Key Points
New Jersey has some of the most permissive gaming rules in the United States. Since the authorization of casino gambling in 1976 (but only in Atlantic City), New Jersey has been a leader in the push to legalize online gambling in the United States.
In New Jersey, the minimum age requirement for gambling varies depending on the type of gambling desired. The minimum age to participate in sports betting, casino games, and poker is 21. However, for wagering on horse racing, daily fantasy sports, bingo, and lottery activities, however, the minimum age requirement is 18.
On February 1, 2011, the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) became the principal agency over the daily operations of Atlantic City casinos when Bill S-12 was signed into law.
As part of it's duties. the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement enforces age rules stringently.
Any gambling establishment that violates the minimum age standards in the state risks losing its gambling license.
Different agencies have oversight functions over legal gambling in New Jersey. While the Division of Gaming Enforcement is responsible for online casino gambling, it shares the responsibility with the New Jersey Casino Control Commission at land-based casinos.
The New Jersey Division of Consumers Affairs - Fantasy Sports Unit regulates Daily Fantasy Sports, and the state lottery supervises the New Jersey Division of State Lottery.
Note: The Casino Control Act, N.J.S.A., created the Casino Control Commission and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to preserve the integrity of the state's casino gaming industry.
The history of gambling in New Jersey can be traced back to when the US was still a colony. In the 1700s, New Jerseyans used lotteries to fund military campaigns such as the French and Indian wars as well as the American Revolution.
During peaceful times, lotteries were also instrumental in carrying out public constructions, like the development of Queen's College (now Rutgers University) and the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). However, New Jersey would eventually ban lotteries in 1844. This ban was due to a major recession in the newly created United States and the poor public image of the lottery.
The oldest racetrack in the US is Freehold Raceway in New Jersey, which first opened its doors in the 1830s. It featured horse racing and betting and later added dog racing. The first thoroughbred racetrack opened its doors in 1870. Not long afterward, the state completely outlawed gambling in 1894.
In 1897, New Jerseyans voted yes in a referendum to modify the state constitution to outlaw gambling.
Slot machines, illegal lotteries, and bookmaking flourished because of the slack enforcement that persisted until 1939. Churches and other non-profits freely hosted bingo games. The Freehold Raceway carried on as usual until 1939 when the government again sanctioned betting on horse races.
In 1939, New Jersey reintroduced legal racetrack gambling. As a result, the state was able to reap the economic benefits from the wagering at Freehold Raceway and Monmouth Park. New Jersey's state lottery was established in 1970, and legislators would later amend the state's laws to include non-profit bingo and raffles.
Bingo and raffles organized by charitable organizations were not legal until a voter-approved referendum in 1953. Amusement games were reintroduced as legal gaming options in 1959.
This was two years after it had been initially declared illegal in a court ruling. In New Jersey, amusement games and non-profit gambling are regulated by the New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission.
In 1970, a referendum was passed by over 82% of voters to legalize a state lottery in New Jersey. New Jersey's Pick-3 was the first US lottery game to let players pick their own numbers, debuting in 1975.
In 1974, New Jersey voters rejected the legalization of casino gambling statewide. Still, two years later, they adopted a new referendum that allowed casinos but limited them to Atlantic City. In November, the amended public vote was approved by a narrow margin of 1.5 million votes to 1.14 million.
Resorts Atlantic City was the first legalized Atlantic City casino to open to the public. Resorts Atlantic City has continued to operate from the same Boardwalk premises since 1978.
Caesars Boardwalk Regency and Bally's Park Place, which would later become Caesar's Atlantic City and Bally's Atlantic City, opened their doors to bettors by the end of the 1970s.
The Casino Control Act was passed into law in 1977. This legislation established the Casino Control Commission as an independent licensing authority for New Jersey's casinos and their key personnel.
The Governor appoints, and the State Senate confirms up to three members of the Commission. The Division of Gaming Enforcement's investigative findings and recommendations into account at its regularly scheduled public meetings before it makes decisions regarding applications for licensure and associated rulings.
In order to maintain the integrity of the state's casino gaming business, which includes sports betting at horse racetracks, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) was founded in 1977 under the Casino Control Act, N.J.S.A. The DGE is housed in the New Jersey Attorney General's Department of Law and Public Safety.
DGE officials observe casino operations to look for infractions and ensure that regulations are followed.
Since every casino owner is required to hold a license, the Division looks into every license applicant and informs the NJ Casino Control Commission of its findings. To approve or reject a license, the Commission holds a public hearing.
Governor Chris Christie approved Bill S-12 into law on February 1, 2011. The bill made significant adjustments to the regulation of casino gaming in Atlantic City. With the passage of the legislation, the Act transferred the Casino Control Commission's authority over the everyday operations of casinos to the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
As of 2023, a total of 12 casinos have been constructed in New Jersey. However, the financial crisis of the late 2000s and the expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania and New York significantly impacted the economic viability of several New Jersey gambling establishments.
From 2014 to 2016, five casinos ceased operations. Eventually, economic conditions improved, and two further casinos were constructed.
In 2016, New Jersey voters decisively defeated the New Jersey Casino Expansion Amendment in a referendum. The proposed amendment sought to permit land-based casinos outside of Atlantic City.
In January 2012, in a bid to legitimize sports betting and boost the state's tax revenue, then-Governor Chris Christie signed the Sports Wagering Act in New Jersey, after a voter-approved referendum.
The Sports Wagering Act made it possible for state-regulated casinos and racetracks to accept bets on professional and college sports. These gambling establishments, on the other hand, were banned from accepting bets on New Jersey college events or out-of-state games featuring New Jersey college teams.
Following New Jersey's legislation, the four major American sports leagues filed a series of federal lawsuits against the state of New Jersey. The major leagues asked for a ruling on the legality of sports betting in light of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. PASPA made it illegal to wager on professional or amateur sports in all but four states.
The four main North American sports leagues and the NCAA won a case in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in February 2013. The court's decision effectively halted the distribution of sports betting licenses. Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court's decision. The state of New Jersey, however, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court of the United States.
The verdict of the Appeal Court was later overruled by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court declared that New Jersey's proposed legislation could go forward. On June 11, 2018, sports betting in New Jersey became a reality when Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111, which gave authority to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and opened the floodgates for sports betting wagers.
The Federal Wire Act (1961) and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) banned internet gambling in New Jersey (2016) and other US states. These statutes prevented corporations from receiving funds for online betting.
Even though the UIGEA specifically excluded fantasy sports and skill games, the law did not address lotteries. As a result, online casinos continued to accept players from the United States. However, many operators abandoned the U.S. market in search of a more favorable legal climate.
In 2011, during the decline of Atlantic City, New Jersey lawmakers passed a bill authorizing online gambling outside of Atlantic City. Former Governor Chris Christie first vetoed the measure.
The Governor feared that "allowing customers to bet through any computer terminal" would allow "commercial businesses such as nightclubs and cafes" to offer online gambling, but after a legal opinion from the US Department of Justice and a revision of the original bill, gambling was legalized in the state in 2013.
In November 2013, the first online poker and casino sites went up. Although casino earnings have been on the rise lately, poker's popularity has declined. Monthly online gambling income for casinos in the state averages $15 million. This is in contrast to the monthly aNew Jersey Online Casino Laws
The state of New Jersey was the first in the United States to authorize online casino gaming, opening the door for gamblers everywhere to enjoy a wide variety of casino and betting options from the comfort of their own homes.
New Jersey officially sanctioned online casinos within its borders through the passage of bill A2578. The final version of the bill was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie on February 26, 2013. The law's supporters saw it as a way to boost Atlantic City's faltering economy.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement strictly monitors and restricts who can place bets at state-regulated casinos. Here's what you need to know about who can participate:
Operators are responsible for enforcing the aforementioned regulations and are committed to validating the age and location of each player before enabling them to gamble. These fundamental characteristics are determined via geolocation software, which pinpoints the precise location from where a player is playing and by cross-referencing user information with public databases and credit reporting organizations.
More than two dozen online casino operators are licensed to offer internet-based casino games in the Garden State, making online casinos the most popular form of legal gambling. New Jersey's Online Casino Law stipulates that online casino operators must form a partnership with a land-based casino in Atlantic City before they can obtain licenses.
Each New Jersey online casino app consists of hundreds of casino games. These games include a huge selection of video slots and casino table games such as online blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and video poker, among others.
In New Jersey, renowned poker sites such as PokerStars and WSOP.com provide large poker tournaments, an abundance of cash game action, and much more.
The same Assembly bill that permitted online casino games also legalized online poker in New Jersey. Today, New Jersey is one of the leaders in online poker in the United States. It's also one of the states advocating for interstate poker regulation, which would allow players from all states to play on the same poker sites.
To lawfully serve New Jersey players, all iGaming operators must get a gaming license from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement.
One of the main benefit of playing at online New Jersey casino sites is knowing that they are completely legal. The New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement guarantees that all games run quickly and fairly, that player monies are kept separate from operating funds and that businesses adhere to all state and federal regulations.
Bill S-12 was signed into law by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on February 1, 2011. This bill restructures the state's regulator for casinos and individuals conducting business in the gaming industry and considerably modifies the state's Casino Control Act. The measure also modifies the Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement's jurisdiction.
Authority transferred from Commission to Division. (Sections 63, 70, and 76 were revised.) The Commission's principal responsibility to develop regulations for the industry in New Jersey was transferred to the Division. The Commission's jurisdiction to promulgate rules will be restricted to regulations guiding the conduct of hearings before it.
In all other areas, the Division will have the ability to create and enforce regulations. In addition, the Division will be able to begin and rule on actions against licensees and registrants, as well as impose consequences for violations of the Act.
In person casino gambling became legal in New Jersey in 1976 through a voter-approved referendum. However, although New Jerseyan voted to legalize casinos in their state, these casinos were restricted to Atlantic City.
On June 2, 1977, Governor Brendan Byrne signed the New Jersey Casino Control Act (N.J.S.A 15:12-1 to -233) into law. The Act established the New Jersey Casino Control Commission as the state's gambling control board, with authority to license casinos in Atlantic City.
The Casino Control Act, in 1983, addressed the problem of gambling by minors in New Jersey. The House and Senate voted to change the minimum gambling age in casinos to 21, the same as the legal gambling age in all U.S. states. The laws prevent anyone under the age of 21 from entering any casino or simulcasting facility in Atlantic City.
Any violation of the New Jersey casino gambling age requirement results in criminal charges, a fine between $500 and $1,000, and a driver's license suspension for six months.
17-year-olds or younger without a valid driver's license will get their licenses six months after the date of issuance. Any individual over the age of 21 who tries to manipulate or induces minors to bet will be charged with disorderly conduct.
New Jersey regulates casino gambling through a two-tier structure comprised of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Casino Control Commission. The commission is mainly charged with taking action on the division's licensing recommendations. The division is the state's gambling industry's enforcement, operational, and investigative organization.
The DGE is part of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, which reports to the New Jersey Attorney General.
The Division is managed by a director chosen by the governor and serves during the governor's tenure in office.
New Jersey in-person casinos offer a variety of casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat, among others.
According to New Jersey Revised Statutes 5:12-82, no one may own or manage a casino unless a license is provided to each qualified person and required to apply for a casino license. The regulations stipulate who must be qualified as part of the casino license application process. T
he Law covers all eligible persons and is required to apply (N.J. Rev. Stat. 5:12-82). This includes all financial sources that are necessary to qualify (N.J. Rev. Stat. 5:12-84b) and individuals that are expected to qualify under N.J. Rev. Stat. 5:12-85c. Every casino licensing application demands a non-refundable deposit of at least $100,000. If accepted, this amount can be removed from the first license fee. This fee is a minimum of $200,000 in New Jersey.
The Casino Control Commission obtains an assortment of taxes from casinos and transfers the funds into the Casino Revenue Fund. For instance, a daily fee of $3 is charged for each hotel room inhabited by a paying or non-paying guest in a casino hotel.
The highest tax is an eight percent levy on the gross revenues of casinos.
According to N.J. Rev. Stat. 5:12-144.1, casino license holders are required to pay an alternative investment tax by acquiring bonds from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CDRA) or investing in any suitable project approved by the authority. These bonds will be used to finance community projects, such as the restoration and housing of low- and middle-income individuals.
Voters in New Jersey approved a constitutional amendment in November 2011. The constitutional change gave state legislators the power to legalize sports betting.
The Sports Wagering Act of 2012, which legalizes sports betting at casinos, racetracks, and online in New Jersey, was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie soon after New Jerseyans approved the legislation. According to the Act, persons who wish to place sports bets at the land-based sportsbooks above must be 21 years or older.
Land-Based Sports Betting in New Jersey:
The next logical step after determining that sports betting is permitted in New Jersey is to determine how and where bettors can do it. If you want a land-based option, Atlantic City is the best spot to place sports bets. The table below reveals the name, venue, and location of New Jersey land-based sportsbooks.
Venue | Book Name | Location |
The Meadowlands | FanDuel Sportsbook | East Rutherford |
Resorts Casino | DraftKings Sportsbook | Atlantic City (Boardwalk) |
Monmouth Park | Caesars Sportsbook at Monmouth Park | Oceanport |
Ocean Casino | The Gallery Bar, Book & Games | Atlantic City (Boardwalk) |
Bally's AC | FanDuel Sportsbook at Bally's AC | Atlantic City (Boardwalk) |
Harrah's AC | Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's Resort | Atlantic City (Marina) |
Hard Rock Casino | Hard Rock Sportsbook | Atlantic City (Boardwalk) |
Golden Nugget AC | The Sportsbook | Atlantic City (Marina) |
The Borgata | BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar | Atlantic City (Marina) |
Tropicana AC | Caesars Sportsbook at Tropicana AC | Atlantic City (Boardwalk) |
Caesars AC | Caesars Sportsbook at Wild Wild West | Atlantic City (Boardwalk) |
Freehold Raceway | Parx Sportsbook | Freehold |
After the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned, the Sports Wagering Act made it possible to legally place bets on sporting events via the internet in New Jersey.
The minimum age to wager on sports in New Jersey is 21 years old, by state law. However, anyone above the age of 18 is permitted to wager on horse races, participate in charitable gambling, and play the lottery.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has authority over sports betting regulation. Its responsibilities include awarding licenses, drafting regulations as needed, enforcing state law, conducting criminal investigations, and ensuring that licensees treat customers fairly.
On the website of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, interested parties can locate a list of all licensed New Jersey sports betting apps and sites.
Authorized Operators: Under the New Jersey Sports Wagering Act, only regulated casinos and racetracks are permitted to apply for a sports betting license..
Mobile/Internet: New Jersey sports betting laws permit mobile and online wagering anywhere inside the state. This means sports betting enthusiasts can place bets from anywhere in the Garden State via sports betting sites or using their apps. However, online sportsbook companies must first have a partnership with a licensed casino or racetrack (license holder). Licensees are restricted to three uniquely branded websites, or skins, and have just 270 days to operate an online book without a retail location.
New Jersey offers a complete range of sports betting options. These options cover virtually every sport and league under the sun, such as the NFL, NBA, NCAAF, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, PGA Golf, Olympics, and NASCAR, providing:
DraftKings Sportsbook initiated legal online sports betting in New Jersey with its August 2018 launch. As of January 2023, there are almost 30 sportsbooks in New Jersey. These online sportsbooks are listed below:
New Jersey sportsbooks typically offer a variety of resources to encourage responsible gambling, such as:
New Jersey residents who no longer wish to participate in any form of gambling or sports betting in the state can submit a self-exclusion request to the NJDGE for a period of one year, five years, or permanently.
The Daily Fantasy Sports Bill, also known as Bill A3532, permits and regulates fantasy sports activities in the state of New Jersey.
The bill was signed into law by then-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on August 24, 2017. Bill A 3532 was necessary due to the popularity of fantasy sports, notably daily fantasy sports (DFS), and the lack of regulation and consumer protections within the business. The DFS bill went into force 90 days after being signed into law.
Following the passage of the law, New Jersey joined Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine as states that have authorized and legalized fantasy sports. Even though New Jersey was not one of the early states to permit and regulate daily fantasy sports, it was definitely the first one to permit wagering on college football leagues.
Only forms of gambling that are specifically allowed by the state constitution are legal in New Jersey. Under New Jersey law, "fantasy sports activities" are not considered gambling because they are defined as "contests in which the relative skill of the participants predominates to the degree that chance plays no material role in determining the outcome of the activities."
This is thanks to the passage of Bill A3532. This follows the line of thinking taken by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, which authorized casino licensees to host fantasy sports games through a new regulation.
The term "fantasy sports activities" is extensively used in Bill A3532 to include any fee-charging fantasy or computer simulation activity or contest in which a participant possesses or supervises an imaginary team competing against other people participating or a target scoring system for a predetermined prize, with the results reflecting the comparative skill of the participants.
Daily fantasy sports enthusiasts who wish to play the sport legally in New Jersey must be at least 18 years old. This condition is consistent with the state's legal gambling requirements for betting games such as the state lottery and bingo. If a minor is detected gambling, they may face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for committing a disorderly person's crime.
Under the Daily Fantasy Law, the Division of Consumer Affairs of the Department of Law and Public Safety (DCA) has the authority to examine permit applications, supervise the conduct of fantasy sports and activities, inspect the infrastructure of fantasy sports operators, and revoke previously issued permits. As a result, legal "fantasy sports activities" can only be provided in the state by operators, such as casino licensees and racetracks, who have been issued a license by the DCA.
On November 18, 2018, the Division first proposed regulations for fantasy sports companies. The guidelines went into effect on December 2, 2019, after a public comment period. Some of the more important provisions are as follows:
Participant restrictions: Fantasy sports organizers are obligated to take measures to prevent minors and anyone on a restricted list from taking part in the games. The companies that run fantasy sports contests have a responsibility to respect the wishes of their customers and not force them to take part in the games if they don't want to. Operators of fantasy sports must also set and disclose caps on the number of entries a player can make in a given competition and take measures to prevent players from submitting more than the cap.
Prohibited participants: Athletes, sports agents, team personnel, judges, and league officials are not permitted to provide consumers with information about fantasy sports activities by fantasy sports providers. The operators of fantasy sports cannot allow their owners, directors, officers, or employees to take part in the games. Additionally, operators have a responsibility to bar anyone who has an arrangement or sponsorship with the fantasy sports operator from taking part in the games.
Player funds: Fantasy sports administrators in the industry have a legal obligation to keep players' money separate from company funds. In addition, they must set aside an amount equivalent to the total value of all accounts and prizes owed to or to be owed to participants, which is safe from creditors.
Annual audit: Fantasy sports providers are required to provide the Division with an annual audit conducted by a qualified professional accountant. The guidelines specify what must be included in this audit.
Quarterly fees: Operators of daily fantasy sports games must pay an operational fee to the Division every three months. This charge is equal to 10.5% of all New Jersey players' entry fees minus any prizes awarded. The 20th of April, July, and October, as well as January, is when the quarterly maintenance cost is due. Operators of season-long, single-sport fantasy games will be able to estimate their annual operating costs based on the entry fees and prize payouts they received in the prior year.
Mandatory policies: Daily fantasy sites are required to have protocols in place for dealing with security incidents, including server crashes, data leaks, unauthorized access, and other similar problems. They must also verify the identity, age, and address of account openers; conduct testing to make sure their platforms are up to par; delete dormant accounts after three years; protect users' personal and financial data; let parents block their children from participating in fantasy sports; and close accounts of anyone under the age of 18.
Advertising to youth: Operators are prohibited from placing advertisements in elementary schools, secondary schools, or athletic facilities that are utilized exclusively for student athletic events.
Complaint process: It is mandatory for fantasy sports operators to provide a channel for players to voice issues. Within ten business days of receiving a complaint, operators must notify participants and resolve the issue. In a situation where the fantasy sports operator requires more information on a complaint, their response must clearly specify the type of information needed from the complainant. Within seven days of receiving the information requested, the operators must provide a response. The Division may seek to see complaints received by fantasy sports operators. They must keep such records for seven years.
Recordkeeping: Operators of fantasy sports sites are legally required to keep detailed records of all transactions made by and for its users, along with usernames, passwords, transaction details; users' personal information; and promotional materials. All documentation must be kept for seven years and made available to the Division on demand.
Credit extension: You can't get credit from a fantasy sports company to play on their site.
Withdrawal restrictions: Fantasy sports sites can't let you send money to other players. Withdrawals must be processed within five business days, and participants must be allowed to access their funds. In the event that a fantasy sports operator suspects a player of engaging in fraudulent activity or otherwise putting the operator in legal jeopardy, the operator may deny the player's withdrawal request. In the event that a withdrawal request is denied, the operator is required to notify the participant and initiate an investigation into the participant's behavior, with subsequent notifications sent to the participant every ten business days while the investigation is ongoing.
Permits: Obtaining and renewing permits is a yearly obligation. Fees for licenses and applications to run a fantasy sports business are also outlined in the rules. Operators pay a percentage of their annual revenue as a permit fee.
Online Daily Fantasy NFL: Although there are no NFL franchises in the state, the New York Giants and the New York Jets both play at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, making it a popular choice for online Daily Fantasy NFL contests. Participants in the widely-played NFL Fantasy League choose their own fantasy football teams and pit them against those of their rivals. Points are awarded depending on actual game results; for instance, your team can gain 6 points for a Running Touchdown and 2 points for an Interception.
Online Daily Fantasy NBA: The NBA is a huge draw in the Garden State, and now that daily fantasy sports are legal, fans can actively participate in the action. NBA Fantasy League competitors are tasked with drafting a starting lineup of eight players. The scoring system is based on actual game statistics, such as awarding one point for each goal and two points for each block. Contestants have to build their teams within weekly pay limits, and the higher the success of their players, the higher those limits get. Because of this, competitors will have to think creatively about how to assemble the best possible squad while staying within strict financial constraints.
Online Daily Fantasy MLB: It's clear that MLB New Jersey residents enjoy not only watching the game, but also taking part in the draft. The goal of MLB Fantasy is to assemble a 10-man club through the draft. You can score points in a variety of methods, such as 5 for a base steal, 10 for a home run, etc.
Online Daily Fantasy NHL: Since its inception in 1974, the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils have been a source of pride for the state. What better way to honor their achievements than to draft them into your NHL Fantasy League roster this season? You can select nine players from at least three different clubs and score points according to the goals, assists, and blocked shots those players actually tally in the regular season.
College Fantasy Sports: As earlier mentioned, unlike other US states, New Jersey allows fantasy sports games involving college sports. This opens the door for New Jerseyans to participate in fantasy sports leagues that utilize drafts at the collegiate level. Therefore, they have complete flexibility in selecting which Tigers players to include in their starting lineup. The basketball team of Clemson University is the most successful in college sports history, having won 27 Ivy League titles.
In the general election held in November 1969, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing a state lottery. The 81.5% majority in support of a lottery was one of the greatest in the political history of New Jersey. In accordance with the desires of New Jersey residents, the State Lottery Law was passed. The statute is intended to execute the change to paragraph 2 of Article IV, Section VII of the New Jersey Constitution. The whole net revenues from the State Lottery are allocated to state institutions and education funding.
New Jersey State Lottery is governed by the New Jersey Division of State Lottery within the Treasury Department. The Lottery Commission is composed of seven members, including the State Treasurer and the Director of the Division of Investments as ex officio members, and five public members nominated by the Governor with the advice and permission of the Senate. The public members are appointed for a five-year tenure.
Bettors who intend to participate in NJ Lottery games must adhere to the following set of rules.
Lottery Games available under the State Lottery include the following: Pick 3, Pick 4, Jersey Cash 5, Quick Draw, Cash Pop, PowerBall, Mega Millions, Cash4Life, Fast Play, and Raffle.
Pick 3: If you play Pick 3 at the New Jersey Lottery, you can win huge prizes twice a day. To participate, you must choose three numbers between 0 and 9, as well as a bet type, the amount you wish to wager, and a draw time. This lottery provides five distinct game types:
You can utilize the same combination of numbers for up to seven successive draws with the Multi-Draw feature. The Fireball function enables players to replace one of their chosen three digits with a Fireball figure and increase their winnings. In addition, Instant Match mode gives players an immediate chance to win $500.
The amount bettors can win will vary from $0.50 to $5 depending on the wager type and amount they placed. Draws are held daily at 12:59 p.m. and 10:57 p.m. EST.
Pick 4: The rules of this game are identical to those of Pick 3, with one difference. To play, you must select four digits from 0 to 9 rather than three. It shares the same characteristics and draw timings as the game mentioned above.
Pick 6: This is the original jackpot game in New Jersey. Pick 6 requires players to select 6 numbers between 1 and 49. Additionally, players can activate the XTRA feature to increase any non-jackpot winnings they may win. This game's drawings occur on Mondays and Thursdays at roughly 7:57 PM EST.
Jersey Cash 5: To participate in this jackpot game, you must select five numbers from 1 to 45 on your play slip. Use Xtra to increase your non-jackpot prizes, Instant play to win $500 instantly, or Multi-Draw to enter subsequent draws. Jersey Cash 5 tickets cost $1, and selections are held nightly at 10:57 p.m. EST.
Quick Draw: The New Jersey Lottery's Quick Draw gives you 200 chances per day to win up to $100,000. To play, you must select up to ten numbers between 1 and 80, your wager per draw, and the number of draws you wish to participate in. With options like Bullseye and Multiplier, you can enhance the prize you're competing for. The selection of numbers occurs every four minutes.
Pick 6: A $1 Pick 6 ticket can yield a substantial jackpot. You only need to choose six digits between 1 and 49. You can add the Xtra or Multi-Draw features to your ticket to maximize your earnings or enter the same numbers in up to 26 successive drawings. Draws for Pick 6 occur on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:57 p.m. Eastern Time.
Cash Pop: Cash Pop offers players the opportunity to earn up to 250 times their wager. To participate, you must select 1 to 15 numbers from the number field on your ticket, the amount you wish to wager, and the number of draws in which you wish to participate. You may wager $1, $2, $5, or $10, and the value of your prize will depend on the amount you select. Each Cash Pop number is picked every fifteen minutes.
Powerball: Powerball is a well-known multi-state lottery game featuring progressive prizes that can make you wealthy overnight. Players are required to choose five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Each play costs $2, but for an additional dollar, you may add Power Play or Double Play to improve your non-jackpot winnings or increase your chance of winning up to $10 million. Multi-Draw also allows you to enter up to 12 sequential drawings. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at around 10:59 p.m. EST are drawing days.
Mega Millions: Pick five numbers between 1 and 70 and one Mega Ball number between 1 and 25 to participate in this multi-state jackpot game. The Multiplier and Multi-Draw options allow players to multiply their earnings and join up to eight successive draws, respectively. Add two additional opportunities to win the jackpot by purchasing the $3 Just the Jackpot feature. Every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 11 p.m. EST, drawings are held.
Cash4Life: Cash4Life offers the New Jersey Lottery's "lifetime" award for $2 for each play. Whenever you pick the correct five digits from 1 to 60 and a Cash Ball number from 1 to 4, you can win $1,000 every day or $1,000 each week. You can enter numerous future drawings with Multi-Draw and double your winnings with the Doubler function. Every night at roughly 9:00 p.m. EST, selections are held.
A New Jersey Lottery Fast Play ticket can get you a prize in a flash. Scratch-off tickets cost anywhere from $1 to $30, with prizes of up to $3 million.
There is a wide range of Fast Play tickets available for a broad array of budgets. Each one has the potential to win a life-changing sum of money. You can get them from a store or a vending machine if you have the NJ Lottery app and use the Fast Code feature. Following the instructions stated on a Fast Play ticket is all that's needed to win. Pricing starts at $1 and goes up to $10.
Under the New Jersey Lottery's Second Chance drawing system, players who don't win the jackpot on their first try still have a chance at winning a smaller reward. Several of these draws are held by the New Jersey Lottery, and the prizes up for grabs include cash, trips, concert tickets, gift cards, and more.
In New Jersey, lotto winners have one year to redeem their prizes. The state of New Jersey has a deadline for claiming rewards because it must decide whether to reinvest the money or pay it out to a winner.
Lottery winnings in New Jersey cannot be transferred to another individual; a court order is required for lottery prizes to be transferred.
The New Jersey Lottery is obligated to deduct 24% in federal taxes from winners valued above $5,000 and 5% in state taxes from winnings between $10,000 and $500,000. The percentage that will be charged to the prize if the winner refuses to give their Social Security Number is 8% state tax for winnings above $10,000 and 30% federal tax for winnings over $600.
Horse racing betting is big business in New Jersey, with parimutuel betting available at racetracks, off-track betting facilities (OTBs), and even online through authorized service providers.
Horse racing bets can be placed online in New Jersey through 4NJBets.com and MonmouthBets.com, the state's only permitted advance deposit wagering providers. The NJSA section 5:5-142 stipulates that 4NJBets.com customers must be at least 18 years old and New Jersey citizens. In 2020, lawmakers revised the Act to let clients wager on races from other countries, provided that such wagering is permitted in such jurisdictions.
All parimutuel wagering and racing in New Jersey is under the authority of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Its responsibilities include, among other things, enforcing rules on the health and safety of races, monitoring the fairness of wagering on New Jersey horse races, providing drug tests, and issuing race day permits.
Two authorized horse racing betting websites and their corresponding mobile apps are available in New Jersey.
As of January 2023, the only legal provider of advance-deposit wagering (ADW) in New Jersey is 4NJBets.com. Bettors in the Garden State can visit 4NJBets.com for pari-mutuel racing options at tracks all around the world.
As for the other, MonmouthBets.com is the only fixed-odds horse racing betting site in New Jersey. When horse racing betting with fixed odds was finally authorized in New Jersey in 2022, MonmouthBets.com launched.
Probability has a role in how the two scenarios differ:
While both methods have their merits, those unfamiliar with horse racing betting will likely find MonmouthBets.com to be the most user-friendly option. What goes up must come down. The odds on a horse that was 10/1 an hour before the race can decrease to 6/1 or worse in the final minutes before the start.
However, the 4NJBets app covers a greater range of tracks and provides new users with a cash welcome bonus, race rebates, and frequent promotions for key events. In addition to offering cash back on near misses, businesses frequently host free-to-enter prediction contests where customers may win real money.
Customers placing online wagers on New Jersey horse races must be at least 18 years old and residents of New Jersey. All online and at-track wagering on horses in New Jersey must be pooled in accordance with state law so that bettors at all locations receive payouts based on the actual odds offered at the track where they placed their wager.
The state legislature legalized out-of-state virtual horse racing betting for residents in November 2020. The new law allows New Jersey residents to place wagers on horse races using offshore services that accept advance deposits from bettors.
Although retail horse race betting in New Jersey dates back more than a century, the legalization of off-track betting (OTB) facilities is far more recent.
The Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 made off-track wagering federally lawful in the United States. In August of 2001, the Off-Track and Account Wagering Act was passed in New Jersey, making OTB parlors lawful.
Off-track betting is accessible at each of New Jersey's three major racetracks. Meadowlands Racetrack, Freehold Raceway, and Monmouth Park are all venues for both live horse racing and off-track betting.
In addition to the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, there are six more OTB outlets throughout the state. Five of these freestanding parlors, including Favorites Egg Harbor and Favorites at Toms River, operate under the Favorites name.
The New Jersey Racing Commission governs all authorized OTB parlors.
There are as many as 15 off-track betting facilities allowed by law in New Jersey under the state's horse racing statute (NJSA 5:5-136). As of January 2023, the state had seven off-track betting facilities, comprising six stand-alone OTBs and one off-track wagering location at the Borgata.
In August 2021, the Fixed Odds Wagering Act (S3090) was signed into law by the governor, making fixed-odds wagering on horse races legal in the state. Fixed odds wagering on races at authorized New Jersey tracks is now available at MonmouthBets.com and in person at the tracks.
Fixed-odds wagers are guaranteed to remain unchanged after they are placed. This is in contrast to parimutuel wagers, which are subject to changes even after a customer has placed a wager. In essence, it's the same idea as betting on sports, just with horse races instead.
While only Monmouth Park is currently able to accept fixed-odds wagers, other licensed tracks may soon be able to do so. Accessible from everywhere in the state of New Jersey, MonmouthBets.com allows gamblers to actually participate from the comfort of their own homes.
There are great hopes that fixed-odds wagering will enhance horse racing in New Jersey and wherever else the concept gains traction since it provides clients, many of whom are accustomed to sports betting, with a more familiar and predictable wagering format.
There are three permanent horse racetracks in the state of New Jersey, and they host a variety of live racing for both standardbreds and thoroughbreds throughout the year.
All New Jersey racetracks provide on-track wagering, simulcast races, and sportsbooks.
The first races were held at Freehold Raceway in the 1830s, making it the oldest horse racing track in the United States. When the Monmouth County Agricultural Society first opened the track for business in 1854, they held yearly harness races.
Freehold Raceway, located in Freehold Borough, is owned jointly by Penn National Gaming and Greenwood Racing.
Harness racing is Freehold Raceway's forte, and the track hosts events from January to May and September to December every year.
The Cane Pace, the opening race of the Harness Racing Pacers' Triple Crown, was held at Freehold Raceway every year between 1998 and 2010.
In 1976, East Rutherford was the site of the grand opening of the Meadowlands Racetrack. The Big M is the common name for the multi-use facility known formally as Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.
Since 1981, Meadowlands Racetrack has been the site of the prestigious Hambletonian Stakes. When it comes to harness racing in the United States, the Hambletonian Stakes is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Trotters. The Cane Pace is another big event conducted at the track.
FanDuel Sportsbook runs a full-service retail sportsbook at Meadowlands Racetrack.
There have been three different horse racing facilities that have borne the name "Monmouth Park" in New Jersey over the past 150 years.
In 1946, Oceanport, New Jersey, was home to the grand opening of Monmouth Park, a contemporary racetrack. The arena is ideal for horse racing. About a dozen graded stakes races are held there every year (races officially recognized by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association).
The Haskell Invitational Stakes and United Nations Stakes are two of the biggest annual events at Monmouth Park. The Haskell Invitational Stakes, held between the Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious races in all of American horse racing.
The Breeders' Cup was first held at Monmouth Park in 2007.
New Jersey has a thriving live racing industry with significant events held on a regular basis. There are far too many tournaments with prize money in excess of $100,000 to include here. The following are some of the state's largest purses and events:
New Jersey Bill to Include Esports as Internet Gaming (S2986): On September 22, 2022, a bill was introduced and referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historical Preservation Committee. The bill's goal is to expand access to online gaming by legalizing Esports and other forms of competitive gaming. If the legislation proposed by Senator James Beach is passed, certain sections of the Revised Statutes and Chapter 12 of Title 5 will be revised and expanded.
New Jersey Bill (AR 168):On December 5, 2022, this resolution was introduced and referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee. Mila M. Jasey is the sponsor of the bill. The purpose of the bill is to denounce the prevalence of pro-gambling marketing in New Jersey.
New Jersey Bill ACR32: This proposal is a concurrent resolution declaring the intent of legislators to seek an amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution to legalize casino gaming in the state's northern region. This legislation was backed by Assemblyman Ralph R. Caputo. The bill was subsequently referred to the Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee of the Assembly.
New Jersey Bill SCR41: This bill proposes a constitutional amendment granting the Legislature the right to introduce slot machine gambling at horse racetracks; designate the resulting profits to fund State-administered defined benefit retirement plans, casinos, Atlantic City renovations, and horse racing. On January 31, 2022, this bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee under the sponsorship of Senator Joseph Pennacchio. If this proposal is approved, Article IV,1 Section VII, paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution would be amended.
New Jersey Bill S1599: This legislation attempts to make compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment programs an optional penalty for underage casino playing in New Jersey. With this measure, lawmakers aim to alter Public Law of 1977, Chapter 110. Senator James Beach proposed this bill in the Senate on February 14, 2022. The bill was later referred to the Senate Committee on State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation.
New Jersey S485: This bill was sponsored in the New Jersey Senate on January 11, 2022, by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari. The Act aims to establish a pilot program for gambling treatment diversion courts inside the criminal justice system. The proposed legislation will create a pilot gambling treatment diversion court program and amend Title 2B of the New Jersey Statutes.
New Jersey A2696: This bill proposes to preserve live horse racing at standardbred racetracks with sports wagering licenses. In other words, the proposed legislation relates to standardbred1 race tracks' sports wagering licenses and amends P.L.2018. The bill was introduced in the Assembly on February 14, 2022 by Assemblymember Ronald S. Dancer. The proposal was subsequently referred to the Tourism, Gaming, and Arts Committee of the Assembly.
As of January 2023, the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement regulates about 30 online casino sites in the state. Here is a list of all legal options for New Jersey gamers.
FanDuel is one of the major online providers of Daily Fantasy Sports since its launch in 2009. As the online gambling industry in the United States took off, FanDuel branched out into new areas, such as sports betting and casino games. Today, FanDuel Casino is available in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, and West Virginia, and it features carefully selected games for the best possible experience.
When it comes to rock-themed dining establishments, Hard Rock has long been the gold standard, and now their online casinos are following suit. Their first land-based casino debuted in 1995, marking their official entry into the gambling industry. Hard Rock Casino launched their online platform in New Jersey in 2018.
When it comes to gambling establishments in the United States, few names are as well-known as the Golden Nugget, which first opened its doors in the 1940s. When it comes to online casinos and sportsbooks, Golden Nugget has been riding high on the US market since 2020.
As one of the most well-known casinos in Atlantic City, the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa has helped make the Marina sector just as popular as the casinos along the Boardwalk. The online version of Borgata, which is now accessible in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is also a big success. Borgata's online gambling site now ranks among the top in the state of New Jersey. There are a wide variety of games available, from traditional slot machines to virtual sports and live dealer tables.
As a relatively new casino brand, Ocean Casino opened its doors to the public in 2018 in Atlantic City. Later that year, it went live on the internet, quickly becoming one of New Jersey's most popular gambling sites. The slots at Ocean Online Casino are among the best in the globe, and the site itself is among the best in the country.
The Borgata, which debuted in July 2003, is one of the latest land-based casinos, hotels, and spas in Atlantic City. This hotel and casino has a Tuscan motif and is run and controlled by MGM Resorts International, a large entertainment and hospitality organization. Tuscany is famed for its landscapes, traditions, history, artistic legacy, and influence on culture and art. Borgata Casino is one of the largest hotels in Atlantic City, with over 2,000 rooms.
Caesars Atlantic City was launched on June 26, 1979, and features 1158 rooms. The casino and hotel area are designed using the Roman Empire theme. The Casino's gaming area is about 150,000 square feet. Between 2006 and 2008, hotel owners modernized the hotel and casino space to provide casino patrons with an enhanced experience.
The Harrah's Resort Atlantic City debuted on November 22, 1980, and it features 2,588 rooms. The theme of the casino and hotel area is Marina Waterfront. The casino's gaming space is 160,000 square feet. The hotel and casino were renovated most recently in 2017.
Bally's Atlantic City was inaugurated on December 29, 1979, and features 1,753 rooms. The casino and hotel area has a contemporary design. Bally's Casino has a gaming space measuring 225,756 square feet. In 2009, the hotel and casino were last renovated.
The Tropicana Casino & Resort was inaugurated on November 23, 1981, and it contains 2129 rooms. The casino and hotel section are themed after Old Havana. The casino's gaming space is 123,980 square feet. The owners of Tropicana recently refurbished the hotel and casino in 2015.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City was established on June 19, 1985, and comprised 728 rooms. The theme of the casino and hotel area is the Gold Rush. The casino has a gambling space of about 74,252 square feet. The hotel and casino were refurbished as recently as 2011.
Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City opened its door to New Jersey residents and the general public on May 26, 1978. There are 942 rooms in the hotel, with a casino gaming space of about 100, 000 square feet.
As a member of this brand, Wild Wild West Atlantic City opened on 2 July 1997 and shares lodging rooms and casino space with Bally's. The casino and hotel area are themed after the American Old West.