Sports betting is now legal in New Jersey. And the floodgates have opened. Casinos and racetracks in the Garden State are working feverishly to launch physical and online sportsbooks.
NJ sports betting sites and apps give first-time players either free bets, risk-free bets, or deposit bonuses. The difference is that a free bet usually is a gift just for signing up at the NJ online sportsbook and requires no deposit.
A risk-free bet or a deposit bonus require bettors to either place a bet or deposit into their sports betting account.
All online sportsbooks listed below are legal and licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
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New Jersey sports betting is a booming industry that is expanding at a rapid rate. In total, land-based and online sportsbooks now number 24.
Eight of the nine Atlantic City casinos offer retail sports betting alongside Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetrack. Meanwhile, 15 online sportsbooks now call New Jersey home.
All of this happened in less than a year. Gov. Phil Murphy placed the first legal sports bet in Garden State history back on June 14, 2018, at Monmouth Park.
But there is more to come.
NJ sports betting expansion
After DraftKings (via Resorts Atlantic City) launched its app, new sportsbooks joined the market in quick succession.
Currently, there are 15 sportsbook apps in New Jersey. Meanwhile, 10 retail sportsbooks are up and running in the state including eight at Atlantic City casinos.
NJ online sports betting sites
Here’s what we know about NJ sports betting apps and websites:
| Online Sportsbook | Land-Based Affiliate | Sports betting partner(s) | Launch date | iOS app | Android app |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Resorts AC | Kambi | Aug. 6, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| Betstars | Resorts AC | NA | Sept. 13, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| FanDuel | Meadowlands | Betfair/IGT | Sept. 1, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| William Hill | Monmouth | NA | Sept. 1, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| PointsBet | Meadowlands | NA | Dec. 11, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| Caesars | Caesars AC | Scientific Games | Sept. 6, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| PlayMGM Sports | Borgata AC | IGT | Aug. 22, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| SugarHouse | Monmouth Park | Kambi | Aug. 23, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| Golden Nugget sportsbook | Golden Nugget | SBTech/Scientific Games | Feb. 19, 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| 888 Sport | Caesars | Kambi | Sept. 10, 2018 | Yes | Yes |
| Hard Rock | Hard Rock AC | GiG | Jan. 26, 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| Resorts | Resorts AC | SBTech | Jan. 31, 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| BetAmerica | Golden Nugget | SBTech | Feb. 2, 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| Borgata Sports | Borgata AC | GVC | May 14, 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| TheScore | Monmouth Park | Bet.Works | Aug. 16, 2019 (soft launch) | Yes | Yes |
| bet365 | Hard Rock AC | bet365 | Mid-2019 | Probably | Probably |
| Ocean Resort | Ocean Resort Casino | William Hill | Unknown | Probably | Probably |
| Harrah's | Harrah's AC | Scientific Games | Unknown | Probably | Probably |
| Bally's | Bally's AC | Scientific Games | Unknown | Probably | Probably |
| Unibet | Hard Rock AC | Kambi | 2019 | Probably | Probably |
| CG Technology | Meadowlands | Stadium Technology | 2019 | Probably | Probably |
NJ sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks
Here’s what we know about the sports betting plans of Atlantic City casinos and North Jersey racinos right now:
| Casino/racetrack | Sportsbook | Sports betting partner(s) | Launch date | Open? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borgata | Moneyline Bar & Book | IGT | June 14 | Yes |
| Resorts | DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts | DraftKings/Kambi; SBTech | Aug. 15 | Yes |
| Ocean Resort | William Hill Sportsbook @ Ocean Resort | William Hill | June 28 | Yes |
| Monmouth Park | Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill | William Hill | June 14 | Yes |
| Meadowlands | FanDuel Sportsbook | Betfair/FanDuel/IGT | July 14 | Yes |
| Harrah's | The Book | Scientific Games | Aug. 1 | Yes |
| Hard Rock | Hard Rock Sportsbook | GiG | Jan. 30 | Yes |
| Golden Nugget | The Sportsbook | SBTech | Aug. 15 | Yes |
| Caesars | Unknown | Scientific Games | Unknown | No |
| Bally's | The Book | Scientific Games | July 30 | Yes |
| Tropicana | William Hill Sports Book at Tropicana | William Hill | Oct. 25 | Yes |
Benefits of legal online sports betting
Each sportsbook in New Jersey offers different odds, sports, and promotions, but they are all monitored by the DGE. This means each sportsbook is legal, safe and secure. On top of that, legal sports betting in NJ brings in tax revenue for the state and adds jobs.
Every operator must go through a rigorous application process with the DGE. The market is fully regulated, and companies face the possibility of fines for violating policies.
This includes accepting bets from underage gamblers or taking action on New Jersey colleges and universities. Two casino companies were fined for the latter during the 2018 college football season.
The addition of mobile sports betting offers the convenience of wagering without the hassle of leaving the house. NJ sportsbook apps are available for download on iOS and Android devices, meaning anyone older than 21 with a smartphone can access them. Most online sportsbooks have a browser version as well.
New sportsbooks equal new jobs to man the betting windows and serve customers, both online and on site.
But the real story comes down to the numbers, and it’s quite clear bettors are loving legal NJ sports betting. Lifetime handle since launch surpassed the $1-billion mark. And NJ sports betting revenue is on a roll as well hitting $221 million since launch in June 2018.
You can read more about NJ sports betting revenue here.
Top sports betting events in New Jersey
When it comes to sports betting, there are some events that just garner more attention than others. The bigger the event, the more likely users will place bets and the higher the handle (aka total wagers) will be.
NJ online sports betting and retail betting is no different. Bigger sporting events such as the Super Bowl or March Madness will garner more attention from customers. Atlantic City March Madness betting is just one example.
Here are some of the top events in 2019 including betting guides:
| Event | Betting Guide |
|---|---|
| NCAA bowl games | College bowl betting |
| Super Bowl | Super Bowl betting |
| Academy Awards (Oscars) | Oscars betting |
| NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament | March Madness betting |
| Masters Tournament | Masters betting |
| Haskell Invitational | Haskell betting |
| NCAA football | College football betting |
| NFL season | NFL betting |
NJ sportsbook locations, partners, and licensees
In order to offer legal sports wagers in New Jersey, sportsbooks (online and retail) must be tied to a licensed operator. Eight Atlantic City casinos and two racetracks currently offer sports betting. Each licensed operator is allowed three online skins.
Caesars Atlantic City is the lone casino without a sportsbook. In terms of partnerships, William Hill US shares its NJ online sportsbook operations between its three licensed partners: Monmouth, Ocean Resort, and Tropicana. All times listed are Eastern Standard Time.
Bally’s (Caesars)
The property was originally known as Bally’s Park Place with the famous address of Park Place and Boardwalk (prime real estate on the Monopoly board).
The casino hotel welcomed its first guests on Dec. 30, 1979. It was originally owned by Bally Manufacturing. Today, it’s one of several brands owned by Vici Properties and operated by Caesars Entertainment. The Wild Wild West-themed gaming floor includes sports betting and live entertainment.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- Caesars Casino & Sports (Scientific Games) – Sept. 6, 2018
- 888 Sport (Kambi) – Sept. 10, 2018
Retail Sportsbook: The Book
Opened: July 30, 2018
Address: 1900 Pacific Avenue
Location: The Book is located in the middle of the Wild Wild West Casino floor. This serves as the sportsbook for both Bally’s and Caesars Atlantic City, both of which are connected.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
*Subject to change based on special sporting events.
Amenities: The Book at Bally’s is considered a temporary space. A new 15,000-square-foot book is in the works and expected to open in June 2019. The temp space includes:
- 30 stadium lounge chairs
- 27 high top chairs and tables
- 8 large screen TVs
- Beverage service
Borgata
The MGM Resorts-owned property sets the standard when it comes to Atlantic City.
Besides casino revenue, the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has the look and feel of a Las Vegas Strip property. The amenities include A-list entertainment, restaurant partnerships with celebrity chefs, and an outdoor beer garden. It connects to The Water Club, a separate signature hotel minus the casino floor.
The property, which originally was a joint venture between Boyd Gaming and MGM, celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2018. In 2016, MGM purchased Boyd’s stake in the Borgata for $900 million.
Online Sportsbook Partners
Retail Sportsbook: Race & Sports Book at Borgata
Opened: June 14, 2018
Address: 1 Borgata Way
Location: The space is located adjacent to the north entrance and Poker Room (the former racebook). But this is only temporary. A new $12-million sportsbook is expected to open June 29.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Friday: Opens at 11 a.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Opens at 9 a.m.
*Hours are subject to change based on sports programming.
Amenities: Unlike the other sportsbooks around Atlantic City, this one handles horse racing and NJ sports betting action. It includes:
- 100 seats with individual flat-screen monitors
- 10 betting windows
- Kiosks for horse race wagers
- Video wall showing major sporting and horse racing events
- Boot & Whip Bar
Golden Nugget
This is one of three Atlantic City casinos once owned by current President Donald Trump. The property is the smallest in town with 728 rooms.
Tilman Fertitta purchased the former Trump Castle and Trump Marina in 2011 and rebranded it into the Golden Nugget with a $150-million investment. The major makeover was needed as the exterior of the property looked more like a hospital building than a luxury casino hotel.
Today, the Golden Nugget is the market leader when it comes to NJ online casino revenue, topping even the much larger Borgata.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- BetAmerica (SBTech) – Feb. 2
- Golden Nugget (SBTech/Scientific Games) – Feb. 19
Retail Location: The Sportsbook
Opened: Aug. 15, 2018
Address: Huron Avenue and Brigantine Boulevard
Sportsbook Location: The Sportsbook is located across from the casino floor entrance and just off the escalators from the self-parking garage.
Hours of Operation:
- 10 a.m.-12 a.m. daily
Amenities: The 2,500-square-foot space is a makeover of the former poker room. The permanent sportsbook includes several amenities:
- 50 televisions spread across five video walls
- Seating for more than 100
- Four betting windows
- Nine self-betting kiosks
- Food and drink service
Harrah’s (Caesars)
Harrah’s Atlantic City opened on Nov. 22, 1980, with one hotel tower that included just over 500 rooms. Now known as the Coastal Tower, it’s currently receiving a makeover.
Harrah’s, also owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, was the first company to open a casino hotel in the Marina District. Today, the property is one of the biggest with more than 2,500 rooms.
Besides great dining and entertainment amenities, The Pool at Harrah’s is the major attraction. This indoor tropical oasis (fake palm trees included) is an adults-only pool during the day that transforms into one of Atlantic City’s most popular night clubs.
Online Sportsbook Partners
None. Shares licensing with Bally’s and Caesars.
Retail Location: The Book
Opened: Aug. 1, 2018
Address: 777 Harrah’s Blvd.
Location: The Book is centrally located on the main floor, footsteps away from the casino floor, Caesars Reward Center and Poker Room. In May 2019, the new permanent sportsbook had its soft opening.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
*Hours are subject to change based on special sporting events.
Amenities: The Book at Harrah’s Resort includes:
- 3,800 square feet of space
- LED televisions
- Extra plush seating
- Food service by AC Burger Company
- Two Fan Caves for up to 10 guests (must be reserved)
Hard Rock AC
The Hard Rock team teased coming to Atlantic City for years, before finally purchasing the former Trump Taj Mahal from Carl Icahn. To say the property looks nothing like its former self is an understatement.
It finally opened just in time for the prime summer season on June 28, 2018, in true Hard Rock fashion — the traditional guitar smashing ceremony. Billed as “Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination,” Hard Rock also features a large casino floor with 2,100 slot machines and 120 table games.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- Hard Rock (GiG) – Jan. 26
- bet365 – unknown
- Unibet (Kambi) – Online casino launched June 4, sportsbook is in the works
Retail Sportsbook: Hard Rock Sportsbook
Opened: Jan. 30
Address: 1000 Boardwalk
Location: Back of casino floor
Hours of Operation: Unknown. Call Hard Rock for more information.
Amenities: Hard Rock officially opened its expanded space April 1 (no foolin’). The 3,800–square-foot sportsbook includes:
- 50 seats
- 60 TVs
- Full-service bar with video poker slots
Meadowlands Racetrack
The FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands Racetrack marked the daily fantasy sports company’s leap into the sports betting game. Another is coming soon to the Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania.
But what makes this location stand out is its proximity to New York City where sports betting legislation has yet to be approved. MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets, is nearby, too.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- FanDuel (Betfair/IGT) – Sept. 1, 2018
- PointsBet – Dec. 11, 2018
- CG Technology (Stadium Technology) – Sometime in 2019 (application pending)
Retail Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook
Opened: July 14, 2018
Address: 1 Racetrack Dr., East Rutherford
Location: The Sportsbook is located inside the Victory Lounge.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
- Saturday: 7 a.m.-2 a.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Amenities: The 5,300-square-foot space is big enough to accommodate 500 people. The space also features:
- 50-plus HD TVs
- 20 sports betting stations
- VIP area
- Self-betting kiosks
Monmouth Park
The origins of Monmouth Park date back to July 30, 1870, but the Oceanport-based track will forever be part of NJ sports betting history.
This is where New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy placed the first legalized sports bet on June 14, 2018. He placed $20 on Germany to win the World Cup and $20 on the New Jersey Devils to win the Stanley Cup.
In terms of horse racing, the biggest event on the Monmouth Park calendar is the $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational taking place each summer.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- William Hill – Sept. 1, 2018
- SugarHouse (Kambi) – Aug. 23, 2018
- TheScore (Bet.Works) – Aug. 16, 2019 (soft launch)
Retail Sportsbook: Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill
Opened: June 14, 2018
Address: 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport
Location: The sportsbook can be found inside of Monmouth Park. There is a sign on the exterior of the building.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Amenities: The state’s first-to-open sportsbook features:
- 15 betting windows
- Integrated sports bar
- More than 40 HDTVs
Ocean Casino Resort
The story of Ocean Casino is rougher than the waves in the Atlantic Ocean. The former Revel, and briefly TEN by name only, has experienced its share of tough times.
Ocean Resort Casino, as it was originally named, had its grand opening on June 28, and it included Hollywood A-lister Mark Wahlberg placing the first official bet at the sportsbook. Bruce Deifik purchased the property from Glenn Straub. It is in the process of transferring the ownership to New York-based hedge fund Luxor Capital Group. The latest sale was announced in January.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- William Hill – Sept. 1, 2018
Retail Sportsbook: William Hill Sportsbook at Ocean Casino
Opened: Sept. 6, 2018 (replacing the temporary space that opened on June 28, 2018)
Address: 500 Boardwalk
Location: The sportsbook is located at the center of the casino floor.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m..-12 a.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m.-Midnight
Amenities: The William Hill Sportsbook at Ocean Casino is the largest in Atlantic City at 7,500 square feet. The space includes:
- 360-degree sports ticker
- 45-foot, Unilumen LED televisions
- Two bars
- Seven betting windows
- Theater-style seating and leather couches
Resorts
Resorts, Atlantic City’s oldest casino, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. On its first day of business (May 26, 1978), crowds of people were lined up on the Boardwalk waiting to check out the first legal casino in the US outside of Nevada.
Entertainer Steve Lawrence made the first roll of the dice at the craps table. The property, which is one of the smallest in AC, has gone through several ownership changes. Resorts is currently managed by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- DraftKings (Kambi) – Aug. 6, 2018
- BetStars NJ – Sept. 13, 2018
- Resorts (SBTech) – Jan. 31, 2019
Retail Sportsbook: DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts
Opened: Nov. 20, 2018 (replacing the smaller temporary location that opened on Aug. 15)
Address: 1133 Boardwalk
Location: The DraftKings Sportsbooks is located footsteps away from the casino floor, Atlantic City Boardwalk and Margaritaville restaurant.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 24 hours
Amenities: The 5,000-square-foot DraftKings Sportsbook features:
- 15-foot video wall with ultra-high definition LED screens
- 16 betting kiosks and five betting windows
- Food and beverage service
- VIP seating area
Tropicana
Tropicana first opened on Nov. 23, 1981, and over the years has gone through several ownership changes and expansions.
It was just last year that Icahn sold the property to Gaming and Leisure Properties and Eldorado Resorts as part of a $1.85-billion deal.
With 2,400 guest rooms, it’s one of the biggest hotels in the Garden State. Besides the casino floor, the main attraction is The Quarter, a massive 200,000-square-foot dining and entertainment complex.
Online Sportsbook Partners
- William Hill – Sept. 1, 2018
Retail Sportsbook: William Hill Sports Book at Tropicana
Opened: Oct. 25, 2018
Address: 2831 Boardwalk
Location: North Tower Casino
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-12 a,m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 a.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m.-12 a.m.
Amenities: The new permanent sportsbook, which opened March 8, is 5,000 square feet and includes:
- 180 seats
- VIP seating
- Bar & lounge
- 16 games at one time
- 1,000+ square feet of video display
NJ sportsbook and casino team sponsorships
There have also been several deals between gaming companies and various parties directly involved in sports. Those deals have included athletes, teams, or even entire leagues.
Now that sports betting is legal, sportsbooks, casinos, and teams are striking up partnerships and deals to capitalize on the expanding market. Since New Jersey is at the forefront of the new wave of sports betting, its teams and companies are finding themselves prime targets for dealmaking.
Perhaps no team has more new friends than the New Jersey Devils. The Newark team’s Prudential Center will feature branded lounge areas for both William Hill and Caesars Entertainment. The Devils will also display advertising for MGM Resorts, which signed a leaguewide deal with the NHL in late October 2018, and FanDuel.
See below for all the sports betting deals involving New Jersey teams and/or leagues so far:
| League/Team | Sportsbook/Casino Partner |
|---|---|
| NBA | MGM Resorts, BetStars (The Stars Group), FanDuel |
| NHL | MGM Resorts, FanDuel, William Hill |
| New York Jets | MGM Resorts, 888 Casino |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Caesars |
| New Jersey Devils | William Hill, Caesars, FanDuel |
| MLB | MGM Resorts, DraftKings, FanDuel |
| NFL | Caesars (casino only) |
PlayNJ sportsbook review process
Much like with NJ online casino reviews, PlayNJ uses several factors to rank NJ online sportsbooks. These include:
- Betting lines
- Bonuses
- Promotions
- What sports are offered
- Software
- Cashiering options
Many first-time bettors to NJ sports betting apps can take advantage of the welcome bonuses and/or risk-free bets.
Players are required to sign up for an account in order to receive a bonus. A deposit may or may not be required to take advantage of the promotion.
Bottom line, each sportsbook has different promotions and bonuses, unique betting lines, and specific deposit and withdrawal options. All of that plus ease-of-play make a difference in how we review legal sports betting apps.
NJ sports betting FAQ
Who regulates NJ sports betting?
Where can I bet on sports in NJ?
Are legal sports betting options live in New Jersey?
Yes. NJ sports betting has been legal since June 14, 2018, when the first bet was placed at Monmouth Park by NJ Gov. Phil Murphy. The same day, NBA Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving made the first bet at the Borgata in Atlantic City.
The field of options currently stands at 24.
Who is eligible for a sports betting license?
All Atlantic City casinos, three active New Jersey racetracks along with the two defunct racetracks.
Out of the 14, 11 currently offer at least one form of legal sports betting, either in person or online. Atlantic City Racetrack and Garden State Park can technically both offer sports betting, but neither location has announced plans or received a sports betting license.
Is there online sports betting in New Jersey?
Yes. Besides offering mobile sports betting, NJ sportsbooks offer wagering via the internet or a web browser.
DraftKings Sportsbook was the first to go live on Aug. 6, 2018, followed by PlayMGM Sports (Aug. 22), SugarHouse (Aug.23), FanDuel, and William Hill (both Sept. 1).
The current list of online sportsbooks is now at 14 and counting.
What about mobile sports betting apps?
Mobile sportsbooks are a huge part of the NJ sports betting industry. There are 14 currently available in New Jersey, with several more expected to launch sometime in 2019.
The majority of the apps allow users to view the odds without setting up an account or depositing funds. In many cases, players can view the betting lines from outside of New Jersey. It means up-to-date odds are a fingertip away.
Many of the apps include a tutorial on sports betting, as well as explanations on the different types of possible wagers.
What sports can I bet on?
What colleges are excluded?
Are there other NJ sports betting restrictions?
NJ law prohibits owners and other key members of sports leagues/franchises from booking wagers on their own league. This restriction applies to the Golden Nugget alone. Its owner, Tilman Fertitta, also owns the Houston Rockets of the NBA. The Nugget’s sportsbook (online and retail) will not be permitted to take action on NBA games.
Who is eligible to place a sports bet in New Jersey?
Just like at an Atlantic City casino, anyone 21 years of age or older can place a sports bet in New Jersey.
Online wagering requires users to register for an account and verify they are in New Jersey. But you do not have to be a resident of NJ to place a bet.
How does an online sportsbook know that I’m actually inside NJ when I place a wager?
NJ mobile sportsbooks are equipped with third-party geolocation software to track each player’s location with pinpoint accuracy. This same technology is used to great effect for NJ online casinos.
Desktop users may need to install a geolocation plugin to verify that the person placing the bet is currently in New Jersey.
What types of sports betting does New Jersey support?
New Jersey permits sports betting on a variety of professional and college sports, as well as bets on novelty events such as the Oscars.
There are several different types of bets available in NJ:
- Point spreads
- Over/under
- Moneyline
- Futures
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Prop bets
- Live betting
- Cash out
How much revenue will sports betting generate for New Jersey?
Based on the first year of returns, NJ sports betting is a business that is growing at a rapid pace.
For May 2019, the 10 retail sportsbooks and 14 mobile online sportsbooks open had a handle of $318,940,677 and revenue of $15.5 million. All told, the market has already hit almost $3 billion in handle and $170+ million in revenue.
In terms of how those numbers measure up to Nevada, that state’s 2018 total handle was a whopping $5 billion.
What are the tax rates on NJ sports betting?
The NJ sports betting law passed in June 2018 includes the following taxes for online and retail sportsbooks in the state:
- Casinos: 8.5 percent for in-person; 13 percent for online
- Tracks: 8.5 percent for in-person; 14.25 percent for online
Local municipalities and counties benefit from an additional 1.25 percent tax rate.
What about esports betting?
What about NJ daily fantasy sports?
History of NJ Sports Betting
How did legal sports betting in New Jersey come to be?
It was a decade of court battles that culminated in the May 14, 2018, US Supreme Court ruling that declared the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional.
Here is a condensed timeline of NJ sports betting history:
2017-2018: SCOTUS rules; NJ launches sports betting
In January 2017, the US Supreme Court asks acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall to file a brief in the NJ sports betting case. Wall weighs in on the state’s bid for appeal in May, advising the court to take a pass.
SCOTUS follows that advice about 80 percent of the time, but it does not do so in this instance. In June, the court agrees to hear one hour of oral arguments from the two sides.
On Dec. 4, the stakeholders head to Washington, D.C. to offer testimony before the highest court in the land. Most experts and pundits in attendance suggest that the proceedings go very favorably for the state.
On May 14, 2018, Justice Samuel Alito releases the majority opinion in the updated Murphy vs. NCAA. New Jersey wins 6-3, and a broad repeal of PASPA paves the way for state-based regulation. Finally — finally — the issue meets its ultimate legal outcome at the federal level.
The state puts the final pieces in place quickly thereafter. Lawmakers in both chambers unanimously pass a new bill on June 7, and Gov. Phil Murphy signs it into law on June 11. Two days later, the DGE publishes a set of emergency regulations to get the industry off the ground.
NJ sports betting goes live on Thursday, June 14 just after 10:30 a.m. The governor places the first two bets at Monmouth Park — $20 each on Germany (7/2) and the New Jersey Devils (40/1) futures.
2014-2016: Christie vs. NCAA II
After striking out in its first attempt to legalize sports betting, New Jersey switches stances for a second at-bat in 2014.
Gov. Chris Christie issues an order that lifts the state’s own ban on sports betting in September. Repealing a prohibition, he argues, is different than passing a new law (and would not violate PASPA). On Oct. 17, the governor signs a bill that makes his position official.
The bill is an updated version of the Sports Wagering Act from Sen. Ray Lesniak. It moves to allow the state’s casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting, but without any regulatory oversight from the state. NJ sports betting even gets a launch date. Monmouth Park plans to open the first NJ sportsbook on October 26.
The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA file for an injunction, however, asserting that sports betting outside of Nevada would cause irreparable harm to their brands and businesses. “The leagues” argue that the legal distinction Christie is trying to make is invalid. Courts had already ruled, on several occasions, that NJ could not allow sports betting.
The US District Court grants a temporary injunction on Oct. 24 — just two days before launch. A week later, Judge Michael Shipp turns his temporary order into a permanent injunction, granting final summary judgment in favor of the leagues. His ruling once again affirms that PASPA is constitutional and supersedes state law.
New Jersey appeals (again) in March 2015 and the parties present arguments before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia once more. The state contends that its new law is in line with the previous rulings in the first round of litigation. Another ruling, however, sides with the leagues by the same 2-1 vote.
The state appeals (yet again), this time asking an en banc panel to rehear the case. In a rare move, the court agrees to do so in February 2016. The end result is the same, though, as nine of the 12 judges side with the leagues. Again.
Having exhausted all other legal avenues, NJ appeals to the US Supreme Court for a second time. To the surprise of many, SCOTUS agrees to hear the case.
2012-2014: Christie vs. NCAA I
The situation escalates as the calendar rolls over to 2012.
On Jan. 9, the NJ legislature passes the Sports Wagering Act, penned by Sen. Ray Lesniak.
Gov. Chris Christie signs the bill into law eight days later, and sports betting is officially on the books in NJ.
Not so fast, say the sports leagues.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) file suit against Christie and other state officials in an attempt to block the establishment of NJ sports betting.
Their complaint, filed in US District Court, argues that NJ-regulated sports betting would violate federal law — namely, PASPA. The state, on the other hand, contends that PASPA is unconstitutional under core principles of anti-commandeering.
In February 2013, Judge Michael Shipp upholds PASPA, ruling in favor of the leagues and striking down the Sports Wagering Act. It’s the first of many, many losses for the state.
Christie appeals to the Third Circuit in September with the same result. Two of three appellate judges vote to uphold the lower ruling. The state then tries with the US Supreme Court, which declines to even hear the case.
Something interesting emerges within the proceedings, however. The state takes the position that, while it can not regulate sports betting, it can remove its own prohibitions — essentially decriminalizing the activity altogether.
That understanding sets the stage for a second, more ferocious battle between the state and the sports leagues.
2009-2011: Setting the stage for NJ sports betting
Beginning in 2009, longtime Sen. Ray Lesniak formulates a plan to sue the federal government and challenge the constitutionality of PASPA.
Lesniak argues that the billions of dollars in illegal, offshore wagers should be retained and taxed by the state. In fact, the former senator claims, legal sports betting could contribute more than $100 million in annual tax revenue.
The first step is to address the state’s own prohibitions.
In 2011, lawmakers propose a constitutional amendment allowing sports betting at NJ casinos and racetracks, both in-person and over the internet. Voters approve the amendment by a 64 percent margin — 648,769 to 367,283 — clearing the first legislative hurdle with ease. (Spoiler: There will be many more hurdles to come.)
Less than two weeks after the vote, Lesniak introduces the Sports Wagering Act to legalize the activity in black and white. Senate committees approve the bill in December.
1992: US Congress passes PASPA
The US Congress passes the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), making sports betting illegal at the federal level.
Nevada sports betting is grandfathered in, and a few other states have narrow exemptions for things such as football squares and parlay cards. The remaining states are given one year to apply for their own relief, but none do — including New Jersey.
NJ sports betting law and regulations
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 at 10:30 a.m. that Thursday.
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 (currently live) and mobile/internet wagering (starting July 11)
- Approves wagering on all professional sports and most collegiate events
- Sets the structure for licensing fees
- Casino license: ≥ $200,000
- Internet gaming permit: ≥ $400,000 (renewal: ≥ 250,000; Responsible Gaming Fee: $250,000)
- Sports wagering license: $100,000 (renewal: ≥ $100,000)
- Casino Control Fund retainer: $250,000
- Taxes revenue at separate rates 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