New Jersey’s a state synonymous with gambling, but its recent history is a little complicated. Now, though, sports betting is as accessible as ever and, in this guide, we’ll detail everything there is to know about New Jersey sports betting.
- Is Sports Betting Legal in New Jersey?
- Where to Place Sports Bets in New Jersey?
- Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in New Jersey
- Best Sports Betting Apps in New Jersey
- New Jersey Sports Betting Promotions
- Popular Types of Bets
- Where to Bet on Local New Jersey Teams
- Important Sports Events in New Jersey 2023
- New Jersey Sports Betting Timeline
- States Where it is Legal to bet on Sports
- New Jersey Sports Betting – FAQs
- ThePuntersPage Final Say
- References
Is Sports Betting Legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a long history with gambling that traces back to the 18th century. The state is, of course, home to the famed casinos of Atlantic City and their laws have typically been among the least restrictive in the US.
It hasn’t always been so easy with sports betting, however. The state moved to legalize sports betting in 2012 but faced major pushback from the major sporting governing bodies. After the US District Court ruled against the state in a 2013 ruling before the Supreme Court overturned the decision five years later in 2018.
Thus, sports betting has been legal in New Jersey since June 2018, and there are now 27 legal online sportsbooks licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
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#1
DraftKings
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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#2
BetMGM
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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#3
FanDuel
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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#4
Borgata Online
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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Sports bettors in New Jersey have a multitude of options in terms of bookmakers, but here are our top four sportsbooks available in the state.
Present & Future of Sports Betting in New Jersey?
Sports betting is alive and kicking in New Jersey, and the only way is up for the state. In January 2023, a proposal for a ten-year extension of NJ’s online gaming laws was discussed at the state’s legislative session to start the new year.
In January, NJ posted its fourth consecutive month with more than $1bn in sports betting handle. That resulted in $72.3m in revenue for the state. However, the handle dipped to $847.4m in February which resulted in the state’s lowest revenue generation since July 2022.
NJ has also taken steps in recent times to resolve responsible gambling issues. Since the 10 February, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has started to deploy a program where online bookmakers are now required to study player data to identify possible problem gamblers. These bookmakers must also have strategies in place to help said gamblers.
Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in New Jersey
Following the arduous process of legalization which eventually concluded in 2018, things moved swiftly in New Jersey. The state’s casinos and racetracks started to open retail sportsbooks on site that summer, with online betting sites following soon after.
The aforementioned legislation covered several aspects from a revenue and taxation point of view. Here are some notable points1:
- Licenses for the casinos and racetracks cost $100,000 at issue.
- Internet gambling licenses cost $400,000, plus $250,000 for responsible gaming fees.
- Casinos pay 8.5% in taxes for land-based wagers and 13% for electronic wagers.
- Racetracks also pay 8.5% plus an additional 1.25% for bets placed online.
- All sports are subject to 0.25% in federal taxes.
Comparison of Top Sportsbooks
1. DraftKings
A behemoth of the American sports betting industry, DraftKings is the most ubiquitous bookmaker in the US. Punters in 17 states can use this bookie, which was formed in 2012 primarily for the use of fantasy sports.
DraftKings has since evolved into a premier bookmaker, and it’s one which is hard to fault. Their odds are superb, with the quality of their website unrivalled. Placing bets is simple, while the markets they offer are extensive. 17 sports make up their sportsbook, and we discovered that cricket, which is slowly gaining traction in the States, is covered in impressive depth by DraftKings, who also provide great coverage of the NFL, NBA, etc.
Fantasy lovers can still utilise DraftKings to full effect, while vintage pools bettors can also enjoy this bookmaker’s offering.
Their promotions are usually original and exciting with an array of sports being covered. But they could do more for existing customers. Their welcome offer is a 20% first deposit bonus up to $1,000.
2. BetMGM
Another widely available betting site, BetMGM can be accessed in 16 states as well as Washington DC.
The bookmaker asks for which state you reside in before you get started, which can make the experience with BetMGM feel a little more personal.
Their website is slickly designed and super easy to use. Placing bets is an efficient process and a user-friendly interface allows you to access all the different components of BetMGM with ease. They provide competitive odds, and their sportsbook is one of the broadest we’ve seen among American bookmakers.
BetMGM covers a mammoth 27 sports in total, but this can depend on the state. Thus, for those that enjoy betting on less popular sports, this bookmaker might be the one for you!
The bookie’s excellent customer service and robust FAQs section complement the user-friendly experience provided by the website design. On the promotions front, BetMGM slacks somewhat compared to its competitors, but their welcome offer is laden with value.
New customers are given a risk-free first bet, and they could earn up to $1,000 in free bets.
3. FanDuel
Like DraftKings, FanDuel started out as a venerated fantasy sports platform and has similarly evolved into a respected bookmaker. FanDuel is regarded as one of the leading US bookmakers, and, for us, they have to be considered alongside DraftKings and BetMGM as the very best.
FanDuel is available in 15 states and remains an excellent provider of all things fantasy football. On the gambling front, we appreciate the endless list of innovative promotions offered by the site. Overall, this bookmaker is a fun one to use.
Bet boosts, win bonuses, and parlay specials are almost always supplied by FanDuel, and their welcome offer is also excellent. It’s a no-sweat first bet promotion, and punters can win up to $1,000 in free bets.
Their site is also easy to access and navigate, with all the dull financial processes quick and simple. You’ll never have any issues depositing or withdrawing with FanDuel.
4. Borgata Online
New Jersey is just one of two states where Borgata Online, a sister company to BetMGM, offers its services. Thus, New Jersey punters can take advantage of a sportsbook that most Americans can’t.
The site bears resemblances to BetMGM, but there’s enough to suggest Borgata is its own unique entity. This bookmaker boasts a comprehensive sportsbook which is made up of 21 sports, and new customers can take advantage of a generous welcome offer.
Borgata’s sign-up offer is a Bet $10 Get $100 promotion which is laden with value. However, be sure to check out all the terms and conditions to ensure you qualify for the offer. We don’t want you getting caught out!
Borgata offers other exclusive promotions and rewards for its users, and those that enjoy creating parlay bets will particularly enjoy using this bookmaker given their tendency to offer parlay boosts.
Early cash out, betting guides, and live streaming are other useful features of Borgata.
Best Sports Betting Apps in New Jersey
#1. DraftKings
The US’ most popular sportsbook also boasts an impressive mobile app which can be downloaded by anybody residing in the 17 states where DraftKings is available. The app is particularly popular for fantasy sports, and punters can easily access all components of the app due to its user-friendly interface. Promotions are also available.
#2. BetMGM
BetMGM’s mobile app sits among the very best available to US punters. It possesses everything you’d want from a betting app as it’s laden with features and extremely easy to use. Markets are updated by the second, which aids the live betting process, but some have complained over the app’s lag time on occasions. While not a major issue, slow loading times can be incredibly frustrating for bettors.
#3. FanDuel
There’s very little difference between FanDuel’s mobile app and website. All banking, betting and personal options are available, as well as the bookmaker’s sportsbook promotions. It’s just on a smaller screen, so there are some structural differences. The app is available to download on both iOS and Android and has proven to be a very popular way of betting for US punters.
#4. Borgata Online
Bettors can download Borgata’s casino and sports mobile apps, but we’re going to focus on the latter. They describe themselves as “New Jersey’s best sportsbook” and all components of the website and condensed into the mobile app. Boosted bets are offered daily, with their live coverage being regarded as one of the very best. This is a safe and secure mobile app that gives punters the full betting experience from their pocket.
New Jersey Sports Betting Promotions
Here are some of the most common sports betting promotions offered by bookmakers licensed in New Jersey.
- Deposit Match Bonus
These new customer offers are key to enticing fresh punters to a particular sportsbook. A deposit match bonus involves the bookmaker matching a new customer’s first deposit – often up to a certain amount. So, if a new user makes a first deposit of $50, the bookmaker will match that and reward the punter $50 in bonuses.
This bonus typically manifests as bet credits, which can be used on the site’s sportsbook and subsequently turned into real cash should any of your bets win.
Some sportsbooks will also offer a first bet match promotion which is a similar premise but instead of matching a user’s first deposit, they’ll match their first bet stake.
- No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is brilliant as punters do not have to deposit any funds into their account in order to receive the reward on offer. You’ll qualify for the bonus by merely registering with the sportsbook which means punters will likely have to enter a promo code to receive their bonus.
This promotion comes with many perks for the new customer as they’ve got an opportunity to win without risking anything. You can also use your free bets as a way of testing out the sportsbook to see whether it fits your betting needs.
- Enhanced Parlays
Everybody loves putting on a parlay, right? Such bets are among the most popular among sports punters, especially novices.
A parlay bet is when a better makes multiple wagers and combines them to create one big bet. They’re a great way to win big money, but they’re mightily difficult to pull off.
Enhanced parlays, or parlay boosts, is a juiced-up version of your standard combo bet. Sportsbooks will boost the odds of your parlays to increase potential payouts. These boosts are usually proportional to the number of selections in your parlay. The more selections, the bigger the boost.
This only adds to the entertainment of parlay betting, with punters not having to do anything different to earn a boosted parlay. However, some bookmakers might make these enhanced parlays sport or event specific.
- Money Back Betting Offers
This is typically a new customer offer in which the bookmaker refunds your first bet – usually via free bets – should it not win.
However, some sportsbooks will also offer money back offers for various sports such as soccer. For example, punters could receive a refund if they place a goals-related bet on a soccer match, but it ends in a stalemate.
The offer essentially gives punters a risk-free bet, but there’s still some risk as bookmakers will rarely refund customers with real cash. To make the most of this promotion, you’ve got to use the free bets you receive wisely.
- Boosted Bets
Such promotions are common among sportsbook, but they’re a handy way of punters garnering greater value for their bets. Some bookmakers may randomly boost odds, but, for the most part, punters will be able to see which markets have been boosted before the event begins.
The perks of boosted odds are obvious, but they could also tempt punters into staking more. To combat this, some bookmakers limit how much you can bet on a boosted market.
- Parlay Insurance
As fun as parlays can be, they can also be incredibly frustrating. It only takes one erroneous selection for your entire bet, no matter how big it be, to lose. Thus, bookmakers have tried to get rid of such frustration by introduction parlay insurance. Now, this offer aren’t as common as enhanced parlays which are borderline ubiquitous, so it’s worth doing some research into which sportsbooks offer it.
The insurance gifts punters a full or partial refund should just one leg of their parley let them down. This refund will often manifest as a free bet as opposed to real cash.
- Existing Customer Betting Offers
VIP/loyalty programmes are imperative to retaining the interest of punters, especially high rollers who want to be rewarded for their betting from the bookmaker itself. The very best sportsbooks offer generous rewards for their punters that transcend mere free bets and free spins. Some will offer their customers the chance to win the most incredible real-life experiences.
- Special Events Promotions
Bookmakers will always put on a show when a major sporting event rolls around. Whether it’s the Super Bowl or March Madness, you can bet your bottom dollar that special promotions dedicated to such events are provided. March Madness brackets are common, and sportsbooks will give users the chance to win a lot of money should their bracket be accurate.
Popular Types of Bets
Here are some of the most popular types of bets that New Jersey bettors make on a variety of sports.
- Money Line Bets
This is as simple as it gets. If you make a money line bet, you’re betting on that team to win the contest. So, if you place a money line bet on the New York Giants to beat the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants must win the contest for your bet to win. Your bet loses if the Cowboys win, or if they tie.
- Points Spread
Because of the lack of value typically associated with money line betting, punters will often turn to spread betting.
The point spread is the number of points that a team must win by for the bet to pay out. The favourite will have a “-” next to their points spread, while the underdog will have a “+“.
For example, let’s say the spread is: New York Jets (-2) @ New England Patriots (+2). This means that, if you backed the Jets, they must win by more than two points for your bet to be successful.
- Over/Under Betting
If you don’t fancy betting on the outcome of a game, over/under (totals) betting is a popular alternative.
With this bet you’re betting on how many points will be scored in a game. The bookmaker will set a line, and you have to choose whether more or less points will be scored than that line.
For example, the bookie might set the line for NFL match-up between the Jets and Patriots at 39.5. 40 or more points will have to be scored for the over bet to win. Anything less and the under wins.
- Parlays
Parlay bets have us all dreaming of a vacation to Cancun. One day, a big one will come off. Parlays are what the Brits like to call an ‘accumulator’ or ‘acca’. It’s one big bet which relies on multiple bets – called ‘legs’ – winning.
Even if you have a mammoth eight-leg parlay and only one ‘leg’ lets you down, your bet is still a loser.
While they’re very challenging to pull off, the low stakes high reward nature of such bets makes them incredibly popular. You could earn a fortune if the gambling Gods align.
- Prop Bets
A proposition – more commonly known as ‘prop’ – bet is another bet type that doesn’t focus on the outcome of a sporting event. The most common type of prop bet involves players.
These bets focus on the player’s performance, with markets for such bets surging as of late. For example, you might want to bet on how many yards Patrick Mahomes will throw, or how many points Steph Curry will score in a particular game.
There are other types of prop bets, including game props. With these bets, you’re wagering on something specific to happen in the game. For example, you might back a particular team to score over a certain number of field goals in the first half.
- Futures Bets
With futures bets, you’re thinking long-term. You’re betting on the future outcome of a sporting event.
Such bets include Super Bowl winner, League MVP, and the total number of wins a team achieves in the regular season. You can also bet on seasonal stats like how many yards Russell Wilson will throw in the regular season, or how many yards Derrick Henry will rush for.
Where to Bet on Local New Jersey Teams
The most prominent New Jersey teams include the New York Giants and Jets of the NFL, the New York Red Bulls of the MLS, and the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. However, given the state’s proximity to New York, those that reside in NJ will typically take a keen interest in other New York-based sports teams:
| Franchise | Sport | Founded | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | Baseball | 1901 | Win World Series +850 |
| New York Giants | Football | 1925 | Win Super Bowl LVIII +4500 |
| New York Rangers | Ice Hockey | 1926 | Win Stanley Cup +1300 |
| New York Knicks | Basketball | 1946 | Win NBA Finals +8000 |
| New York Jets | Football | 1959 | Win Super Bowl LVIII +1500 |
| New York Mets | Baseball | 1962 | Win World Series +900 |
| Brooklyn Nets | Basketball | 1967 | Win NBA Finals +35000 |
| New York Islanders | Ice Hockey | 1972 | Win Stanley Cup +8000 |
| New Jersey Devils | Ice Hockey | 1974 | Win Stanley Cup +1200 |
| Buffalo Bills | Football | 1959 | Win Super Bowl LVIII +900 |
| Buffalo Sabres | Ice Hockey | 1970 | Win Stanley Cup +50000 |
| New York Red Bulls | Soccer | 1994 | Win MLS Cup +1800 |
| New York City FC | Soccer | 2013 | Win MLS Cup +1200 |
| New York Liberty | Basketball | 1997 | Win WNBA +125 |
| NJ/NY Gotham FC | Soccer | 2006 | Win NWSL +1800 |
Important Sports Events in New Jersey 2023
Here’s a list of significant sporting events that New Jersey sports fans will take a keen interest in this year and might fancy betting on:
- 30th March – NY Yankees’ MLB season opener vs San Francisco Giants
- 2nd April – Gotham City’s NWSL home opener vs OL Reign
- 6th April – NY Mets’ MLB home opener vs Miami Marlins
- 17th April – Stanley Cup playoffs start
- 14th May – NY Red Bulls vs NY City FC (MLS)
- 19th May – WNBA season starts
- 8th September – NFL regular season starts
- 16th September – NY City FC vs NY Red Bulls (MLS)
- Mid-October – NBA regular season starts
Current New Jersey betting laws are pretty lenient, but punters are prohibited from betting on any collegiate sport or athletic event that takes place in New Jersey. NJ bettors are also not allowed to wager on any event a New Jersey college team competes in – no matter where it takes place. All high school events are described by the state as “prohibited” as well as any electric sports or competitive video games event in which the majority of the competitors are under 18.
New Jersey Sports Betting Timeline
Here’s a history of sports betting in New Jersey2:
1830s – Freehold Raceway, the oldest racetrack in the US, opens.
1870 – The first thoroughbred racetrack, Monmouth Park, opens in Eatontown.
1894 – All gambling is deemed illegal.
1939 – Racetrack gambling is officially re-legalized.
1992 – The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act outlaws sports betting across the US.
2009 – PASPA is formally challenged by the state.
2012 – State legislature enacts the Sport Wagering Act which allows sports wagering at casinos and racetracks. The law’s contradiction to the 1992 PASPA brings about a lengthy legal battle with several sporting governing bodies arguing New Jersey’s new law violated PASPA.
2018 – The Supreme Court takes the case and rules in favour of the state. New Jersey quickly moves to legalize sports gambling.
States Where it is Legal to bet on Sports
States have decided whether to legalize sports betting since 2018, and New Jersey is currently one of 31 states to do so to some degree.
| State | Sports betting legal in person | Sports betting legal online |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | YES | YES |
| Arkansas | YES | YES |
| Colorado | YES | YES |
| Connecticut | YES | YES |
| Delaware | YES | |
| Illinois | YES | YES |
| Indiana | YES | YES |
| Iowa | YES | YES |
| Louisiana | YES | YES |
| Maryland | YES | YES |
| Michigan | YES | YES |
| Mississippi | YES | |
| Montana | YES | YES |
| New Mexico | YES | |
| Nevada | YES | YES |
| North Carolina | YES | |
| North Dakota | YES | |
| New Hampshire | YES | YES |
| New Jersey | YES | YES |
| New York | YES | YES |
| Oregon | YES | YES |
| Pennsylvania | YES | YES |
| Rhode Island | YES | YES |
| South Dakota | YES | |
| Rhode Island | YES | YES |
| Tennessee | YES | |
| Virginia | YES | YES |
| Washington | YES | |
| West Virginia | YES | YES |
| Wisconsin | YES | |
| Wyoming | YES |
New Jersey Sports Betting – FAQs
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Sports betting has been legalized in New Jersey since 2018.
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At the time of writing, there are 23 online sportsbooks in operation.
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DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Borgata Online are, in our eyes, the best sportsbooks available in New Jersey.
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Not sports as such, but punters cannot place bets on any collegiate sport or athletic event that takes place in New Jersey. Nor can they wager on any event a New Jersey college team competes in – even if it takes place outside of the state.
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As it’s right on the doorstep of New York, both the Jets and the Giants are well supported in the state. New Jersey also has the Devils and Islanders in the NHL.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
New Jersey sports bettors have it pretty sweet. The best US bookmakers are available to them, and their state gambling laws are among the most lenient in the country. It’s a state synonymous with gambling, and our guides should help you on your way to mastering the sports betting scene!
References
1 Legal Sports Report. (n.d.). NJ Sports Betting – All 19 New Jersey Sportsbooks In 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.legalsportsreport.com/nj [Accessed 4 Apr. 2023].
2 Wikipedia. (2023). Gambling in New Jersey. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_New_Jersey#Sports_betting [Accessed 4 Apr. 2023].
