Want to know more about the top casino sites in New Jersey? Find the Garden State’s best online casinos and bonuses right here at Gambling Spotlight.
New Jersey has always been forward-thinking when it comes to casino gambling. The state opened the first brick-and-mortar venue outside of Nevada in the 1970s and became one of the first states to legalize online casinos in 2013. This Gambling Spotlight guide takes a deep dive into the latter, showing you how to identify legal New Jersey online casinos, explaining why you should avoid offshore sites, and giving you a primer on the best bonuses and promotions in town. You can use this guide, along with our New Jersey online casino list, to find the perfect place to play.
Are online casinos legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Legal online casinos debuted in New Jersey in 2013, with several land-based casinos including Harrah’s and Tropicana launching their betting services online. This milestone moment came more than three decades after the Resorts Casino Hotel opened on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 1978.
Today, the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is responsible for ensuring that online casinos meet their obligation to provide safe gambling destinations for New Jersey residents and visitors. Players must also play their part, with New Jersey online gambling laws demanding all players are aged 21 or over and physically located within state lines when placing real money wagers.
Why play at a licensed New Jersey online casino?
We recommend that players looking to play real money games should keep to the sites on the legal, licensed New Jersey online casinos list. This license confirms that a casino has met and continues to meet strict rules and regulations, as set out by the state’s Casino Control Act. These rules concern all manner of factors that can affect a player’s experience – not least, the fairness of casino games, which are subject to regular third-party testing to ensure that actual payouts line up with the published payout percentages.
The Division of Gaming Enforcement also vets casino operators to assess their integrity and stipulates that casinos must provide responsible gambling tools for their customers, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion.
Why should I avoid offshore online casinos?
Even though players aren’t legally forbidden from seeking out offshore casino sites, we’d strongly advise against it. As such sites aren’t licensed by the DJE, you won’t have an easy avenue to make complaints or take action if there’s an issue. This is a real risk, as the fact that many offshore sites aren’t regulated by respected iGaming authorities means there’s a real risk of substandard practices.
Games may be untested or even rigged to pay out unfairly, customer support may be absent, bonuses may come with unreasonable terms, and payouts may not happen on time. With so many high-quality, legal New Jersey sites to choose from, we see no reason for players to risk ruining their online casino experience.
How to identify a legal online casino in New Jersey
It should almost go without saying that all the casinos we feature at Gambling Spotlight are legal in New Jersey. It never hurts to confirm this, though, which you can simply do by looking at the online casino’s homepage. You should see a notice that says the site holds a license in New Jersey.
For even more assurance, you can check the list of approved casino operators on the DGE website. Bear in mind that just because an online casino has a .com suffix, doesn’t mean it’s legal in the US, much less the state of New Jersey.
Which online casinos can New Jersey residents play at?
New Jersey residents and visitors enjoy plenty of choice within the state’s selection of online casinos. As shown in the list below, around two dozen sites are live in the Garden State.
- 888casino
- Bet365
- BetAmerica
- Betfair Casino
- BetMGM
- Borgata Casino
- Caesars Casino
- DraftKings
- Golden Nugget
- Hard Rock Casino
- Harrah’s Casino
- Mohegan Sun Casino
- Ocean Online Casino
- Pala Casino
- Party Casino
- Parx Casino
- PlaySugarHouse
- Resorts Casino
- Scores Casino
- Tipico
- Tropicana Casino
- Unibet
- Virgin Casino
- WSOP
- WynnBET
New Jersey’s land-based casinos
New Jersey has a varied range of brick-and-mortar casinos. All are commercial casinos, although the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut has managed the Resorts Casino Hotel since 2012. Here’s a list of places where you can play and stay in America’s Playground.
| Casino | Address |
| Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino | 1900 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa | 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Caesars Atlantic City | 2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina | 600 Huron Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City | 777 Harrah’s Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Ocean Casino Resort | 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Resorts Casino Hotel | 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
| Tropicana Atlantic City | 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 |
How to play real money online casino games
Getting started at the best New Jersey online casinos is a cinch. This step-by-step guide explains how to do it:
- Check out our New Jersey online casinos list. When you see a site and welcome offer you like, click through to sign up for a new account.
- On the casino registration page, enter the details requested. You’ll usually need to enter your name, address, and email details, and may have to undergo some basic verification checks to confirm your age and identity. You might also need to enter a bonus code to access the site’s welcome offer.
- Take time to browse the site and try some demo games if you like. If you’ve been given a no deposit bonus consisting of credits or free spins, you can go ahead and use them now. Otherwise, head to the cashier page to make your first deposit. You may need to make a minimum deposit to unlock the welcome bonus.
- Most payment methods available at NJ online casinos allow you to make instant deposits, so you can start playing real money casino games straight away. Good luck!
Which games can I play at New Jersey’s online casinos?
There’s no shortage of exciting real money action to get your teeth into at New Jersey online casinos. Here’s a snapshot of some of the casino games on offer.
Blackjack
An elegantly simple card game where a little strategy can take you far, blackjack is widely available at online casinos in New Jersey. Classic blackjack is all but guaranteed to show up under the table games tab on most sites, and many offer several innovative variations with extra side bet possibilities. Players can expect to find titles like Zappit Blackjack and Multi-Hand Blackjack Perfect Pairs at the best Garden State casino sites.
Roulette
A true icon of casinos the world over, roulette comes in a variety of time-honored styles. It’s not uncommon for NJ online casinos to host all three classic versions of the game: American, French, and European roulette. But you can also look forward to contemporary variations like First Person Lightning Roulette, Double Bonus Spin Roulette, and Blazing 7’s Roulette that hit the spot for players who like to mix things up.
Slots
NJ’s online casinos often boast collections of hundreds, if not thousands of slot titles. Most of the site’s libraries feature popular slots like Book of Dead and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, and it’s always worth watching out for exclusive titles, too. The Borgata Online Casino, for example, features the exclusive Borgata 777 Respin online slot.
Baccarat
Super simple and super fun, baccarat is a pure game of chance that’s widely available at online casinos in New Jersey. There aren’t quite so many variations as with online roulette or blackjack, but it’s common to find a couple of classic baccarat games from the likes of NetEnt and IGT alongside cutting-edge titles like Evolution’s First Person Baccarat.
Craps
One of the most raucous games on the casino floor, craps has made the unlikely transition online. While you won’t get to fist bump and cheer with other players, online craps is a lot of fun in its own right, and you can seek out the dice game at several NJ sites, including the Tropicana and DraftKings online casinos.
Live dealer games
Online casinos in New Jersey offer plenty of live dealer action, with the action shot in real-time using webcams at stylish studios. Often coming courtesy of top software developers like Evolution Gaming, the choice of live dealer games on NJ casinos online usually includes a generous helping of online blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. The bigger sites often throw in a few live poker games and game shows like Dream Catcher.
Mobile casino apps in New Jersey
On-the-go gambling is widely available in the Garden State, with operators offering mobile-friendly counterparts to their main desktop site. Many of the best New Jersey online casinos, including BetMGM, Hard Rock Casino, and WynnBET, have also introduced a fully optimized mobile casino app.
The convenience and bespoke nature of New Jersey casino apps suit players who like to fire up a favorite casino game whenever and wherever the mood strikes. Other benefits of native apps include improved security, coming courtesy of things like Face ID and fingerprint logins, and push notifications that deliver the latest New Jersey online casino bonuses and promotions to the home screen of mobile devices.
Mobile casino apps for New Jersey players are available as a free download for Android and iOS, so giving one a whirl shouldn’t prove too tricky.
New Jersey online casino bonuses
New Jersey online casinos offer a wide range of bonuses. Here’s a quick overview of the type of promos on offer:
Free spins
Free spins on popular online slots always go down a treat with players, so it’s a good thing there’s often plenty of them up for grabs. Casinos frequently award bonus spins as a sweetener when you first sign up as a new player. That said, free spin bonuses also pop up for regulars, often as a ‘spend $10 on a selected slot and get 20 free spins’ kind of deal.
First deposit bonuses
When you deposit money into your new online casino account for the first time, you can often claim an equal or greater amount of matched deposit bonus funds. For example, a ‘100% up to $1,000’ offer would see you able to claim a 100% deposit match up to a max bonus size of $1,000. It’s easy to see how these bonuses can give your starting bankroll a serious boost.
No deposit bonuses
You don’t always have to part with any cash to try a new online casino out for size. Some of New Jersey’s top online casino sites offer a small bonus or free spins in return for something as simple as signing up for a new account.
These bonuses can be a great way to see if an online casino suits your style, and you might even win some real money if you fulfill the wagering requirements.
Reload bonuses
A reload bonus is a reward for topping up your online casino account with a real money deposit. These bonuses vary, but finding yourself on the receiving end of some free spins for a selected online slot or a small amount of matched deposit funds is common at online casinos across New Jersey.
Bonus terms and conditions
It’s not always as easy as it sounds to make a cash return from casino bonuses. Most offers come with a set of terms and conditions that put some obstacles in your path to profit.
Some T&Cs are reasonably innocuous, perhaps setting a limit on how long you get to use your bonus, requesting that you use particular payment methods to unlock your funds, or requiring a minimum deposit to participate.
Other details are more significant. A winnings cap, for example, will limit how much profit you can withdraw from a bonus. The wagering requirement is another big deal. This tells you how many times you need to play through the value of your bonus funds or any free spins winnings before you become eligible to request a payout.
New Jersey casino payment methods
NJ online casinos and mobile apps offer an excellent variety of trusted banking options, many of which allow you to make instant deposits. No matter which you choose, it’s worth remembering that not all payment methods double as cash-out options, and withdrawal times can vary between sites.
Deposit
The payment methods listed below are available at many New Jersey casinos, though it always pays to check the banking page to confirm that your preferred option is available.
- Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover)
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- PayNearMe
- Cash deposits at the corresponding casino cage
- E-wallets
- ACH/eCheck
- Online banking
Withdrawal
When you want to cash out, you can usually do so using one of the following options.
- Cash withdrawals at the corresponding casino cage
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- E-wallets
- ACH/eCheck
- Online banking
- Check by mail
History of gambling in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the capitals of online and in-person casino gambling in the United States. Here’s a brief snapshot of how it got there:
1978 – Following the passing of the New Jersey Casino Control Act in 1977, the Resorts Casino Hotel opened in Atlantic City. It was New Jersey’s first land-based casino and the first legal casino in the US outside of Nevada.
1992 – 24/7 in-person casino gambling arrives in New Jersey.
2006 – New Jersey annual gaming revenues top $5 billion for the second year running.
2013 – Governor Chris Christie signs a landmark bill into state law in February, making New Jersey one of only a few US states to offer legal online casino gambling. The first New Jersey casino sites launch at the end of November.
Problem gambling support in New Jersey
Whether in person, online, or both, gambling is supposed to be fun. It certainly shouldn’t introduce money worries or strains on your daily life at home or work. But problem gambling habits can develop, so it’s important to know that organizations like those listed below can offer support in New Jersey.
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
3635 Quakerbridge Rd. Ste.7 Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
National Council on Problem Gambling
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
Gamblers Anonymous
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Phone: 855-2CALLGA
Ready to play online casino games in New Jersey?
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, you may feel all set to try your hand at real money online slots, classic table games, and more. We’ve set out a New Jersey online casino list right here, so you can easily compare the options and play the top NJ sites whenever you’re ready.
FAQs:
Are online casinos legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Legal online casinos have been available in New Jersey since 2013. Players must be aged 21 years or older to place legal wagers.
How do I know if I’m playing at a licensed New Jersey online casino?
Legal sites display their license information on their homepage. You can confirm a site’s status on the state-approved New Jersey online casinos list.
Will I be taxed for my gambling winnings?
Yes, your winnings are subject to both federal and state taxes.
What other forms of gambling are allowed in New Jersey?
New Jersey is one of the least restrictive of all states when it comes to legal gambling. Along with online casinos, in-person gambling in Atlantic City, and the New Jersey Lottery, New Jersey also permits gamblers to enjoy legal sports wagering, daily fantasy sports (DFS), horse racing, off-track betting, and online poker and bingo.
Do you need to be in New Jersey to play at a New Jersey online casino?
Yes. New Jersey online gambling laws require that players be physically located inside state lines to play at the Garden State’s online casinos. This geographical restriction does not apply to players who simply want to manage their account, request a withdrawal, etc.
Are New Jersey online casino games fair?
Yes. The games available to play at licensed online gambling sites in the Garden State are subject to the same rigorous third-party testing as those on the casino floor. Licensed and regulated New Jersey online casino games are fair and offer random outcomes.
Which is the best online casino in New Jersey?
This comes down to your personal tastes and requirements. For example, one player might appreciate the glitz and glamor of the BetMGM online casino. Another might be a sports fan who enjoys the exclusive themed table games over at DraftKings. Feel free to read some of our New Jersey online casino reviews to see what style of site might suit you.
Are there any new online casinos in New Jersey?
Yes. Despite the online casino market in New Jersey being close to a decade old, new sites still launch in the state. For example, Tipico launched its New Jersey online casino in November 2021. Check back at Gambling Spotlight for all the latest info about new online casinos in New Jersey.
References:
https://www.nj.gov/lps/ge/gamingsites.html
https://www.resortscasino.com/p/blog/nj-casino-history/
https://www.actionnetwork.com/casino/nj-casino
https://www.njonlinegambling.com/a2578/
https://www.nj.com/politics/2013/02/gov_christie_signs_internet_ga.html
https://casino.borgataonline.com/en/games
https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/lotterygamblingwinnings.shtml
https://sbcamericas.com/2021/11/05/tipico-launches-online-casino-product-in-new-jersey/
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/usa-new-jersey