New Jersey has a more liberal approach to gambling than most other parts of the US, although there are still strict regulations and licensing rules in place to ensure this industry is properly controlled.
So whether you are a NJ native or you are based elsewhere but want to sample the fruits of its flourishing gambling scene, you’ll probably want to know what types of wagering are allowed. Read on for the lowdown on legal gambling in New Jersey.
Online casinos: legal in New Jersey since 2013
Few states have broken as much ground as NJ when it comes to embracing the web-based world of online casinos.
Indeed because of the way regulations work, every bricks and mortar New Jersey based casino is able to offer customers the ability to play online, with a range of digital games including slots, poker, blackjack, roulette and many other experiences as well.
The caveat for players who are from out of state is that in order to play online legally, you have to be physically within the borders of New Jersey. Since all good casino operators have mobile apps and smartphone-friendly websites, gambling on the go if you are not an NJ resident is an option.
Sports betting: legal in New Jersey since 2018
Sports betting is another popular gambling activity which has quickly gained traction in NJ from the moment it became legal in 2018.
The legalization of sports betting followed hot on the heels of a Supreme Court decision which essentially made it possible for all states to give the green light to this type of gambling service.
As well as being able to enjoy sports betting at land based venues, all of the best online casino sites in NJ also have sportsbook services for customers to use. And you can bet across a wide range of activities, from mainstream sports like football and basketball, to more obscure niches like esports and beyond.
The rise of sports betting has resulted in a huge uptick in operator revenues, as well as in tax taken from this type of activity. NJ’s bookmakers are pulling in more than $1 billion a month during peak periods.
As with online casinos, in order to participate in NJ’s sports betting market, you’ll need to visit the state in the flesh, as web-powered sports books are closed to those from elsewhere.
Land based casinos: legal in New Jersey since 1976
Specifically spurred on by the need to regenerate Atlantic City, the decision to legalize land based casinos in New Jersey resulted in the East Coast’s first legitimate gambling resort in the late 1970s.
There are still many mainstream casinos in Atlantic City today, and they attract visitors from across New Jersey as well as further afield, as you would imagine. Booking a room for a night or two is the best way for out-of-state travelers to get their fill of gambling in NJ.
Other options & considerations
In addition to the legal gambling solutions covered above, New Jersey also has state-wide lotteries in addition to horse racing tracks where betting is permitted.
For all people who want to participate, it is worth noting that there is a minimum age requirement that is enforced across all gambling activities.
You need to be 18 years or older to visit land based casinos, use sportsbook services, play online casino games or place any other kind of wager.
With all this info to hand, you should be ready to start gambling in New Jersey, or start planning a trip there if you live in another part of the country!
