New Jersey Sports Betting

The Garden State led the charge in the push for legalized sports betting, and the same still holds true now that a number of states are  up and running. New Jersey has proven to be a fantastic market for legal and regulated sports betting, and numerous operators have set up shop here as a result.

There are some exceptional product offerings out there, all of which feature a wide range of betting markets and a whole slew of bet types.

Think the New Jersey Devils are about to make the next step in their rebuild and make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs next time around? You can place a futures bet on that. Do you like Daniel Jones of the New York Giants to throw for over 300 yards on the next NFL Sunday slate? There’s a good chance you’ll find a prop bet for that.

You have a number of ways to get in the game here in NJ, including via the convenience of mobile devices. It’s really simple to get started, and you’ll have access to a real live NJ sports betting in just minutes.

Best Online Sports Betting Sites in NJ 2020

How sports betting works in New Jersey

In order to bet on sports legally, players must be 21 or older and be physically located in the state at the time they are placing bets. Users can register remotely to play online or via mobile, as there’s no in-person requirement.

However, the operators do have to verify that you are where you say you are. To do that, they use what’s known as geolocation tracking. This is a piece of software that runs in the background after an initial download that helps to verify your location.  

You can manage your account elsewhere, such as checking on your balance in PA or viewing the latest lines in NY, but you must be back in New Jersey to actually place your bets.

Last but not least, those affiliated with a sport in a professional capacity can’t bet on their own sport. This includes coaches, players, referees or any other employee who may have a conflict of interest.

What are the sports betting restrictions in New Jersey?

 There’s a wide range of betting options available, but also some restrictions to keep in mind. You’re not allowed to bet on high school sports in the state, or place a bet on any college competitions that take place in NJ.

You also can’t bet on any college sporting events involving New Jersey teams regardless of where the game is being played. As a contrast, neighboring Pennsylvania is much less restrictive for betting on college sports, but NJ lets you bet on player drafts for the NFL and NBA while PA does not.

NJ has also given a green light to betting on esports, and many operators have offered markets for the Academy Awards. For future entertainment-related bet offerings, we’ll have to wait and see.

New Jersey sports teams to bet on

While there’s only one pro team that officially makes its home in the state, two NFL teams play their home games in the Garden State, as does an MLS team. First up, here’s what you can bet on for the team that bears the NJ name.

New Jersey Devils

• Bet on all Devils games.
• Futures and props for New Jersey and all NHL
• Live betting on all NHL games.

We’re smack in the middle of two major metro areas, both of which serve as the official home cities for several pro teams. You’ll have access to all of the betting markets you need for each of them. Here are the squads with huge followings here in New Jersey.

NFL Betting

• New York Giants
• New York Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles

NBA

• New York Knicks
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Brooklyn Nets

MLB

• New York Yankees
• New York Mets
• Philadelphia Phillies

NHL

• New York Rangers
• Philadelphia Flyers
• New York Islanders

MLS

• New York Red Bulls
• Philadelphia Union

NCAA betting restrictions

As for college football and basketball, there are some restrictions you need to know. You won’t be able to bet on college games that take place in New Jersey, nor can you bet on any of the home teams regardless of where the game is held.

That means you’re out of luck for betting on things such as Seton Hall basketball or Rutgers football, but the good news is that neighboring PA has legalized sports betting with no restrictions on college sports to be found. You will have to place your bet in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, the teams from nearby states are fair game, so you can bet on things like Penn State football or St. John’s basketball. Beyond the team sports, you’ll also have access to the big individual events such as golf, tennis, NASCAR and UFC.

The majority of operators also go above and beyond with other niche markets, including sports such as cricket and rugby. Add it all up, and there will always be events to bet on at legal and regulated sportsbooks here in NJ.

Futures and prop betting in New Jersey

Betting on the winners of the games and various events provides you with plenty of options to consider, but there’s much more to the wagering menu. Futures and props are two of the other big ways to get involved, and options abound on those fronts, too.

For props, you can generally find the current offerings by clicking through on the individual contest listing. From there, you’ll find a number of choices, most of which fall into one of three categories.

Player props

• How many strikeouts will Gerrit Cole record — over/under 7.5?
• Total combined yards for Saquon Barkley — over/under 114.5?
• Will Mika Zibanejad have a goal and an assist — yes/no?

Team props

• How many rushing yards will Alabama have — over/under 199.5?
• Total points scored for Villanova — over/under 59.5?
• Will the Red Bulls score two or more goals — yes/no?

Game Props

• Will there be a defensive score in Eagles vs. Cowboys — yes/no?
• Will the Flyers and Penguins go to a shootout — yes/no?
• Total combined runs, hits and errors for Phillies vs. Mets — over/under 19.5?

Props are a great way to get additional action on the games you are interested in betting on, and they can even provide rooting interest for primetime games you might not be too keen on to begin with.

On the futures front, there are a number of very active markets that see action on a year-round basis. In this category are the championships for the various leagues, as well as the major tournaments in other sports.

• NFL Super Bowl
• NBA Finals
• MLB World Series
• NHL Stanley Cup
• College Football Playoff
• March Madness
• Masters
• PGA Championship
• US Open (golf)
• The Open Championship
• Wimbledon
• US Open (tennis)
• Australian Open
• French Open

Beyond the title winners, there are several other ways to get involved with futures, including:

• Over/under on team regular season win totals.
• Division, conference and league winners.
• Teams to make or not make playoffs.
• Individual player award winners.
• Over/under on statistical accomplishments.

For the latter list, there will be certain wager types that see lots of betting action, such as the win total on an NFL preseason darling, or the NL Cy Young chances for a local favorite. As a general rule, the more popular the sport, the more active the futures market will be.

Bet types available in NJ

When it comes time to bet on the games, the big three bet types will see plenty of action. Here’s a quick look at the top options on the menu.

• Moneyline: A simple bet in which you just pick the winner of the game. You’ll generally see negative odds for favorites and positive numbers for dogs, while a close span between the odds points to a potentially tight game.
• Point spread: Oddsmakers attach additional points to the contest, and you then choose the direction you want to go — favorite minus the points or the underdog plus the number.
• Totals: Sportsbooks also set the bar with an estimated total score for the game, and bettors then get to decide where the number will ultimately fall — over or under the set total. 

While each of these bet types is active, there’s plenty more to see on the menu. In addition to the props and futures we already touched on, there are a couple of other major ways to bet that are worthy of your attention.

Live betting in New Jersey

These are bets that you can place after a contest has already started. The market moves in real time, so it’s quite fast. Offerings will vary based on what’s going on, but you’ll find some similarities to prop bets, as well as additional chances to wager on the outcome of the contest.

Parlays, round robins and teasers

These are the sports betting equivalent of horse racing’s exotic wagers. You’ll be choosing multiple outcomes on a single slip, so it’s high-risk, high-reward.

• Parlays: Two or more outcomes on a single slip
• Round robins: Multiple combos on one betting ticket.
• Teasers: Move the spread on selected games by a designated amount.

No matter which sport you want to bet on, you’ll find that there are plenty of betting opportunities for you to choose from.

Comparing NJ odds vs. PA vs. Vegas

For decades, the lines out of Las Vegas served as the final word for the sports betting marketplace. These days, that’s not necessarily the case. The odds you’ll find in NJ are right in line with the consensus out in Sin City.

To demonstrate, let’s take a look at the listing for a matchup from Week 1 of the NFL regular season. Here’s how DraftKings in NJ, FanDuel in PA and Golden Nugget in Vegas sees the game shaking out.

First, let’s compare the spread.

Team	NJ Spread	PA Spread	Vegas Spread
New York Jets	+6.5 (-110)	+6 (+110)	O 40.5 (-110)
Buffalo Bills	-6.5 (-110)	-6 (-110)	U 40.5 (-110)

Now we compare the moneyline across all three states

Team	NJ Moneyline	PA Moneyline	Vegas Moneyline
New York Jets	+225	+220	+220
Buffalo Bills	-278	-270	-300

For the final word, this is what the Over/Under looked like.

Team	NJ Over/Under	PA Over/Under	Vegas Over/Under
New York Jets	O 40.5 (-110)	O 40 (-110)	O 40 (-110)
Buffalo Bills	U 40.5 (-110)	U 40 (-110)	U 40 (-110)

As you can see, the New Jersey’s odds are on point with the general market feelings on the game. There’s a half-tick of difference on the spread and totals, but the gap could narrow in advance of kickoff. As for the moneyline, DraftKings NJ offered a better price on the underdog Jets than what you’ll find elsewhere.

Best NJ Sports Betting Apps for 2020

It has been a veritable gold rush for operators since sports betting was given the official green light in the state. A number of big players were quick to market, many more have followed and there are still several with plans in the works to enter the Garden State.

All of the competition has been a boon for users in a number of ways. Beyond the choices of places to play, the competitive marketplace means that operators have to stay on their toes with competitive lines and top-notch offerings.

A number of companies have been turning the trick without issue, and you can be up and running online in no time. Let’s take a look at what users can expect from the top mobile sports betting apps here in New Jersey.

1. DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook debuted as the first legal online and mobile option for bettors in NJ. The company gained access to the market via a deal with Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, which also serves as the home of a retail DraftKings book.

The combination of a head start and a fantastic product offering has led DraftKings to become one of the state’s market leaders. The app is available for iOS and Android, and it has become a go-to destination for many bettors.

The DraftKings platform is among the tops that you’ll find. It’s slick and functional while also being chock full of features, including a smooth approach to live betting. The company also is more than generous with its promotional offerings for new and existing users.

Daily fantasy sports players are well aware of what DraftKings brings to the table, and the company has managed to hit the right notes in sports betting, as well. There are plenty of reasons why the online and mobile platforms have risen to the top of the charts in all markets entered to date, so you’ll find lots to get excited about.

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2. FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel was a driving force behind the explosive growth of the DFS industry. The company is now doing the same with sports betting, and it has become one of the top brands here in the Garden State.

The company opened one of the first retail sportsbooks in the state at the Meadowlands with the online and mobile rollout following in September 2018. Since that point, FanDuel has been among those leading the pack.

The platform is visually appealing and a breeze to use. Everything you need is right at your fingertips, and it seems as if there’s always some kind of enticing promo going on. The bet slip function is clean and simple for both online and mobile, and it can be minimized and restored without any annoying hang-ups getting in the way.

FanDuel continues to be a recognized leader in DFS, and we can now say the same about the company when it comes to sports betting. The wagering market is a competitive one, but FanDuel has managed to separate itself and become one of the top places to play. That hasn’t happened by accident, so FanDuel is more than worthy of your attention.

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3. FOX Bet Sportsbook

In May 2019, a landmark announcement had some ripple effects across the betting industry. Media giant Fox and gambling titan The Stars Group announced that a tag-team effort was in the works.

That led to Fox Bet, which went live in New Jersey at the end of August 2019. This is much more than an offering with a fancy name and plenty of media attention.

Fox Bet is the real deal, and there’s lots for bettors of all experience levels to look forward to.

The app is available for iOS and Android users. As you would expect, Fox Sports programming receives plenty of attention. A number of regular tie-in promotions featuring network personalities appear on a regular basis.

The Stars Group knows a thing or two about doing gambling right, and you can rest assured that it translates into this offering. You’ll be able to get down to business quickly with all of the markets and bet types you could ask for. Fox Bet is positioned to make some serious noise, so take the time to check it out.

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4. PointsBet Sportsbook

Australia-based PointsBet made its debut in the US market with its launch in NJ in January 2019. Unlike other companies that rushed to enter the state, the sole focus of PointsBet is on sports betting.

That’s clearly shown in its offerings. PointsBet is geared to the sports bettor and offers up numerous ongoing promotions. The odds and lines are among the best in the industry, and the innovative PointsBetting feature provides even more ways to get in the game.

You can use PointsBet on both iOS and Android devices, and the desktop site works like a charm as well. There are plenty of funding options, a wide range of markets to choose from, and a simple-to-use bet slip on which you can add and delete items with ease.

PointsBet is among the many companies that have big plans for sports betting market share in the US. The company’s entry into New Jersey has demonstrated that it’s fully up to the task.

The name may not be as well-known as others on our shores, but don’t let that make you shy away. PointsBet is a top-notch operator that is all about the user experience.

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5. Unibet Sportsbook

 

On Sept. 10, 2019, Unibet became the latest sportsbook to join in on the mobile and online fun in NJ. Part of the Kindred Group, a global gambling operator with a presence in multiple countries, Unibet gained access to the market via a deal with Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City.

The Unibet offering is a basic one. The platform is clean and smooth, but there’s not a whole lot of pomp and circumstance going on. If that doesn’t matter to you, then Unibet works just fine as a place to dive in and place some bets.

For those who like more of a visually appealing experience that’s chock full of features, then Unibet may not be your top choice. That said, Unibet does offer a live betting experience that’s rather solid.

It’s a featured offering on the platform, so you’ll always be able to locate what’s happening at the present time right away. New Jersey was Unibet’s first entry into the US, and the company has since expanded elsewhere with plans to keep on growing. You can use the app on iOS and Android devices.

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6. Caesars Sportsbook

The Caesars brand needs no introduction. This is a big player in the retail and casino world that’s naturally aiming to do the same with sports betting. The company offers one of the best rewards programs in gambling, and sports bettors are eligible to participate.

In a nutshell, you earn points based on your betting volume. The program works in tiers, so you can move up and accumulate points that are then redeemable for goodies.

As for the betting experience on Caesars, it’s a solid one.

All of the top markets are represented, and the app itself is smooth and functional. It’s not exactly at the head of the class in terms of eye appeal, but you’ll be able to take care of business without issue.

Caesars offers a wide range of funding options and support options, including live chat, and you can access the casino and sportsbook from the same spot. That’s a huge plus for those looking to do both, but even those who are only there for sports betting will have a pleasant time.

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7. BetMGM Sportsbook

Originally launched as playMGM in August 2018, there has since been a rebranding to the current name. BetMGM features a solid platform that offers all of the markets you could ask for, but navigation is somewhat lacking in comparison to the competition.

Once you get used to the layout, getting around becomes less of an issue. You can perform all of the same functions on mobile as you can on desktop, ranging from funding your account to placing wagers and all points in between.

A big selling point for BetMGM is that it offers a solid selection of ongoing promotional offerings, including odds boosts and the chance to earn free bets. The company also goes deep into the bench with niche offerings, including markets for darts and snooker.

This is the sports betting arm for a trusted brand name in gambling, and it’s one that also has really big plans with sports betting. BetMGM is a solid option to consider. While other apps may have a little more flash and pizzazz, don’t take that to mean that it doesn’t check off all of the boxes that really matter for bettors.

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Sportsbook bonuses and promo offers

As sportsbook operators compete to earn your business, they’re all looking for ways to grab your attention. That means that there are some awesome incentives and ongoing promotions that are there for the taking.

Let’s start with the former and take a look at some examples of the top promo and free bet offerings here in New Jersey.

• DraftKings: Profit boosts and pregame protection.
• FanDuel: Parlay insurance and win bonuses.
• Fox Bet: TV host promos and odds boosts.
• PointsBet: No juice spreads and win insurance.
• BetMGM: Free bets and parlays boosts.

This is just a handful of the opportunities that you can find online or via app for each of the above operators.

In addition, each of them is offering outstanding sign-up bonuses for readers who sign up for an account via our exclusive links. We’re talking things like free or risk-free bets, deposit matches and bonus cash.

It takes just mere minutes to sign up for an account for each of these books, and you can take advantage of as many promo offers as you’d like to boot.

How licensing works in New Jersey

The sports betting landscape here in the US changed in May 2018 when the Supreme Court of the United States handed the decision off to the states. New Jersey was one of the first to act, with legal bets placed in the state the following month.

Since that time, numerous online, mobile and retail outlets have opened their doors to welcome consumers with open arms. Operators face an initial licensing fee of $100,000, while gross online revenue is taxed at 13.5%.

Retail outlets get a bit of a break with an 8.5% tax rate on gross revenue, and there’s also a 1.25% local share tax for all operators to contend with. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees everything, just like it does with the state’s casino and horse racing industries.

In-person betting at retail sportsbooks

If you’re looking to visit a retail sportsbook in NJ, you have a number of options to consider. While most of them can be found in Atlantic City, there are two other spots to place bets in person — one in the central part of the state and the other up north. Here’s what you need to know about the retail sportsbooks in the Garden State.

The Meadowlands

A retail FanDuel Sportsbook opened its doors in July 2018 and quickly became a hot destination, not only for NJ sports bettors, but also for patrons from neighboring New York. The popular venue is a stellar spot to hang out and watch the games.

FanDuel Sportsbook at Meadowlands details

• Address: 1 Racetrack Drive
• Location: East Rutherford, NJ
• Phone: 877-689-0662
• Hours: Seven days: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Amenities: Victory Sports Bar, huge video wall
• Betting: Teller service and self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: FanDuel Sportsbook
• Launch date: September 2018

Monmouth Park

The first retail sportsbook in New Jersey opened for business on June 14, 2018, at Monmouth Park race track. William Hill handles the sports betting end of things with a dedicated space that’s located right next to the grandstand.

William Hill Sportsbook at Monmouth Park details

• Address: 175 Oceanport Ave.
• Location: Oceanport, NJ
• Phone: 732-222-5100
• Hours: Seven days: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Amenities: On-site sports bar and 75-foot video wall
• Betting: Teller service and self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: William Hill Sportsbook
• Launch date: September 2018

Borgata Hotel & Casino

The world famous Borgata began accepting bets in its temporary sports betting digs in June 2018. The permanent book opened the following year to rave reviews and features a huge LED video wall and sports bar.

Race and Sports Betting at Borgata details

• Address: 1 Borgata Way
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ
• Phone: 609-317-1000
• Hours: M-F: 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat/Sun: 9 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Video wall, sports bar featuring craft beers and bar bites
• Betting: Window service and self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: Borgata Sports
• Launch date: May 2019

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

The Golden Nugget opened up a temporary onsite sportsbook in August 2018. The permanent spot was completed and opened shortly thereafter. It’s a lounge-type venue that provides easy access to the rest of the casino floor.

The Sportsbook at Golden Nugget Casino details

• Address: 600 Huron Ave.
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Phone: 609-441-2000
• Hours: Open 24 hours
• Amenities: Lounge-style seating and huge video walls
• Betting: Self-serve betting kiosks
• Online and mobile: Golden Nugget Sports
• Launch date: February 2019

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City

In May 2019, The Book at Harrah’s became the latest entrant into the NJ retail sports betting market. It’s located in the heart of the casino, and visitors can order from a full food and beverage menu right from their seats.

The BOOK | Harrah’s Sportsbook details

• Address: 777 Harrah’s Blvd.
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Phone: 609-441-5000
• Hours: Seven days 11 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Comfortable leather chairs and huge wall of TVs
• Betting: Window service but no kiosks
• Online and mobile: Caesars Sportsbook
• Launch date: September 2018

Tropicana Atlantic City

Tropicana also got started with sports betting in a temporary spot, but a full William Hill sportsbook opened up in March 2019. It’s located on the North Tower casino floor right next to several dining options.

Tropicana Sportsbook details

• Address: 2831 Boardwalk
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ 0841
• Phone: 609-340-4000
• Hours: M-F: 10 a.m.-midnight, Sat/Sun: 9 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Massive panoramic LED screens and huge odds board
• Betting: Betting tellers and self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: William Hill
• Launch date: September 2018

Caesars Atlantic City

The sportsbook for Caesars can be found on the ground floor at adjacent property Bally’s, which was recently sold to Twin River Worldwide Holdings. Caesars will retain control of the book, which is a huge space with numerous seating options.

Caesars Atlantic City Sportsbook details

• Address: 2100 Pacific Ave.
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Phone: 609-348-4411
• Hours: Seven days, 11 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Reservable fan caves and massive video wall
• Betting: Window tellers and self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: Caesars Sportsbook
• Launch date: September 2018

Resorts Casino Hotel

Resorts is home to a physical DraftKings sportsbook. It’s located toward the back of the casino floor near the boardwalk. There’s an on-site bar, as well as numerous other dining options that are just steps away.

DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts details

• Address: 1133 Boardwalk
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Phone: 609-340-6300
• Hours: 12 p.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Video wall, bar and VIP area
• Betting: Self-serve kiosks and betting tellers
• Online and mobile: DraftKings
• Launch date: January 2019

Hard Rock Hotel Casino

The Hard Rock followed a similar plan to other casinos in Atlantic City. A temporary sportsbook opened quickly, followed by the permanent digs in March 2019. The site features a video wall and full-service bar for you to kick back and watch the games.

Hard Rock Sportsbook details

• Address: 1000 Boardwalk
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Phone: 609-449-1000
• Hours: Seven days, noon-10 p.m.
• Amenities: Full-service bar with video poker slots
• Betting: Teller service and self-serve kiosks, located at back of the casino floor
• Online and mobile: Hard Rock AC
• Launch date: January 2019

Ocean Casino Resort

At the tail end of June 2018, Ocean Casino Resort opened the doors to the third retail sportsbook in NJ. Operated by William Hill, it’s smack dab in the middle of the action, with a bar and numerous viewing options to keep you entertained.

William Hill Sports Book at Ocean Resort Casino details

• Address: 500 Boardwalk
• Location: Atlantic City, NJ 08401
• Phone: 609-783-8000
• Hours: Seven days, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Amenities: On site bar, video wall, center of casino
• Betting: Teller service and self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: William Hill
• Launch date: September 2018

NJ sports betting status

New Jersey has certainly come a long way since launching sports betting in June 2018. Since Gov. Phil Murphy placed the first wagers at Monmouth Park, sports betting has exploded in the Garden State.

In fact, the latest revenue figures from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement reveal that sports-related wagering in New Jersey generated just shy of $100 million in revenue for the month of August alone. With so much interest from all sides, New Jersey residents suddenly find themselves with a wealth of land-based and online options for betting sports.