New Jersey – 2022
New Jersey – February 2023
Horse racing has been a popular pastime throughout New Jersey’s rich gambling history since the 19th century. While New Jersey may not be a staple in the horse racing industry, fans can catch live events at several horse racing tracks around the state.
But betting on races held all over the world has become very popular in New Jersey. It is legal and available at many different online sites from licensed providers regulated by the state to offshore sportsbooks and horse racing betting sites that are also legal to use in the Garden State.
In this guide, our horse racing experts will give you the best options for online betting sites for New Jersey users, how to get started with betting on horse racing, and where you can still see horse racing in the state.
TOP SPORTSBOOKS
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2001
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100% Free Play
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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Resources:
Table of Contents
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in New Jersey?
Yes, anyone at least 18 years of age in New Jersey can legally bet on horse racing at racetracks, at an off-track wagering facility or using an online betting platform.
While betting on horse races might be legal in New Jersey, many bettors prefer to use an offshore sportsbook. These online platforms provide access to a wide range of different betting markets, including sports betting and casino gambling, in addition to horse race betting.
NJ Horse Betting FAQs
Does New Jersey have horse racing?
Several big horse races are held throughout the year in New Jersey, including the Haskell Stakes, Jersey Derby, The Hambletonian Stakes and the United Nations Stakes.
How many racetracks are there in New Jersey?
There are three main racetracks in New Jersey: Freehold Raceway, The Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby in New Jersey?
Yes, players can wager on their favorite horse in person or using an online horse race betting platform. The best place for fixed-odds horse race betting is an offshore site, like Heritage Sports.
Can you bet on horse racing in Atlantic City?
While there aren’t any live horse races held directly in Atlantic City, simulcast betting on horse races from across the country is available at casinos and off-track betting facilities.
How old do you have to be to bet on a horse in NJ?
To wager on horse racing events in person or using a horse race betting site, you must be at least 18 years old.
Ranking the Top Racebooks in New Jersey
With plenty of options out there for New Jersey betting sites, we were able to narrow the list down to our top seven selections based on how they graded out for a quality online horse racing betting experience.
- Heritage Sports – Great for wagering on simulcast races
- BetAnySports – Cash back racebook
- SportsBetting.ag – First horse race wager is free
- BetUS – Good for promos and expert handicapping picks
- WagerWeb – On par with Heritage Sports
- JustBet – Will remind you of BookMaker
Reviewing the Best New Jersey Horse Racing Betting Sites
From our top seven racebooks, we provide a detailed review of the pros and cons of our top four selections for bettors in New Jersey. All of these online horse race betting sites are located in overseas in locations such as Costa Rica, where online wagering has been legal for years.
1. Great Live Betting Site: Heritage Sports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features
- Get as much as 8% daily rebates on racebook
- Advanced jockey and trainer info for races
Heritage Sports was once a VIP site that required an invite to join, but it is now open to all users from New Jersey and other U.S. territories. Those looking to use it for the racebook will be happy to know it has a good design with tabs that make it easy to select your wager type (Win/Place/Show, exacta, trifecta, Pick 3, Daily Double, etc.). You will also see some extra information on the trainer and the jockey of each horse along with the jockey’s weight.
Racebook users will get up to 8% daily rebates on your volume of bets. The maximum bonus is $2,000 and this only carries a rollover requirement of 4x. All bonus money at Heritage Sports is eligible to be used anywhere on the site, which is not the case for every competitor as restrictions usually apply.
2. Cash Back Racebook: BetAnySports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Highest limits on the most popular races (Triple Crown)
- Exclusive lottery drawing access
BetAnySports is another one of our A+ graded online horse racing betting sites located in Costa Rica. We like the site for its efficient design that makes it easy to use regardless of which section you play in. It is also the only site that offers lottery drawing games and the best reduced juice (-105) in sports betting.
The racebook looks similar to what Heritage Sports has, with its use of tabs for the bet type and the added information on trainer and jockey. They also offer tracks from around the globe for most of the thoroughbred races you’ll want to bet on. There is no limit on the daily racebook rebate promo, which can earn up to 6%. Do read the terms and conditions for what types of races are ineligible for this and other promotions.
3. First Horse Wager Is Free: SportsBetting
Best For
Trust
9.3/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
9.2/10
Customer Service
8.6/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features
- Get your first horse race bet for free ($25 value)
- Up to 9% daily rebates on exotic wagers
SportsBetting.ag offers a solid racebook experience for users both new and experienced with horse racing. For those new players, they explain horse racing on their site, so you can read that guide first to understand how their odds and tracks work. You’ll also get a risk-free bet offer on your first horse bet. If your bet loses, you will be reimbursed up to $25.
For experienced horse racing fans, you can expect up to 9% daily rebates on your exotic horse racing wagers. Any Win/Place/Show bets can get 4% daily rebates if you use the internet to place your wager. This is higher than most rival racebooks, which tend to offer 3% on W/P/S bets and 8% on exotics.
The racebook design is good, though we wish there was a little more information on the jockey besides their name.
4. Good for Promos and Expert Analysis: BetUS
Best For
Trust
8.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
8.2/10
Customer Service
9.7/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
200% Free Play
Key Features
- Helpful guides available on horse racing
- Stake refunds if your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd
Now in its 29th year in the industry, BetUS provides users in New Jersey with an all-engrossing online gambling experience. If you want an online sportsbook with solid props and live betting, you’ll get it. If you want an online casino packed with newer games the competition doesn’t have, they have them, including demo versions that are free to play.
The racebook has all the major races as well as tracks from Australia and Europe. While there is no daily racebook rebate like at the competitors, there is an ongoing promotion at BetUS where, if the horse you bet to win finishes in second or third place, you can get up to $10 back.
BetUS also has its own TV service through YouTube, where you can watch original content and get expert analysis and predictions for just about all sports markets, including horse racing.
How We Compared the Best Online Horse Race Betting Sites in New Jersey
In reviewing these offshore betting sites, there are certain features we look for to judge if the site is worthy of joining or not. Features specific to the racebook are what we will focus on the most here, but there are other factors that should be present at any quality online gambling site.
We go over both sets of features in the next two sections.
Elements of a Quality Racebook
The following list looks at what we look for in a good horse racing betting site:
- Fair limits: Many of the racebooks will offer the same racetracks, but we like to see high limits in place for any of the major events like Triple Crown races or Breeders’ Cup.
- Variety in horse race betting markets: Most of the racebooks are going to offer competitive odds on the same races, but we think they can separate themselves by the types of wagers you can place. The win/place/show bets are an industry standard, but there should also be more exotic wagers (exactas, trifectas), daily doubles and the option to box wagers.
- Live betting: As live betting continues to grow in popularity, expect it to be offered at more sites for horse racing despite the fact that it is hard to do since the duration of the race is so fast. The best providers will have racing simulcasts available.
- Live streaming: This is more popular at sites like TwinSpires and TVG, but the future of horse race betting is likely to include more wagering on simulcast races. This feature gives the players a chance to watch the race they bet on, which can be exciting.
- Racebook promotions: Most of the quality racebooks offer daily rebates on your horse racing wagers, win or lose. You can usually expect to get 3-to-5% back on normal wagers and around 6-to-9% on exotic wagers. Some racebooks will also offer you money back if your winning horse finishes in second or third place.
- Design matters: We like to see a site that is optimized for use on a small screen where it will be easy to read all the race information and build our bet slips quickly before a race starts. Some racebooks have great designs with tabs or drop-down menus.
- Other horse racing information: For horse racing junkies, it is nice when the site offers detailed information on each race, including the name of the owner and jockey information (name and weight). Some jockeys do in fact win at a higher rate than others, so this is good for research purposes.
Other Elements of a Good Online Gambling Site
Regardless if you are betting on a big race like the Kentucky Derby or just trying to play casino games online, there are certain metrics we like to judge a site’s quality by:
- Brand recognition: Companies that have decades of experience are going to get a boost in their rating, as we think that adds to their reputation of being trustworthy and providing customers with a reliable gambling experience.
- Variety of transaction methods: There are many ways to move money these days, including newer methods like P2P apps, eWallets and cryptocurrency banking options. But some users also want old-school methods like credit cards, checks and wire transfers to be options as well. The more options a site has for making transactions, the better its grade will be.
- Fast and timely payouts: When we win, we usually want our money as quickly as possible, so sites with a good reputation for fast payouts will get a big boost.
- Customer service: Sites that offer 24/7 customer service get top priority, and a variety of contact methods (email, live chat, phone number, etc.) is also important to have.
How Horse Racing Betting Works in New Jersey
For anyone new to betting on horse racing, the important things to learn first are the types of bets available to you and how the odds work, because this will be different than betting on a basketball or football game. Fortunately, we go over this information next.
What are the different types of horse racing bets?
Here are some of the types of bets you can place on horse races:
- Win: If you pick the winning horse, you win the bet.
- Place: If your horse finishes in first or second place, then you win the bet, but it will be a smaller payout than a Win wager.
- Show: If your horse finishes in first, second, or third place, then you win the bet at a smaller payout than Win or Place.
- Exacta: Moving into exotic territory, now you must choose the horses that finish first and second in order. The payout is much better than any W/P/S bet.
- Trifecta: Same as the Exacta, but now your goal is to pick the top three horses in order.
- Superfecta: If you really think you have this race figured out, then correctly predict the top four finishing horses in the correct order and you’ll win big.
- Daily Double (AKA Double Wager): You have to pick the winner in two consecutive races to hit a Daily Double.
- Pick 3/4/5/6: Just like with the Daily Double, you must correctly pick the winning horse in three, four, five, or six consecutive races.
New Jersey Horse Racing Odds Explained
For horse racing bettors, it is crucial to understand the odds. If you frequently place sports bets, you may be used to seeing odds like -110 or +105, but in horse racing, they are presented as fractional odds like 7/3 or 6/1.
If you bet $30 on a horse with 6/1 odds to win, then you win six times every dollar bet, giving you a return of $210 ($30 times 6 equals $180 plus a $30 stake back).
The best way to learn these odds is to think in terms of probability. If a horse has 7/3 odds, then for every seven failures, there are three chances of success, producing an implied probability of 30.0%. The 6/1 bet from earlier only has a 14.3% implied probability of hitting.
If you want to figure out the implied probability for any fractional odds X/Y, simply divide the denominator (Y) by the sum of the numerator and denominator (X + Y). For example, 1/5 odds would have 83.3% implied probability, a heavy favorite.
With these numbers in mind, the following chart shows some odds, the payout for a $2 wager and the implied probability of success.
| Horse Racing Odds | $2 Wager Payout | Implied Probability of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 (-500) | $2.40 | 83.33% |
| 1/4 (-400) | $2.50 | 80% |
| 1/3 (-300) | $2.60 | 75% |
| 1/2 (-200) | $3.00 | 66.67% |
| 4/6 (-150) | $3.33 | 60% |
| 1/1 (-100) | $4.00 | 50% |
| 2/1 (+200) | $6.00 | 33.33% |
| 3/1 (+300) | $8.00 | 25% |
| 5/1 (+500) | $12 | 16.67% |
| 10/1 (+1000) | $22 | 9.00% |
| 50/1 (+5000) | $102 | 1.96% |
Next, we will cover the two main types of odds found in horse racing.
Fixed Odds Betting in New Jersey
Sports bettors should be familiar with fixed-odds wagering. Any time you bet on that spread or total with -110 odds for a game, you are locked (“fixed”) into that price at that number, regardless of what happens between now and the game.
But in horse racing, the odds will be presented as fractional odds. If you bet $100 on a horse with 6/1 fixed odds, then you would win back $700 ($600 plus the $100 stake returned).
When betting with fixed odds, the site you are using will automatically show you the total amount you can expect to win given your wager size.
Pari-Mutuel Betting in New Jersey
With an event like horse racing, where the ranked order of finishers is what matters, pari-mutuel wagering (also known as pool betting) is often used. All bets are placed in a pool, the house removes their cut known as the vig and any winning bet is paid from that remaining pool of cash.
A site like JustBet does not use pari-mutuel wagers for its horse racing platform. They are exclusively fixed odds. Unlike fixed odds, pari-mutuel bets mean you will not know exactly how much you can win. It depends on what the other bettors wager on that race.
New Jersey Horse Racetracks
There are three notable racetracks still operational today in New Jersey:
- Freehold Raceway: Located in Freehold, it was established in 1853 and runs harness races every weekend during a season that runs from August through May.
- Meadowlands Racetrack: Located in East Rutherford at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, there are thoroughbred and harness races throughout the year, including the Hambletonian.
- Monmouth Park: Located in Oceanport, it is home to the Haskell Invitational each year.
The History of Horse Racing in New Jersey
The following timeline shows some of the key horse racing moments in the Garden State:
- 2021: Monmouth Park Racetrack begins offering fixed-odds horse racing betting.
- 2018: New Jersey enacts a law allowing horse racing tracks and casinos to offer sports betting, including on horse races.
- 2011: New Jersey voters pass a referendum allowing sports betting in the state, which includes horse race betting.
- 2009: New Jersey permits account wagering on horse races through licensed platforms, allowing residents to bet on races from their homes.
- 1984: An electrical fire destroyed the main building at Freehold Raceway and a new building would not be ready until 1986.
- 1946: Thoroughbred racing returns to Monmouth Park after a 53-year hiatus.
- 1940s: Horse racing is legalized in New Jersey, leading to the establishment of several racetracks throughout the state.
- 1939: Horse racing is legalized again in New Jersey.
- 1894: pari-mutuel betting on horses is banned in the state.
- 1870: Monmouth Park holds its first races.
- 1830: Freehold Raceway, America’s oldest racetrack, starts hosting horse races.
New Jersey Horse Racing Betting Apps
There are many apps and mobile sites available for horse racing bets in New Jersey. While you cannot use the popular TVG app, 4NJBets is freely available to use in its place.
New Jersey players cannot use TwinSpires either, but you can freely bet on horse racing at other sites we have mentioned above. DraftKings is also launching a standalone horse race betting app soon called DK Horse with the help of Churchill Downs.
How to Start Betting on New Jersey’s Horse Racing Sites
Every site has a simple process to sign up and start betting on horse races today.
- On your computer or mobile device, go to the site you are trying to join.
- Look for the button to create your account. It will usually say “Join” or something to that effect.
- Type in your personal details such as your name and email and remember to pick a unique password you do not use anywhere else. Some sportsbooks are starting to require two-factor authorization.
- Head to the “Deposit” section so you can fund your account with the deposit method of your choice.
- Locate the site’s horse racing section, which will usually be under “Racebook” or “Horses.”
- Find the races you wish to bet on and start building your bet slip.
- Enter the amount you want to risk.
- Submit the bet, wait for the result and find out if you’re a winner or not.
What is the best site for horse racing bettors in New Jersey?
Our whole top four is worth checking out, but if forced to pick one site, then it would be Heritage Sports. You get a top-notch racebook to go along with one of the best online sportsbooks in the business. Limits are fair and the site is easy to use, with a great cashback reduced juice program.
NJ sports betting has been thriving with regulated sportsbooks since 2018, offering diverse online app choices. Despite a robust legal sports betting industry, many bettors prefer offshore New Jersey sports betting sites for their expansive options.
Discover the top NJ sportsbook sites with our comprehensive guide today.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
2001
|
100% Free Play
|
|||
|
|
2002
|
55% Cash Bonus
|
Resources:
Latest Update
November 2024:
New Jersey lawmakers aim to ban college player props in sports betting, citing athlete well-being. Atlantic City casinos saw a challenging Q3 2024, with profits dropping nearly 14% compared to the same period last year.
NJ Sports Betting Apps FAQs
Is mobile sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes, it has been legal in New Jersey since 2018 under the state’s sports betting laws. You just have to be 21 years old or at least 18 depending on the site or mobile app that you are trying to join.
Do I need a sports betting license in New Jersey?
No, customers of online sports books in New Jersey do not need a betting license. However, the sports pool operators and sports lounge managers are required to comply with specific regulations and obtain the necessary licenses.
What are the differences between regulated and offshore sportsbooks?
Regulated operators, like Caesars Sportsbook, are authorized by the state to accept action on sports; however, are subject to the betting regulations of the state. Offshore sites provide a broader selection of betting options, including wagering on college sporting events.
How do I bet on sports in NJ?
To bet on sports in New Jersey, you can register with a retail sportsbook or an online sportsbook. After registering, you can place bets on various sports events through the sportsbook’s website or app. Top-rated offshore sportsbooks, such as Bovada and BetOnline, can provide an excellent user experience.
What sports can you bet on in New Jersey?
You can bet on a variety of sports, including traditional sports like football and basketball, as well as non-traditional events such as esports. Betting on college sports, politics and certain specific bet types is not available with local options. Bettors can turn to offshore sportsbooks for these betting markets instead.
Why can't you bet on Rutgers?
In New Jersey, you can not bet on college sporting events that are taking place in the state or involve a New Jersey team, like Rutgers, due to the state’s sports betting laws. However, offshore options can (and do) offer betting lines for Rutgers and other NJ college teams.
Table of Contents
Best New Jersey Sports Betting Apps
Costa Rica is home to a wide range of great online betting sites. That’s where most of our top choices reside and as you already know, the Garden State made sports betting legal in 2018, so you’re free to join these online sportsbooks.
Using our trusted criteria for what makes an online sportsbook worthwhile, here are our rankings of the top seven choices:
- Heritage Sports – Top sportsbook for live betting
- BetAnySports – Best site for prop picks
- WagerWeb – Generous deposit bonus offers and fast payouts for crypto
- SportsBetting.ag – A wide range of unique sportsbook bonus offers
- BetUS – Great for original content for sports fans
- JustBet – Generous reload bonuses
Each of these sites will let you bet on the most popular sports in the United States and globally, including both major sports leagues and college teams. In addition to their wide range of betting options and markets, each of these offshore sites also features great sportsbook promos, fair betting odds and fast payouts.
Timeline of New Jersey Sports Betting
New Jersey’s sports betting journey is a testament to its pioneering spirit and adaptability in the evolving landscape of the sports betting industry. This section offers a detailed timeline for key sports betting events in New Jersey:
November 2024
New Jersey lawmakers aim to ban college player props in sports betting, citing athlete well-being. Atlantic City casinos saw a challenging Q3 2024, with profits dropping nearly 14% compared to the same period last year.
September 2024
New Jersey sets a new online casino revenue record in August 2024, nearing $200 million. For the third month this year, the New Jersey market surpassed $500 million in September, all thanks to mobile sports betting and igaming.
August 2024
New Jersey’s sports betting handle is booming, but revenue dropped 24% in June due to bad luck and fewer in-person bets, while Bet365 faced a $519,000 penalty for secretly adjusting betting odds without proper notification. New Jersey sets a sports betting revenue record with $80M in July.
July 2024
Governor Murphy launched a task force to balance New Jersey’s booming gambling industry with responsible practices and address problem gambling. NJ lawmakers leave online gaming tax rates untouched in the 2025 state budget proposal. Rep. Venezia’s Resolution 140 aims to legalize sports betting on New Jersey college teams. DraftKings was hit with a $100,000 fine by New Jersey regulators for inaccurate sports betting data
June 2024
New Jersey’s online casinos set a new revenue record in May, reflecting a 19% year-over-year growth.
May 2024
Atlantic City casinos face threats from New York due to the impending opening of casinos in or near New York City. The primary labor union representing casino workers in Atlantic City is jointly requesting a judge to reject a lawsuit initiated by another union that aims to prohibit smoking in the city’s casinos.
March 2024
S 3064, a bill proposing a tax rate raise from 15% to 30% on New Jersey’s online casinos and sportsbooks, is introduced by Sen. John McKeon.
January 2024
New Jersey joins New York and Ohio as the only states to surpass $1 billion in revenue in 2023.
September 2023
New Jersey sportsbooks generate a $1.3 billion handle and a revenue of $111.1 million, the second highest in state history
October 2023
A study conducted by Rutgers University reveals that high-risk problem gambling fell 11% from 2017 in New Jersey.
August 2023
The state exceeds $500 in revenue from the gaming industry for only the second time in its history.
July 2023
Lawmakers extend its online gambling regulations for five more years, until 2028.
June 2023
Both sides of the aisle show support for bill S3075, which aims to extend the regulation and licensing of mobile gambling and online poker to 2033.
March 2023
New Jersey celebrates its 10th anniversary of regulated online poker and iGaming.
February 2023
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy voices support to overturn a tax program that was designed to help Atlantic City casinos through the pandemic and into a post-pandemic recovery.
2019
New Jersey surpasses Nevada in sports betting handle for several months, marking a significant shift in the U.S. sports betting landscape.
2021
The cumulative revenue of regulated online gambling in New Jersey hits over $1 billion for the year.
2022
New Jersey introduces new regulations to further safeguard the integrity of sports betting, including measures to prevent problem gambling and ensure fair play.
June 2018
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signs legislation legalizing sports betting in the state.
August 2018
New Jersey begins offering legal sports betting in casinos and racetracks.
2012
New Jersey voters pass a referendum in support of legalizing sports betting, but it is blocked by federal courts due to a federal ban.
2017
The Supreme Court agrees to hear New Jersey’s case against the Federal Government’s ban on sports.
May 2018
After PASPA is overturned, New Jersey is one of the first states to legalize sports betting. That same year, sportsbooks began operating in the state.
The state’s journey through various legislative and regulatory stages has set a precedent for other states, reflecting its influence and pioneering role in shaping the American sports betting landscape. As the market continues to grow, New Jersey’s experience serves as a crucial reference point for understanding the complexities and potential of the sports betting sector nationwide.
Reviewing the Best New Jersey Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
Dive into our in-depth reviews
The next section will take a closer look at our top-ranked online sports betting apps for New Jersey players. Each of the following mobile sportsbooks and online sports betting apps can provide sports fans with a top-notch sports wagering experience:
1. Heritage Sports: Top Sportsbook for Live Betting
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features:
- Reduced juice (-108) available for all sports betting markets
- Great mobile site for live sports betting
2. BetAnySports: Great Variety of Prop Picks
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Best reduced juice (-105) betting lines
- Top-notch prop builder
The BetAnySports app may have the best player prop builder available in New Jersey. The options for different sports leagues are great and you can build parlays on a site that is very easy to read and navigate. Live betting is also easy to do at BetAnySports.
But perhaps the best argument for BetAnySports is the reduced juice. You’ll find the best juice (-105 odds) out there, as most of the competition offers -108 if they offer any reduced juice at all. You can also take advantage of the 35% deposit match bonus at BetAnySports.
BetAnySports also provides New Jersey users with an all-around great gambling experience. You get plenty of video poker options at BetAnySports as there are seven different casino sections available.
Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes, sports betting is legal in New Jersey. The state was a pioneer in legalizing sports betting after PASPA was overturned in 2018. New Jersey was instrumental in challenging the nation’s sports betting laws, bringing the issue to the Supreme Court’s attention.
With Atlantic City’s rich gambling history, New Jersey was well-prepared to launch its sports betting industry. Licenses were issued immediately after PASPA’s repeal, with the first wager at a land-based casino placed in June 2018. Online sports betting followed soon after in July.
One restriction in New Jersey is that you cannot bet on in-state college sports teams or on college events taking place in the state. However, you can bypass these restrictions by using offshore sportsbooks. These offshore sites allow you to bet on in-state college teams and events without any limitations.
In addition to offering greater flexibility, offshore sportsbooks provide a wide variety of betting options and competitive bonuses. This makes them a popular choice for New Jersey bettors looking for a more comprehensive and rewarding sports betting experience.
How We Rank the Best New Jersey Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
We use a lot of different rating criteria to grade each online sportsbook at Bookmakers Review. We wanted to share some of those metrics to give you an idea of what we value the most. Most of these will apply to any online sports betting platform and not just a mobile sportsbook:
Mobile Betting Experience
It is important to have a site that runs lag-free on a mobile device with a quality layout that will make online betting easy to do on the fly. Many people are placing bets on their phones, so it is important that the mobile site is given as much attention, if not more, than the desktop version.
Live Mobile Betting & Streaming
Live betting is continuing to grow in popularity as it gives users more options to gamble while enjoying the game live. Maybe you can pick up on something from watching that you would have loved to bet on before the game, but now there is a chance you could capitalize on it with a live bet. Some sportsbooks are even offering live parlays during a game now.
Live video streaming is far less common on offshore sites since there are licensing issues with the major sports leagues, but we are starting to see some of the big U.S.-based companies get involved, like the deal Caesars Sportsbook has with the NFL to stream one game a week starting in December. It is also possible to stream esports competitions and horse races on some offshore sportsbooks.
Banking Options
When it comes to the banking options at online sportsbooks, we are looking at the variety of methods for deposits and withdrawals, the approximate processing time for each method, the fees associated with each and the limits (minimum and maximum).
Obviously, the ideal setup is a wide variety of available methods, reasonable fees and limits and fast processing times. The sportsbooks that do the best job of meeting those benchmarks will get the best grade for their banking options.
Do note that you may need to provide additional verification of your identity before you receive payment at some of these online sports betting sites. This is a minor inconvenience to insure that identity theft is not taking place.
Customer Service
Good customer support is crucial. Whether you’re new to betting or a seasoned bettor, you might have questions or need help with your account.
The best sports betting sites offer several ways to get in touch, like live chat, email and phone support, available around the clock. They should respond quickly and be helpful, making sure your betting experience is smooth from start to finish. Remember, a site that takes good care of its users is always a safer bet.
Licensing & Security
Sports betting sites in New Jersey can be trusted to have received a license through the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Offshore sites will not be regulated by that department, but if a site is recommended by us, then you can trust that we have personally vetted it, the company is legit and experienced in the sports betting industry and you should feel safe using it.
Sportsbooks operating internationally follow all of the laws and regulations in their own sports betting jurisdictions.
Types of New Jersey Mobile Betting Bonuses
With so much competition in the sports betting market, you can bet these companies are going to try to one-up each other to keep you coming back for more at their site and not their rival’s site. This competitive marketplace can mean big savings for bettors.
We will cover the main sports betting bonuses that are available for both new customers and frequent bettors alike:
Welcome Bonuses
If you are just joining a site, then the welcome or sign-up bonus is always going to look really enticing. They’ll usually offer you a 100% deposit match bonus on your first deposit and this can often go up to $1,000 at many of these sites. Some sportsbooks even offer bonuses on your first three deposits, which can turn into thousands of dollars of additional cash.
But these sites are smart. You cannot simply make that deposit, get the deposit bonus, then take the money and run. There are certain rules and wagering requirements to follow before you can turn those bet credits into actual cash. That means you’ll have to wager a multiple of the bonus funds before you can withdraw or may have to make a minimum sports bet to use the funds at all.
The rollover requirement can be a large number at some of these sites, but it will always be a smaller number for sports betting than for casino gaming. Still, you could expect something like a 10x rollover requirement, so if you had $400 in the money you deposited and received in bonus funds, then you would have to wager $4,000 in sports bets to satisfy that rollover before getting any of that money.
You also could not just bet $400 repeatedly on a huge favorite (-20000 odds), because there is always a restriction on what odds you can bet on to qualify for rollover. The odds usually have to be -200 or higher.
But the bonus funds you receive from a welcome bonus are usually a good way to get started with betting on these sites, especially if you plan to be a consistent sports bettor or prefer betting with Bitcoin; crypto players typically get the best bonuses. Just remember that some online sports betting platforms may require you to enter in a bonus code to take advantage of a welcome offer.
Existing Customer Promotions
If you continue betting with the same sportsbook, you hope to receive perks and ongoing promos in exchange for that loyalty. Those who deposit and bet frequently on sports should in theory be entitled to more lucrative offers on risk-free bet credits and deposit matches.
Here is a list of some of the sportsbook promotions you can expect to see as a returning customer:
- Enhanced/Boosted Odds: Often you should see enhanced odds for select betting markets. For example, a line on a player prop that is usually -150 may get an odds boost to +100 for just that evening’s game and you can bet up to a certain limit on those enhanced odds to get a better payout. Some bettors warn you should fade the books on these boosts, but other research shows they do hit more than they miss. But if you like a number and it gets a boost, that should only entice you to play it that day.
- Reload Bonuses: A reload bonus works essentially like a deposit match. When you opt-in to the promo and make your deposit, expect a match in bonus funds anywhere from 30-to-100% of your deposit. If you are doing this on the sportsbook, chances are the bonus will be rewarded in free bets.
- Risk-free Bets: These are fun for sports bettors. You can wager up to a certain amount on a game after opting into the promo and if your bet loses, you will receive the amount of your wager in free bets. Just be sure to use the free bets before they expire.
- Free Bets: These bonus bets can be awarded in a variety of ways, including deposit bonuses, risk-free bets or trying out your first horse race or live bet on select sportsbooks.
These ongoing promotions can provide a lot of additional value while betting with your preferred online sportsbook. There are also rewards programs and loyalty programs available at many top online sports betting platforms that can provide additional perks and benefits, including exclusive sportsbook promo codes.
Banking Methods Accepted at Mobile Sportsbooks
New Jersey mobile sportsbooks support a wide range of banking methods. These methods are designed to meet the varying needs of the betting community, ensuring that everyone can find a convenient and secure way to deposit and withdraw funds. Here’s an overview of the most commonly accepted payment methods at New Jersey mobile sportsbooks, highlighting the benefits of each:
- Credit Cards & Debit Cards: Credit cards and debit cards, like Visa, MasterCard and Discover, are among the most popular choices for bettors looking to make quick and easy deposits. While incredibly convenient, users should note that some banks may not process transactions related to online betting and withdrawals might not always be possible through these cards.
- E-Wallets: PayPal, Skrill and Neteller offer a digital solution to fund transfers, allowing for fast and secure deposits and withdrawals. E-wallets are favored for their ability to process withdrawals quickly compared to other methods and for providing an additional layer of security by not sharing bank account or card details with the sportsbook.
- Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers, including the ACH (Automated Clearing House) method, are reliable options for those who prefer using their bank account directly for both deposits and withdrawals. While secure, transactions may take a few business days to process.
- Wire Transfer: For larger transactions, bank wire transfers are an option, providing a direct way to move funds from your bank account to your sportsbook account. While secure and reliable for both deposits and withdrawals, wire transfers may incur higher fees and longer processing times.
- Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards, such as Play+ cards, are issued by many sportsbooks themselves and can be a great way to manage betting funds, set spending limits and ensure transactions are approved. These cards can usually be used for both deposits and withdrawals, offering a versatile banking solution.
- PayNearMe: This cash deposit option is available at 7-Eleven, CVS and other retail locations, making it easy for bettors to fund their accounts with cash. While convenient for deposits, PayNearMe does not support withdrawals.
- Cryptocurrency: A growing number of New Jersey mobile sportsbooks are beginning to accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Cryptocurrencies offer the advantages of enhanced privacy, low transaction fees and fast processing times, especially for withdrawals.
Bettors are encouraged to review the terms associated with each payment method, including any potential fees, processing times and limits, to make informed decisions and enjoy a seamless betting experience. With the right payment method, engaging in mobile sports betting in New Jersey is straightforward, allowing bettors to focus on the excitement and strategy of the games.
Popular Sports to Bet on in New Jersey
For NJ sports betting enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of excitement all throughout the year. Here’s a look at some of the top sports you can bet on in the Garden State.
Football – NFL
Football is a major attraction in New Jersey. The New York Giants and New York Jets play their home games at MetLife Stadium, which is located in the state. Betting on NFL games is very popular, especially during the Super Bowl. Fans often bet on point spreads, moneyline bets and prop bets, making every game exciting.
College Football
College football has a dedicated fan base in New Jersey. Teams like the Rutgers Scarlet Knights draw a lot of attention. Betting on college football includes point spreads, over/under totals and player props. The passion for college football makes it a key betting market in the state.
Basketball – NBA
Basketball is also very popular in New Jersey. While there are no NBA teams based in the state, fans can bet on nearby teams like the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks. Betting options include point spreads, total points and player performances, adding to the thrill of the fast-paced games.
College Basketball
College basketball is very popular in New Jersey. Teams like the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Seton Hall Pirates have strong followings. Fans bet on point spreads, total points and player performances. The excitement of the NCAA tournament, especially March Madness, adds to the appeal of betting on college basketball.
Baseball – MLB
Baseball has a strong following in New Jersey. Fans often bet on teams like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and the Philadelphia Phillies. Common bets include run lines, totals and player stats. The long MLB season provides plenty of opportunities to place wagers.
Hockey – NHL
Hockey fans in New Jersey support the New Jersey Devils. Betting on NHL games is popular, with options like moneylines, point spreads and total goals. The fast-paced action on the ice keeps bettors engaged throughout the season.
New Jersey’s Most Popular Sports Teams
New Jersey, despite its modest size, has big love for its favorite teams. The state’s strategic location in the heart of the bustling northeast allows it to draw fans from its own densely populated areas as well as from neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.
Here, we highlight the most popular teams among sports fans in New Jersey:
- New Jersey Devils (NHL): The Devils are New Jersey’s pride in the National Hockey League, having brought home three Stanley Cup Championships since their relocation to the state in 1982. Playing their home games at the Prudential Center in Newark, they have cultivated a loyal fan base with their defensive style of play and gritty determination on the ice.
- New York Red Bulls (MLS): Although bearing the New York name, the Red Bulls play their home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. They are one of the original clubs of Major League Soccer and have built a strong following with their exciting brand of soccer, consistently competing at the top of the Eastern Conference and aiming for MLS Cup glory.
- New York Giants & New York Jets (NFL): Both teams, despite bearing the New York name, play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. These nearby teams share one of the most state-of-the-art venues in the National Football League, creating a unique dynamic where fans from the same state root for one of these fierce rivals, each with its own storied history and Super Bowl victories.
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big Ten Conference): Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is a beacon of athletic and academic excellence in the state. Competing in the prestigious Big Ten Conference, the Scarlet Knights have a dedicated fan base, especially for their football and basketball programs, reflecting the university’s long-standing tradition and competitive spirit.
- Seton Hall Pirates (Big East Conference): The Pirates are best known for their men’s basketball team, which regularly competes in the NCAA tournament. Based in South Orange, their games are a hot ticket in the state, drawing fans with their high-energy play and commitment to excellence.
- Princeton Tigers (Ivy League): Princeton University, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the nation, fields teams in a wide range of sports. The Tigers are particularly renowned for their achievements in lacrosse, rowing and basketball, with a strong tradition of producing well-rounded student-athletes.
The loyal fan bases of these teams not only support them through thick and thin but also embody the spirit and passion that make sports in New Jersey truly special. Whether you’re cheering for one of the professional powerhouses or rallying behind a collegiate underdog, the sense of community and camaraderie among New Jersey’s sports fans is unmatched.
Mobile Site vs. App for Betting in New Jersey
Plenty of retail sportsbooks have their own legal sports betting app that you can download for free to your favorite mobile device from the app store (Android or iOS).
The offshore sites by and large do not have a native app like the U.S. sites, but they do have mobile sites that are optimized for use on a mobile device and will usually run similarly to an app.
We have included some pros and cons of using an app versus using the mobile site at an online sportsbook:
Pros:
- The quickest way to look at your bet is to open the app
- Faster logins using your phone’s biometric options (fingerprints, passcode)
- Not as many security risks using an app with two-factor authorization
- Apps make it easy to share screenshots of your bets with friends and social media feeds
- Apps tend to have better designs than online sports betting platforms’ websites
Cons:
- Apps use your phone’s storage space
- Apps routinely need updates downloaded and installed or else things may not work properly
- Geolocation checks can be dodgy on your phone depending on the strength of your connection
- You’ll be using data when roaming and using the app
New Jersey Betting Guides
For New Jersey bettors who want more online gambling variety, we suggest giving one of our other comprehensive betting guides a read:
