BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Businesses that want to operate fantasy sports betting in the 47 Louisiana parishes that approved it two years ago can start applying in February, under action by the state gambling board Thursday.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board adopted the final regulations and licensing application needed for the online cash prize competitions to start later this year, as early as April or May.
March 8, 2018: New York Senate Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee Chair John J. Bonacic introduced Senate Bill S7900 in an attempt to make state regulators ready to roll out legal sports betting. Official Guide To The Best Betting Sites In 2018. This website votes each year on categories for the best betting sites on the internet. BettingSites.com has done independent reviews and surveys on 121 gambling sites. Add in innovative new props and a live betting platform that makes it easy to follow the action, and PointsBet earns our vote as the best betting site for unique options and live betting. Features for New Sports Bettors. As sports betting becomes increasingly accessible worldwide, more casual fans are constantly jumping into the action.
Maj. Chuck McNeal, with the Louisiana State Police’s Gaming Enforcement Division, told the board that fantasy sports contest operators can start submitting the applications Feb. 19. He said the suitability investigations conducted by the State Police usually take 60 days to 90 days to complete before an entity can appear before the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for a gambling license.
Under that timeline, fantasy sports betting operations could be up and running by the spring, if the gambling board approves their licenses.
In fantasy sports, people create imaginary teams of real-life sports players and score points based on how those players perform in actual games. Websites such as DraftKings and FanDuel charge an entry fee and offer payouts to winners.
Voters in nearly three-quarters of Louisiana’s 64 parishes agreed in the November 2018 election to legalize fantasy sports betting. Lawmakers have since set the tax rates and the regulatory process. All that remains are the licensing decisions for individual operators from the Gaming Control Board.
Participants in the competitions have to be at least 21 years old. The games only will be permitted in parishes where voters authorized it, but anybody will be able to log into the online sites if they travel to those parishes.
New Jersey was among the first states to legalize sports betting in 2018 following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling removing the federal prohibition that had prevented states other than Nevada from doing so. The state’s casinos and racetracks moved quickly, immediately opening sportsbooks to provide sports bettors a wealth of options in the Garden State.
- Top Rated Sportsbook
- User-Friendly
- NJ-MI-PA-IL-IN-IA-WV-CO-TN-VA
- Use Code: SAOMAXPROMO
- Big, Exciting Brand
- NJ-MI-PA-IN-CO-TN-WV-VA-IA-MI
- $500 Risk-Free Bet
- Premium Mobile App
- Available in NJ
- $500 Risk-Free Bet
- No Code Needed
- NJ, PA and CO
- Plus $250 Risk-Free Bet
- Profit Boost Specials
- NJ, PA, and IN
In fact, the rest of the United States has New Jersey to thank for the current expansion of legal sports betting throughout the country. It was New Jersey that first challenged the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 and then repeatedly appealed rulings upholding it. Finally the case was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court who in May 2018 delivered its favorable ruling to strike down PASPA.
Today all nine of the casinos operating in Atlantic City have both retail and online sportsbooks. Sports bettors in New Jersey can also place wagers at two racetracks, Monmouth Park in Oceanport and The Meadowlands in East Rutherford. In terms of both revenue and the “handle” or amount wagered every month, New Jersey now rivals Nevada as the biggest state for sports betting in the country.
Here’s a comprehensive look at sports betting in New Jersey with information about how it works and the many places where you can wager on your favorite sporting events.
New Jersey Sports Betting Information
If you are a resident of New Jersey or even just visiting the state, you can bet on sports as long as you are at least 21 years of age.
New Jersey has fast become one of the most popular states for sports betting with a rapidly-growing number of retail and online options. Like other states, those in New Jersey can either place bets at any of the sportsbooks located at Atlantic City casinos or at the state’s two racetracks.
Bettors can also register accounts at any of the many available online sportsbooks. It is possible to register and even fund online sportsbook accounts from outside of New Jersey, but you will need to be within state lines in order to place a wager.
The types of sports betting options available run the gamut, including traditional single-game wagers on spreads, moneylines, and totals, game and player props, parlays and teasers, futures bets, in-game or “live” betting, and more. You can bet on collegiate and professional sports, including both American and international events. The only restrictions are you cannot bet on high school sports, nor can you bet on collegiate events happening in New Jersey or happening anywhere if they involve New Jersey schools.
New Jersey allows casinos and racetracks to apply for licenses to open and operate retail sportsbooks. Each that does become a sports wagering licensee is then allowed to provide up to three individually branded sports wagering websites or “skins.” With nine casinos and five racetracks (one of which is now defunct), that means at present there can be up to 42 online sportsbooks in the state, and in fact New Jersey is already nearing half that total (see below).
Gross revenue for sports betting in New Jersey is taxed at 8.5% for the retail sportsbooks and 13% for online sportsbooks. For both there is an additional 1.25% “investment alternative tax” which goes to tourism and marketing programs in Atlantic City.
Active New Jersey Online Sportsbooks
DraftKings
- Retail Partner: Resorts Digital
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2018
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Aug. 6, 2018
One of the premier names in daily fantasy sports, DraftKings was the first operator to launch an online sportsbook in New Jersey and for many users has been one of the best. For daily fantasy players who also enjoy sports betting, being able to link your DFS and sportsbook accounts makes DraftKings a great option.
- $1000 Deposit Match
- Seamless Mobile Betting
- NJ-MI-PA-IN-VA-TN-CO-IA-IL-WV
BetMGM
- Retail Partner: Borgata
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: GVC/ROAR Digital
- Mobile Launch Date: Aug. 22, 2018
The first of two Borgata-partnered online sportsbooks initially launched as playMGM, then once MGM partnered with European-based industry giant GVC Holdings to create Roar Digital, the site and app were rebranded as BetMGM. Reviews of the online sportsbook, linked both to the MGM online casino and online poker room, have been uniformly positive
- Use Code: SAOMAXPROMO
- Big, Exciting Brand
- NJ-MI-PA-IN-CO-TN-WV-VA-IA-MI
FanDuel
- Retail Partner: The Meadows
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: IGT
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 1, 2018
FanDuel operates both the retail and online sportsbooks for The Meadowlands racetrack. Like DraftKings, FanDuel had a lot of experience with online and mobile gaming with DFS before jumping into online sports betting, and that experience shows with the very functional, user-friendly experience the online sportsbook provides. Integrated with FanDuel’s daily fantasy site.
- Top Rated Sportsbook
- User-Friendly
- NJ-MI-PA-IL-IN-IA-WV-CO-TN-VA
FOX Bet
- Retail Partner: Resorts Digital
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 28, 2018
- Tech Partner: The Stars Group
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 13, 2018
Originally called the BetStars Sportsbook when launched, the FOX Bet online sportsbook is owned by The Stars Group, the world’s largest public gaming company. The sportsbook is thus integrated both with the PokerStars NJ site as well as the Stars Rewards loyalty program.
- $500 Risk-Free Bet
- No Code Needed
- NJ, PA and CO
PointsBet
- Retail Partner: The Meadowlands
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: PointsBet
- Mobile Launch Date: Dec. 11, 2018
Australia-based PointsBet made a splash in New Jersey right away with its online sportsbook. In addition to a greater-than-average selection of traditional betting options, users can alternatively bet using the unique “PointsBetting” system, a “high-risk, high-reward” method of wagering in which payouts are based not just on getting your pick right, but by how much you are correct. Former NBA MVP Allen Iverson and NFL standout Darrelle Revis are site ambassadors.
- Use Code: SAORFBET
- Innovative PointsBetting
- NJ-MI-CO-IL-IN-IA
Unibet
- Retail Partner: Hard Rock Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jan. 30, 2019
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 10, 2019
A pioneer in online gaming in Europe since the late 1990s, Unibet is a relatively newcomer in America though brings a great deal of experience to the table. This background is shown via the variety of betting options, including those involving live betting, teasers, and odds boosts. Lots of promotions make it an attractive choice as well.
- Plus $250 Risk-Free Bet
- Profit Boost Specials
- NJ, PA, and IN
Borgata Sports
- Retail Partner: Borgata
- Retail Launch: Jun. 14, 2o18
- Tech Partner: GVD/Roar Digital
- Mobile Launch Date: May 14, 2019
Borgata’s self-branded online sportsbook offers an alternative to its BetMGM product. There are differences between the two skins, although both offer users the ability to move with ease between the sportsbook, casino, and poker rooms.
- Use Code: SAOMAXBONUS
- Lucrative iRewards Program
- Available in NJ
SugarHouse
- Retail Partner: Monmouth Park
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Aug. 23, 2018
Powered by Kambi, the SugarHouse online sportsbook is like DraftKings (also Kambi-powered) in the way it offers a higher-than-average variety of betting options. The online sportsbook is integrated with the online casino, with users able to enjoy a rewards bonus in each.
- Popular Sportsbook
- Easy 1x Playthrough Requirement
- Available in NJ
William Hill NJ
- Retail Partner: Monmouth Park
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: William Hill
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 1, 2018
The first of multiple online sportsbooks operated in New Jersey by William Hill utilizes an in-house platform that has been successfully employed in several states. In fact, William Hill has online sportsbooks in every state in which it is legal, making them a relatively experienced provider in this otherwise nascent market.
Caesars Sportsbook
- Retail Partner: Caesars Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 30, 2018
- Tech Partner: Scientific Games
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 6, 2018
Caesars partnered with Scientific Games in the summer of 2018, a joining of two trusted gaming brands. The sportsbook is linked with the online casino, great for those who enjoy both. There’s a nice range of bonuses available via both the casino and sportsbook that can be shared back and forth.
888Sport
- Retail Partner: Caesars Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jul. 30, 2018
- Tech Partner: Kambi
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 10, 2018
888sport offers an especially large variety of betting markets, including the ability to bet on eSports. The online sportsbook is also integrated with the WSOP.com poker site, and users are additionally able to participate in Caesars’ Total Rewards program.
Hard Rock Atlantic City
- Retail Partner: Hard Rock Atlantic City
- Retail Launch Date: Jan. 30, 2019
- Tech Partner: GiG
- Mobile Launch Date: Jan. 26, 2019
Following a limited launch the Hard Rock Atlantic City online sportsbook finally became fully available in late 2019. The usual array of sports and markets are available, although at present the promotions are limited when compared to other online sportsbooks.
Resorts Sportsbook
- Retail Partner: Resorts Digital
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2019
- Tech Partner: SBTech
- Mobile Launch Date: Jan. 31, 2019
Powered by SBTech and integrated with the Resorts online casino, this online sportsbook includes all of the usual options and markets and then some. A highlight is the “specials” category of entertainment-based betting.
BetAmerica
- Retail Partner: Golden Nugget
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2018
- Tech Partner: SBTech
- Mobile Launch Date: Feb. 2, 2019
A relative newcomer to New Jersey, BetAmerica is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, home of the Kentucky Derby. This SBTech-powered site offers a high number of promotions and integration with the online casino.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook
- Retail Partner: Golden Nugget
- Retail Launch Date: Aug. 15, 2018
- Tech Partner: SBTech
- Mobile Launch Date: Feb. 19, 2019
A longtime fixture in the casino industry as well as in New Jersey, the Golden Nugget’s online sportsbook is also expertly powered by SBTech. One drawback — as the Golden Nugget is owned by Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, NBA games are excluded from the otherwise long list of betting options.
bet365
A prominent player in U.K. sports betting, bet365 brings many years of online experience in that market to New Jersey with a great alternative for seasoned sports bettors with lots of detail and information at the ready. A consistently high number of ongoing promotions also make bet365 an attractive option.
theScore Bet
- Retail Partner: Monmouth Park
- Retail Launch Date: Jun. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: Bet.Works
- Mobile Launch Date: Sep. 3, 2019
theScore Inc. is a digital sports media company based in Canada, the only example so far of a media company-run online sportsbook in the state. Powered by Bet.Works, the sportsbook was a late entry though the well-managed integration between theScore’s media app and the sportsbook makes for a distinct betting experience.
New Jersey Online Sportsbooks Coming Soon
Ocean Casino
- Retail Partner: Ocean Resort Casino
- Retail Status: Opened Jun. 28, 2018
- Tech Partner: William Hill
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
The William Hill Sportsbook opened at Ocean Resort Casino just one day after the casino first opened its doors, and at the time was the first retail sportsbook to operate on the Boardwalk. Users can use the William Hill NJ sportsbook now, but an Ocean-branded one is coming.
Bally’s
- Retail Partner: Bally’s
- Retail Status: Opened Jul. 30, 2018
- Tech Partner: Scientific Games
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
Scientific Games powers the retail sportsbook Bally’s shares with Caesars, first launched in July 2018 as the Wild Wild West Sportsbook, and will also operate its online sportsbook.
Harrah’s
- Retail Partner: Harrah’s
- Retail Status: Opened Aug. 1, 2018
- Tech Partner: Scientific Games
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
Right now those who visit the Harrah’s Atlantic City retail sportsbook are invited to use Caesars’ online sportsbook, though a Harrah’s branded one is coming.
GC Technology
- Retail Partner: The Meadowlands
- Retail Status: Opened Jul. 14, 2018
- Tech Partner: Stadium Technology
- Projected Launch Date: TBA
One of the largest licensed bookmakers in Nevada, CG Technology (formerly Cantor Gaming) announced a partnership with The Meadowlands in February 2019. Of note — in late 2019 William Hill announced plans to acquire CG Technology.
General Summary of Betting Options
New Jersey allows retail and online sportsbooks to offer a wide variety of betting options and markets.
As is the case in other states, New Jersey bettors can bet on collegiate and professional sports, but not on high school sports. However unlike in other states, New Jersey sportsbooks cannot take wagers on collegiate events happening within the state or on events taking place anywhere that involve any New Jersey college team.
That said, New Jersey sports bettors can bet on “entertainment”-based contests like the outcomes of award shows and reality programs as well as eSports, both of which are not allowed in other states.
Most New Jersey sportsbooks offer wagering on a wide variety of sports including Australian rules football, auto racing, baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, golf, hockey, mixed martial arts, rugby, soccer, and tennis.
New Jersey sports bettors can also make different types of bets, from traditional single-game wagers to complicated parlays involving multiple contests. Betting types available at most New Jersey sportsbooks include:
- spread bets
- moneyline bets
- totals (over/under)
- game and player props
- teaser bets
- futures bets
- pools
- exchange wagering
- in-game or “in-play” bets (a.k.a., live betting)
Be sure to check each sportsbook for specific betting options. Online sportsbooks in particular often offer a wide array of non-standard options like odds boosters, alternate lines and spreads, and the like.
Banking Options for New Jersey Online Sportsbooks
Most online sportsbooks in New Jersey offer a variety of options for both depositing and withdrawing funds. In most cases you will find more ways to deposit than to withdraw, including:
- PayNearMe
- Prepaid debit cards
- Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard, especially)
- ACH / eCheck
- Direct bank transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Prepaid Play+ cards specific to each sportsbook
- Cashier at retail casino cage
When it comes to withdrawing, most online sportsbooks allow ACH / E-Check, direct bank transfers, and cashing out at the casino cage in addition to some of the other methods listed above. Be sure to review all of the available banking methods when registering for an online sportsbook in New Jersey.
Available Platforms for New Jersey Online Sportsbooks
As in other states, online sportsbooks in New Jersey can be accessed in three primary ways:
- web-based platform
- iOS app
- Android app
In each case you can access the online sportsbook via a web-based browser on a desktop or laptop. Just search the sportsbook name via Google, or go to the website of the partnering land-based casino or racetrack and find a link.
For iOS users, the apps can be downloaded for free from the Apple store. Meanwhile Android users can download the apps directly from the websites. Users will find in most cases the apps provide the same functionality and ease of use as do the regular web-based versions of the sportsbooks.
Benefits of Legal Mobile Sports Betting in New Jersey
The high number of available retail and online options makes New Jersey a great place for both serious and recreational sports bettors. The fact that the online sportsbooks are all legal and regulated makes them much preferable to offshore sites of dubious legality and/or trustworthiness.
Besides being assured the sites are all safe, the New Jersey online sportsbooks also enable easy banking options and quick cashouts. All provide various forms of support including via live chat, phone, and email, with most being available 24-7. The sites are additionally required to provide information and help to problem gamblers, with those resources also readily accessible via both the apps and web-based platforms.
New Jersey Gambling History
The history of gambling in New Jersey goes way back into the 19th century when the coastal resort of Atlantic City was the site of many underground games. In 1897 legislation was passed prohibiting all forms of gambling in the state, yet numerous illegal casinos continued to flourish well into the 20th century. The HBO series Boardwalk Empire set during the Prohibition includes some of the more memorable characters and episodes from this period.
Investigations into organized crime eventually helped bring an end to this era of illegal gambling in the state. Meanwhile in 1939 betting on horse racing was legalized, then during the 1950s legislation was passed to allow other forms of gambling like bingo and raffles, and in 1969 the state added the lottery. During the mid-1970s those in favor of legalized gambling were able to get a referendum on the ballot to allow casinos in Atlantic City, and once it was passed the first casino, the Resorts International Casino Hotel, opened in 1978.
After a slow start other casinos began to appear up and down the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk including the Tropicana and Trump Taj Mahal. By 2006 the 12 casinos collectively reached a record revenue total of $5.2 billion, although the closure of the Sands Casino Hotel before year’s end signaled the start of what would turn out to be a decade-long decline. More locations closed bringing the total down to just seven in operation during the mid-2010s and total annual revenue down to $2.56 billion in 2015 — less than half what it had been at its peak.
However in recent years revenue figures have begun to increase again, with the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort in June 2018 bringing the number of casinos back up to nine. Most traditional games have been offered in Atlantic City casinos, although poker was only legalized in 1993. An online gambling bill was passed in 2013,
However it was not until 2018 that sports betting was legalized in New Jersey, culminating a decade-long effort to pass such legislation. In fact, the state’s lawmakers passed a sports betting bill in 2012, though the major sports leagues filed an injunction and the courts ruled in their favor, thus prohibiting New Jersey from being able to offer sports betting.
After losing in District Court and then two more times in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the state appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court who in May 2018 voted 6-3 in favor of New Jersey. Having legislation already in place, New Jersey was able to move quickly and on June 11, 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed a new version of the sports betting bill into law.
Bills to expand gambling by allowing casinos in other areas of the state besides Atlantic City have been proposed in recent years, although none have managed to gain popular support.
FAQs
Is it legal to bet on sports in New Jersey?
Yes. Just a couple of weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal prohibition on states other than Nevada offering sports betting was unconstitutional, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a sports betting bill, thereby making both retail and online sports betting legal in New Jersey.
Who oversees sports betting in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates the state’s gambling and sports betting industries, including both retail and online.
What is the legal age to bet on sports in New Jersey?
Individuals must be at least 21 years of age to bet on sports in New Jersey, whether in person at a brick-and-mortar sportsbook or online.
Is online/mobile sports betting legal in New Jersey?
California Sports Betting News
Yes. Online gambling of other varieties has been legal in New Jersey since 2013. Online sports betting was made legal in 2018.
New York Sports Betting Site
What casinos in New Jersey offer retail sports betting?
All nine of the state’s casinos are located in Atlantic City — Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel Casino and Marina, Hard Rock Hotel Casino Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel, and Tropicana Atlantic City. Seven of the nine casinos have their own retail sportsbooks, while Bally’s and Caesars share a sportsbook:
- Bally’s, Caesars — The Book at Bally’s
- Borgata — Borgata Race & Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget — The Sports Book
- Hard Rock — Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Harrah’s — The Book at Harrah’s
- Ocean Resort Casino — William Hill Sportsbook at Ocean
- Resorts — DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts
- Tropicana — William Hill Sportsbook at Tropicana
There are two more retail sportsbooks at racetracks in New Jersey
- Monmouth Park — Monmouth Park Sports
- The Meadowlands — FanDuel Sportsbook