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.
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 live NJ online sports betting in just minutes.
NJ Betting Apps: DraftKings > BetMGM > PointsBet > FanDuel > See All
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond the title winners, there are several other ways to get involved with futures, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No matter which sport you want to bet on, you’ll find that there are plenty of betting opportunities for you to choose from.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law on June 11, 2018, giving licensed operators the green light to begin accepting sports wagers. A number of sportsbooks and mobile apps have debuted in the Garden State since then including DraftKings and BetMGM.
Yes. Bettors can register and deposit funds online without visiting a physical sportsbook. In-person registration won’t be required unless a bet of more than $10,000 is made.
Yes. Online sports betting in New Jersey launched when DraftKings went live with its real-money sports betting app. So far, over seven others have followed.
New Jersey residents will be able to place single-game bets on all professional games, and all college sports games EXCEPT those that include teams located in New Jersey. This includes local Rutgers college athletics events and events involving Yale.
Yes, NJ online sportsbooks offer super bowl odds.
No. The legal and regulated sports betting market in NJ has a vast menu of betting options, but US political elections aren’t among the choices. The Garden State has allowed betting on entertainment-related options such as the Academy Awards in the past, but there has been no movement on politics betting as of yet.
Federal law states that unregulated sports books are illegal and anyone placing or accepting bets through such practices in the United States are subject to prosecution. However, there has yet to be a known instance of such a crime being carried out in a court.
That said, with so many excellent legal options available, why take the chance?