Is Sports Betting Legal in New Jersey? Everything You Need to Know

New Jersey’s sports betting scene is a juggernaut, blending Atlantic City’s casino legacy with cutting-edge mobile platforms. In 2024, the state recorded a $12.8 billion handle, with February 2025 alone reaching $1.9 billion, 93% from online bets.

Over 20 apps, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Bet365, dominate, while 14 retail sportsbooks, nine in Atlantic City casinos, three at racetracks like Monmouth Park, and two off-track betting sites offer immersive venues.

The DGE and New Jersey Racing Commission enforce strict rules: bettors must be 21+ and in-state, with multi-factor authentication securing apps.

In-state college betting is banned, but professional leagues and out-of-state colleges fuel action. New Jersey’s lower taxes (9.75% retail, 14.25% online) compared to New York’s 51% keep it competitive.

How New Jersey Legalized Sports Betting?

New Jersey’s journey to legal sports betting began with a bold challenge to the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

In 2012, under Governor Chris Christie, the state argued PASPA violated state sovereignty, following a 2011 referendum where voters overwhelmingly supported betting.

After legal battles, the 2018 Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court ruling struck down PASPA, freeing states to regulate sports betting. Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111 on June 11, 2018, legalizing betting at casinos and racetracks.

Monmouth Park launched retail betting on June 14, 2018, and DraftKings pioneered online betting in August. A 2021 voter referendum to allow in-state college betting failed (57% opposed), prioritizing student-athlete protection.

In 2024, the DGE banned misleading “risk-free” ads, and 2025 sees no major legislative shifts, though taxes rose to 16% for sports betting, solidifying New Jersey’s gold-standard framework.

New Jersey Sports Betting Regulations

The DGE and NJRC oversee a tightly regulated market:

• Age and Location: Bettors must be 21+ and within New Jersey, verified by geolocation (e.g., GeoComply) and multi-factor authentication. VPN use is prohibited.

• Taxation: Retail revenue is taxed at 9.75%, online at 14.25% (16% as of 2025), with $188 million collected in 2024 for education, addiction programs, and Atlantic City development. Winnings face a 3% state tax and 24% federal tax above $600.

• College Betting: In-state college teams (e.g., Rutgers, Seton Hall) and New Jersey-hosted college events are banned; out-of-state college and pro sports are permitted.

• Licensing: Operators pay $100,000 annually, with initial fees up to $400,000, tied to casinos or racetracks, allowing up to three online “skins.”

• Federal Laws: The Wire Act (1961) and UIGEA (2006) deter offshore betting, with state penalties up to 7 years for illegal gambling.

The DGE’s audits and consumer protections ensure a secure, transparent market.

Recent Developments in New Jersey Sports Betting

[July 1, 2025]: New Jersey Raises Online Gambling Tax to 19.75% 

[July 1, 2025]: New Jersey Cracks Down on Sweepstakes Casinos with A5447, Awaits Governor’s Signature 

[June 25, 2025]: New Jersey Bills Target Youth Gambling with Ad Rules and Education 

Top New Jersey Sportsbooks

New Jersey’s betting landscape thrives on variety:

Mobile Apps: Over 20 platforms, including:

• FanDuel,
• DraftKings,
• BetMGM,
• Caesars,
• Bet365,
• ESPN BET,
• Fanatics.

Apps dominate, with 93% of February 2025’s $1.9 billion handle.

Retail Sportsbooks: Nine Atlantic City casinos (e.g., Borgata’s Moneyline Bar & Book with 100+ TVs), three racetracks (Meadowlands’ FanDuel Sportsbook, Monmouth Park, Freehold), and two off-track sites (Favorites at Woodbridge, Winners Bayonne) provide vibrant venues.

DFS Platforms: DraftKings and FanDuel offer legal Daily Fantasy Sports, regulated since 2017.

Borgata leads Atlantic City’s revenue, while Meadowlands draws New York-area fans. Promotions include BetMGM’s $1,500 deposit match and Caesars’ 10x profit boosts.

New Jersey Sports Betting Options: A Bettor’s Paradise

Bettors enjoy diverse wagers:

• Moneyline
• Point Spread
• Over/Under (Totals)
• Parlays
• Prop Bets (excluding in-state college players)
• Futures
• Live Betting
• Same-Game Parlays
• Puck Line (hockey)
• Run Line (baseball)

Popular markets include NFL (Giants, Jets), NBA (Nets, 76ers), MLB (Yankees, Mets), NHL (Devils), and out-of-state college teams. In-state college bets, high school sports, politics, and entertainment awards are banned.

Esports betting, legalized in 2021, is growing, with DGE-approved events on apps like Bet365. Betting exchanges like Prophet Exchange allow “trading” bets like stocks. Mobile apps enhance experiences with live streaming and AI-driven odds, handling 93% of bets.

Economic Impact of New Jersey Sports Betting

New Jersey’s 2024 handle reached $12.8 billion, contributing to a $22.7 billion gaming total, generating $188 million in taxes (9.75% retail, 14.25% online). Funds support:

• Casino Revenue Fund: Aids seniors and disabled residents.

• Education: Schools and scholarships.

• Addiction Programs: $2.5 million for treatment in 2024.

• Atlantic City Development: 1.25% tax for CRDA projects.

The industry employs over 10,000 in Atlantic City and racetracks, with 4,000+ in North Jersey. Compared to New York’s $2.2 billion December 2024 handle and 51% tax, New Jersey’s lower rates boost competitiveness. Tourism, driven by Atlantic City and events like the Super Bowl, fuels economic growth.

Offshore Betting Risks: Why Stick to Legal Platforms

Some bettors use offshore sites for in-state college bets or credit wagering, but risks abound:

• Legal Risks: Violates state law (up to 7 years prison) and federal UIGEA/Wire Act, risking fines or tax fraud charges.

• Financial Risks: Delayed or withheld payouts, no recourse, unaudited odds, and account closures.

• Data Security: No U.S. protections, increasing fraud and identity theft risks.

• No Responsible Gambling Tools: Lacks deposit limits or self-exclusion, heightening addiction risks.

DGE’s 2024 warnings and coalition efforts with seven states target offshore operators, emphasizing legal platforms’ audited safety.

Responsible Gambling in New Jersey: Tools and Tips

New Jersey prioritizes responsible gambling:

Tools: Self-exclusion (1–5 years or permanent), deposit/time limits, and automated monitoring for risky behavior.

Resources: 1-800-GAMBLER, Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (800-426-2537), Gamblers Anonymous (1-855-222-5542), and Birches Health telehealth.

Tips:

• Budget 1–5% of disposable income.
• Avoid chasing losses.
• Take 30–60-minute breaks.
• Understand odds for realistic expectations.
• Explore Jersey Shore or local events as alternatives.

Stats: 6% of New Jersey residents are at high risk for problem gambling (Rutgers, 2023), with 2–3% nationally. Young men (18–24) are most vulnerable, with 19% at risk.

In 2024, $2.5 million funded treatment, with $4.3 million total for responsible gambling initiatives.

Future of New Jersey Sports Betting: Innovation and Stability

New Jersey’s market, with a $12.8 billion 2024 handle, remains stable in 2025. No major legislative changes are planned, but taxes rose to 16% for sports betting.

Esports betting, legal since 2021, may expand under DGE oversight. In-state college betting bans will likely persist, with a 2024 bill advancing to ban college player prop bets.

Atlantic City’s tourism, driven by casinos like Borgata, supports growth, though retail lags behind online’s 93% share. New Jersey’s competitive taxes and innovation ensure its leadership.

Is sports betting legal in New Jersey in 2025?

Yes, legalized via Assembly Bill 4111 in June 2018, regulated by the DGE and NJRC.

Where can I place sports bets in New Jersey?

At 14 retail sportsbooks (Atlantic City casinos, Meadowlands, Monmouth Park, Freehold, two off-track sites) or 20+ apps like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Can I bet on Rutgers or other in-state college teams?

No, in-state college teams and New Jersey-hosted college events are banned.

What is the minimum age to place sports bets in New Jersey?

21, with geolocation and multi-factor authentication.

What types of sports bets are available in New Jersey?

Moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays, prop bets (no in-state college players), futures, live betting, same-game parlays.

What are the risks of using offshore betting sites in New Jersey?

Legal penalties, payment delays, data breaches, unaudited odds, and no responsible gambling tools.

Where can I get help for gambling issues in New Jersey?

Contact 1-800-GAMBLER, Council on Compulsive Gambling (800-426-2537), or Gamblers Anonymous (1-855-222-5542).