The NJ Online Gambling Law Explained

The NJ online gambling law is among the least restrictive in the United States, but that doesn’t mean the regulated operators don’t go through lengthy processes to get a permit and provide their services online. Keep on reading to see how New Jersey gambling sites get approved by the governmental agency in charge of the industry, how the NJ law protects you and how you can enjoy a safe and responsible online gambling experience!

How Do Casinos Operate According to the NJ Online Gambling Law?

Since 2013, online gambling NJ has been legal and capable of generating more than $1.4 billion in revenue. With a noticeable growth every year, New Jersey online casinos are here to stay. But let’s talk a bit about what the NJ online gambling law actually means. The A2578 bill passed in 2013 allows New Jersey online casinos to get their online gambling permit and partner with an iGaming software provider. The NJ online casino starts by paying a non-refundable deposit of $100.000. If all these conditions are met, the online casino in NJ can move further in the process of getting the gaming license.

The total cost of the license is around $400.000 but there are some more fees for the NJ casino. There’s the $250.000 renewal fee and the $250.000 annual fee. The money paid annually goes to treatment facilities and programs tackling the gambling addiction problem. The next step for the NJ online casino is to get a temporary permit, called a transactional waiver. At this point, the casino has the right to function but online gambling NJ is limited to a specific number of players and number of hours per day. If the online New Jersey casino platform meets all the required specifics, there comes the final authorization.

Licensed NJ Online Casinos & The Games Allowed by Law

At the moment, there are more than two dozen licensed New Jersey online casinos. Each platform has a land-based partner that received a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) to operate online. Below you will find a list of all regulated online gambling websites in New Jersey, where you can play for real money:

NJ ONLINE CASINOLICENSE HOLDERLAUNCH DATE
BorgataBorgata Hotel & Casino11/26/2013
TropicanaTropicana Casino & Resort11/26/2013
FanDuelGolden Nugget Atlantic City11/26/2013
PartyBorgata Hotel & Casino11/26/2013
888CasinoCaesars Interactive11/26/2013
CaesarsCaesars Interactive11/26/2013
HarrahsCaesars Interactive11/26/2013
Golden NuggetGolden Nugget Atlantic City12/13/2013
VirginBally’s Atlantic City1/24/2014
PalaBorgata Hotel & Casino11/25/2014
ResortsResort Casino Hotel2/27/2015
Mohegan SunResort Casino Hotel7/23/2015
BetfairGolden Nugget Atlantic City5/2016
SugarHouseGolden Nugget Atlantic City9/15/2016
BetMGMBorgata Hotel & Casino8/1/2017
ScoresBorgata Hotel & Casino9/20/2017
Hard RockHard Rock Hotel & Casino6/28/2018
OceanOcean Casino Resort7/11/2018
DraftKingsResort Casino Hotel12/17/2018
UnibetHard Rock Hotel & Casino6/04/2019
Bet365Hard Rock Hotel & Casino8/6/2019
WynnBetCaesars Interactive8/21/2020
BetWayGolden Nugget Atlantic City8/17/2021
PokerStarsResort Casino Hotel3/21/2016
betPARXOcean Casino Resort10/9/2019
TipicoOcean Casino Resort11/3/2021
PointsBetBally’s Atlantic City7/23/2021
BallyBally’s Atlantic City2/1/2022
BetRiversMonmouth Park8/2022
PlayStarOcean Casino Resort13/9/2022

In terms of gambling games permitted by the NJ online gambling law, all your needs are being met. The regulated platforms feature a variety of games, including the most popular, such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat – but there are also less common game categories, such as craps, scratch cards, bingo, and slingo. Moreover, most platforms feature a live casino section, where you can play table games along real dealers and other customers of the gambling platform.

Who is Eligible to Gamble Online in the State of New Jersey?

The NJ online gambling law, in order to comply with the federal gambling laws, needs to ensure two rules are being followed. The first is related to the legal gambling age in the US and the second is about the location of each user. The federal gambling laws state that the gambling age in NJ is 21 years and above. When players create an account at an online casino in NJ, they have to authenticate themselves with a valid ID. This way, the operator can verify their age and the accuracy of the provided personal data.

To gamble online in NJ, players must be:

Then, there’s the location of the user. All players must be physically located in the state of New Jersey at the time of gambling. They still have the possibility to create an account and fund it from any other place outside of the Garden State. Still, the NJ online gambling law states they can only enjoy online gambling for real money just from inside the state. One way for the NJ casino to verify this information is by using geolocation software that shows the exact location of the player. 

NJ Online Gambling Law Regulations – What Role Has the DGE?

But why does NJ online gambling need to be working under the NJ online gambling law? What are the advantages on the player’s side to be gambling at a regulated NJ online casino? The answers to these questions show the importance of the NJ online gambling law and the federal entity imposing it. 

The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is the authority that controls online gambling in the state of New Jersey. Established in 1977, the DGE has the mission to:

  • Check and help maintain a legit and trustworthy industry
  • Control and abolish connections with organized crime
  • Ensure a safe and satisfactory online gambling NJ experience
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Blue and White logo

In order for each NJ casino to be granted an online gambling New Jersey license, DGE has to thoroughly investigate its platform and all the details, and then approve the following:

Additionally, through the recent 2023 New Jersey gaming bill, which prohibits sports betting operators from engaging in fraudulent or deceptive advertising techniques.

Fees and Taxes Under the NJ Online Gambling Law

Everyone loves NJ online gambling and for obvious reasons. It’s a very easy and accessible way to have fun, getting that thrill while placing bets and trusting your luck. It’s adventurous, it’s exciting and all in all, an irreplaceable experience. And one of the best parts comes when you’re winning. But what happens then, according to the NJ online gambling law? Do the winnings come with some obligations on your side?

All Winnings Coming From NJ Online Gambling are Taxable

The IRS states that all gambling winnings are taxable, therefore gamblers must declare and pay taxes for their winnings. The income tax rate in New Jersey on gambling winnings is 3% for both NJ residents and non-residents.

One thing players should know about NJ online gambling is that different online casino games bring different taxes. In order to comply with the NJ online gambling law, the player needs to report the winnings to the IRS filing the W2-G Form, for the following gambling activities:

As for professional gamblers, the winnings coming from online gambling NJ count as income from self-employment. There are different tax rules applied in this situation. Casual online casino NJ gamblers must know that they can deduct gambling losses to the extent of their gambling winnings. We strongly recommend our readers keep a track record of all their gambling activity. Save all your receipts, betting tickets, and official statements for your winning and losses. And don’t hesitate to ask for help to do your NJ gambling winnings taxes from a professional accountant. Be sure to check the relevant section

The NJ Online Gambling Law’s View on Problem Gambling

The NJ online gambling law was designed to regulate and monitor the activity of all New Jersey casinos. Besides giving gamblers a safe, honest and fun experience, it also offers them support. NJ online gambling is entertaining and the possibility of winning can definitely bring a lot of joy and excitement. Nonetheless, some gamblers might end up dealing with an addiction problem.

To fight compulsive gambling off, every online casino NJ must raise awareness about problem gambling and encourage users to practice responsible gambling at all times. With this thought in mind, all operators display information of a support organization on their websites in a relevant section dedicated to this topic.

At the same time, the DGE requires a $250,000 annual fee from every online casino in NJ that goes to addiction programs. Furthermore, the same authority investigates every year how gambling affects the overall addiction problem and comes

The Advantages of the NJ Online Gambling Law for Players

Online gambling is a form of entertainment that a lot of players turn to for many reasons. Licensed New Jersey online casinos have all the tools to give you a secure and fair gambling experience. Your private information is always safe, your banking transactions are secure and the wide range of games are fair and have an accurate payout. This is all due to the NJ online gambling law and the strict regulations that were designed to maintain the integrity of the industry.

The reason why we only recommend licensed New Jersey casinos is to ensure our readers can rely on a thorough guideline when choosing where to bet. The NJ online gambling law protects you at all times and in the event of a legal dispute, you’ll have the legal recourse to solve it, which is not possible if you opt for an off-shore gambling platform. Furthermore, it’s very important that legal New Jersey casinos encourage users to practice responsible gambling and provide them with all the necessary tools to do so.

Overview of NJ Gambling Law and Groundbreaking Online Casino Law Extension in June 2023

New Jersey has been at the forefront of the gambling industry, and Governor Phil Murphy’s recent signing of groundbreaking legislation has further solidified the state’s position. The NJ online casinos legalization extension is a significant milestone that ensures the continuation and flourishing of online gambling in the Garden State for the next five years.

This historic approval, signed on June 30, 2023, extends the state’s internet gambling statute, providing a clear path for the expansion and excitement of NJ online casinos until the year 2028. The new law sets the stage for increased opportunities and profitability in the world of legal online gambling, attracting both avid gamblers and industry stakeholders alike. With over $6.3 billion in revenue and $928 million in taxes generated since the introduction of online casinos in 2013, the future of online gambling in New Jersey looks promising.

FAQ

What is the legal gambling age in NJ?

The legal gambling age in NJ is 21 years and above. Since gambling at a NJ casino is illegal for underage people, every online casino in NJ checks the personal information of users. Gamblers that wish to join a NJ casino need to prove they meet the legal gambling age as per the requirement of the NJ law. 

When was online gambling approved in NJ?

In-state online gambling became legal in New Jersey on February 26, 2013 – with the passage of bill A2578.

Do I have to live in NJ to gamble online?

All players who want to gamble online at a licensed NJ casino need to be physically located in the state of New Jersey. They have the option to manage an account from anywhere, but real money gambling needs to take place inside the state. 

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

The NJ online gambling law states that all winnings coming from gambling at a licensed casino are taxable. The IRS requires gambling winnings to always be reported.

Are New Jersey online casinos safe?

New Jersey online casinos regulated by the NJDGE are 100% safe and are closely monitored by the governmental agency to ensure they provide a secure and fair gambling environment.