Best New Jersey Sportsbooks & Legal Betting Apps – 2026
Updated February 11, 2026
Updated February 11, 2026
New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize online sports betting after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, and it remains one of the largest regulated betting markets in the U.S.
Today, anyone 21 or older who is physically located within New Jersey can place bets through state-licensed sportsbooks, including both mobile apps and retail locations.
This guide compares the best New Jersey sportsbooks, outlines how legal betting works in the state, and explains key rules to understand before creating an account.
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New Jersey has more than a dozen licensed online sportsbooks, making it one of the most competitive betting markets in the country. While all operators follow the same state regulations, they vary in betting markets, pricing, bonus terms, rewards programs, and overall user experience.
Below is a breakdown of several leading New Jersey sportsbooks, along with what each platform offers and how they compare.
DraftKings Sportsbook entered the New Jersey market shortly after sports betting became legal in 2018 and operates in partnership with Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. It was already a well-known daily fantasy brand before expanding into regulated sportsbooks, which helped it gain traction quickly in the state.
One of DraftKings’ strengths in New Jersey is the range of betting markets it offers. Player props and same-game parlays are especially prominent, and the platform tends to list a large number of alternate lines. The interface is straightforward and familiar to most bettors who have used major sportsbook apps.
DraftKings also runs frequent odds boosts and ongoing promotions, though the terms can vary and it’s worth reviewing the fine print before opting in.
bet365 is a UK-based sportsbook founded in 2000 and one of the largest operators in the global betting market. In New Jersey, it operates in partnership with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, giving it access to both online and retail channels within the state.
One of bet365’s defining features is its emphasis on live betting. The platform offers extensive in-play markets across major U.S. sports, along with international leagues that may not be as widely covered elsewhere.
In certain cases, bettors can also access live streaming within the app, depending on the sport and market.
BetMGM operates in New Jersey through Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, one of the most recognizable casino properties in the state. Backed by MGM Resorts International, the sportsbook connects directly to the Borgata brand while offering statewide online betting.
One of BetMGM’s defining features is its connection to the MGM Rewards program. Betting activity can contribute to tier credits, which may be relevant for users who also visit MGM or Borgata properties.
In terms of betting options, BetMGM covers all major U.S. sports and includes alternate lines, player props, and same-game parlays. It also runs recurring promotions tied to specific leagues and events throughout the year.
FanDuel was one of the first major operators to launch in New Jersey after sports betting became legal in 2018. It operates in partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, giving it both a retail location and a statewide mobile presence.
The brand built much of its early reputation through daily fantasy sports, and that experience carries over into its sportsbook product.
The app layout is straightforward, with clearly organized markets and an emphasis on popular betting options across major leagues. Same-game parlays and player props are easy to locate, and pricing is generally consistent across core markets.
Caesars Sportsbook entered the New Jersey market through partnerships tied to Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City properties, including Caesars, Harrah’s, and Tropicana.
The brand’s sportsbook platform was shaped in part by its acquisition of William Hill, which expanded its online betting presence in the U.S.
One of Caesars’ defining features is its loyalty program. Betting activity contributes to Caesars Rewards credits, which can be used at participating Caesars properties nationwide. For users who visit Atlantic City regularly, that connection may factor into their decision.
BetRivers is operated by Rush Street Interactive, the same company behind the Rivers Casino brand. In New Jersey, the sportsbook runs in partnership with Golden Nugget Atlantic City, allowing it to offer statewide online betting.
BetRivers has historically been associated with straightforward promotional terms, including lower playthrough requirements on certain bonus offers. While promotions vary over time, the platform has built a reputation for keeping conditions relatively transparent compared to some competitors.
The sportsbook covers all major U.S. leagues and includes live betting, player props, and alternate lines. Its loyalty program, iRush Rewards, allows users to accumulate points through wagering activity.
Fanatics entered the New Jersey sports betting market after acquiring the U.S. operations of PointsBet and launching its own branded platform. The sportsbook operates in partnership with Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, giving it both retail access and statewide mobile coverage.
What separates Fanatics from many competitors is its connection to the broader Fanatics merchandise brand. Betting activity can generate FanCash, which can be used toward licensed team apparel and merchandise through the Fanatics network.
That crossover appeal may resonate with bettors who are already customers of the company’s online store.
Yes. Online sports betting is legal and regulated in New Jersey. The state launched licensed mobile sportsbooks in 2018 following the U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the federal sports betting ban.
All online sportsbooks must be approved and overseen by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. To legally place a wager, you must be at least 21 years old and physically located within state lines at the time of the bet.
Signing up with a licensed New Jersey sportsbook is a straightforward process. Here’s what it usually involves:
Start by selecting a sportsbook approved by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. While all licensed operators follow the same state regulations, they differ in betting markets, app experience, and bonus structures.
If welcome offers are part of your decision, you can compare the latest NJ sportsbook promos before choosing a platform.
After selecting a sportsbook, click “Sign Up” or “Register.” You’ll be asked to provide personal details such as your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
This information is used to verify your identity and confirm that you meet the state’s age requirement (21 or older).
Once your account is approved, you can deposit funds using one of the accepted payment methods. Most New Jersey sportsbooks support debit cards, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, and eCheck, though options vary by operator.
To place a wager, you must be physically located within New Jersey. Sportsbook apps use geolocation technology to verify this automatically.
After funding your account, you can browse available sports and betting markets, select your wager, and confirm your bet.
Retail sports betting has been live in New Jersey for years now, with Atlantic City standing as the primary destination for bettors on the east coast. Since legal challenges against New Jersey’s legalization of sports betting ended, the number of retail sports betting sites in the state has grown. Here are some of the best options available to bet on sports in person in NJ.
Though Bally Bet is Bally’s own online betting platform, its New Jersey location actually hosts a retail sportsbook operated by FanDuel. Alongside this, FanDuel also has a retail sportsbook at the Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment racetrack.
Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment hosts harness racing and betting. Bally’s Atlantic City has slots and table games including over 1,000 slot and video poker terminals and a variety of table games.
Borgata is the largest casino in Atlantic City by most measures. It has 161,000 square feet of gaming space with slots, table games, poker, and more all on tap for visitors. That’s not all there is, though.
There are two retail sportsbooks on-site operated by MGM’s in-house sportsbook, BetMGM. The BetMGM Sportsbook and Bar lets visitors take in all their favorite sports, ranging from football and basketball to MMA and boxing. Alongside this is the BetMGM Race and Sportsbook, which hosts a sportsbook as well as one of the only places in Atlantic City to bet on horse racing.
Caesars Entertainment has a number of locations in Atlantic City, with each one offering something different to visitors. Tropicana Atlantic City has over 2,000 slot machines and an assortment of table and dice games. Harrah’s Resort and Casino boasts 1,800 slots and 100 table games on its 177,000-square-foot gaming floor. Caesars Atlantic City has 145,000 square feet of casino space overlooking the ocean.
All three of the establishments also have a Caesars sportsbook on location. The exact offering of each sportsbook varies based on the location, but visitors can enjoy Caesars’ strong rewards program and market offering while there.
The Resorts Casino Hotel, a sister casino to the enormous Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut, has a unique offering to visitors. It has the usual offering of slots and table games, with an emphasis on “Asian gaming” that includes Pai Gao, Baccarat, and Sic Bo on its 100,000-square-foot gaming floor.
It also has a retail sportsbook operated by DraftKings. It has 18 betting kiosks and five windows open to accept wagers, with DraftKings’ odds and vast market coverage available to those who stop by.
New Jersey sports bettors can bet on essentially any professional sport, and out-of-state collegiate sports.
The NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL are all fair game in New Jersey when it comes to online sports betting, but the one big caveat is that in-state collegiate sports cannot be bet on. This prevents betting on games involving New Jersey colleges, as well as any other NCAA games played in New Jersey.
Here are some of the best sports you can bet on in New Jersey:
Money line bets are relatively straightforward, but they can be riskier than spread bets because you have to pick the outright winner of the event. It is important to carefully consider the odds and the relative strengths of each team or competitor before placing a money line bet.
In a money line bet, the odds for each team is expressed as a dollar value, with the favorite being the team with the lower number and the underdog being the team with the higher number. For example, if the money line for a baseball game is -200 for the favorite and +180 for the underdog, it means that you would have to bet $200 on the favorite to win $100 (plus your original $200 stake), while a $100 bet on the underdog would pay out $180 (plus your original $100 stake) if they win.
In sports betting, a spread bet is a type of wager in which the oddsmaker sets a spread, or point spread, on the outcome of a sporting event. It is a way to balance the perceived advantage or disadvantage of each team in a matchup, and it allows bettors to wager on a game even if they think one team is likely to win.
For example, if the spread for a football game is set at 7 points, it means that the oddsmaker expects one team to win by at least 7 points. If you bet on that team, you must win by more than 7 points in order for your bet to pay off. If you bet on the other team, your bet will pay off if that team either wins the game outright or loses by less than 7 points.
Live betting lets you bet on a game that’s already underway. Odds will shift as the game progresses, offering the chance for fans to really flex their ability to read the action. This is another way to capitalize on a game that has what might otherwise be a prohibitive favorite.
Over/unders hone in on a specific stat. As the name suggests, the bettor needs to predict whether the final total will be over or under the bookmaker’s mark. Points scored by a team by a game are the most common, but there are plenty of other options including the passing yards of a quarterback, number of strikeouts thrown by a pitcher, and more.
Totals are over/unders that don’t discriminate between teams. These bets allow users to root for or against both teams, whether that comes in the form of two lockdown defenses or an epic shootout.
Prop bets are unique bets built around a specific circumstance happening in a contest. Each sport has its own standard options like whether a boxer will score a knockdown during a match or if a grand slam will happen during a baseball game. Things can get considerably wackier from there.
Parlays are a good way to escalate the odds when betting, combining multiple bets with greater odds with the extra risk of needing each bet to land in order to get a win. Same game parlays are a common offering with sportsbooks, putting together multiple bets from the same game. A standard example is a moneyline bet on a team to win, combined with an over/under on points scored.
Sports betting is allowed on the all major sports (NFL, College Basketball, NBA, College Football, MLB, NHL), as well as other markets such as soccer, darts, cricket and more however bettors cannot bet on New Jersey-based college teams. Here are some of the popular teams to bet on in NJ:
New Jersey’s one true sports team is the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. The hockey team has a proud history with three Stanley Cup banners delivered in large part thanks to all-time great goalie Martin Brodeur.
Unfortunately, the team’s recent results don’t really hold up to that legacy. From 2012 to 2022, the Devils only made it to the postseason once and lost in the first round of those playoffs. The team is hoping that coaching shakeups can reverse its fortunes and return the franchise to glory.
Officially speaking, the Giants and Jets are the NFL franchises for the state of New York. That’s not what their address says, though. Both the Giants and Jets play out of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Jets are statistically the most popular NFL team in New Jersey, with a majority of football fans in the state backing the AFC squad. Though New Jersey doesn’t technically have a team of its own, sports fans in the state still get to enjoy the game each week in the fall.
While New Jersey residents can’t bet on their home NCAA teams in the state, there are a number of notable New Jersey schools when it comes to sports. The Princeton Tigers are among them, thanks to the team’s relative strength in the Ivy League.
Princeton has been able to flex its muscles in football, winning conference titles in 2018 and 2021. Meanwhile, both its men’s and women’s basketball teams have been able to perform similarly well at the conference level while also making appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Rutgers and the Scarlet Knights technically have a 150 year rivalry with the Princeton Tigers at this point. Rutgers is referred to as the birthplace of college football, with its 1869 match against Princeton being the first recorded intercollegiate football game.
Though it has history and pedigree, Rutgers doesn’t really have especially excellent results. The team has largely struggled since joining the Big Ten conference in 2014, with just one winning season since.
Seton Hall another notable sports school in New Jersey, with the Seton Hall Pirates primarily competing in the Big East conference across 14 varsity teams. That isn’t as many as many other top NCAA schools, but Seton Hall is historically New Jersey’s best team in basketball.
Though the Pirates haven’t made a particularly deep run in the NCAA Tournament since 2000, the school has appeared almost every year since 2016. The school still remains notable at the national level, and solid within its conference.
New Jersey has several other pro sports teams in smaller leagues, minor league teams, and other NCAA programs. Here are some of the other teams that New Jersey sports fans can bet on:
New Jersey played a central role in the legalization of sports betting in the United States. In 2009, State Senator Raymond Lesniak began challenging the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), the federal law that restricted sports wagering in most states outside Nevada.
In 2012, then-Governor Chris Christie signed legislation to authorize sports betting in New Jersey, prompting legal challenges from several professional sports leagues and the NCAA. After years of litigation, the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court as Murphy v. NCAA.
In May 2018, the Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional, determining that the federal government could not prohibit states from legalizing sports betting. The decision allowed states to regulate sports wagering individually, with New Jersey among the first to launch.
Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Sports betting is legal in New Jersey. The state began offering legal retail and online sportsbooks in 2018 after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports wagering. All sportsbooks must be licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
What is the legal age to bet on sports in New Jersey?
You must be 21 years old or older to place a sports bet in New Jersey, whether online or at a retail sportsbook.
Do I need to live in New Jersey to place a bet?
No. You do not need to be a New Jersey resident. However, you must be physically located within state lines at the time you place a wager. Sportsbook apps use geolocation technology to verify your location.
Can I register for a sportsbook account online?
Yes. New Jersey allows full remote registration. You can create an account online without visiting a casino, as long as you meet the age requirement and are located in the state during registration.
Can I bet on college sports in New Jersey?
Yes, with restrictions. You can bet on most college games, but you cannot bet on games involving New Jersey-based college teams or on any college games played within the state.
Are sports betting winnings taxed in New Jersey?
Yes. Gambling winnings are subject to federal income tax. New Jersey also taxes gambling winnings at the state level. Tax treatment may vary depending on the amount won and individual circumstances.
Written by Mike McDermott, Online Gambling Expert & Industry Analyst
Mike McDermott has been part of the online gambling world since the early days back when dial-up connections were still a thing and online poker rooms were just starting to take off. With over 20 years in the industry, he's seen trends come and go, watched regulations tighten, and helped shape the strategies behind some of the most recognizable names in iGaming. Mike doesn’t just write about online casinos and sportsbooks he’s worked inside them. From advising on risk management and user experience to testing games for fairness and compliance, his experience runs deep. He’s consulted for operators, contributed to gambling safety initiatives, and still plays regularly to stay sharp. His goal? Simple. To help players make smarter choices, avoid shady sites, and understand the real odds behind the games. You’ll find his work quoted in major gambling publications and trusted by thousands of readers looking for real, unfiltered insights - not marketing fluff.