Last updated: January 12, 2024
After NJ lawmakers displaced Nevada’s monopoly on legal sports betting in 2018, it didn’t take long for online sports betting platforms to expand their operations. Governor Murphy’s historic signature kickstarted the legalization of online sports betting just a month later in July of 2018.
Still, not every legal sports betting site promises the same value for your hard-earned cash. Our team did the research to find sites that soar above the competition with lucrative sports betting markets, plenty of free bonus bets, 24/7 customer support, and outstanding mobile compatibility.
We’ve outlined the best promotions you can enjoy right now, and we reviewed the four best NJ sports betting sites in 2024. Then, we dove deep to discuss the history of legal sports betting in New Jersey & covered all the background information you need to know before getting started.
You can take advantage of free bonus bets with your first cash deposit at legal NJ sportsbooks.
BetMGM: Place sports bets with confidence at BetMGM when you deposit $10 or more. If your first wager loses, you’ll get a max of $1,500 in bonus bets.
FanDuel: FanDuel’s latest promotion appeals to human nature by giving you something for (almost) nothing. When you bet $5 or more, you’ll get $150 in bonus bets if your team wins.
BetRivers: BetRivers is giving New Jersey sports bettors a second chance at redemption if their first wager loses. Claim up to $250 in bonus bets when you deposit and spend $10 or more.
Borgata: Place your first wager of $20 or more and get $100 in free bonus bets regardless of the outcome. Your free bonus bets are separated into ten $10 bets, so it’s time to get busy.
Yes, online sports betting is completely legal in New Jersey. Governor Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111 on June 11, 2018 – this legalized sports betting in the state of New Jersey, giving them the authority to seek approval for online sports betting after 30 days.
Online and mobile sports betting platforms launched in New Jersey shortly after in July of 2018.
You must be 21+ years old and physically located in the state of New Jersey to bet on sports in New Jersey. Residents of other states can bet on NJ sports so long as they are currently within the state’s geographical borders, and your location is detected when you sign up for an account.
There are 16+ legal online sportsbooks available in New Jersey (with even more on the way).
Caesars Sportsbook (now known as Tropicana), BetMGM, DraftKings, Bet365, SuperBook, Tipico, Betrivers, FanDuel, Betway, Borgata, Unibet, Pointsbet, ESPN BET, betPARX, Hard Rock & Golden Nugget offer fully legal sports betting for New Jersey visitors and residents!
You can bet on all major sports and leagues at NJ sportsbooks – from NFL and NHL games to hockey and water polo, you’ll never have a shortage of options. However, New Jersey sports betting sites don’t offer coverage for any college sports teams (sorry, Rutgers fans) from the state.
Pros
Cons
>> Spend $10+ and get up to $1,500 in bonus bets – Claim Now! <<
BetMGM opened their doors to New Jersey players in September of 2019, making them almost a year late to the action. Nonetheless, they’ve emerged at the top of the pack with a lion’s roar. New Jersey players can enjoy 749+ casino games, 22+ sports categories, and 6+ poker rooms.
Unlike most NJ sportsbooks, BetMGM has three separate downloadable apps for casino, poker and sports bettors. When you sign up today and wager $10 or more, you’ll get up to $1,500 as a “bet safety net” – in other words, even if you lose, you’re still winning with a second chance.
Finally, BetMGM promises some of the industry’s quickest payouts through multiple e-wallets.
If you want to learn more, take a peek at our detailed BetMGM review.
Pros
Cons
>> Bet $5 and get $150 in free bets if your team wins<<
FanDuel might have 19+ major sports categories on lock with competitive markets and popular same-game parlays, but they’re best known as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting platform. Far beyond hosting fantasy football, they go the extra mile to host 7 fantasy sports categories.
Pick your favorite players, manage your team through a fast-paced virtual season, and win real money if your predictions turn out to be correct. You can play fantasy baseball, football, hockey, soccer, golf, basketball, and even fantasy NASCAR.
Bet just $5 on the money line and score $150 in free bonus bets if your team wins the game.
Read our in-depth FanDuel review to learn more about the ins & outs of fantasy sports betting.
Pros
Cons
>> Score up to $250 in second-chance bets <<
BetRivers isn’t as popular as BetMGM or FanDuel, but they’re building their reputation & separating their brand from the competition with an immersive rewards program. Loyal players will earn points with every wager, and they run weekly promotions for active sports bettors.
As you move up the 11 tiers of their iRush Rewards program, you’ll unlock access to better and better perks. Claim special promotions, luxury gifts, personal account management, and more. If you accumulate enough bonus points, you can exchange them for free bets & casino tokens.
You’ll also have 20+ popular sports in NJ to choose from, with soccer and football being their most sought-after categories.
Read all the juicy details in our comprehensive BetRivers review.
Pros
Cons
Borgata went live back in 2018, and they’re held to a high standard under the glossy BetMGM umbrella. They process and deliver your payouts through Play+, VISA, MasterCard & PayPal in 24 to 48 hours. Most online sportsbooks in New Jersey hold your winnings for 3 to 4 days.
Aside from promising the industry’s fastest transaction speeds, Borgata keeps seasoned bettors satisfied with odds and free live streaming for 20+ popular sports. When you sign up and bet a total of $20+, you’ll get ten $10 bonus bets. It doesn’t matter if your first wager wins or not!
If you’re interested in learning more about Borgata Sports, follow us over to this in-depth review.
To understand the legalization of sports betting in New Jersey (and the rest of America, for that matter), let’s take a step back in time to 1992. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA) instituted a federal ban on sports betting while making Nevada the only legal state.
After former governor Chris Christie took office in 2010, he made the repeal of PAPSA his first order of business. Christie worked closely with former NJ senator Raymond Lesniak to advocate for NJ residents’ right to gamble.
At the time, Americans were spending upwards of $140 billion per year on illegal sportsbooks.
In 2016, New Jersey officials decided to throw a Hail Mary pass by springing for a review of PAPSA by the US Supreme Court, and PAPSA was finally overturned on May 14, 2018.
This set the ball in motion for New Jersey’s sportsbooks to go live after Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111 into law on June 11, 2018. Assembly Bill 4111 allowed sports bets to be placed at New Jersey casinos and racetracks with a built-in provision for online betting!
Six years later, the legal sports betting industry is booming! 16+ regulated online sportsbooks, nine Atlantic City casinos, and three race tracks offer sports wagering for pro-league teams & college sports teams. The remainder of NJ sports betting history is in the making as we speak.
New Jersey bettors, listen up: before you start gambling with NJ online sports betting sites, take a look at these important rules. We’ve broken down all the legal jargon into bite-sized chunks.
In order to legally enjoy sports wagering in New Jersey, you need to be located within the state’s borders. Notably, you don’t have to be a resident – for example, if you’re driving in from Staten Island, you can wager on sports the moment you cross the Goethals, Bayonne, or Outerbridge.
Still, NJ online sports betting apps use geo-location software to determine your location before allowing you to create a new account. In accordance with NJ sports betting law, you can’t use a VPN or proxy server to manipulate your current location: they will know, and you’ll get in trouble.
Brick-and-mortar sports betting is completely legal in New Jersey. Eleven retail sportsbooks give you the opportunity to place bets in-person provided you’re 21+ years old. The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates sports wagering (online, mobile, or land-based) in New Jersey.
Uncle Sam takes his cut of everything, and that includes NJ sports betting (after all, it wouldn’t be legal if they couldn’t tax you on it). All jokes aside, New Jersey bettors will receive a WG-2 form if they win 300x their bet, starting at $600 for a $2 stake. This includes horse racing wins.
You can expect to pay a 24% federal tax and 3% state tax on your winnings, but look on the bright side — New Jersey bettors who keep records of their betting losses have a tax write-off.
You must be 21+ years of age to enjoy legal sports wagering in New Jersey. This age restriction applies to brick-and-mortar casinos, retail sportsbooks, and NJ online sportsbooks all the same. All forms of gambling (with the exception of horse racing and lotteries) are limited to 21 or older.
College sports betting is legal in the state of New Jersey with one notable exception. You can’t wager on college games that involve New Jersey teams. For example, you won’t find any odds for Rutgers’ Scarlet Knights, Seton Hall Pirates, or Princeton Tigers at legal NJ sportsbooks.
As mentioned, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement monitors and regulates legal sports betting platforms in the state. This extends to all online sportsbooks, and “offshore” sites are illegal to use. Make sure you’re using any of the 16 legal sports betting sites in New Jersey.
The NJ online sports betting market is thriving, but in the spirit of objectivity, we created a list of pros & cons you should consider.
Pros
Cons
If you’re ready to dive into the NJ sports betting market, follow our step-by-step guide for new sign-ups. We’ve simplified the registration process, so you have no excuse not to get started.
If you’re ready to hit the ground running, here’s a quick overview of the notable sports teams in New Jersey. We’ve got the inside scoop for NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB enthusiasts right here.
Notable Teams: New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens
Surprisingly enough, New Jersey doesn’t have any of their own major NFL teams. Still, the New York Jets and New York Giants have set up base in the Garden State. The Philadelphia Eagles are a bit further south, but they’ll sometimes take a trip up to Metlife or the Prudential Center.
When you sign up with FanDuel and bet $5 on the moneyline, you’ll get $150 if your team wins. The best NFL betting sites are pumping out generous promotions all season long, so keep your eyes peeled! From time to time, sportsbooks will launch bonuses for certain players or teams.
Click here for the best NFL sportsbooks
Get the best NFL bonuses and promo codes here
Notable Teams: New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets
Similar to their story with the NFL, New Jersey isn’t home to any professional basketball teams of their own. However, Madison Square Garden is just a short drive through the Holland Tunnel. It’s no surprise that betting on the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets is common fare in NJ.
BetMGM is giving back up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses. Put your money on Jalen Brunson to score 30+ points (don’t worry, he’s averaging 25.6 PPG) and put your faith in the Nets and Knicks to win simultaneously. These are just a few of the promos you can expect!
Click here for the best NBA sportsbooks
Get the best NBA bonuses and promo codes here
Notable Teams: New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers
New Jersey is putting one on the board with NHL odds for the Devils, but other local NHL teams include the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. During the winter season, New Jersey bettors will enjoy competitive odds and money lines for 82 games leading into the Stanley Cup.
Betrivers will give you $250 in second-chance bets if your first NHL wager goes belly-up, so you can feel free to put your faith in the NY Rangers and lose it all with no risk (just kidding).
Click here for the best NHL sportsbooks
Get the best NHL bonuses and promo codes here
Notable Teams: New York Mets, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies
MLB betting doesn’t have quite the same NJ sports betting handle as NFL or NHL wagering, but New Jersey sportsbooks feature ample odds for baseball lovers. Put on your game face as you create parlays or jump on the bandwagon with other NJ bettors’ parlays at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Wager on the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, or Baltimore Orioles at Borgata with a crisp, $20 bill and score $100 in guaranteed bonus bets regardless of the final outcome. Win or lose, you’re getting ten (10) $10 bonus bets to use on upcoming MLB games.
Click here for the best MLB sportsbooks
Get the best MLB bonuses and promo codes here
New Jersey only has three online sports betting options, and Betly is the clear top choice. While bettors won’t be blown away by the key features of the site, it is extremely user-friendly and covers all of the major sports.
Their current welcome offer is a $250 bonus bet and is a good starting point to get into New Jersey sports betting. No promo code is required.
Live betting is the best thing Betly has going for it at the moment, but we are hopeful that features like early cash out and live streaming will become available. Betly is now available in New Jersey, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Online New Jersey sportsbooks are here to kickstart the accounts of new Natural State bettors. Here are the best New Jersey sportsbook bonuses and promo codes in 2023:
Betly Sportsbook – $250 Bonus Bet: Sign up with Betly Sportsbook to activate a $250 bonus bet. If the bet loses, Betly returns the full stake in the form of a bonus bet, up to $250.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
New Jersey may not feature any of the major players in the U.S. online sports betting market, but one operator stands out among its peers. Also live in West Virginia, Tennessee, and Ohio (as MVGBet), Betly is our pick for the top New Jersey sports betting site and features an easy-to-use mobile sportsbook app.
With just three online sportsbooks, options are limited in New Jersey. Here’s how the legal landscape looks in 2023:
With just three online and retail New Jersey sportsbooks, AR bettors’ choices are limited. However, the state’s proposed sports betting legislation calls for up to six online operators.
You can currently place a legal wager in New Jersey at the following sports betting locations:
Online sportsbook
Mobile app
Odds provider
Online casino
Retail partner
BetSaracen
Yes
IGT
No
Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort
BetSaracen
Yes
IGT
No
Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort
BetSaracen
Yes
IGT
No
Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort
Online sportsbook
Mobile app
Odds provider
Online casino
Retail partner
BetSaracen
Yes
IGT
No
Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort
BetSaracen
Yes
IGT
No
Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort
BetSaracen
Yes
IGT
No
Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort
New Jersey has seen a steady year-over-year increase in betting handle since accepting its first legal wager in July 2019. The addition of mobile betting in 2022 should propel the state’s monthly betting handle into eight figures.
Stay updated as we monitor the sports betting revenue in every authorized U.S. market, providing monthly reports on both the handle and hold.
Yearly breakdown
Total handle
Revenue
Hold percentage
Tax revenue
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
To place a legal sports wager in New Jersey, you’ll need to register with one of three licensed New Jersey sports betting sites or visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook in one of the state’s three casinos.
New Jersey sportsbooks default to American odds when displaying betting odds. Favorites are accompanied by a minus (-) sign. The following number indicates the amount you’ll have the wager to generate $100 in profit. For example, -375 odds tell you a $375 wager is required if you’re hoping to win $100. Underdogs are shown with a plus (+) sign and represent the amount to be won when placing a $100 bet. For example, +600 odds represent the $600 you would stand to win should your $100 bet prove successful. Wagers on underdogs will set you up for a larger payday. It’s up to you to determine if the inherent risk is worth the reward. Our odds converter lets you view odds in other formats, such as fractional and decimal odds.
You must be 21 years of age to partake in legal New Jersey sports betting. Wagers can be placed in person at one of the state’s three casinos or online with three New Jersey betting sites.
Here’s everything you need to know about placing sports betting in AR:
New Jersey launched mobile sports betting in March 2022. Currently, three online sportsbooks and three retail sportsbooks are available to bettors.
While most events are fair game in New Jersey, some bet types are not permitted in the Natural State. Wagers on political events, esports, and amateur athletes under 18 are off-limits.
Fortunately for New Jersey bettors, the state’s sports betting law permits wagers on both out-of-state and in-state college teams.
New Jersey has seen a steady year-over-year increase in betting handle since accepting its first legal wager in July 2019. The addition of mobile betting in 2022 should propel the state’s monthly betting handle into eight figures.
Stay updated as we monitor the sports betting revenue in every authorized U.S. market, providing monthly reports on both the handle and hold.
Yearly breakdown
Total handle
Revenue
Hold percentage
Tax revenue
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
2023
$185.4M
$185.4M
9.6%
$2.4M
Yearly
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2023
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
2023
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
2023
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
2023
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
2023
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
$10.1M
While it’s tempting to support your hometown New Jersey Razorbacks with your bankroll, it’s important not to let your sports allegiances cloud your judgment when betting. Be sure to research every bet thoroughly before blindly backing your hometown squads. Check out our how to bet guides to get started.
New Jersey is still relatively new to gambling, as the state’s three fully operational casinos launched in 2019.
The only forms of online gambling in New Jersey are horse race betting and daily fantasy sports. Online casinos are illegal in the Natural State.
Like other states with regulated gambling, New Jersey has taken steps to provide the resources needed to prevent, monitor, and treat gambling addiction.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) offers self-help resources to those in need. Problem gamblers can also join a self-exclusion program to ban themselves from any gambling facility or New Jersey betting sites voluntarily.
New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. Today, the following locales have legalized some form of sports wagering:
Alabama
California
Florida
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Arizona
Georgia
Minnesota
Missouri
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Arizona
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Arizona
Offshore sportsbooks offer Natural State sports bettors an enticing alternative to wagering at New Jersey sports betting sites. Unfortunately, these websites are not licensed and pose a legitimate threat to your bankroll. We strongly advise you to avoid these online sportsbooks and stick to regulated New Jersey operators.