NJ Sports Betting
New Jersey sports betting is live and legal throughout the state. There are currently 18 legal online sportsbooks in New Jersey – including BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, FanDuel and DraftKings.
PlayNJ has the latest on NJ sports betting, as well as expert reviews and comparisons based on the quality of the sports betting app and the overall experience you get. All to help you choose the best legal NJ sportsbooks available in the Garden State.
Best NJ sports betting apps for May 2024
Latest updates
May 18, 2024
The “Godfather” of legal online gambling in New Jersey announced his retirement after 13 years as the director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
David Rebuck, who began his long, illustrious career with the state in 1988, steps down as the longest-tenured director in the history of the DGE. He was instrumental in creating the NJ online casino and NJ sports betting industries that have not only generated nearly $1.5 billion in state tax revenue over the past 10 years but also set the standard for legislation and regulations that other states have followed.
Rebuck goes out with much fanfare and is expected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the East Coast Gaming Congress next month in Atlantic City. Deputy Director Mary Jo Flaherty was appointed as Rebuck’s replacement.
Recent NJ Sports Betting News
Snapshot Of NJ Sports Betting
Legal sports betting in New Jersey owes its roots to 2012, when legislation passed to authorize state-regulated wagering. Six years of legal battles later, New Jersey welcomed legal sports betting in 2018. Here’s a quick look at some of the key elements of NJ sports betting:
- Sports betting legalized: 2012
- Retail launch: June 2018
- Online launch: August 2018
- Availability: Online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks at retail casinos and racetracks
- Featured apps to launch: DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, FanDuel, bet365, Betway
- Legal betting age: 21+
Compare the top NJ online sportsbooks
There is no shortage of legal sports betting options in New Jersey. Yes, they also provide NJ sportsbook promos and bonuses as a way to get started. But you also want to know how the sportsbooks compare to each other based on the quality of the app, betting markets and overall experience. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
| NJ Sports Betting Apps | Best Features | App Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook NJ | Single game NFL parlay builder and Edit My Bet | 4.8 on Apple, 3.7 on Google Play |
| Bet365 Sportsbook NJ | Super Boosts for NFL and NBA games and soccer betting | 4.6 on Apple, 4.7 on Google Play |
| BetRivers Sportsbook NJ | 20% parlay boosts and golf/tennis betting options | 4.4 on Apple, 3.3 on Google Play |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook NJ | Excellent loyalty program | 4.9 on Apple, 4.7 on Google Play |
| FanDuel Sportsbook NJ | Odds boosts among strongest for NFL betting | 4.8 on Apple, 4.7 on Google Play |
| Betway Sportsbook NJ | Loyalty program rewarding you for bets made and user-friendly interface | 4.7 on Apple, 4.3 on Google Play |
1. Caesars Sportsbook
Bonus: $1,000
Bonus Code: PLAYNJ1000
- Best for: Regular odds boosts with higher max bets and Earning Caesars Rewards for AC casinos
- Welcome bonus: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
- App rating: 4.6 on Apple; 4.3 on Google Play
Caesars Sportsbook is another one of the NJ sports betting originals, but now has a fresh rebranded look that centers around the “We Are All Caesars” campaign. Actors J.B. Smoove and Patton Oswalt, aka “I am Carl” are doing their part to help familiarize NJ bettors with the app (and forget about the former William Hill). Caesars Sportsbook is going all in with NFL betting promos. Look out for daily super boost offers ($25 max bet) in which bettors can receive boosted odds for baseball and football games.
2. bet365 Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $1,000
Bonus code: PLAYNJ
- Best for: Super Boost for NFL and NBA games and soccer betting
- Welcome bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets or First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
- App rating: 4.6 on Apple; 4.7 on Google Play
Bet365 is one of several international sportsbook brands that made its North American debut here in the Garden State. The company might not have the brand recognition like market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings, but Bet365 is continuing to expand into new US markets. Bet365 offers players super boosts (max bet $15) that might combine Joel Embiid total points with a Philadelphia 76ers win.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
Bonus: $1,500*
Bonus Code: PLAYNJSB
- Best for: Single game NFL parlay builder and Edit My Bet
- Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager doesn’t win
- App rating: 4.8 on Apple, 3.7 on Google Play
If we go by what Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx has to say, “Now you’re winning with the King of sportsbooks.” BetMGM covers all the bases when it comes to NJ sports betting whether it be a Lion’s Boost, single-game parlays, or the free-to-play King of the Weekend weekly NFL contest (earning king status takes some serious thinking). BetMGM may come up a few yards short of matching some of the promos from the creative minds at DraftKings, but the brand is without a doubt one of the best available to NJ online sports bettors. *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
Bonus: $250
Promo Code: SBBONUS
- Best for: 20% parlay boosts and golf/tennis betting options
- Welcome bonus: 2nd Chance Bet up to $250
- App rating: 4.4 on Apple, 3.3 on Google Play
BetRivers sportsbook is under the Rush Street Interactive umbrella. BetRivers even brought former Chicago Bears coach Mike Dikta on board to market the product. Football bettors will likely take a liking to the $1 million Beat the Spread Challenge and the 20% parlay profit boosts. BetRivers also offers up regular specials or bet offers such as pitchers Zack Wheeler and Charlie Morton to combine for over 17.5 strikeouts with a boosted odds price.
5. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $100 in bonus bets
Bonus Code: None Needed; Click To Claim
- Best for: loyalty program
- Welcome bonus: Up to $100 back if your first bet doesn’t win
- App rating: 4.9 on Apple, 4.7 on Google Play
Hard Rock Bet amps things up in New Jersey with an excellent welcome bonus (up to $100 back in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win) and a bevy of excellent features. The sportsbook has a strong portfolio of markets and a healthy selection of bet types, including the typical moneylines, point spreads, and totals.
6. FanDuel Sportsbook
Bonus: $150
Promo Code: Click to claim promo
- Best for: Odds boosts among strongest for NFL betting and same game parlay options
- Welcome bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins
- App rating: 4.8 on Apple, 4.7 on Google Play
FanDuel Sportsbook is the NJ sports betting market leader (and word is about 25% of its business comes from NY bettors). No matter who is placing bets, the extensive menu has it all with the NFL, MLB, NBA and even WNBA markets. Every once in a while, FanDuel Sportsbook rolls out its Spread the Love promo where every 2,500 bets on a specified game moves the spread by 1 point (giving the bettors a bigger edge versus the house). Gamblers shopping for odds boosts won’t have trouble finding them, especially during football season.
7. Betway Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $250
Bonus Code: None - Use Links
- Best for: Loyalty program rewarding you for bets made and a user-friendly interface
- Welcome bonus: Up to $250
- App rating: 4.7 on Apple, 4.3 on Google Play
While it may not carry the same brand recognition as some of its competitors, Betway Sportsbook NJ still boasts a high-quality and trustworthy product for bettors throughout the Garden State. Plus, Betway is reliable, having operated as an online gaming site since 2006. The sportsbook features ongoing promotions for existing users, like the Bonus Bet Club that lets users earn bonus bets.
Full list of legal NJ online sportsbooks
- bet365 Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- betParx Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Betway Sportsbook
- Borgata Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
- PointsBet, A Fanatics Experience Sportsbook
- SuperBook Sportsbook
- Unibet Sportsbook
It’s worth noting that New Jersey sports betting also has three additional betting apps that aren’t your typical “sportsbooks.” Mojo Sportsbook, Prophet Exchange and Sporttrade are sports betting exchanges that are similar to stock trading. They allow sports bettors in NJ to trade bets like stocks.
NJ sportsbooks coming soon
NJ sports betting remains the standard in the US. That makes it desirable for sportsbooks to enter the market. Here are the new online sportsbooks in NJ that are expected to eventually launch in the state.
- Prime Sportsbook
- NoviBet Sportsbook
- BallyBet Sportsbook
How to sign up for a NJ sports betting app
When it comes to NJ online gambling, it is incredibly easy to download, sign up and get started with a sports betting app. Bettors need to turn on location services and allow geolocation to pinpoint where they are, as this technology ensures users are within New Jersey state lines. For creating accounts and depositing money, though, there is no such restriction.
Users can be located anywhere with an internet connection to sign up and fund their accounts. All they need are a few bits of personal information:
- Name
- Address
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
NJ online sportsbooks need this info to confirm users’ identities and determine if they are eligible to participate in NJ online sports betting. After that, it’s as simple as four quick steps to legally bet in New Jersey.
- Download the app
- Create an account
- Deposit funds
- Place your bets!
5 NJ sports betting tips
Once you have chosen the NJ online sportsbook to use, it’s important to get the basics of sports betting down, play it smart and keep yourself in the game. Here are some helpful tips to guide you.
- Set a betting unit (limit) you’re comfortable with. Serious sports bettors speak in terms of “units,” and consistently bet the same amount on each wager. This helps you stick to a budget and not overextend. It also helps reduce variance so you can stay in the game after a Sunday slate full of bad beats.
- Keep track of your bets. The better your records are, the more likely you are to stay within your bankroll and make adjustments on which kinds of bets work best for you.
- Limit the number of parlays you bet. Parlays are popular because of their high-risk, high-reward nature. But a long streak of losing out on long-shot parlays when one or two of the legs doesn’t win can be hard on the bankroll.
- Sign up for more than one sportsbook account. Lines and payout odds vary across the different NJ online sportsbooks, so shopping for the best odds is a must. A half point on a spread or a 5% difference on a payout may not seem like a big deal, but it adds up to a major impact on your bottom line.
- Be strategic about when you bet. Remember that lines can and often will change from their opening numbers. If you like the Eagles in their upcoming matchup and see an early line around a key number like +3 or +7 or +10, you may want to jump on it early. If too much money comes in on those lines, they will downshift half a point or so and what would have been a win or push could turn into a loss.
Most popular sports to bet on in New Jersey
New Jersey betting regulations allow for wagering on more markets than nearly any other state. NJ sportsbooks can offer wagers on all major (and most minor) sports, plus a number of other “entertainment” events including the Oscars, the Emmys, the NFL Draft, Super Bowl props, and even Nathan’s hotdog eating contest.
NJ was also one of the first states to authorize betting on eSports, and currently allows a select number of approved leagues/events like League of Legends World Championship Series, eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, and CS:GO Vie.GG Legend Series.
MLB betting
New Jersey may not have its own MLB team, but the Garden State doesn’t get shut out of baseball betting. The Phillies and Mets (even after crushing the hopes of loyal fans year after year) along with the Yankees are close enough to attract a significant amount of action. DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel are just a few of the NJ online sportsbooks known for offering daily odds boosts. And there is no shortage of wagering options, including:
- Futures on Trea Turner to win NL MVP
- Will the New York Yankees make the playoffs
- Justin Verlander to win NL Cy Young Award
- NL East and World Series futures
NFL betting
The popularity of NFL betting is a big reason why New Jersey reports over $1 billion in monthly handle several times a year. While the Giants and Jets call New York home, MetLife Stadium is located in NJ. Plus the Garden State is big time Philadelphia Eagles country. DraftKings and Caesars are just two of the many NJ online sportsbooks that go all in with football related boosts, promos, and parlays. Here is a small sampling of football betting choices:
- Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl moneyline
- Jets first regular season win total
- First TD scorer
- Jalen Hurts MVP odds
NBA betting
Like the other pro sports, NJ does not have an NBA team to call its own (although the Brooklyn Nets once played home games on the other side of the Hudson River). The Philadelphia 76ers and NY Knicks also have a strong following with NJ bettors. FanDuel, DraftKings and Betway are known for their expansive NBA betting menus which include markets like:
- Brooklyn Nets to win NBA championship
- Joel Embiid NBA MVP odds
- Tyrese Maxey Most Improved Player odds
- Sixers odds of winning Eastern Conference
NHL betting
Of the four major pro sports, NHL betting simply doesn’t generate the same buzz. Yes, even with the Devils calling Newark home. Maybe it’s the lack of championships (Flyers, Rangers, and Islanders included). As far as sportsbooks go, Unibet has a partnership with the Devils. Here are some NHL bets that may attract some attention:
- Flyers regular season win totals
- Devils to win the conference
- Jack Hughes top regular season goal scorer
- Rangers to win Metropolitan Division
NCAA college basketball betting
When it comes to NCAA college basketball wagering, there may be some confusion as the rules relate to NJ. You still can’t wager on Rutgers, Seton Hall, or Princeton. The same policy applies to any college basketball games or tournaments taking place in the Garden State. Well, at least for now. Sportsbooks like DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel still have plenty of ways to satisfy those college basketball betting appetites:
- Odds to win NCAA Tournament
- Conference winners
- Live betting
- Wooden Award winner
NCAA Football betting
Like with March Madness betting, NJ online sportsbooks are not permitted to offer odds on the Rutgers University football team (or any other college football team or game). However teams from the Garden State tend not to be part of the top-25 conversation so there are still plenty of college football betting opportunities. Sportsbooks like BetMGM, BetRivers and Bet365 still have plenty of ways to satisfy college football bettors:
- Odds to win College Football Playoff
- Heisman Trophy winner
- Total points in a game
- Flash props
How New Jersey sports betting works
NJ sports betting became legal with a signature from Gov. Phil Murphy on June 11, 2018. Emergency regulations were published that same Wednesday and the first sportsbook opened Thursday morning.
Just one month later, the first online sportsbooks began launching, starting with DraftKings NJ. Now, there are nearly 20 online sports betting apps approved by the NJDGE, and an overwhelming majority of bets are placed online.
Here’s the basic legal and regulatory framework for NJ sports betting:
- Allows sports betting to be conducted at retail casinos and racetracks
- Authorizes both land-based and mobile/internet wagering
- Approves wagering on all professional sports and most collegiate events
- Sets the structure for licensing fees
Tax rates for sports betting revenue vary slightly for casinos and racetracks, and for in-person and online wagering:
- Casinos: 8.5 percent for in-person; 13 percent for online
- Tracks: 8.5 percent for in-person; 14.25 percent for online
Since the debut of sports wagering in NJ, the Garden State has surpassed Nevada as the largest sports betting state in the country, with monthly handle (total bets) surpassing $1 billion per month during peak sports seasons like the NFL. However, New York holds the all-time monthly record of $1.7 billion.
Betting restrictions in New Jersey
At this time, you may not wager on collegiate events involving New Jersey teams, regardless of where they take place. Additionally, any collegiate event taking place within New Jersey borders is also off-limits for betting at NJ sportsbooks (including St. Peter’s NCAA Tournament run). This regulation is currently the focus of a potential resolution to amend the state’s sports betting law.
The state legislature approved the measure in summer 2021, but voters didn’t support the measure on the November ballot. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is slated to come to The Prudential Center in Newark in 2025, so lawmakers hope to get the law amended before then.
Tips for responsible gambling in New Jersey
Sports betting in New Jersey can certainly be entertaining. But it’s important to remember to stay smart and practice responsible gambling. To help, here are some tips you can keep in mind:
- Set a betting limit. Not only can you do this on your own, but some NJ sportsbooks also feature a function where you can preset how much money you bet on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Know to only bet what you can afford and stick to it.
- Set a time limit. Similar to the above, you should also restrict how much time you spend betting. This dovetails into another important tip, which is to not let betting interfere with your personal, social or work life. Set a time, and stick to it.
- Know it’s OK to walk away. It’s common for gamblers to experience a losing bet, perhaps a “bad beat,” and immediately place another wager to recoup their losses. Also known as “chasing losses.” Remember that it’s OK to walk away. There is no sure thing.
- Take breaks. All of this ties together. Keeping your NJ sports betting app at arm’s length helps you keep it a hobby rather than a habit. Know when to walk away, set time limits, set betting limits.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you ever feel like things are getting out of hand, that gambling is interfering with your personal or work lives, that you’re spending more than you can afford, always remember that it’s OK – encouraged, even – to reach out and ask for help. New Jersey has many resources to help individuals suffering from gambling addiction and problem gambling.
Resources for NJ responsible gambling
Those looking to seek help have ample options in New Jersey. The Council on Compulsive Gambling in New Jersey provides statewide services for problem and disordered gambling, offering education and training as well as counseling and treatment.
In addition, the National Council on Problem Gambling offers self-screening tools to assist gamblers determine if they are showing problem gambling behaviors. The NCPG also features a confidential helpline and chat services through its website.
Gamblers Anonymous, meanwhile, is a national group that provides confidential support for problem gamblers. The website includes a map with local support groups, plus Gamblers Anonymous operates a national hotline with a number specific to New Jersey: 1-855-222-5542.
Among other resources in the Garden State, the Division of Gaming Enforcement features a self-exclusion program. In fact, you can find similar offerings at casinos and sportsbooks in New Jersey. Anyone who believes they cannot practice responsible gambling can voluntarily submit a self-exclusion request to ban themselves from gambling online and/or in-person. You can self-exclude for various timelines, including one year, five years or the rest of your life.
FAQs
You can bet online at any of the legal NJ sports betting apps licensed by the DGE. There are also nine Atlantic City casinos and three NJ racetracks that have a retail sportsbook (amenities included).
No. Some NJ online sportsbooks will allow you to fund an account from other states. However, bettors must be in NJ when making the bet. With some sportsbooks, your wallet will transfer to a neighboring state like Pennsylvania.
Yes, with an asterisk (for now). If you’re a bettor looking to wager on Rutgers, Seton Hall or Princeton basketball games, the answer is a firm no as a result of NJ sports betting legislation that prohibits wagering on NJ college or college sporting events taking place in the Garden State. Crossing Pennsylvania state lines, however, is not prohibited. Even with these schools off the board, there are more than enough teams to satisfy that college betting appetite.
The answer is really subjective based on what features, promos, and bet types you are seeking. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are some of the more popular brands and have some of the best offerings and sign-up bonuses. However, with nearly 20 brands live in NJ, there is plenty of variety.
21 years old, which is the same age limit for gambling at an Atlantic City casino.
Yes, NJ online sports betting is legal, with nearly two dozen mobile apps currently available to sign up and use from the comfort of home. Legal NJ sports betting apps started taking bets in August 2018, two months after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the law. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees NJ sports betting in the state.