New Jersey!

Final Thoughts: Why NJ is the Best Place for Online Gambling

New Jersey indeed took a big gamble (pun intended) with online gambling early on, and it paid off big time! Players in NJ have access to some of the best games, biggest bonuses, and the most reliable platforms in the country. And because everything is licensed and monitored, it’s one of the safest places to make a bet online.

Below is a quick recap of what you’re getting when you play in NJ:

• Fully licensed and regulated platforms
• A combo of casino, sports, poker, and fantasy options for every type of player
• Gambling sites and apps that are fast, secure, and legal
• Real-money payouts with minimal fuss
• Access to responsible gambling tools and support, and help if you need to take a break or are struggling with problem gambling

Want to start playing? You can! All you need to do is check out one of the best NJ gambling sites that we listed above. They’re all quick, legal, and will be there when you want to play. Not only that, they’ve been tested, regulated, and are trusted by millions of NJ players. Just pick the one that fits best with your play style, sign up, and don’t forget to grab your welcome bonus!

One last thing before we go: Online gambling should always be fun and not in any way stressful. All of the licensed platforms in New Jersey have built-in tools so that you are able to stay in control, and support is available if or when you need it. You’re there to have a good time, not to chase losses or play beyond your financial or emotional means. So if it stops being fun? You should stop playing.