NJ Online Sports Betting
New Jersey sports betting sparked the legalization efforts in the US and it remains the gold standard, all while the five-year anniversary fast-approaches for retail and online sports betting in New Jersey.
The industry features 22 NJ sports betting apps – including the likes of FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars. With so many options to choose from, PlayNJ is here to break down the best welcome bonuses, odds boosts and bonus offers while letting you know the best available NJ sportsbooks licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Best NJ online sportsbook offers – June 2023
Featured Sports Betting Promo
From: FanDuel Sportsbook NJ
The NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final are underway. And FanDuel Sportsbook NJ is welcoming new customers with a No Sweat Bet up to $2,500.
You don’t need a FanDuel promo code. All you have to do is sign up with FanDuel Sportsbook, deposit at least $10, then place your first real-money bet. If it loses, FanDuel will refund your account up to $2,500 in bonus bets.
It’s not like any typical bonus, however. With FanDuel New Jersey, instead of getting a single bet, you can split it up your bonus however you like. Note that you only have 14 days to use your bonus bets.
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 NJ casinos and racetracks
- Featured apps to launch: DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, FanDuel, bet365, Betway, Tipico
- Legal betting age: 21+
Compare the top 6 NJ online sportsbooks
With over 20 online sportsbooks to choose from, there is no shortage of legal sports betting options in New Jersey. The likes of DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, FanDuel and bet365 highlight the long list of operators in the Garden State. Here’s a look at all you need to know about legal NJ sports betting apps.
| NJ Sportsbook | Best Sportsbook For | Bonus Offer |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings NJ | No brainer and Hammer the Over promos | Up to a $1,000 deposit match bonus |
| Caesars NJ | Earning Caesars Rewards | First bet of up to $1,250 with promo code LEGAL FULL |
| BetMGM NJ | Single game NFL parlay builder | Bonus bet up to $1,000 with promo code PLAYBONUS |
| BetRivers NJ | 20% parlay boosts | 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 with promo code PLAYRIV |
| FanDuel NJ | Odds boosts for NFL betting | Up to a $1,000 no sweat first bet |
| bet365 NJ | Super Boost for NFL and NBA games | Bet $1, Get $200 in bonus bets |
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
Bonus: $50 + $1,000
Bonus Code: Click to claim promo
- Best for: No brainer and Hammer the Over promos
- Welcome bonus: Up to a $1,000 deposit match bonus
DraftKings promos are so good at times, they’re referred to as “no brainers.” How do you pass up the Tampa Bay Bucs +73 points versus the Dallas Cowboys? (The defending Super Bowl champs ended up winning the game outright). Hammer the Over is another popular promo typically rolled out during football and basketball seasons.DraftKings also happens to be the one NJ online sportsbook known for offering odds on the Academy Awards and the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
DraftKings probably has the strongest welcome offer as new users get a $50 bonus bet on deposit (minimum of $5), which doesn’t include the deposit bonus of up to $1,000.
2. Caesars Sportsbook
Bonus: $1,250
Bonus Code: LEGALFULL
- Best for: Earning Caesars Rewards for AC casinos
- Welcome bonus: First bet of up to $1,250 on Caesars
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.
Caesars Sportsbook customers also have the opportunity to earn Caesars Rewards that can be used at Atlantic City and Las Vegas casinos. In fact, as part of the welcome bonus, new customers get 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits just for signing up using our links.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
Bonus: $1,000
Bonus Code: PLAYBONUS
- Best for: Single game NFL parlay builder
- Welcome Bonus: Bonus bet up to $1,000
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.
BetMGM’s welcome offer is one of the stronger ones available with the return coming in the form of bonus bets.
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
Bonus: $500
Promo Code: PLAYRIV
- Best for: 20% parlay boosts
- Welcome bonus: 2nd Chance Bet up to $500
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.
The $500 second chance bet, returned as a bet credit of equal value, comes with just a 1x playthrough requirement. Use promo code PLAYRIV when prompted at sign in to claim it.
5. FanDuel Sportsbook
Bonus: $2,500
Promo Code: Click to claim promo
- Best for: Odds boosts among strongest for NFL betting
- Welcome bonus: Up to a $2,500 no sweat first bet
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.
The welcome offer is one of the strongest available, but customers need to be aware of the expiration date associated with the site credit.
6. bet365 Sportsbook
Bonus: Bet $1 get $200
Bonus code: None - Use Links
- Best for: Super Boost for NFL and NBA games
- Welcome bonus: Bet $1, Get $200 in bonus bets
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.
The welcome offer of bet $1, get $200 in bouns bets is different with little risk involved as a result of the minimum $10 deposit and $1 bet needed to activate the promo.
Current NJ sportsbook promotions
Because of the high level of competition, the best NJ sportsbook apps have to make generous offers to bettors, both as an initial enticement and as a means to retain you as a customer. As a result, there are usually hundreds of dollars in cash and bonus bets available on every sportsbook app.
Here are some common types of sports betting bonuses:
- No-deposit bonus
- Deposit match
- Bonus bets
- Second Chance bets
- Bet boosts
- Profit boosts
- Parlay insurance
- Cashback bonus
- Loyalty/bonus programs
One type of bonus, odds boosts, deserves special mention. In fact, they are so prevalent that they often receive their own tab and are hard to recognize as a promotion. With an odds boost, sportsbooks will increase the potential payout for selected wagers. Since the offers are only good until the match ends, the book must generate new boosts each day.
No one is going to get rich if they bet on a boosted wager; the payout increase is usually only a few percentage points. However, if you were already planning to bet on something similar, the boost can serve as a nice sweetener for the deal.
How sports betting bonuses work
Sportsbooks will pay out the proceeds from their bonuses as bonus bets or straight cash. Of the two, a straight cash receipt is the least common. In most cases, the sportsbook would rather give you an incentive to keep playing, rather than cash out.
Second chance bets and bonus dollars are similar to each other in the sense that they both require you to play through their value a certain number of times to convert them to cash. This mandate is known as the playthrough requirement.
The main difference between bonus bets and bonus dollars (credits) is that second chance bets come in indivisible chunks. In other words, you must bet the entire amount of each bonus bet at one time, and you cannot receive any change. It’s the sportsbook equivalent of a voucher.
Bonus dollars, on the other hand, can be parsed out however you choose. Fundamentally, they function the same way as regular cash. It’s just not possible to cash out bonus credits until you’ve played through them.
Sportsbooks bonus terms and conditions
There are a couple of caveats that come with redeeming these bonuses. It is extremely important that you read all the terms and conditions for any sportsbook bonus.
One thing you should always check is the playthrough requirements. You will always be required to wager an amount equivalent to a multiple of your bonus amount in order to release the funds as actual cash. However, the multiples that a bonus can require can be quite high. We’ve seen some wagering requirements as high as 50x, meaning that you’d have to wager $50 for every $1 of bonus. That said, requirements between 1x-5x are more common for sports betting bonuses.
The other bit of concern dovetails with the first. Most bonuses come with a time limit attached to them for fulfilling the playthrough requirement.
Based upon the absolute amount of money you might need to wager, it could represent a significant investment of time to make it happen at your current bet level. It is a good idea to figure out how many bets you’d need to book to redeem the bonus. The bottom line is that it’s essential to read the fine print on an offer before you claim it.
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
5 sports betting tips
Once you have the basics of sports betting down, it’s important to 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.
How to get started at NJ sports betting apps
- Use our links above to sign up.
- Download the app or access the betting site via your desktop web browser.
- Claim your bonus. (If prompted, enter the promo code from above to claim your welcome bonus.)
- Deposit and bet.
- Withdrawing funds should be as easy as depositing, as long as you have provided the necessary identification and financial information to deposit, play, and withdraw.
Full list of legal NJ online sportsbooks
- Barstool Sportsbook
- bet365 Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- betParx Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Betway Sportsbook
- Borgata Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Fox Bet Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Mojo Sportsbook
- PlayUp Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- Prophet Sportsbook
- Sporttrade Sportsbook
- SuperBook Sportsbook
- Tipico Sportsbook
- Unibet Sportsbook
- WynnBet Sportsbook
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 more than 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 NJ 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.
FAQs
Is online sports betting legal in NJ?
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 sports betting in the state.
Where can you bet on sports in New Jersey?
All nine Atlantic City casinos and three NJ racetracks have a retail sportsbook (amenities included). Plus, more than 20 NJ sports betting apps are currently licensed by the DGE.
Do you have to live in New Jersey to bet online?
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.
Can I bet on college sports in New Jersey?
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.
Which NJ sportsbook is the best?
The answer is really subjective based on what features, promos, and bet types gamblers 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 more than 20 brands live in NJ, there is plenty of variety.
How old do you need to be to bet on sports in NJ?
21 years old, which is the same age limit for gambling at an Atlantic City casino.