The state that was the catalyst for legal sports betting in the US is now home to a thriving wagering market. New Jersey sports betting is absolutely massive, and residents are served by scores of the industry’s top names. It all started in 2018 with the first bet at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport.
Nestled in between two major metro areas in New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey is a fantastic spot to be a sports fan in general. From a betting perspective, you can explore a wide range of options, such as pregame bets on the next New Jersey Devils game or player props for the New York Giants, QB Daniel Jones, and the rest of the NFL slate.
There are plenty of legal and safe ways to get in the game in NJ, and you can be up and running in mere minutes off of your computer or mobile device. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about NJ sports betting.
Best Online Sports Betting Sites in NJ 2021
Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes, you can legally bet in-person or online in New Jersey. NJ was not only the driving force behind the push for legal sports betting in the US but also quick to act after the landmark SCOTUS decision in May 2018. The following month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill into law, and the first legal wager was placed by him soon thereafter.
While things moved quickly in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, it was a long journey to get to that point. The Garden State gave a green light to sports betting back in 2011, but that was followed by years of legal wrangling before the case finally made its way to the High Court. Fast forward to today, and legal sports betting is thriving in NJ. Consumers have a number of different retail and mobile options to explore. It was a long and arduous process to get to this point, but a steady stream of record-breaking numbers shows that the fight was worth it.
Best NJ sports betting apps
Retail betting debuted in June 2018 with sportsbook apps rolling out two months later. The market has grown exponentially since the first wave, and consumers now have plenty of legal betting possibilities right on their iOS or Android devices. Here’s a look at the currently available apps, followed by a closer look at some of the top options.
| Online Sportsbook | Licensed Partner | Year Launched | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook NJ | Resorts Digital | 2018 | $1,050 |
| William Hill Sportsbook NJ | Monmouth Park / Ocean / Tropicana | 2018 | $500 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook NJ | Borgata Casino | 2018 | $600 |
| FanDuel Sportsbook NJ | The Meadowlands | 2018 | $1,000 |
| SugarHouse Sportsbook NJ | Monmouth Park | 2018 | $250 |
| Unibet Sportsbook NJ | Hard Rock Casino | 2019 | $600 |
| PointsBet Sportsbook NJ | The Meadowlands | 2018 | $500 |
| WynnBet Sportsbook NJ | Caesars Interactive | 2020 | $500 |
| 888 Sports NJ | Caesars Interactive | 2018 | $500 |
| Bet365 | Hard Rock Casino | 2019 | $500 |
| Fox Bet Sportsbook NJ | Resorts Digital | 2018 | $500 |
| Borgata Sports | Borgata Casino | 2019 | $100 |
| Resorts | Resorts Digital | 2019 | $250 |
| Golden Nugget Sportsbook NJ | Golden Nugget AC | 2019 | $250 |
| Caesars Sportsbook NJ | Caesars Interactive | 2018 | $310 |
| Hard Rock | Hard Rock Casino | 2019 | $1,000 |
| TheScore Bet | Monmouth Park | 2019 | NA |
| Tipico | Ocean Casino | 2020 | NA |
| TwinSpires | Golden Nugget AC | 2019 | NA |
DraftKings Sportsbook
The first legal app to launch in NJ, DraftKings has built up quite a following in the Garden State. The company gained market access off of a deal with Resorts in Atlantic City, which is also home to a retail DraftKings sportsbook. The app itself is among the slickest in the industry and chock full of features.
William Hill Sportsbook
The UK-based bookmaker has made its presence felt in NJ. The company operates the retail sportsbook at Monmouth Park as well as at Ocean Casino, Caesars, Tropicana, and Harrah’s in Atlantic City. The brand itself was recently acquired by Caesars Entertainment. The mobile app itself is clean and efficient with everything you need just a click or swipe away.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Originally known as playMGM, this mobile app has experienced solid growth since its rebranding. BetMGM joined the market off of a deal with Borgata in Atlantic City, which is also part of the MGM Resorts International family. The BetMGM app features a deep roster of sports to wager on and all of the bet types you could ask for.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel has become the market leader in NJ. The app is very user-friendly and presents everything you need in clear cut fashion. The company’s land-based partner is the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, which is also home to a retail sportsbook bearing the FanDuel name. A FanDuel sportsbook can also be found at Bally’s on the Atlantic City boardwalk.
SugarHouse Sportsbook
SugarHouse was quick to market in NJ in August 2018 off of a previous deal with Golden Nugget AC before switching to Monmouth Park a few months later. It’s a member of the Rush Street Interactive family, the company behind BetRivers and the former SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia. The app itself is clean and user-friendly with a solid rewards program for bettors to join.
Unibet Sportsbook
Unibet is part of global gaming giant Kindred Group. The company is partnered up with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City for NJ market access and Kambi for its US tech and aims to continue growing its presence across the nation. The app is pretty basic, but everything you need is still right at your fingertips.
PointsBet Sportsbook
NJ was the first point of entry for Australia-based PointsBet. The company has since gone from a relative unknown to one that is making a lot of noise in sports betting circles. PointsBet is operating off of the license of the Meadowlands and raised its profile substantially off of a deal with NBC Sports and other strategic partners.
WynnBet Sportsbook
The iconic Wynn Resorts brand isn’t found in Atlantic City, but the sports betting app bearing its name has found a home in the Garden State off of a deal with Caesars. WynnBet was a lot slower to market than its competitors, but it looks like it was time well spent as the end result is a smooth app with lots of features.
How to start betting online in New Jersey
One of the big benefits for aspiring sports bettors in NJ is that they can get started doing so quickly and easily with a whole slew of legal and safe operators. There is no in-person registration requirement, so the entire process can be handled from your computer or phone.
When signing up for a new account, you’ll simply follow the prompts and enter the requested information. Details that you need to provide include:
- Name
- Address
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of social
After you have everything in, you’ll verify that the information you entered is correct and check off some boxes. Assuming everything goes off without a hitch, your new account will be created instantly. If the operator has any trouble verifying your age or identity, then you’ll be asked to provide supporting documentation to get it sorted out.
You don’t have to be a resident to play on NJ sports betting apps, but you do need to be located within state lines when placing bets. Operators verify where you are with the assistance of geolocation tracking software, so bets won’t go through if you’re not within the borders. Other account management functions such as deposits and withdrawals can be completed elsewhere.
As for actually using the sports betting platforms, you’ll find that they’re very user-friendly, but some are naturally better than others. You’ll be able to take care of business simply and efficiently from your computer or device. Things like funding your account and shopping the lines can all be handled easily without the need to take a trek to a retail book.
Sportsbook bonuses and free bet offers
The NJ sports betting market is incredibly competitive with apps accounting for more than 80% of the total handle each month. There are a number of operators who are continually jockeying for position while attempting to attract as many users as possible. To help make that happen, sportsbooks will lean on incentives and promotions for new players who create an account. The majority of offerings will be one of the following.
- Free bets: You get free finds in the form of site credits which you can use to play on site. The free bets aren’t eligible for withdrawal, but any winnings obtained are yours to keep.
- Deposit match: Many shops will match your first deposit on a percentage or dollar-for-dollar basis up to a certain amount. The match is credited to your account and must be played through on site.
- Risk-free bet: After signing up, several books will let you place your first bet in risk-free fashion. The amount of the wager will be capped, but if you lose, you’ll get a credit back for your stake in site credits that are subject to playthrough requirements.
For operators, sign-up offers are a cost of doing business, while consumers benefit by getting some extra bang for the buck for simply trying out their site. The incentives don’t end after signing up as many books dish out a regular array of ongoing promotions such as odds boosts, parlay insurance, and special props.
How NJ sports betting works
The Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees sports betting in NJ. They enforce the rules and regulations, make sure everything is on the up and up, and provide protection for consumers if the need arises. In order to legally play, users must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- 21 years of age or older.
- Not be a member of any self-exclusion lists for wagering.
- Those with a close affiliation to a team or league are prohibited from betting on those sports.
While there’s no residency requirement for playing, geolocation tracking is used to make sure that you are within state lines when placing bets. New players can complete the sign-up process remotely without needing to visit a physical sportsbook property and can then wager via computer or mobile device within state lines.
How licensing works in New Jersey
After the US Supreme Court handed the sports betting question over to states in May 2018, NJ was ready to act and quickly worked toward hammering out the final legislation. It was decided that 14 land-based licenses would be issued, each of which can have three skins attached. The licenses have gone to the state’s physical casinos and racetracks, and there have been plenty of deals for the skins. Many of the skins have gone to top industry names, while others have been snapped up by companies that are still looking to make their mark.
An initial sports wagering license costs $100,000, and the minimum renewal fee will cost at least the same. Additionally, casinos and tracks had to submit a retainer of $250,000 to the Casino Control Fund. Tax rates for the operators work as follows:
- 13% on online revenue
- 8.5% on land-based revenue
- 1.25% for local share tax
Sports betting partnerships in NJ
Pro leagues and teams once kept their distance from sports betting. That’s no longer the case. In fact, partnerships between sportsbooks and league and team partners are on the rise. For example, the NFL has deals in place with Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel as its US sports betting partners.
At the team level, there’s just one club that bears NJ in its title, but that squad has been rather aggressive on the partnership front. The New Jersey Devils have deals in place with:
- Caesars
- William Hill
- FanDuel
- Unibet
- PlayUP
The last entrant on the list hasn’t even launched in NJ yet, but the Australian-owned entity is already making its presence felt in the Garden State. The New York Giants and Jets both play home games in NJ, and they also have various deals in place. The partnership craze for sports betting companies isn’t a phenomenon that’ll be going away anytime soon.
NJ 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. 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
NBA Betting
- New York Knicks
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Brooklyn Nets
MLB Betting
NHL Betting
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Rangers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- New York Islanders
MLS Betting
- New York Red Bulls
- Philadelphia Union
What’s legal and illegal to bet on in NJ?
The sports betting menu in NJ is filled with possibilities. If there’s a big game or event on tap, you’ll be able to wager on it in various ways. This includes things like the Super Bowl, an average NBA game, or a big UFC fight. There’s also a wide range of options with smaller sports such as rugby and table tennis.
Betting on college sports is permitted in the state, but restrictions apply to in-state teams and events taking place in NJ. You can bet on a wide range of NCAAF and NCAAB games, but you won’t be able to bet on local teams such as Rutgers of Seton Hall. If it’s an event taking place in NJ, like part of the March Madness tournament, you won’t be able to bet on those contests.
The good news is that neighboring PA legal sportsbooks have no restrictions on college sports to be found. But you will have to place your bet in Pennsylvania.
Wagering is also prohibited on high school sports or on competitions involving athletes under 18 years of age, but a green light has been given to betting on eSports. You can also bet on ancillary events like the NFL Draft in NJ. Interestingly, neighboring PA blocks wagering on that event.
Can I bet on the US elections in New Jersey?
No, betting on US political elections isn’t allowed, but that’s not unique to NJ. It’s a popular option in overseas markets, but it has been prohibited in all states that have legalized sports betting. There’s a good amount of interest in it from the public and there have been efforts to make it available, but there has been no substantive movement made toward making it happen as of yet.
For NJ specifically, wagering is limited to actual sporting events. That said, grey areas have emerged as wagering on the NFL Draft is allowed and some operators have offered up markets on the Academy Awards. In general, betting on entertainment-related events like reality television or the weather are prohibited.
Futures and prop betting at NJ sportsbooks
Pregame bets like moneyline, spreads, and totals are some of the biggest drivers of action at legal sportsbooks, and also a good part of where the conversation gets centered in betting circles. However, they’re far from the only ways to get in on the action in NJ. Futures and props are two of the other big bet types that bring in lots of business.
A futures bet revolves around a result that won’t be known until a later time. The vast majority of opportunities are based on season-long outcomes, but there are also markets for some of the big individual events. Top options to consider for futures include:
- Super Bowl
- NBA Finals
- World Series
- Stanley Cup
- College Football Playoffs
- March Madness
Other popular markets include the winner of golf’s majors — Masters, etc. — tennis Grand Slams — Wimbledon, etc. — and NASCAR’s Daytona 500. For the team markets, additional options include Over/Unders on team win totals and the winners of individual awards like NFL MVP. You’ll see futures odds released in the offseason with the market staying active from there.
Props open the doors to even more possibilities on games and events. You can drill down into specific aspects of the game or team accomplishments, and even focus on the individual players and how they’ll perform. After you click on the event listing at online and mobile sportsbooks, you’ll find the available props. Options will include things like:
- How many total rushing yards will Daniel Jones have – Over/Under 36.5?
- Will Pavel Zacha record a point – Yes/No?
- Who will have more points plus rebounds – Julius Randle or Kevin Durant?
The more popular the sport, the larger number of props will be available. The same holds true for individual events. As an example, the average NFL game will feature plenty of props, but there will literally be hundreds of different ones to consider for the Super Bowl. As with any other bet type, it pays to shop around and compare offerings and prices for props.
In-game betting
You don’t have to stop betting once the contests you’re interested in get started. In-game betting, or live betting, has exploded in recent years and is now a must-have option for the top sportsbooks. Also known as live betting, it’s wagering in real-time as events play out. The odds move quickly and offerings may vary, but here are some examples of what you’ll see.
- Will the Giants score a TD or FG on this drive – Yes/No?
- How many strikeouts for Jacob deGrom in the first three innings – Over/Under 4.5?
- What will be the result of the Devils power play – Goal/Penalty Kill?
A mobile app is the best way to take advantage of all that live betting has to offer. Once the game gets underway, you can enjoy it where you are and log in on your device to browse for appealing opportunities as the action plays out. It’s a fun and exciting way to wager, but remember to always bet with your head and never over it.
Where to bet on sports in New Jersey
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 the casino hub of 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 where to bet in NJ. All hours subject to change.
Bally’s Casino
A temporary FanDuel betting kiosk opened at Bally’s in late 2020, followed by the full sportsbook launch in March 2021. Bally’s Corporation is the new name of Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which acquired the AC property in 2020.
FanDuel Sportsbook at Bally’s details
- Address: 1900 Pacific Ave.
- Location: Atlantic City, NJ 08401
- Phone: (609) 340-2000
- Hours: M-Th. Noon – 10 p.m.; F: Noon – Midnight; Sat. 10 a.m – Midnight; Sun. 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Amenities: Massive video walls, self-serve beer wall, food and beverage menu.
- Betting: Five betting windows and 20 self-serve kiosks.
- Online and mobile: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Opening date: December 2020
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. It is right next to the original racebook near the casino floor.
BetMGM Sportsbook 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
- Opening date: June 2018
Caesars Atlantic City
William Hill Sportsbook inside Caesars Casino is an expansive ground-floor space that’s just steps off of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Highlights include a huge video wall, plenty of seats, and a self-serve beer wall. It is one of the largest books in the state.
William Hill Sportsbook at Wild Wild West 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
- Opening date: July 2018
Freehold Raceway
Freehold Raceway hosts live harness racing on select dates throughout the year. A Parx Sportsbook made its debut at the venue in September 2020.
Parx Sportsbook at Freehold details
- Address: 130 Park Ave.
- Location: Freehold, NJ 07728
- Phone: (732) 462-3800
- Hours: M-Th: Noon – 10 p.m.; F: Noon – 11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Amenities: Simulcasting, live racing, and the Renaissance Room
- Betting: Teller and kiosk service.
- Opening date: September 2020
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
- Opening date: August 2018
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
- Launch date: January 2019
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
In May 2019, The Book at Harrah’s became the latest entrant into the NJ sports betting market after a temporary space opened in 2018. It has since renamed itself to William Hill Sportsbook at Harrah’s. It’s located in the heart of the casino, and visitors can order from a full food and beverage menu right from their seats.
William Hill Sportsbook at Harrah’s 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
- Opening date: August 2018
The Meadowlands Racetrack
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 the Meadowlands details
- Address: 1 Racetrack Drive
- Location: East Rutherford, NJ
- Phone: 877-689-0662
- Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Amenities: Victory Sports Bar, huge video wall
- Betting: Teller service and self-serve kiosks
- Opening date: July 2018
Monmouth Park Racetrack
The first retail sportsbook in New Jersey opened for business on June 14, 2018, at Monmouth Park. 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
- Opening date: June 2018
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 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, sky seats
- Betting: Teller service and self-serve kiosks
- Opening date: June 2018
Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts Casino 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
- Opening date: August 2018
Tropicana Atlantic City
Tropicana Casino, now under the Caesars umbrella in AC, 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.
William Hill Sportsbook at Tropicana 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
- Opening date: October 2018