Is Sports Betting Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, sports betting has been legal and open for business in New Jersey since the summer of 2018. Lawmakers in The Garden State won a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 which paved the way for legal sports betting, not just in Jersey, but across the nation. Assembly Bill 4111 was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on June 11, 2018, to make things official in New Jersey. It’s worth noting that NFL Draft betting is allowed in New Jersey, but not allowed in the neighboring states of Pennsylvania and New York.
New Jersey Quick Facts
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Launch Date: June 2018 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 Years Old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: Yes
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: Yes
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ImageBest Available Sportsbook: Fanduel
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ImageRegulatory Body: New Jersey Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement
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ImageLegal online sportsbooks: 16
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Yes, but betting on NJ college teams or any college teams playing in New Jersey is prohibited
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ImagePolitical or Entertainment betting: No
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ImageHigh School Sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports betting: Yes
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ImageNFL Draft: Yes
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ImageRemote registration: Yes
Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News
New Jersey was the state that won the Supreme Court Ruling (PASPA) which paved the way for legalized sports betting in the U.S., so they were quick to act in 2018 while the neighboring states such as New York and Pennsylvania played catch up. By the summer of 2018, gamblers in New Jersey were allowed to bet in person and online which attracted those in nearby states.
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May 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of N.J., striking down the Professional and Amateur Sport Protection Act (PASPA), effectively legalizing U.S. sports betting
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June 11, 2018
Governor Phll Murphy signs Assembly Bill 4111, allowing sports betting at N.J. Casinos and racetracks
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June 14, 2018
First retail sportsbook opens, with Gov. Murphy placing the first bet at Monmouth Park
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Aug. 6, 2018
Online Sports Betting Launches
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Nov. 2, 2021
Voters rejected a ballot measure that would have permitted wagering on in-state college events. About 57% of voters voted “no.”
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July 16, 2024
Darby Developments and NYRA bets agree on a deal which expands horse betting options in the state. Previously New Jersey only had one app specifically for betting on horse racing
How to start betting in New Jersey
Getting started betting in New Jersey is easy since the state allows for remote registration, meaning bettors don’t have to register or fund your account at a casino or other specific property like in some other states. New Jersey bettors can download the sports betting app of their choice on their phone, deposit money, verify their identity, and start betting right away.
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Select a Sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
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Create Account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
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Deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
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Choose your Bet and Bet Size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
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Place a Wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other mobile sportsbooks to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, put in your wager amount and submit the bet. If your bet is successful, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
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Withdraw Funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
New Jersey is home to an NHL team and houses two NFL franchises at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford for the New York Giants and New York Jets. Because of New Jersey’s close proximity to states like New York and Pennsylvania, sports fans in Jersey also enjoy betting on the professional teams located just outside Jersey’s borders.
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ImageNHL – New Jersey Devils The Devils’ hockey season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs – but that hasn’t happened often. The Devils made the postseason in 2023, but it was only their second trip since 2012. The last time the Devils won the Stanley Cup was 2003. The New York Islanders, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers are also popular hockey teams to bet in New Jersey
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ImageNFL – New York Giants The Giants have a rich history in the NFL that includes four Super Bowl titles since 1986. Big Blue’s most recent rings came during the 2007 and 2011 seasons thanks to Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, and of course David Tyree’s iconic helmet catch. In 2022, the Giants surprised a lot of fans with a playoff berth and Coach of the Year honors for Brian Daboll. The 2023 season was filled with injuries and disappointment as the Giants finished 6-11
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ImageNFL – New York Jets The Jets have a passionate fan base exemplified by “Fireman Ed” who is best known for leading the “J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets Jets” chants during home games. The Jets are currently mired in a 13-year playoff drought and haven’t had a winning season since 2015. However, the arrival of former league MVP Aaron Rodgers in 2023 has fans more optimistic than ever for the 2024 season. Because the NFL is such a large betting market and The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers are located west of New Jersey, those franchises are also popular bets on the gridiron.
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ImageNBA – New York Knicks The “Knickerbockers” made the postseason in three of the last four years and have a rich history with NBA legends like Patrick Ewing, Willis Reed, and Walt Frazier. Today, Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo are popular player prop bet options as the duo led the Knicks to a 50-32 season that ended with a Game 7 loss at the hands of the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
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ImageNBA – Brooklyn Nets After a stretch of five-straight playoff appearances from 2018 to 2022, the Nets had a disappointing 32-50 season in 2023. The Nets are in rebuilding mode after shipping Mikal Bridges to the Knicks and stockpiling future first-round picks, including three for the 2025 NBA Draft. Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, who have made the playoffs seven consecutive seasons, are also enticing options for bettors in New Jersey.
USA Betting News
New Jersey takes concerns about problem gambling seriously. Their Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has a self exclusion hotline (1-833-788-4DGE) and website (https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-gaming-enforcement-home/self-exclusion-program/) to help problem gamblers set boundaries. DGE’s website also has tips for parents, a list of potential warning signs for problem gamblers, research on gambling, and advice for responsible gambling.