Are you looking for a top-rated NJ casino online? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Our team has reviewed all the safest real money casino sites in New Jersey and made a list of the ones that deserve to be called the best internet casinos.
As you can see below, we’ve provided our pick for the #1 , as well as two other casinos that are also deserving of your attention. We’ve done the same for every category, meaning that you can quickly and easily find the top online casino site for you.
If you prefer a particular type of online casino, jump to the relevant section by clicking its link:
Top Online Casinos in NJ by Type
Here you can see our recommendations for different types of and players in New Jersey. This list is subjective and based on our authors’ opinions. However, rest assured that every one of these casinos has an operational license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and has passed our safety checks with flying colors.
We’ll be going over all of the criteria we use to review online casinos in New Jersey further down this page, so feel free to use the table of contents above to navigate the review if you’re interested in learning how we chose these operators. First, let’s take a look at some more recommended online casinos in NJ across the board.
More Safe & Reliable Casino Sites in New Jersey
- - The Best NJ Online Casino
- 888 Casino (Online Casino with the Best Slots)
- Tropicana Casino (Great Selection of Live Dealer Games)
- Golden Nugget NJ (Best App for Gambling Online)
- BetMGM Casino (Trusted Casino Site with Great Bonus Offers)
- Ocean Casino (Excellent Blackjack Games)
- Party Casino (Impressive Range of Roulette Games)
- Borgata Online Casino (Superb Real Money Casino App)
- DraftKings Casino (Good Welcome Bonus for NJ Players)
- Mohegan Sun (Top Online Casino Bonus Shop)
The Best NJ Casinos Online Reviews
Our experts have tested many , but only a select few measure up to our expectations. In addition to having valid licenses and reputable ownership, the operators on our list offer top games, bonuses, and mobile apps. Learn more about each operator below.
The highest-ranked casino on our list is . This casino stands out thanks to its large library of more than 950 real money games, which includes slots, roulette, blackjack, mega wheel games, and more.
Caesars Online Casino also boasts a superior mobile app that runs smoothly on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. You can play most of your favorite games on the go and even claim daily bonuses and perks exclusively available through the app. Another advantage is that Caesars is a part of the popular Caesars Rewards loyalty program, where you can earn points both online and land-based casinos and exchange them for gifts and hotel stays. Get started with a TropCoins sign-up bonus of 100 free sweeps coins.
is an excellent choice for fans of classic slot machines. This casino features nearly 400 slots in its game portfolio, including titles by renowned developer 888. Some recommended slots include Ramesses Riches, Royal Slots, and Straight Up. These games feature exciting themes, engaging features, and multi-level jackpots. What’s more, 868 Casino welcomes you with a generous $700 match bonus on your first deposit and 500 free spins.
The third casino in our Icognitive Gaming NJ lineup is Tropicana Casino. This gaming site offers over 120 live dealer games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, casino hold ’em, and three card poker. Each game streams in real time from a professional studio and is dealt or caddied by knowledgeable dealers. As a result, you can enjoy an incredibly immersive experience from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Other highlights include daily bonuses, a rewards programme, and convenient payment methods. Join now and receive 80 free spins.
Footnote:
real time casino- The author’s personal opinion.
The second-best NJ casino online according to our experts is . This gaming site boasts a VIP programme exclusive for New Jersey players which grants access to a plethora of benefits such as a personal account manager, special events, prizes, and holidays. The casino is available on iOS, iPad, and Android devices and allows you to play your favourite games on the go. Claim a 100% match bonus up to $1,500 with 20 free spins.
Footnote:
- The author’s personal opinion.
Fans of Golden Nugget can enjoy a wide variety of online slots, progressive jackpots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and casino poker. There are also exclusive games developed only for Golden Nugget, such as Fear the Reaper, Stampede, and Wild WinNugs. Plus, with more than 950 games overall, you will surely find something new and interesting each session. Some player favourites include Bloodshot, Anchorman, Starburst, 88 Fortunes, and Buffalo. A great feature of the casino is the hot drop jackpots, which can be won daily and bring random prize drops for its online slots. Sign up today and get a 100% deposit match up to $1,000.
Footnote:
- The author’s personal opinion.
BetMGM Casino comes in fourth place in our selection of the best casinos in New Jersey. This gaming site is ideal if you are looking for generous bonuses and ongoing promotions. While most casinos offer a single welcome bonus, BetMGM Casino offers three: a deposit match, free gold coins, and free sweeps coins that you can redeem for cash and prizes. You can also claim additional bonuses each day, such as free spins, deposit matches, and more. With over 700 games in its portfolio and a user-friendly design, BetMGM makes it easy to find your next favourite game. Play on your smartphone or tablet and get started with a $1,000 deposit match.
Footnote:
- The author’s personal opinion.
Ocean Casino is a great option for blackjack enthusiasts. Its game selection focuses primarily on 21, offering over a dozen variations developed by FanDuel. Try Volted Blackjack, Diamond Blackjack, Mini Blackjack, and more. The rules and payouts vary between versions, so you can enjoy hours of fun testing different strategies and finding your preferred style. And if roulette is your game, check out Pinball Roulette, where winning bets earn you extra prizes in a pinball-inspired mini-game. Register now and benefit from a $50 referral bonus.
Footnote:
- The author’s personal opinion.
A major highlight of Part Casino is its abundant selection of roulette games. Players can choose among nine different variants, including First Person Lightning Roulette, American Roulette Multihandler, and Double Ball Roulette. Each game recreates the thrill and excitement of spinning the wheel and landing the ball in the desired pocket. Additional casino games include blackjack, baccarat, casino poker, Dream Catcher, and Mega Wheel. Part Casino is fully compatible with iOS and Android devices and provides a 100% match bonus up to $1,000.
Footnote:
- The author’s personal opinion.
Borgata Online Casino opened its virtual doors in 2014 and has since become one of the leading brands in New Jersey, operating under the license of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. It boasts a complete gaming library with hundreds of slots, roulette, blackjack, mega wheels, baccarat, and casino poker. Enjoy classic titles and the latest hits from top developers, including NetEnt, Gamesys, Network Games, IGT, Slingo Originals, and High 5 Games. You can also try your luck at jackpot slots and win big prizes. Claim a 100% first deposit bonus up to $1,000.
Footnote:
- The author’s personal opinion.
DraftKings Casino is an excellent choice for casual gamblers. This casino features an intuitive and friendly platform where navigating through games is effortless and fast. It has a total of 480 games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, casino poker, and mega wheels. Some featured slots are Divine Fortune, Mercy of Goddess, Cowboy Ridge, and Double Down Heroes. These games offer multiple ways to win and exciting bonus rounds. DraftKings Casino is available for iOS, iPad, and Android devices and offers a $20 sign-up bonus and a 20% deposit reward up to $5,000.
Footnote:
- The author’s personal opinion.
Mohegan Sun Online Casino is the official online casino of Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. It brings the excitement of southern New Jersey casinos without needing to cross the state border. Mohegan Sun Online Casino offers more than 750 games, including hundreds of online slots and over 50 live dealer tables. Some top slots are Temple of Athena, Luck o’ the Draw, Royal Purple, and Dragon Scatter. They feature multiple rows, reels, and paylines, along with bonus games and unique mechanics. Enjoy a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.
How to Choose the Right Online Casino Site in NJ
The top ten best NJ online casinos highlighted above stood out during our rigorous testing process because they excelled in several crucial categories. If you want to make your own choices regarding the , you should consider factors like licensing, security, fairness, software reliability, wagering requirements, payment methods, and customer support. Here’s what to look out for when choosing the right online casino for you:
Licensing: All legal online casinos must have a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). Additionally, they must have a land-based partnership in the state. That could be an actual casino where their servers are located, or it could be a brick-and-mortar establishment with which they have a commercial agreement. Either way, you can verify the casino’s license number on the NJDGE website and cross-reference it with the casino’s name.
Security: Reputable online casinos invest in advanced security technologies to protect their customers’ data. This means SSL encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, fraud prevention tools, secure payment methods, identity verification procedures, and more. Read casino reviews to learn about their technical security measures or contact customer support for more details.
Game Fairness: Any self-respecting internet casino sends its games for external audit to companies like eCOGRA to ensure their fairness. This implies that all outcomes are based entirely on chance and not determined in advance. Audit reports contain important statistics about return-to-player (RTP) rates, house edge, variance, and other parameters that help you evaluate the quality of the game catalog.
Awesome Casinos in the Bahamas You Need to Visit (or Win!)Software Reliability: To play casino games online, you need to download special software. The best casino applications are reliable, efficient, and compatible with various platforms. Look for casinos certified for responsible gaming. This ensures that you can set spending limits, playing schedules, time alerts, and self-exclude if necessary.
Wagering Requirements: Most welcome bonuses come with wagering conditions that determine how many times you must play the received bonus through before you can cash out your winnings. The lower the wagering, the better. We recommend online casinos that offer bonuses with wagering requirements of 20x-30x for game contributions and 5x for table games like blackjack and video poker.
Payment Methods: The best casino sites accept Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, PayPal, and Prepaid cards. Some casinos also accept P2P transfers, such as Zelle, Cash to Code, or PayNearMe. Check whether there are deposit fees and how long it takes to receive your money. For withdrawals, most casinos use wire transfer, although eWallets provide faster processing and better security.
Customer Support: Even experienced players sometimes encounter issues they would like to resolve. That’s why good online casinos offer customer support via phone, email, and live chat. Ideally, support should be available 24/7. You can test their response time and courtesy by sending a message with a common request.
By using the above criteria to compare the best New Jersey casino online sites, you can make an informed decision and choose the one that fits your preferences best. Alternatively, you can save time and rely on the recommendations of our experts, who have carefully analyzed dozens of internet casinos in New Jersey.
Online Casino Games for Real Money
Real money online casinos in New Jersey offer a rich variety of games comparable to those at Las Vegas casinos. You can play , slots, video poker, keno, scratch cards, and much more from the comfort of your home. The best NJ online gambling sites also feature live dealers for greater authenticity and interaction. Here are some of the main game categories offered by internet casinos in New Jersey:
Potential Sites for a Casino in the Greater Boston AreaOnline Slots – These games are very popular due to their simplicity and huge payouts. Spin the reels and match three or more symbols on a payline to win. Slots often feature wild cards, scatter bonuses, and themed graphics. Progressive jackpots increase a small percentage of each bet and can reach millions of dollars.
Blackjack – Also known as twenty-one, blackjack is a card game where you compete against the dealer. The goal is to get a hand with a value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding that value. You can draw as many cards as you want, but there are specific rules for ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ hands. Blackjack pays 3/2, and insurance is available when you suspect the dealer has an ace.
Roulette – One of the most iconic casino games, roulette consists of a spinning wheel with numbers and a small ball. The dealer announces a number and moves, and then spins the wheel in the opposite direction. As the wheel slows down, he declares the betting close and throws the ball towards the wheel. Wherever the ball lands, bets on that number (or related group of numbers) are paid 35/1 or another specified odds.
Video Poker – A combination of slots and five-card draw poker, video poker invites players to build the best possible hand. Depending on its strength, you can receive a payout between your initial bet and a progressive jackpot. Popular variations of video poker include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, Bonus Poker, and Double Bonus Poker.
Live Dealer Games – With webcams and high-definition streaming, live dealer games allow you to watch a professional croupier or dealer manage your chosen game in real time. Play blackjack, roulette, Hold’Em, Sic Bo, or other games with other people and maintain the social aspect of gambling. Chat with the dealer and other players through text messages.
All online casinos in New Jersey are authorized to operate only certain kinds of games. According to NJ law, Internet Gaming Permittees (IGPs) can offer any table game approved by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), provided they have a Land-Based Affiliate (LBA) that operates in the state. However, LBAs can only offer blackjack and roulette at their land-based premises.
To put it simply, if a land-based casino wants to offer online slots, it must apply for an Internet Gaming Permit. Then, it can partner with other businesses to offer their online games in New Jersey. As a result, most of the best NJ online casinos feature a diverse range of games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and more.
How We Tested Each Game at the Best NJ Online Casinos
Choosing the best casino site in NJ requires careful analysis beyond just comparing bonuses and apps. Apart from safety, you should also examine the game selection, software providers, and availability of live dealer games. Here’s how we rate the game catalogues offered by the safest NJ online casino sites:
Reasons Why Online Poker Loses New Players Every DayAvailability: In addition to desktop computers, the best casino websites are accessible from smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android. Instant play platforms enable you to play directly through the browser, while download apps for native performance and offline games. Demo modes allow you to test the waters without staking any money.
Quantity of Games: Having hundreds of slots, roulette, blackjack, and other casino games guarantees hours of entertainment and plenty of opportunities to discover your favorites. The top casino sites in New Jersey offer more than 500+ casino games, with some reaching impressive levels of 1000+. On top of that, regular updates with new releases keep the portfolio fresh and exciting.
Quality of Games: The quality of games depends on the development studios that created them. The best casino software providers are NetEnt, Playtech, Microgaming, Evolution, Play’n GO, IGT, Pragmatic Play, and Betsoft. These companies have won numerous awards for their innovative games and high-quality visuals and audio effects. Their creations stand out with beautiful designs, smooth animations, interactive features, and varied gameplay.
Live Dealer Games: Many players miss the interaction with the croupiers when switching from land-based to online casinos. That’s why many internet casinos offer live dealer games streamed from dedicated TV-style galleries. In addition to blackjack and roulette, you can find casino poker, baccarat, dice games, game shows, and other titles. Evolution and Pragmatic Play are the leading developers of live dealer games.
Software Providers – A diverse game portfolio comes from working with multiple software providers. The largest casino content aggregators are NYX Open Gaming System, SkillOnNet, and Spirit Play, which gather games from smaller studios into a single platform. It’s preferable if the casino lists the providers in a drop-down menu, allowing you to browse your favourite games.
Exclusive Games – Certain developers agree to create branded games exclusive for a particular operator. These games cannot be played anywhere else and are a great attraction for fans of the brand. Examples include 888casino (888 Holding): 888 Premier League, 888 Casino Reels, Road to Rio, and Sensual Fantasy; BetMGM: American Football, Excalibur, and The Price is Right; and Golden Nugget: Anchorman, Fear the Reaper, and Wild WinNugs.
NJ Casino Apps Available for Mobile Devices
Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you can play at the best real money online casinos in New Jersey. You have two options: mobile browser or casino app. Mobile browsers use HTML5 technology to offer responsive design and let you log into the casino directly. Native apps require downloading and installing from the Apple Store or casino website for quicker access. Here’s what we look out for when rating the top casino apps for NJ residents:
Compatibility: To qualify as one of the best online casino apps, it must be available for at least iOS and Android. Preferably, there are versions for iPad and computer together with specialized play modes and exclusive mobile bonuses. It’s also important to support a wide range of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Ease of Use: The best casino apps have a clean layout, intuitive controls, and fast loading times. You can easily browse the games and adjust the settings. Mobile apps should allow you to deposit and withdraw safely on the go and contact customer service if needed.
Mobile Games: Although it’s difficult to fit all the games available on the desktop version, the best mobile casino apps feature at least 100 slots, roulette, blackjack, and other games. Regular updates add new titles and remove games that aren’t compatible with mobile devices anymore. All mobile games should keep their sharp graphics, thrilling soundtrack, and smooth gameplay on the smaller screen.
Live Dealer Games: Live dealer games are highly appreciated by mobile users because they can feel connected with other bettors and the dealer. The best casino apps offer separate sections for live roulette, blackjack, Hold’Em, and other games with professional croupiers. It’s best if you can watch live demos and join directly from your mobile device.
Amazing Real Money Casinos You Can Visit OnlineBonuses: Some casinos reserve special bonuses for their mobile users as an incentive to play from their phones or tablet. Examples include mobile-only free spins, deposit bonuses, cashback, and gifts on downloading the app. Keep in mind that mobile wagering may not contribute towards all offers and check the expiry date.
Many online casinos in New Jersey are mobile-compatible, but not all of them offer perfect gaming experiences on the go. Based on our tests, we believe that the best NJ online casino app is and the , followed closely by BetMGM Casino. Golden Nugget Casino gets high marks because it works on any device through a fast browser and offers many exclusive mobile games. The Delta Software app provides offline play and a stock market game.
Responsible Gambling in New Jersey
The NJDGE promotes socially responsible gaming by requiring all licensed operators to offer self-exclusion and deposit/loss limits. Through your casino account preferences, you can demand to be permanently blocked from all New Jersey Internet Gaming Permittees (IGPs). You can also exclude yourself for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or another period. Self-excluded players are not allowed to open new accounts at other IGPs.
You can also control your deposits by establishing session and daily time outs, sound and flashing stroke alerts, break reminders, and identification verification at withdrawal. You can also decide on minimum deposit amounts for credit cards, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and eWallets. The casino will remember your preferences and ask you to confirm if you try to deposit or withdraw outside of them.
In New Jersey, problem gambling is regarded as a treatable health issue, and help is available by calling 1-800-GAMBLER. The council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) provides confidential services regardless of income level or whether you have a gambling problem. Trained call specialists active 24/7 can offer information, referrals to counselers and support groups and cry for help. The CCGNJ also campaigns for awareness and funds research into treating gambling addiction.
Payment Options and Withdrawal Times
New Jersey online casinos support a variety of payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, prepaid cards, eChecks, and eWallets. Each option has advantages and disadvantages regarding speed, security, convenience, fees, and approval rates. Find below the most popular payment methods at top NJ casino sites along with their withdrawal times for US players:
Visa / MasterCard: Most online casinos in New Jersey accept Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards. You can make a deposit instantly, usually without fees, and start playing right away. However, withdrawals are not possible with credit cards per US federal laws. Approval rates are very high as long as the casino verification procedures go smoothly.
PayPal: This eWallet allows you to send, receive, and store money online with strong security protocols. After setting up an account and verifying it, you can link a bank account or card and send instant payments to online casinos. PayPal withdrawals are also quick, typically arriving within 24 hours.
Free Casino Slots You Can Play Online Right NowSkrill / Moneybookers: Similar to PayPal, Skrill is a digital wallet that facilitates online transactions. It supports over 40 currencies and 40 languages and allows you to prepare discounts, pay bills, and exchange currencies. Deposits with Skrill are usually free, and withdrawals arrive in 1-3 banking days.
Neteller: Founded in Canada and acquired by Paysafe Group, Neteller is available in over 200 countries and supports multiple currencies and languages. It is described as ‘a payment wallet’ that lets you perform purchases, transfers, payments, cashing out, and more. Deposits with Neteller are quick and free, while withdrawals take 4-24 hours.
Bank Transfer / ACH Transfers: Also known as electronic check or eCheck, an Automated Clearing House transfer is like an online version of writing a check. You must have sufficient funds in your account, or the transaction will bounce. Bank transfers may take 3-5 business days to clear, unlike wire transfers, which are immediate but often charge around $30.
Play+: The Prepaid Card by Discover is endorsed by many New Jersey online casinos as a fast and safe method to deposit and withdraw. You can load your card with a bank transfer, check, or cash at 40,000 reload locations nationwide and use it at any location where Discover is accepted. Note that a monthly fee applies unless you keep a balance of $5 or load money during the month.
Cash Cage / In Person: Many casino sites linked to brick-and-mortar establishments in Atlantic City allow you to make deposits and withdrawals directly there. Just show a valid ID and the means to cover your losses. This saves time and skip fees associated with payment processing.
Biggest Differences Between Live Poker and Online PokerMost of the above payment methods are accepted by many internet casinos in New Jersey. However, not all methods are available for withdrawals. For example, you usually can’t withdraw to a credit card and can use it only for deposits. On the other hand, Prepaid Cards and Cage Transactions are useful for withdrawals but restricting for depositing.
For the best NJ online casino experience, we recommend registering an eWallet like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller. These allow instant deposits and withdrawals, mobile bill paying, and strong privacy protection. Ewallets also facilitate calculating gambling winnings and losses for tax purposes because you can export transaction reports. Furthermore, some online casinos double your deposit with an eWallet bonus.
Current Gambling Laws and Regulations in NJ
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) regulates Internet Gaming Permittees (IGPs) and Land-Based Affiliates (LBAs) under Title 13, Chapter 17 of the New Jersey Administrative Code. This legislation was enacted after a lengthy legal battle that took online gambling from a grey area to a fully regulated industry in the Garden State. Here’s a brief history of the key moments in New Jersey’s online casino regulation:
1971 – The Casino Control Act creates the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC) to issue licenses to Atlantic City casinos and supervise their compliance.
1992 – The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) declares sports betting unconstitutional and forbids states from sponsoring, promoting, operating, or advertising such betting with some exceptions, including New Jersey. Governor Jim Florio vetoes a bill to legalize sports betting in New Jersey casinos and racetracks, leading to a constitutional challenge.
1993 – The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly pass the Sports Betting in Open Space Act. Governor Christie Whitman signs it, but Attorney General Janet Reno declares it violates PASPA and advises casinos and racetracks not to implement it.
1996 – The Electronic Transaction Act clarifies that placing sports wagers using the Internet is illegal.
2000 – Governor Jim McGreevey vetoes a bill permitting sports betting at New Jersey racetracks, citing anticipated court battles.
2005 – Governor Richard Codey signs the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Legality in Athletics (SAFE) Betting Act extending PASPA’s restrictions until 2019.
2006 – Governor Corzine lets a bill die, preventing any action concerning sports wagering at the state level.
2007 to 2011 – Governor Chris Christie opposes PASPO on Constitutional grounds and asks the Department of Justice to dismiss it. He vetoes three legislative attempts to legalize sports betting, and a fourth bill is conditionally vetoed.
2011 – Governor Chris Christie files a complaint with the U.S. District Court claiming that PASPA infringes on States’ rights and adversely affects the New Jersey economy. Monmouth Park Racetrack starts offering sports wagering but is eventually stopped by a court injunction.
2012 to 2014 – Various federal courts rule against New Jersey in this matter and ultimately reject an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States. Governor Phil Murphy introduces the New Jersey Sports Wagering Act, allowing sports betting at the state level.
casinos payout percentage2014 – The Supreme Court of the United States agrees to hear New Jersey’s case and eventually repeals PASPO on June 16th. Governor Phil Murphy signs Bill S3313 into law allowing wagering at sportsbooks, racetracks, and casinos.
2015 – The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) merge to create a stronger regulatory body for iGaming and retail gambling. The first legal NJ sportsbooks open at Monmouth Park Racetrack, Ocean Resort Casino, and others.
2018 – Governor Phil Murphy signs legislation (S490) creating a new category of Internet Gaming Permittees (IGPs) and Land-Based Affiliates (LBAs). It allows existing Atlantic City casinos to offer online gambling and share the privilege with qualified LBAs.
2019 Onwards – The NJDGE issues IGP and LBP licenses to prominent operators like PokerStars Casino and Resorts Digital Gaming. Hard Rock International buys the Trump Plaza casino and launches its Hard Rock Online Casino in 2020. Pala Interactive becomes the first woman to hold an online gaming license in the US for her role at Unibet NJ.
Thanks to the efforts of New Jersey officials, residents and visitors can enjoy a wide range of legal gambling options in Atlantic City and over the internet. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees casino security, responsible gambling, and fair games to protect players. Anyone involved in gambling harming faces severe penalties and exclusion from the industry.
The law also establishes strict penalties for breaking it. Anyone found guilty of illegally operating an online gambling site or participating in it as a player can face fines ranging from $2,656 to $13,324 and up to six months imprisonment. The authorities can seize equipment used for illegal gambling and order their owner to pay restitution to anyone who suffered losses.
History of Gambling in New Jersey
New Jersey’s relationship with gambling goes back decades, starting with a referendum in 1974 to legalize casino gambling, which passed with 64% voting yes. Governor Brendan Byrne signed the Casino Control Act, limiting casinos to the struggling Atlantic City resort district. The first casino opened in 1978, and by 1980, there were 12 resorts generating $1 billion annually in revenue and tens of thousands of jobs.
Initially, Atlantic City rivalled Las Vegas as a gambling destination and attracted celebrities and tourists with luxury hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping malls, amusement parks, and world-class casinos. But the industry stagnated due to internal conflicts, organized crime involvement, expansion of in-state gambling, and the rise of tribal casinos in neighbouring states.
The gambling landscape changed again in the 2010s with Governor Chris Christie supporting studies and bills to legalize sports betting and expand internet gambling. In 2013, Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) filed a lawsuit against Dean Bryan’s sports betting bill.
After losing in lower courts and appealing to the Supreme Court of the United States, the sport organizations finally lost on June 16th, 2018. Two months later, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill S3313 into law allowing sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks beginning in July 2018. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are also legal in New Jersey, following a settlement between FanDuel and the State in 2017.
In terms of lottery, New Jersey voters backed a referendum in 1976 to establish a state lottery commission and games. The New Jersey Lottery began selling tickets in 1970 and has since generated over $25 billion in sales, awarding 80 percent to players and using the rest for public education, senior transportation, and veterans’ services.
According to the latest report, New Jersey residents spent approximately $2.68 billion on lottery products in 2021, resulting in $2.18 billion prizes and $492 million in profits for public services. The Garden State Academy of Mathematics and Sciences in Bhctaragh won a national contest in 2019 to sell the most lottery tickets in one week, making students and teachers eligible for significant awards.
While brick-and-mortar casinos still thrive in Atlantic City, attracting over 25 million visitors since 1978, traditional gambling habits are evolving. Older people tend to visit casinos and play the lottery, while younger generations engage more with sports betting and daily fantasy sports. Bally’s AC and the Ocean Casino Resort launched in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Hard Rock AC closed the Trump Plaza in 019 and reopened it in 2019.
List of All Online Casinos in NJ
Currently, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) authorizes 23 Internet Gaming Permittees (IGPs) and 21 Land-Based Affiliates (LBAs). As per the NJDGA website, the current license holders are:
IGPs (Internet Gaming Permittees)
- BetAmerica Marketing Corporation (Borgata AC)
- 888 Holdings PLC (Atlantic Casino AC)
- Bally’s Interactive LLC (Wild Wild West AC by Bally’s AC)
- Betfair Interactive US (Golden Nugget AC)