NJ Sports Betting – All 16 New Jersey Sportsbooks In 2023
New Jersey sports betting is the US gold standard, growing significantly since its June 2018 launch. With 16 NJ sportsbooks available, including Caesars, DraftKings, BetRivers, FanDuel, and BetMGM, new bettors can benefit from welcome bonuses, odds boosts, and loyalty programs.
Best NJ sports betting sites 2023
Contents
Daily Deals in New Jersey
What’s happening in NJ sports betting right now
- Oct. 3, 2023 — Problem gambling rates in New Jersey reportedly triple the national average despite being down overall since legal sports betting arrived in the state.
- Sept. 27, 2023 — Resorts Atlantic City reportedly confiscated winnings from 10 underage bettors at Resorts Casino Hotel.
- Sept. 21, 2023 — New Jersey regulators fined PointsBet a total of $25,000 for three different sports betting violations.
- Sept. 21, 2023 — NJ sports betting handle rose to $725.8 million in August, up 23.6% from July. Revenue was also up 57.3% month-over-month.
- Sept. 7, 2023 — The New York Jets are one of nine NFL teams partnered with Game Sense and BetMGM to do in-stadium responsible gambling promotion during the season.
- Sept. 7, 2023 — Following a spat of user complaints, BetMGM completed updates to its NJ sportsbook and casino app. The app was temporarily unavailable to bettors due to “schedule maintenance” that took longer than some users would have liked.
- Sept. 5, 2023 — With the start of the NFL season scheduled for Sept. 7, New Jersey regulators warn bettors against the use of illegal offshore sports betting sites.
New Jersey sports betting snapshot
| Is online sports betting legal in New Jersey? | Yes. Online sports betting is legal in New Jersey, with nearly two dozen sportsbook apps available in the state. Legal online sportsbooks began taking bets in August 2018, two months after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation into law. |
| What sportsbook apps are legal in NJ? | DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, PointsBet, SugarHouse, Unibet, Betway, and many more. |
| What sports can I bet on in New Jersey? | All major sports and leagues are available for betting in NJ, but in-state college teams and college games that take place inside NJ are off the board at sportsbooks. |
| Who can bet on sports in NJ? | Anyone 21 or older can bet on sports in New Jersey. Affiliated personnel cannot bet on their own team or sport. You must be located in New Jersey to place a bet, verifiable using geolocation software. |
Comparing the top sports betting apps in New Jersey
The choice of where to bet ultimately comes down to what types of bets you typically make, and how much you care about flashy features, sportsbook promos, or loyalty programs, among other factors. Here’s a guide to the top sports betting sites that receive high marks in some key categories along with mini-reviews for each.
- Best sportsbooks for major sports: DraftKings, FanDuel. Both sportsbooks have relationships with the major North American sports leagues and some of their teams, along with a depth of betting options, including DraftKings’ Flash Bet for the NBA and NFL.
- Best sportsbook for other sports: Bet365. While you can find almost every sport imaginable on most NJ sportsbooks, the depth of the markets for sports outside of the “big four” is deeper at Bet365 than others.
- Best sportsbook odds: Betway. Betway routinely offers some of the best lines for bettors on any wager.
- Best sportsbooks for overall usability: DraftKings, FanDuel. DraftKings and FanDuel are the most-used sportsbooks in the country, in part because they offer the best user experience as evidenced by their ratings on the App Store and Google Play.
- Best sportsbooks for customer rewards: Caesars, BetRivers. Both sportsbooks offer robust integrations of their loyalty programs that can tie betting on sports to rewards at their physical casinos, in addition to people who only bet online.
1. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook is on the top end of the market in New Jersey after its initial lackluster start. The betting platform is on the basic side and lets you get down to business quickly and easily. A few more frills could take it to the next level, but the odds for games and events are generally on point.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Gets you back to basics in a simple but effective app.
- Best feature: Prop betting
- NJ welcome bonus: $1,000
- Use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code LSR1000
2. Bet365 Sportsbook
This well-known UK-based betting company boasts a distinct experience of live betting features, bet boosts, and super boosts, along with a personalized display. Also offering a solid menu of bets and competitive odds, the app itself gets favorable ratings from customer reviews, though it has been known to have occasional problems with navigation.
- App rating: 4.6 (iOS), 2.1 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Competitive odds and an easy-to-use app.
- Best feature: Personalized display
- NJ welcome bonus: $365
- Use the Bet365 Sportsbook bonus code LSRNJ
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM has evolved into one of the top online sportsbooks in the US. It offers a large selection of sports on which you can bet and plenty of ways to wager on each. The odds at BetMGM aren’t always as competitive as you’ll find elsewhere, while navigation on the online platform takes a little getting used to. While not a sportsbook with instant withdrawals, it does offer several payment methods to receive money in two business days or less.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Key takeaway: The number of bets makes up for what the app lacks.
- Best feature: Edit My Bet
- NJ welcome bonus: Up to $1,500
- Use the BetMGM bonus code PLAYLSR
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers, a member of the Rush Street gambling company, allows bettors to move back and forth between its online casino and sportsbook with ease. Customers can also sign up for the iRush Rewards program and accrue points to use at Rush Street casinos. The app platform itself is solid, but the website as a whole is a bit busy and crowded.
- App store rating: 2.7 (iOS), 3.9 (Android)
- Key takeaway: A good app for the beginner who likes a touch of casino gambling, too.
- Best feature: iRush Rewards
- NJ welcome bonus: Up to $250
- Use the BetRivers bonus code LSRRIV
5. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook has consistently been the overall sports betting leader in the state in terms of revenue, and has been a hit with New Jersey bettors. The tech behind the scenes delivers a user-friendly sportsbook app that suits the needs of veteran bettors as well. Easy-to-build same-game parlays are one of the most popular features. Navigation could be better in a few spots, including the player prop menus.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Easy-to-use app that delivers on most key betting features.
- Best feature: Same-game parlays
- NJ welcome bonus: Bet $5, get up to $200 in bonus bets.
- No FanDuel promo code needed
6. Betway Sportsbook
Already a top sportsbook overseas, Betway is also gaining momentum in North America and is now available in several states. It’s easy to see why as the app is easy to use, offers competitive odds and works well when using live-betting options. Betway’s early cash-out feature is also popular with bettors. Some users have noted low withdrawal limits as a negative.
- App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Competitive odds plus live-betting variety.
- Best feature: Live-betting options
- NJ welcome bonus: Up to $250
7. PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook is an Australian betting platform that has expanded its reach in the US. In addition to more traditional wagers, PointsBet’s main selling point is a unique high-risk, high-reward feature called PointsBetting. This type of bet differs from the norm by determining your payout or loss depending on how much your bet is right or wrong. PointsBet is partnered with the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: A change from the traditional sportsbook.
- Best feature: PointsBetting
- NJ welcome bonus: Get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets.
- No PointsBet promo code needed
8. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is in second place in the NJ sports betting arms race. The slick platform and a plethora of wagering options have made the site a preferred option for many bettors. It’s one of the top spots for live betting, and its betting pools let you compete for various prizes with friends. On the downside, the menu of recurring promos for existing players could be improved and expanded.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Live betting fans will enjoy this app.
- Best feature: Betting pools
- NJ welcome bonus: Up to $1,250
- No DraftKings promo code needed
Best NJ sportsbook bonuses and how to get started
You can be ready to wager at a legal online sportsbook in New Jersey in just a few minutes. You’ll need to choose a sportsbook and create an account. The registration is generally quick and straightforward. You’ll simply follow the prompts and enter the necessary information.
As for where you should play, here are the five best promotions available for new customers, along with the codes necessary to claim them:
- Caesars Sportsbook promo code: $1,000 first bet on Caesars with code LSR1000.
- Bet365 bonus code: Get up to $365 in bonus bets with code LSRNJ.
- BetMGM bonus code: Get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first wager loses. Use code PLAYLSR.
- BetRivers bonus code: A second-chance bet up to $250 after your first deposit with code LSRRIV.
- FanDuel promo code: No code necessary; Bet $5, Get up to $200 in bonus bets.
- Betway promo code: No code needed; Up to $250 in bonuses.
- PointsBet promo code: Get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets.
Before claiming any of the best sports betting promotions in New Jersey, take the time to understand the available sign-up offers and bonuses. Most of them will require a deposit. Popular deposit methods include online banking and PayPal.
The most common promos include the following:
- Deposit match: The site will match a portion of your deposit with credits that you can use to wager on the site. The match is not eligible for withdrawal; you will need to meet a playthrough requirement.
- Bonus bets: A bonus bet just for signing up to play, but there may be a deposit requirement, as well. You won’t be able to withdraw the amount of the credit as you’re meant to wager it at the book.
- First bet promos: If you win your first bet, then you simply collect the profit and continue betting. If you lose that initial wager, some sites will award you credits to be used on future bets. The credits will be equivalent to a percentage of your lost bet.
From start to finish, you’re looking at just a few minutes of your time to gain access to a legal and safe NJ online sportsbook.
Latest News in upcoming states
What to expect at a legal NJ sports betting site
Legal online sports betting gives New Jersey bettors access to live sportsbooks whenever they want, as long as they are inside state lines. The convenience factor is a big plus, as are the safety and security aspects that all approved books must adhere to. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement keeps close tabs on all elements of licensed sportsbooks and future applicants. There’s protection in place for your funds and places to turn in the event of any disputes that come up.
The competitive marketplace is also a boon for bettors. As legal sportsbooks jockey for position, they offer promotions to both new and existing customers. As an added bonus, many books also have a corresponding or integrated site that offers other forms of gambling, such as online casino games and poker. Online casinos in New Jersey consistently garner more revenue than their sportsbook counterparts.
Full list of legal New Jersey sports betting apps
There are 16 sportsbooks in New Jersey. DraftKings was the first legal sports betting app to arrive in the state, in August 2018. Several other online sportsbooks followed soon after, and we have seen a steady stream of options make their Garden State debut since that point.
Here are all of the legal sportsbook apps currently available in NJ:
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Bet365 Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetPARX Sportsbook
- Betway Sportsbook
- Borgata Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- SuperBook Sportsbook
- Tipico Sportsbook
- Unibet Sportsbook
There are also two sports betting apps in New Jersey that aren’t quite sportsbooks. Prophet Exchange and Sporttrade are sports betting exchanges rather than traditional books. They allow bettors to trade bets like stocks.
New sports betting apps in New Jersey
While the NJ sports betting market is already filled with options, the growth phase isn’t over just yet. Here are the books that could go live soon, along with their potential launch dates.
List of NJ sports betting apps expected to join in 2023
- Bally Bet Sportsbook, late 2023
- ESPN Bet (taking over for Barstool Sportsbook)
- Fanatics Sportsbook (taking over for PointsBet)
Latest NJ sports betting news
DraftKings Pops For Big NJ Sports Betting Revenue Gains
NJ sports betting revenue approached record-high levels in August, with DraftKings posting the biggest monthly gains. According to figures released last week by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement,…
10 quick facts about New Jersey sports betting
- New Jersey first legalized sports betting in 2012. A series of lawsuits by the NCAA, NBA, NFL, and NHL halted the gambling expansion until 2018, when the state passed a new law after the federal ban ended.
- New Jersey had its first $1 billion monthly handle in September 2021.
- To legally bet on sports in NJ, you must be 21 or older.
- You can’t be a member of any gambling self-exclusion lists.
- Affiliated personnel are prohibited from wagering on their own sports.
- There’s no residency requirement, but you must be within state lines to place bets.
- Wagering on professional and college sports is legal.
- Betting on in-state college teams or events taking place in NJ is not legal.
- No betting on high school sports or on events in which the majority of athletes are younger than 18.
- Election betting and betting on the weather are not legal. Bets on the Oscars or Emmys, however, are legal.
New Jersey sports betting law and regulations
The legalization of sports betting in New Jersey was a long and arduous process, following years of legal wrangling. It came to a head in May 2018, when the matter came before the Supreme Court of the United States. The court ruled in favor of the state, overturning a federal ban on sports betting.
Once that happened, things moved quickly. The governor signed an updated NJ sports betting bill into law in June 2018. The legislation permitted the state’s casinos and racetracks to open retail sportsbooks on their premises. The first in-person bet took place just a few days later.
The law also permits online sports betting sites, provided that they have a land-based partner. Each of the casinos and racetracks can have up to three online skins operating on their license. The online and mobile rollout started in August 2018.
From a cost and tax perspective, highlights of the legislation include the following:
- Licenses for the casinos and racetracks cost $100,000 at issue.
- Internet gambling licenses have a price tag of $400,000 plus an additional $250,000 for responsible gambling fees.
- Casinos pay 8.5% in taxes for land-based wagers and 13% for electronic wagers.
- Racetracks pay at the same rate plus an additional 1.25% for online wagers.
- All sports bets are subject to 0.25% in federal taxes.
Popular sports to bet on in New Jersey
Positioned between the two major metro areas of New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey offers sports fans plenty to cheer for. Rooting interests may be divided, but all of the major pro sports and nearby teams are featured attractions at top sportsbooks in the state. NFL odds are the most popular in New Jersey, but the NBA, MLB, and the NHL have strong support, as well.
The NHL’s New Jersey Devils are the only major team with New Jersey in its name, but the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets also play their games within the state’s borders.
Bet on the NFL: New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles
Bet on the NBA: Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers
Bet on MLB: New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies
Bet on the NHL: New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers
The above four sports leagues are the biggest, but there also are other sports that bring in a solid amount of action. College football and basketball are popular options in spite of the wagering restrictions on in-state teams and events.
Soccer fans can choose from leagues around the world, as well as MLS and its nearby franchises. On the individual sports side, golf, tennis, NASCAR, UFC, and boxing are the top draws. There’s also a wide range of niche sports for those looking for something different.
Technically, wagering is supposed to be limited to actual sporting events. The state doesn’t allow betting on US elections, but the lines have become blurry as the state has allowed wagering on the Academy Awards and Emmys in the past.
NJ sports betting history
The road to legal New Jersey sports betting began in 2011 with a voter referendum. But the 2012 law that followed went through nearly a decade of federal lawsuits and appeals before finally coming before the US Supreme Court in December 2017. At issue was the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA, which limited sports betting to Nevada (and a couple of other grandfathered states) and prevented New Jersey from legalizing the activity in any form. Once the court ruled PASPA unconstitutional in 2018, the ball was in New Jersey’s court — and it hasn’t dropped it since.
Since its inception in 2018, the legal sports betting industry has grown rapidly in New Jersey. Here are some of the key yearly highlights since its debut.
2022: The launch of online New York sports betting in January creates uncertainty regarding the future performance of New Jersey sportsbooks. So far, despite the fact that New York sports betting has taken US sports wagering to new heights, New Jersey sportsbooks have experienced a somewhat moderate decline year-over-year. The latest reports indicate YOY reductions on the order of 10% to 20%, which is significant but is not the calamity some may have feared following the Empire State’s legalization of online betting. Meanwhile, the roster of sportsbook apps continues to fluctuate, with theScore closing shop in July. Fubo and Prophet Exchange arrived just before NFL kickoff weekend.
2021: Outside of the slower months of July and August, NJ sports betting handle is at least $740 million per month for the first three quarters. The state has its first $1 billion month in September and breaks its own record a month later. In November, New Jersey voters reject an expansion of college sports betting to include in-state schools and events, with nearly 57% of voters opposed. The state faces an unknown competitive element with the anticipated launch of online sportsbooks in New York.
2020: Yearly sports betting revenue takes a hit as the coronavirus pandemic brings things to a standstill on and off the field. Bettors return in droves as the sports calendar begins to fill, and they stay steady throughout the year, closing with some eye-popping numbers for football season.
2019: For the last three months of 2018, NJ sports betting handle eclipses $250 million. The state hits the mark for every month of 2019, as well, and continues its steady ascent, closing out the year with over $500 million in handle in both November and December. During that time, New Jersey surpasses Nevada in total monthly handle.
2018: Following the US Supreme Court ruling, an updated NJ sports betting bill becomes law. Unlike Philadelphia sports betting to the west and New York sports betting to the northeast, New Jersey is quick to act in rolling out legal sportsbooks in all forms. The first retail sportsbooks open in June 2018, followed by the beginning of the online and mobile rollout in August.
FAQ on NJ sports betting
Where can I bet on sports in New Jersey?
NJ sports betting law allows in-person and online wagering. You must be located within state lines to place bets at a sportsbook app, which books verify using geolocation. Retail sportsbooks are available at the state’s three operating racetracks and nine Atlantic City casinos:
- Bally’s: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Borgata: BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar
- Caesars: Caesars Sportsbook at Wild Wild West
- Golden Nugget: The Sportsbook
- Hard Rock: Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Harrah’s: Caesars Sportsbook
- Ocean Casino Resort: The Sportsbook
- Resorts: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Tropicana: Caesars Sportsbook
- Freehold Raceway: Parx Sportsbook
- Meadowlands: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Monmouth Park: Caesars Sportsbook
Are Bovada and BetOnline legal in New Jersey?
No. Bovada and BetOnline are offshore sportsbooks, licensed in Curaçao and Panama. They are not approved or regulated by the state and do not follow the same rules and regulations as a legal NJ betting site. Before signing up to bet online, look for the official Division of Gaming Enforcement seal on the sportsbook site to make sure what you are using is legal.
The various sportsbooks we mention and review above are all legal in New Jersey.
How old do I have to be to bet on sports in New Jersey?
To legally bet on sports in New Jersey, users must be 21 or older. You can sign up remotely, but the sportsbook will verify your age as part of the process. If there’s any trouble doing so, you will need to provide supporting documentation.
Is horse betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes, the state allows betting on horse races. The state is home to a trio of racetracks:
- Freehold Raceway — harness
- Meadowlands Racing — thoroughbred
- Monmouth Park — harness
Beyond betting in person, users can also wager on approved advance deposit wagering sites such as NJBets.
Can I play daily fantasy sports contests in NJ?
Yes, daily fantasy sports contests are legal in New Jersey and have been since the state began regulating DFS in 2017. DraftKings and FanDuel are the two dominant brands that attract the majority of players. You can sign up and play on both in New Jersey without issue.
Resources on New Jersey sports betting
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement website, includes information on rules and regulations, revenue reports, legal sites, self-exclusion lists, and more
- Rules and regulations on sports betting, via the NJDGE
- 2018 NJ sports betting law, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy
- Press of Atlantic City Sports, section on local sports news from South Jersey
- Asbury Park Press sports, Jersey Shore sports news and updates
- North Jersey Media, including Rutgers sports news and New York pro sports teams