All Sites Licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
The Top NJ Casinos Online for 2023
There are a lot of operators in New Jersey, but not all of them are equal. Hence, before you even start playing at an online casino in New Jersey you should make sure that it is licensed and regulated. That way you can be certain you will get fair play and your money will be safe. Below, you can find a list of the licensed .
Some of the brands featured on this page might be familiar to you since they also own and operate casinos in Atlantic City. For instance, the is one of the most popular places to visit in the city, so it’s no surprise that their online site would enjoy similar success. However, there are also some brands, which focus solely online, such as the . This just goes to show that when a company knows what it takes to provide excellent entertainment through a computer screen – it can achieve great things.
Overview of Regulation and Legislation in NJ
Gambling has always been a big part of New Jersey culture. In fact, casino gaming was actually approved by public referendum back in 1976, with Resorts becoming the first venue to open its doors in 1978. Since then, the industry has grown into a major attraction, with millions of people visiting the region each year.
However, like all other forms of gamble inside the Garden State, must be regulated by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). As such, operators have to pay a hefty license fee ($250,000) and prove that their Random Number Generators are working properly. There are also strict rules regarding advertising and responsible gambling. Thus, players can rest assured that they’re getting a fair game and that any rewards they receive are legit. Furthermore, all games are audited on a monthly basis to ensure everything complies with state law.
The Legal Gambling Age for New Jersey
Before you embark on your gambling adventure in the Garden State, you need to know that it has some of the best gambling destinations in America. However, like all other casinos in the USA, it has specific rules about who is allowed to enter. Therefore, you have to be at least 21 years old or above legal gambling age. This requirement applies to land-based venues and online casinos alike.
It’s worth mentioning that the state accepts various types of IDs, including your passport, driver’s licence, or a state-issued ID card. If you don’t have any of those, then you may be able to use your social security card, but only if you have other forms of identification. So, as long as you’ve got some sort of official document that proves your name, address, and date of birth, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
How to Choose the Right Online Casino in NJ?
Nowadays, it seems like there’s a new operator launching every week. And while this is good news for consumers (more choice!), it can sometimes feel overwhelming when trying to decide where to play. However, there are certain factors that you should look out for and we’re going to explore them below:
- Licensing – Firstly, you need to make sure that the casino is fully licensed and regulated. We only recommend sites that hold permits from reputable authorities, such as the New Jersey DGE.
- Bonuses – Pretty much every welcomes new Customers with open arms. They do this by providing them with bonus cash or free spins. However, it’s important to check the terms and conditions attached to the offer. Things to consider include wagering requirements, validity, game weighting, and minimum deposit.
- Games – You want to sign up to a site that offers a diverse range of titles. Look for casinos that have partnered up with top software developers, such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, etc. It’s also handy if they have categorised their lobby so that you can easily find the type of game you wish to play.
- Payment Methods – Before you transfer any funds to your casino account, you need to make sure that the cashier is secure. Reputable sites use SSL encryption to protect your data. Moreover, they accept reliable payment methods, such as Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Neteller, and bank transfers. Some casinos even allow you to deposit cash at a 7-Eleven using the PayNearMe service.
- Customer Support – No matter how good a casino claims to be, you’re bound to run into issues at some point. Hence, you’ll want to have a reliable customer support team on standby. Ideally, the operator should offer 24/7 phone and live chat facilities. Email is also useful, but not so great if you need a quick answer.
- Mobile Performance – The majority of casinos now have apps or mobile-friendly websites. Either one is fine, though it’s nice if the app is available on iOS and Android devices. Also, check to see how many games are compatible with mobile. Finally, think about whether you prefer to play your games in the browser or as native applications.
Of course, there are other factors to take into consideration, but these should give you a solid foundation to build upon. Consider which of the points listed above are most important to you. Perhaps you’re a social creature who loves the hustle and bustle of the crowded floors in the best Atlantic City casinos? Or maybe you prefer the peace and quiet of playing from the comfort of your own couch? Whatever floats your boat, our aim is to provide you with enough information to help you make the right decision.
Recommended NJ Casino Apps
Playing on your mobile device has become the norm nowadays, which means that all decent casinos need to have an app. Now, some operators prefer to offer a web application, whereas others go the whole hog and develop native applications for download. Either option works – it’s really down to personal preference. What’s more important is what’s contained within the application. Below, we’ve outlined some key areas to look out for:
- A Good Variety of Games – It can be tempting for casinos to restrict their mobile offering so that they have less work to do. However, this isn’t something we condone. After all, what’s the point of having a mobile if you can’t do most of the things you can do at home? Therefore, we recommend using an app that gives you access to hundreds of slots, jackpots, table games, and live dealer tables.
- Fast Load Times– Let’s face it; we lead busy lives and don’t have time to wait for games to load. Therefore, the casino better have invested in fast servers that ensure you can get stuck into the action within a few seconds.
- Intuitive Interface – When you’re playing on a small screen, the last thing you want is to press the wrong button and lose all your progress. Therefore, the app needs to have clear markers and large enough buttons to avoid making costly mistakes.
- Secure Payment Options– If you want to make a deposit or withdrawal, you need to know that the app is protected against hacker attacks. Check to see if the cashier is SSL encrypted and if the deposit options are trustworthy.
- 24/7 Customer Support– Accidents happen, especially when you’re playing on the move. Therefore, you need to know that someone is watching your back. Make sure the app has 24/7 phone and live chat facilities. Email is also helpful, but it’s not instant.
Based on our experience, we believe that the meet all of these criteria. Not only do they have tons of games, but they also run smoothly without crashing or lagging. Additionally, the lobbies are well categorised, making it easy to navigate your way around the library.
Furthermore, the apps come packed full of exclusive offers, such as daily picks and weekend bonuses. These change regularly, so you always get fresh promotions to try. Other perks include fast deposits and withdrawals, as well as multilingual customer support agents.
The Best Real Money Games to Choose From
Online casinos in New Jersey realize that customers want choices. This is why the vast majority of lobbies are bursting at the seams with games. Whether you’re in the mood for some slot action or fancy a few spins on the roulette wheel, there’s literally something to suit all tastes. Below, we give you a brief overview of the different categories you can expect to find:
When you enter the lobby of an , you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of games. To make life easier for our readers, we’ve created a series of category pages that allow you to focus on particular genres. For example, if you wanted to learn more about online slots in New Jersey, you can read our dedicated page and be safe in the knowledge that all the results are fully licensed and regulated.
Another good research tool is social gaming sites. On these platforms, you can try hundreds of casino games without spending a single dollar. The idea behind social casinos is that players use gold coins as credits rather than real money. Of course, you can purchase coin packages if you want to play more often, or bigger jackpots, but it’s by no means necessary.
Some of the top social casinos include those owned by Mount Airy Casino Resort, Golden Nugget, and Caesars Interactive Entertainment. The latter owns WSOP.com, which is famous for its poker games, but it also has a selection of free-play blackjack, roulette, baccarat, solitaire and jackpot titles.
Live Dealer Casino Games
If you thought online gaming lacked interaction, think again. thanks to the HD video streams that put you right in the middle of the action. Essentially, you get the convenience of playing from home with all the thrills of a brick-and-mortar casino.
The games are presented by real people, known as dealers. Their job is to oversee each round and answer any questions you may have. Furthermore, they help create a friendly atmosphere by chatting to the players via a live text box.
Currently, the offers one of the largest collections of live dealer tables, with more than 100 in total. Among its ranks are classics such as blackjack, roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, baccarat, and Casino Hold’em. The also boasts enviable portfolios.
And if these brands aren’t for you, the also has a fantastic live casino with dozens of tables. Additionally, Betfair Casino hosts supplier Podium’s Unlimited Blackjack tables, where the dealer can cater for unlimited players at once. This creates a more anonymous experience if that’s the vibe you’re going for.
The Top Bonus Offers in New Jersey
Welcome bonuses are probably the main reason why you play online. Okay, perhaps that’s being a little facetious, but who doesn’t love a freebie? Whether it’s bonus cash or free spins, it gives you the chance to extend your gaming budget and possibly win real money. However, as the saying goes: there’s no such thing as a free lunch. This is because come with terms and conditions attached.
Also known as wagering requirements, these Terms & Conditions are like the small print on the back of your credit card agreement – nobody reads them. But you really ought to, at least the important bits. The playthrough requirement tells you how many times you must gamble the amount you win with bonus funds before you’re allowed to withdraw it. Failing to meet these targets will result in you forfeiting the winnings.
What you’re looking for is a low wagering offer that gives you reasonable timeframe in which to complete it. Take a look at three of our favourite deals currently available to New Jersey residents:
These offers give you a good idea of the types of deals you can expect to find within our topped rated casinos. However, we appreciate that everyone’s circumstances are different, which is why we’ve tried to be as inclusive as possible when compiling our rankings. We have welcome bonuses that offer huge sums of bonus cash, as well as others that provide large numbers of free spins. What’s more, we’ve got offers that are light on wagering, and some that give you more time to complete the requirements.
Full List of Legal Gambling Sites in NJ
We’ve already highlighted some of the in New Jersey. However, there are lots more companies competing for your business. Below, you can find a full list of legal online casinos and racing sites in the Garden State:
As you can see, the list features some familiar names, such as Borgata, Harrah’s, and Caesars. Each of these brands is linked to one of the state’s land-based and shares a casino permit. This allows them to offer gaming products online under the same name.
There are also some lesser-known entries, such as BetAmerica and Unibet. The former is an online sportsbook and racebook that launched in 2019, while the later is a European giant that made its debut in the US in 2015.
When the governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, signed Bill S19 into law on February 25, 2013, it gave rise to a number of multi-state networks. This meant that residents no longer had to use IP address blockers to access sites such as and . However, the Supreme Court’s overturning of PASPA on August 1, 2018, has led to further changes.
Online casinos are now free to offer whichever games they wish. Moreover, companies based outside of New Jersey can now apply for a permit to offer their services across the state. This has led to the launch of Virgin Online Gaming and the expected arrival of the .
Why Choose an Online Casino Over a Racebook?
Residents of the Garden State are spoiled for choice when it comes to online betting options. As well as casinos, there are also numerous that you can join. These sites give you the opportunity to bet on races from around the world using your desktop, tablet or smartphone.
So, why should you choose an online casino over a racebook?
- More Entertainment – Let’s be honest, you can’t ride into work on a photo finish. Yes, winning on a race is thrilling at the time, but it’s a fleeting moment. Whereas a spinning reel can offer you hours of excitement, especially if you hit a bonus feature.
- Better Bonuses – We’ve trawled through the terms and conditions of various racebooks and found that many of them either do not offer welcome bonuses, or their offers come with absurd wagering requirements. Conversely, casinos tend to go over the top with their promos, meaning you get more bang for your buck.
- Diversified Gaming Lobby – Most racing sites have one or two hundred markets for you to bet on. Sure, that gives you plenty of options, but what if it rains and makes the track heavy? Or worse still, what if your horse gets beaten into second place? By contrast, casinos offer thousands of different ways to win money.
- Greater Control Over Your Destiny – Yes, luck plays a role in racing, just as it does in life. However, the difference with casino games is that you can affect the outcome to some extent. For example, if you understand basic , you increase your chances of winning.
Okay, so we may be slightly biased towards online casinos, but we stand by what we say. The main reason being that there’s simply more going on inside a digital casino than there is at a racetrack. Granted, the adrenaline rush of seeing your horse storm down the final furlong in front is difficult to beat. Yet the feeling you get when the symbols line up on a slot win line is also pretty special.
New Jerseys Gambling Laws and Regulations Explained
New Jersey has been at the forefront of the drive to bring gambling into the 21^{st} century. Indeed, the state has a rich history of standing up to authority and fighting for what it believes in. Such values were clearly demonstrated in 1971, when Richard J. Hogan, a Democratic assemblyman, introduced a bill that would legalize gambling within state borders.
Online Casinos That Let You Play for Free! | Gambling BlogHis proposal was met with resistance from surrounding states who feared it would cause economic damage. Moreover, Hogan received criticism from the church, with Cardinal Thomas Medeiros describing gambling as a “tax on fools”. Despite this, Governor William Cahill supported the bill, and on August 20, 1971, the State Legislature voted in favour of it. At this stage, it went back to the Governor’s desk for approval. However, Cahill was unpopular with the Democrats, so Hogan’s proposal languished on his desk until the end of his term on January 15, 1974.
It wasn’t until 1976 that residents of the Garden State were finally able to vote on a constitutional amendment that would allow casino gambling. Remarkably, 64% of voters said yes to Public Question 2, thereby amending chapter 20 of the Basic Law of New Jersey. The amendment stated that casino gambling “shall be limited to Atlantic City.”
Since then, the state has passed several bills designed to update the original legislation, but the general principles remain the same. Any establishment wanting to offer gambling services must obtain a licence from the DGE and pay $200,000 initial fee plus $900,000 every five years after that.
Current Gambling Situation and Gambling Responsibly
The gambling situation in New Jersey is probably as good as it gets in the United States. With 9 gambling sites and 9 off-site betting operations, the DGE has awarded a total of 44 first-licence fees to the tune of $32.2 million. Moreover, the state generates a lot of revenue from taxation. For example, in May 2019 alone, internet gambling yielded $47.3 million, while traditional gambling produced $272.1 million.
This is great news for the state and its residents, provided everyone gambles responsibly. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement offers a number of resources for anyone suffering from problem gambling:
- Problem Gambler Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (option #2) or 1-800-270-711 (TDD)
- iGAIN – Identify, Screen, Refer: Every customer is screened for problem gambling behaviours with a simple questionnaire. Anyone deemed to be at risk is referred to a trained customer service agent.
- Self-Exclusion Program: Allows individuals to exclude themselves from all land-based and Internet gaming operations in the state for one, five or permanently. Once completed, the process cannot be undone or reversed. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Option #6) or download an exclusion kit from the DGE website.
In addition to these tools, we also encourage players to set themselves limits. This could be as simple as deciding how much you’re going to spend before you start playing, or it could mean taking regular breaks. You need to be honest with yourself about your habits, and if you feel you’re losing control, seek help. Ignoring the issue will not make it go away.
Future of Online Gambling and Casino Games in NJ
It’s an exciting time to be a punter in New Jersey. Online casinos and racing sites are constantly evolving to provide customers with the latest and greatest games. Moreover, the state looks set to benefit from the removal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) on May 14, 2018. This piece of legislation, also known as PAPSA, prevented most states from legally offering sports betting apart from the few ones that had an exemption, such as Delaware, Montana, Nevada, and New Hampshire or New Jersey thanks to a 2014 ruling in Chris Christie’s favor.
However, in May 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban, allowing individual states to enact their own legislation. Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A411 into law on June 7, 2018. This enabled sports betting at retail locations, such as casinos and racetracks, and at Rutgers and Seton Hall universities.
Following various court challenges, the first legal sports bet in New Jersey was placed on June 14, 2018, at the MGM Park in Atlantic City. Since then, various casinos and racetracks have obtained the relevant licenses to offer sports betting lounges, and several online sportsbooks have gone live, including and .
The next step is for the state to allow operators outside of Atlantic City to offer their services online. One of the first to apply for a remote gambling licence was DraftKings, in partnership with Resorts Champaign-Bayshore. The company duly received its licence on August 13, 2018, and its mobile sportsbook went live eight days later.
Meanwhile, other companies are preparing their submissions, including Bet365, Entain (formerly GVC), and William Hill. It’s likely that these applicants will face lengthy and complicated processes, given the divisive nature of sports betting in the state. Nevertheless, we expect to see more brands go live over the coming months.
Finally, another area to keep an eye on is the use of sports star endorsements. This practice is commonplace in other states, with the likes of Phil Mickelson in Tennessee and Jake Owen in Michigan using their profiles to attract customers. Given that New Jersey is one of the top three states for revenue generated from sports betting (as of November 2020), it would make sense for local operators to launch affiliates with prominent athletes.
Questions Regarding Gambling in New Jersey
The purpose of this guide was to give you a comprehensive overview of online gambling in New Jersey. We hope we have succeeded in our mission, however, if you still have questions regarding casinos, poker and sports betting in the Garden State, please refer to the following section.
🍐 Is online gambling legal in NJ?
Yes. Bill S19/A2401 was signed into law on February 25, 2013, by Governor Philip Murphy’s predecessor, Chris Christie. It opened the door for residents to take part in various online gaming activities, such as slots, table games, and poker. Today, there are 20+ digital platforms you can play on, all of which are fully licensed and regulated.
🍋 Can I play at US facing online casinos if I live in New Jersey?
Yes, you can. There was a time when the laws in the US made it difficult for players to participate at online casinos. However, the situation has improved significantly in recent years. Today, you can play at a host of local sites, as well as international brands such as and 888 Casino.
🍊 How do I stay safe and secure when gambling online in New Jersey?
By playing at sites licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. These casinos are required by law to operate ethically and fairly. Moreover, they have to deploy the latest security protocols to protect your payments and personal data. Our guides feature only licensed operators.
🍋 Which is the best online casino in NJ?
There are many great operators to choose from and the best one will vary from person to person. We look for certain key features when reviewing casinos, such as a healthy selection of games, bonuses with fair wagering requirements, and reliable software. Take a look at our recommendations to find the right fit for you.
⭐ What online casinos are available in New Jersey?
There are currently 21 online casinos you can play at if you live in New Jersey. They are linked to land-based partners, such as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino or the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. Some notable brands include the , the , and the .
🤔 How old do I have to be to open an account and play at an online casino in NJ?
You must be at least 21 years old to use an online casino in the state. You also need to be located within its borders, or adjacent states if the operator has a land-based partner in New Jersey. The casino may ask you to submit proof of identity when you register, so have your driving licence or passport ready.
✅ Do I need special software to play at an NJ online casino?
Many of the leading casino software providers, such as Evolution Gaming and NetEnt, develop their games to be played instantly in WebGL. This browser-based technology allows you to play casino games on your desktop, tablet or smartphone without having to install messy software. However, some companies, such as Playtech, only offer download software.
no deposit casino bonuses real money🎰 Are the same online casino games available in NJ as there is in other states?
For the most part, yes. However, certain states have restrictions on the types of games that can be offered. For example, DE and WA only offer slots and table games, they do not offer any forms of NJ online poker. That said, New Jersey has a diverse range of online slots, table games, and poker sites and apps.
📱 Can I play at NJ online casinos on my phone?
Absolutely. In fact, you can access the top casinos in your browser or by downloading an app. Either option will give you access to scores of slots and table games, as well as live dealers. Playing on your phone is ideal if you have short periods of downtime during the day, and many casinos offer exclusive offers to users of their app.
💰 Are winnings from NJ online casigos to taxes?
Any money you make while playing at an NJ online casino will be subject to US income tax. This applies to winnings from slots, table games, poker and sports betting. The current rate is 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% or 37% depending on your taxable income. Capital Gains Tax may also apply to poker tournaments if the profit exceeds what you originally deposited.
💳 What payment methods can I use at New Jersey casinos?
All good online casinos in New Jersey accept VISA and MasterCard, plus there are a plethora of eWallets, such as Skrill and PayPal, as well as prepaid cards, including Paysafecard. You can also use bank transfers and, in some cases, cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. For a full list of options, check our reviews.
💰 How can I cash out my winnings from an NJ online casino?
Provided you used one of the departure, you should be able to cash out using the same method. For example, if you made a deposit of $20 using a PayPal account, you should be able to withdraw up to $5,000 and receive the money in your PayPal wallet. However, some methods may have temporary restrictions in place, so double-check this with the casino beforehand.
⚖ Are offshore gambling sites operating illegally in New Jersey?
Yes. Only sites that hold a licence from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement are permitted to offer online gaming services to customers in the state. Operators such as Bovada, Ignition Casino and Slots.lv may seem appealing, however, they operate in grey areas of the law and, therefore, cannot guarantee your safety and security.
🏆 Which was the first NJ online casino?
The was the , which launched on November 21, 2013. It was closely followed by the on November 26, 2013. Both sites are operated by the Borgata Hotel Casino and Resort and Spa. Many consider 2013 to be the year online casinos in New Jersey went ‘live’, although Bill S19/A2401 was signed into law by Governor Christopher Christie on February 26, 2013.
🧮 How do I know if an online casino is rigged in NJ?
Every 24 hours, the DGE randomly tests a minimum of 10 game weights and 25 RNGs to ensure they are operating correctly. The regulator runs further tests when games are modified or when there is reasonable suspicion of foul play. The DGE employs four full-time employees and two external firms to conduct these analysis, so rest assured, rigged games should not be an issue if you stick to licensed sites.
👮 Who regulates and licenses online gambling in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) oversees all gambling activities within the state, including land-based casinos and racinos, as well as online sites and racebooks. The DGE is supported by the Office of the Attorney General in the investigation and prosecution of violations of New Jersey’s Casino Control Act and related administrative rules.
