New Jersey Sports Betting Guide 2025
New Jersey was the state that kicked the door open for modern legal sports betting in the United States. Today the Garden State has one of the deepest lineups of online sportsbooks, plus retail books at casinos and racetracks. This guide explains which New Jersey sportsbooks are legal, how to sign up, the key rules on college betting and taxes, and how to bet safely under New Jersey law.
View best New Jersey sportsbooksMust be 21+ and physically located in New Jersey to bet with a licensed sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Online and retail sports betting are fully legal in New Jersey. Lawmakers approved sports wagering in 2018, and the first legal bets were taken at racetracks and Atlantic City casinos that June. Online and mobile sportsbooks followed shortly after and have grown into one of the largest regulated markets in the country.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the New Jersey Racing Commission regulate sports betting. They license operators, enforce rules around advertising and responsible gambling, and monitor sportsbooks for fairness and integrity.
Quick facts
- Sports betting legal since 2018
- 21+ and located in New Jersey to place a bet
- Online and retail sportsbooks are both allowed
- Regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
Best legal New Jersey online sportsbooks
New Jersey has one of the deepest menus of legal sportsbook apps in the United States. The lineup can change, but major brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, ESPN BET and others routinely operate in the state through casino and racetrack partnerships.
Opening more than one account lets you compare odds, interfaces, and promotions so you can get the best price on each wager.
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Up to $1,300 New User Bonus | Deep market coverage and strong same game parlay tools. We love the the player props, live betting, golf and NFL markets. | Join | |
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Bet $1, Double Your Winnings On Next 20 Wagers | Integrated Caesars Rewards for hotel and dining value. Rewards program, promos tied to local teams and events. | Join | |
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Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Clean app experience and competitive odds on many sides and totals. Does a great job with same game parlays, live betting, and user friendly interface. | Join | |
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Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets | Busy but powerful app with lots of live markets. Live betting, one game parlays, regular boosts and offers. | Join | |
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Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose | Deep international markets and sharp pricing on soccer and niche sports. Great for In play betting, soccer and tennis, alternate lines. | Join | |
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Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash | Fresh interfaces and aggressive promos as they build market. We like their promotions, live betting, newer features. | Join |
Key New Jersey sports betting rules
New Jersey gives bettors a wide range of options but still enforces clear rules around who can bet and what events and markets are allowed.
Who can bet in New Jersey?
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must be physically located in New Jersey when placing a bet.
- You must pass identity verification when you create your account.
- You cannot bet if you are on a self exclusion or banned list.
What you can bet on
- Professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and more.
- Most college sports that do not involve New Jersey teams or events in the state.
- International leagues, golf, tennis, motorsports, and other approved events.
- Standard markets such as moneylines, spreads, totals, futures, and many props.
What you cannot bet on
- College games that involve New Jersey schools except for narrow tournament exceptions.
- College events played inside New Jersey that are not part of an approved multi site tournament.
- High school sports or youth events.
- Unapproved novelty or political markets that fall outside state rules.
College sports betting in New Jersey
College betting rules in New Jersey are more restrictive than in some other states. You can bet on out-of-state college teams and national tournaments, but there are important limitations that protect in-state schools and events.
Allowed on college sports
- Moneylines, spreads, and totals on college games that do not involve New Jersey teams.
- Futures markets on national championships and conferences, excluding in-state teams where restricted.
- Many college player props and team props on eligible out-of-state events, as permitted by regulators.
Not allowed on college sports
- Bets on games involving New Jersey colleges, except certain tournament games with multi state sites.
- Bets on college events that take place in New Jersey and are not part of a qualifying tournament.
- Any college markets that a specific sportsbook removes for integrity or compliance reasons.
New Jersey sports betting taxes
Sports betting taxes in New Jersey apply to both operators and individual bettors. Operators pay tax on their revenue, while players may owe tax on net winnings.
Taxes on New Jersey sportsbooks
- Retail sportsbook revenue is taxed at a lower rate than online revenue.
- Online and mobile sportsbook revenue is taxed at a higher rate to reflect digital market share.
- These taxes are paid by the operator, not directly by the bettor.
Taxes on bettors and gambling winnings
- Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level.
- New Jersey also taxes gambling winnings as part of state income tax.
- Large wins may trigger automatic withholding and tax forms from the sportsbook. You are responsible for reporting your net winnings when you file.
This information is educational and not personal tax advice. Talk to a tax professional about how sports betting fits into your federal and New Jersey state return, especially if you bet in larger amounts.
Retail sportsbooks and racetrack partners
New Jersey sports betting law allows casinos and racetracks to partner with sportsbooks for both retail and online wagering. Many retail books feed into the same apps you use on your phone.
What to expect at a New Jersey retail sportsbook
- Full service betting windows and self service kiosks.
- Large video walls showing multiple games at once.
- Food, drinks, and seating so you can watch events after you bet.
- In person customer service if you need help with tickets or payouts.
Retail partnerships and brand names can change over time as licenses move between operators. The Division of Gaming Enforcement maintains the official list of approved sportsbooks and locations.
How to start betting in New Jersey
Getting started with legal sports betting in New Jersey is straightforward. You can complete the whole process from your phone or laptop.
- Choose one or more licensed New Jersey sportsbook apps you want to try.
- Download each app or visit the website and select New Jersey as your state.
- Create an account with your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN.
- Enable location services so the app can confirm you are inside state lines.
- Make your first deposit with online banking, card, wallet, or another approved method.
- Review the welcome offer terms to be sure your first wager qualifies.
- Place your first bet and track your results from the bet slip.
Smart tips for New Jersey sports bettors
A mature market with many options is great for bettors, but it can also make it easier to overdo it. A few simple habits help you stay in control.
Positive habits
- Set a clear monthly betting budget and stick to it.
- Compare odds across at least two books before you place a larger bet.
- Focus on leagues and markets you follow closely.
- Keep a basic log of your bets, stakes, and closing lines.
- Use deposit limits, time limits, and cool off tools when needed.
Things to avoid
- Chasing losses with bigger live bets after a bad beat.
- Using unlicensed offshore sportsbooks that do not offer state protections.
- Sharing accounts or betting for friends who are under 21.
- Letting betting interfere with work, school, or family finances.
If betting ever stops feeling fun or starts impacting your life in a negative way, contact a New Jersey problem gambling helpline. Help is confidential and available.
New Jersey sports betting FAQ
When did sports betting become legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey legalized sports betting in 2018 after the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban. Retail sportsbooks opened that June, and legal online and mobile sportsbooks began taking bets later that summer.
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in New Jersey?
You must be at least 21 years old to place legal sports bets in New Jersey. Sportsbooks verify your age and identity during the account sign up process.
Can you bet on New Jersey college teams?
No. New Jersey law does not allow betting on games that involve New Jersey college teams, except for narrow tournament exceptions, and it also restricts betting on college events played in the state. You can still bet on many out-of-state college games.
Are college player prop bets legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey allows some college player props on eligible out-of-state events, but the exact menu depends on the regulator and each sportsbook. Many operators simplify things by limiting or removing sensitive college props altogether.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in New Jersey?
Yes. Sports betting winnings count as taxable income at both the federal and state level. Sportsbooks may send you tax forms if you have large wins, but you are responsible for reporting your net winnings on your tax return.
Is it safe to use offshore sportsbooks in New Jersey?
Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed or regulated by New Jersey, so they do not offer the same consumer protections. If something goes wrong with your account or funds, you have limited recourse. For safety and reliability, stick with sportsbooks that are licensed by the state.