The NJ sports betting industry is booming. Since the state issued the official green light back in the summer of 2018, revenue records have been shattered as a whole slew of online sportsbooks have set up shop.
That’s outstanding news for consumers as numerous options becoming available translates directly into competition. As sportsbooks continue to jockey for position in New Jersey, they haven’t been shy about offering up some serious bang for players’ bucks.
So what are the best sportsbooks in NJ? How do you get up and running? What else do you need to know about betting on sports in New Jersey? We have the answers to those questions and many more right here in our complete guide. Read on.
Yes. Legal online and mobile sports betting officially launched in New Jersey in June 2018. That was the culmination of extensive effort by the Garden State to contest what had effectively been a ban on sports betting at the federal level.
A long-standing case made its way to the Supreme Court of the United States, and in May 2018, the justices issued a majority ruling in favor of New Jersey. The word from the high court effectively placed the matter into the hands of individual states.
NJ was one of the first to act. Retail sportsbooks started opening the following month. The online and mobile rollout took a little longer, but things were rolling by the end of summer. Numerous operators have set up shop in the state since.
The first site to market in the state, DraftKings has emerged as one of the market leaders. It’s easy to see why. There’s a slick and user-friendly platform that’s available both online and via the app. Among the top offerings at DraftKings is its live betting feature, which has been a big area of focus for the company.
The UK-based bookmaker has been making massive strides across the US, including here in New Jersey. The wealth of experience behind the scenes translates into odds that are generally on point with the overall market. William Hill also features all of the bet types and sports you could ask for in a slick package.
A well-known brand name in both the physical and online casino space, BetMGM has set its sights on the world of sports betting, as well. So far, so good as this is a solid online and mobile offering. Among the biggest highlights is an expansive list of offerings in the niche sports markets.
PointsBet, based in Australia, made its first entry into the US in New Jersey in January 2019. The company has since made a lot of headway in other markets, with more to come. PointsBet is focused on bettors and efficient lines. One of its most innovative features is PointsBetting, a new and intriguing way to get in on the action.
The top operator in the state in terms of betting volume, FanDuel has become a go-to spot for scores of bettors across the Garden State. The website and app are both visually appealing and easy to use. FanDuel has become an innovator in numerous areas and has been gaining a lot of traction with single-game parlays.
Part of the Rush Street family, PlaySugarHouse was one of the first sites to launch in NJ. The layout on the website and app makes it a breeze to navigate and find what you’re looking for quickly. SugarHouse rewards players for their loyalty with chances to earn rewards and points just for playing.
A major player on the international scene, Unibet continues to work toward building up its presence here in the states. The website and app are on the basic side, but all of the top markets and bet types are represented. Unibet also features live betting prominently and places the current offerings front and center.
The legendary casino brand is also making its mark in sports betting. The Caesars Sportsbook isn’t filled with tons of bells and whistles, but navigation and getting down to business is really easy. Users can also join up or link their existing Caesars Rewards accounts to receive points while betting.
Featured prominently on Fox Sports programming, Fox Bet is much more than a sportsbook with a recognizable name. The platform is really solid, and there are always lots of ongoing promotions to take advantage of. While somewhat geared toward newer bettors, experienced folks will find lots to love, as well.
A top casino player in NJ, Golden Nugget also offers up a sportsbook. It’s a solid offering overall with a wide range of markets and all of the bet types you need. There’s also a rewards program for users to join, as well as a dedicated section for current promotions.
The vast majority of online sports betting sites in New Jersey have apps available for iOS and Android. Once you create an account via our exclusive links, you can download the app directly from the sportsbook site and be up and running in minutes. Additionally, many of the web platforms are optimized to work on mobile browsers, as well.
The NJ sportsbook market has gotten very crowded since betting was legalized back in 2018. Here’s the complete list of sportsbooks along with the launch dates for each.
Online Sportsbook | Land-Based Affiliate | Sports Betting Partners | Launch Date? |
---|---|---|---|
DraftKings Sportsbook | Resorts AC | SBTech/Kambi | Aug. 6, 2018 |
BetMGM Sports | Borgata AC | IGT | Aug. 22, 2018 |
SugarHouse Sportsbook | Monmouth Park | Kambi | Aug. 23, 2018 |
FanDuel Sportsbook | Meadowlands | Betfair/IGT/GAN | Sep. 1, 2018 |
Caesars | Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars AC | Scientific Games | Sep. 6, 2018 |
888 sportsbook | Caesars AC | 888 | Sep. 10, 2018 |
Fox Bet | Resorts AC | Resorts | Sept. 13, 2018 |
PointsBet | Meadowlands | N/A | Dec. 11, 2018 |
Hard Rock | Hard Rock AC | GiG | Jan. 26, 2019 |
Resorts | Resorts AC | SBTech | Jan. 31, 2019 |
Golden Nugget | Golden Nugget | SBTech/Scientific Games | Feb. 19, 2019 |
Bet365 | Hard Rock AC | Bet365 | Aug. 30, 2019 |
Unibet | Hard Rock AC | Kambi | Sept. 10, 2019 |
Borgata Sports | Borgata AC | GVC/Roar | May 14, 2019 |
theScore | Monmouth Park | Bet.Works | Sept. 3, 2019 |
Yahoo Sportsbook | Borgata AC | GVC/Roar | Nov. 14, 2019 |
BetAmerica | Golden Nugget | SBTech | Feb. 2, 2019 |
Wynn Sports | Caesars | GPGS/Scientific Games | Aug. 4, 2020 |
The dream of having access to a legal sportsbook at any time is now a reality. Sports betting apps open the door to betting whenever and wherever you want within state lines. Here are some things to consider when deciding if sportsbook apps are for you.
To gain access, just click through on our exclusive links to begin the process. After entering a few simple details and checking off some boxes, your new account will be created right away. Next, take the time to download the app for your device from the sportsbook site.
After you log in on mobile, you’ll be good to go in both areas. In order to place bets, the NJ sportsbook has to verify that you are in New Jersey. To do so, it uses what’s known as geolocation tracking.
It’s a piece of software that runs in the background to verify that you are where you say you are. If there are any issues verifying your location, you won’t be able to place bets. When out of state, you can still manage your account and browse around.
One final note to keep in mind: In order to create an account and play, users must be 21 or older. Your information will be verified as part of the sign-up process, and documentation may be required if there are any issues doing that.
The New Jersey sports betting market is a competitive one. As a result, operators aren’t shy about dishing out offers for new users to take advantage of. Here’s a look at the most common ones you’ll see and how they work.
In addition, keep an eye out for extra incentives from casino operators that also offer sports betting. For example, users on Caesars Sportsbook are able to join the in-house rewards program and earn points just for wagering.
NJ sportsbooks might require a bonus code to claim the offer. You can find the latest NJ sportsbook promo codes right here on PlayUSA. Check out the table above, or read any of our reviews.
Moving funds in and out of your sports betting account is a simple process. The dedicated cashier function at online books and apps is user-friendly. Deposits and withdrawals are quick and painless to complete. Here are the most common options available.
In terms of simplicity, PayPal is a great option. You can set your account to be linked to your bank or card. Deposits and withdrawals are processed quickly, and tracking your activity is a breeze.
Please note that not all methods will be available at each operator, but each will generally offer a solid assortment. Also, consult the book you are playing on for specifics on what can be used for deposits or withdrawals, as not all methods are available in both cases.
You can now bet on a whole host of sports legally and safely online in New Jersey. Additionally, there are plenty of wagering options for each item on the menu. Here’s a quick look at some of the main bet types.
In terms of markets, you’ll find plenty of sports available, ranging from the most popular all the way down to those with much smaller followings. Here’s a look at what to expect from the biggest betting markets.
The most popular sport on the betting menu is well-represented here in New Jersey. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford is the home stadium for both the New York Giants and New York Jets. Due to the proximity to Pennsylvania, there’s also quite a fanbase for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Regardless of which teams are set to square off, you’ll have plenty of options to explore. All of the main bet types are popular for the NFL, as are props and live betting. The NFL futures market is also one of the most active at online sportsbooks.
The Brooklyn Nets once made their home in NJ and still have a good following in the state, as do the nearby New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. Betting on NBA games are very popular at sportsbooks and attract lots of betting action.
Beyond the game outcomes, props and live betting continue to grow in popularity. For the former, you can bet on options such as which player will be the leading scorer. Live betting lets you drill down even deeper with wagers on quarters, halves and more.
Baseball betting takes center stage from the spring to the fall. On the popularity front, it’s the New York Yankees, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies that have the biggest followings here.
Standard game bets bring plenty of folks to the window, as do props, futures and live betting. One segment that has been really exploding as of late is wagering on smaller snippets of the game, such as the first five innings.
The New Jersey Devils are the lone home team that is officially the Garden State’s own. They’re a top attraction, but there are also loyal and passionate followings for the New York Rangers, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers.
Live betting has been really taking off with the NHL, with bets like what the outcome of the next power play will be. There’s also plenty of interest in the main bet types, various props and futures for things like the next Stanley Cup winner.
The big four pro sports are the top needle movers, but there’s much more to consider. For additional team-based sports, college football, college basketball and soccer attract a great deal of attention and betting interest, as well.
Over on the individual side, the biggest drivers are golf, tennis, UFC, NASCAR and boxing. Beyond that, there are plenty of niche sports to explore, including cricket and table tennis. In short, you have plenty of sports betting options to consider here in NJ.
To place bets in New Jersey, you must be 21 years or older and be physically located in the state while doing so. You can bet on a whole range of sports and choose from numerous bet types, but there are some restrictions to consider.
Election betting is frowned on across the US, so this isn’t just a New Jersey-specific restriction. Some operators have offered up markets for esports and the Academy Awards, so entertainment-style betting isn’t totally on the outs.
The restrictions on college sports are the main ones to take note of. You won’t be able to bet on local programs such as Rutgers or Seton Hall. If there’s a big college event being hosted in the state, you also won’t be able to wager on that.
Sports betting continues to go mainstream. The days of leagues keeping their distance are no more. In fact, each of the major leagues has inked partnership deals with leading sportsbook operators.
Deals have also been struck on the team level. Here’s a look at who some of the nearby teams have hooked up with so far.
When deals are signed, they typically revolve around advertising and branding. In some cases, there are even dedicated spaces in arenas that bear the signage of the partner sportsbooks.
If you’re looking to experience sports betting in person, you have a number of options to explore across the Garden State. There’s the popular FanDuel Sportsbook up north, a pair of options in the central part of the state, and a plethora of books down in Atlantic City. Here’s what you need to know about each option.
*Note: Hours of operation may vary
The FanDuel Sportsbook features both teller and kiosk service to handle your wagering needs. There’s a huge video wall, dozens of TVs to catch the games, comfortable seating, and food and beverage service.
Inside of the Monmouth Park racetrack, located close to the Jersey Shore, you’ll find a William Hill Sportsbook. There’s full food and beverage service, tellers and kiosks, plenty of screens, and live racing action on select dates in the spring and summer.
A sprawling 8,000-square-foot space right in the heart of the action at Borgata, the BetMGM Sportsbook includes a 40-foot video wall among its many amenities. There’s a full bar with more than 20 craft beers and food service on site.
One of three Atlantic City casinos located off the boardwalk, the Golden Nugget is a popular destination as it is. The sportsbook is one of the new feature attractions, with comfortable seating, plenty of screens, and teller and kiosk service.
The William Hill Sportsbook at Harrah’s is nearly 4,000 square feet. It has great seating options, plenty of screens for viewing and food service courtesy of AC Burger Co. Those looking for something extra can reserve one of two fan caves.
Located in the heart of the casino floor at Ocean Resort is William Hill. You’ll find lots of screens, a dedicated bar, and teller and kiosk service. The venue has served as home base for some sports betting broadcasts in the past.
At the back of the casino floor at Hard Rock Atlantic City, you’ll find a sportsbook with over 40 screens for your viewing pleasure. There’s comfortable seating to kick back with a cocktail, teller and kiosk service, and plenty of food options throughout the property.
After you step into Resorts Casino from the boardwalk, you’ll find the DraftKings Sportsbook. There’s an on-site bar and plenty of seating, and the venue is just steps away from other quality food and beverage offerings at the property.
This venue is located at the Wild Wild West inside of Bally’s, which is directly connected to Caesars. It’s a sprawling space with fan caves available for reservation. Bally’s was recently sold to Twin Rivers, but the sportsbook will remain a part of Caesars.
You’ll find another William Hill Sportsbook at the Tropicana, a venue that’s known for its nightlife options. The book is located right on the casino floor and features lots of seating and viewing options, as well as teller and kiosk service.
The newest addition to the NJ retail sports betting lineup is the Parx Sportsbook. Located at Freehold Raceway, which features live harness racing on select dates, there’s teller and kiosk service with food and beverage offerings available.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy. The four major pro sports leagues and the NCAA sued the Garden State to block sports betting. Legal wrangling went back and forth for years, but NJ didn’t give up. The US Supreme Court agreed to hear the case in 2017.
The justices dropped their ruling in May 2018, siding with New Jersey and allowing individual states to offer legal sports betting. A favorable ruling was hoped for and anticipated by many operators, so it didn’t take long at all for the ball to get rolling. The first legal retail bets were placed in the state in June 2018, while online and mobile options began rolling out in August.
Fast forward to today, and sports betting is thriving across NJ, with new records being set on a regular basis. There’s a host of online and mobile options for bettors to consider, as well as multiple retail sportsbooks that are open for business.