Gambling in New Jersey: Online Casinos, Betting & Laws

New Jersey is the home of legal online gambling in America. It launched regulated online casinos back in 2013 — years before anywhere else — and added sports betting in 2018 after winning the Supreme Court case that opened the whole country up. Today Atlantic City’s nine casinos and a deep online market make NJ the most mature place to play in the US. You must be 21+ and physically in the state.

RegulatorNJ DGE

Legal age21+

Online casino since2013

Sports betting since2018

Atlantic City casinos9

WinningsTaxable

How New Jersey led the way

New Jersey became the first US state with a fully regulated online casino market in November 2013, overseen by the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Casino Control Commission. In 2018 the state won Murphy v. NCAA at the Supreme Court, striking down the federal ban and opening sports betting nationwide — with NJ first out of the gate. In July 2025 the state raised its tax on online casino and online sports betting revenue to 19.75%, and it banned online sweepstakes-style casinos in August 2025.

Where to play in person

Atlantic City is the East Coast’s casino capital, with nine resorts on and around the Boardwalk: Borgata, Hard Rock, Ocean, Caesars, Harrah’s, Tropicana, Bally’s, Resorts and Golden Nugget. Together they remain a major draw, even as online play has grown.

New Jersey online casinos worth playing at

The NJ DGE-licensed online casinos we rate and what each does best.

BetRiversBest for loyalty

A transparent, rewards-led New Jersey casino.

betrivers.comLicensed: NJ DGE

PlayStarBest new casino

Clean, personalized and built for New Jersey.

playstar.comLicensed: NJ DGE

Hard Rock BetBest for jackpots

Large progressive pools, tied to the Atlantic City resort.

hardrock.betLicensed: NJ DGE

Fanatics CasinoBest for rewards

A strong loyalty program, growing fast.

fanatics.comLicensed: NJ DGE

Notable wins

New Jersey held the US online casino jackpot record before Michigan: a BetMGM player won $6.45 million on a $200 spin of Fruit Blaster in August 2024. NJ players continue to land six- and seven-figure progressive jackpots.

A word on tax

Winnings are taxable: 24% federal withholding on wins over $5,000, a W-2G on larger payouts, plus New Jersey state tax. Operators separately pay 19.75% on online casino and online sports-betting revenue.

Frequently asked questions

Is online gambling legal in New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey legalized online casinos in 2013 and sports betting in 2018. You must be 21+ and physically in the state to play, regulated by the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Do I pay tax on winnings in New Jersey?

Yes. Winnings are taxable: 24% federal withholding on wins over $5,000, a W-2G on larger payouts, plus New Jersey state tax. Keep records.

Do I have to live in New Jersey to play?

No — you only need to be physically inside the state while you play. Visitors can play legally; residents who leave the state cannot.

What is the biggest online jackpot won in New Jersey?

A BetMGM player won $6.45 million on Fruit Blaster in August 2024 — the US online casino record until Michigan overtook it in 2025.

Which is the minimum age?

21. New Jersey requires you to be 21 or over for casino play and sports betting.

21+. Gambling should be entertainment, not income. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.