New Jersey has long been a pioneer in the world of sports gambling, and as we move into 2025, the state continues to be a key player in the legal sports betting landscape. Since the legalization of sports gambling in 2018, New Jersey has seen an explosion in betting activity, both in-person at its casinos and racetracks and online through a wide range of sportsbooks. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of sports gambling, this complete guide will provide you with everything you need to know about New Jersey sports gambling in 2025.
1. The History of Sports Gambling in New Jersey
New Jersey’s journey to becoming a sports gambling hub began with its bold stance against the federal ban on sports betting, known as PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act). In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA, allowing individual states to legalize sports betting on their own terms. New Jersey quickly passed legislation to capitalize on this ruling and became one of the first states to offer legal sports gambling.
Since then, New Jersey has consistently led the charge in terms of both revenue and innovation in sports gambling, with Atlantic City’s casinos, racetracks, and online sportsbooks offering a wide array of betting options.
2. Legal Framework for New Jersey Sports Gambling
New Jersey sports gambling is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which ensures that all betting activity is conducted fairly and safely. In addition to traditional in-person sports betting at casinos and racetracks, New Jersey has embraced online sports betting, allowing players to place bets from anywhere within the state.
As of 2025, sports betting is fully legal and regulated, and bettors have access to various forms of betting, including:
- In-person Sports Betting: Available at casinos and racetracks in Atlantic City and beyond.
- Online Sports Betting: Operated through licensed sportsbooks and mobile apps, accessible from anywhere in New Jersey.
- Mobile Betting: New Jersey bettors can easily place bets via smartphone apps, allowing for convenience and flexibility.
3. Where to Bet on Sports in New Jersey
In New Jersey, bettors can choose from a variety of options for placing wagers. Here are the main ways to bet:
In-Person Sportsbooks
New Jersey has a range of physical sportsbooks located in its casinos and racetracks. Some of the top locations include:
- DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts Atlantic City: One of the most popular sportsbooks in the state, known for its user-friendly platform and competitive odds.
- FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands Racetrack: A leading name in online sports betting, FanDuel also offers a top-notch in-person experience at the Meadowlands.
- PointsBet Sportsbook at Meadowlands: Known for its unique betting options, such as PointsBetting, which offers a more dynamic way to bet.
- Borgata Sportsbook: Located in Atlantic City, Borgata is one of the state’s top casinos, with a high-quality sportsbook that attracts many bettors.
These physical sportsbooks offer everything from traditional bets like moneylines and point spreads to futures and prop bets. You can also enjoy the full sports experience with TVs, comfortable seating, and a lively atmosphere.
Online and Mobile Sportsbooks
For those who prefer the convenience of betting from home or on the go, New Jersey offers an extensive range of online sportsbooks. Some of the most popular platforms for New Jersey sports gambling include:
- DraftKings Sportsbook: One of the largest and most well-known sportsbooks, offering a wide variety of betting options.
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Another industry leader, with a sleek mobile app and a wide array of betting markets.
- BetMGM Sportsbook: A major player in the online sports betting market, BetMGM offers a comprehensive betting experience.
- Caesars Sportsbook: Known for its loyalty program and promotions, Caesars offers a high-quality betting app and website.
- PointsBet Sportsbook: This Australian-based sportsbook has quickly become a favorite in New Jersey, offering unique betting options like PointsBetting.
These platforms offer a wide variety of betting options and markets, including moneylines, spreads, totals (over/under), prop bets, live betting, and futures betting. You can also claim welcome bonuses and promotions as a new user, providing even more value.
4. Types of Bets You Can Place in New Jersey
When it comes to betting in New Jersey, the options are extensive. Some of the most popular betting types include:
- Moneyline Bets: A straightforward bet on which team will win the game. Moneyline odds are easy to understand and suitable for newcomers.
- Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory in a game. A point spread is used to level the playing field when one team is favored over another.
- Over/Under (Totals): A bet on whether the total score of the game will be above or below a set number.
- Parlays: A bet where multiple individual bets are combined into one wager, with higher potential payouts but also higher risk.
- Props (Proposition Bets): These are bets on specific events or occurrences within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown or how many goals a player will score.
- Futures: A bet placed on the outcome of an event that will be decided in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl or MVP of the season.
Additionally, live betting has become a major draw in New Jersey sports gambling, allowing players to place bets on games as they unfold in real-time. This dynamic form of betting adds excitement and allows bettors to take advantage of changing conditions during a game.
5. Bonuses and Promotions for New Jersey Bettors
One of the benefits of betting in New Jersey is the wide range of bonuses and promotions offered by sportsbooks to attract new users. Some common bonuses include:
- Risk-Free Bets: A bet where, if you lose, you get your stake back as a credit or free bet.
- Deposit Matches: When you make your first deposit, the sportsbook matches it with bonus funds (often a percentage of the deposit).
- Odds Boosts: Special promotions that enhance the odds on specific games or markets, giving you better payouts.
Additionally, sportsbooks in New Jersey often offer loyalty programs for regular bettors, where you can earn points and rewards for each bet you place.
6. Responsible Gambling in New Jersey
New Jersey takes responsible gambling seriously, and there are a number of tools in place to help players gamble responsibly. The state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement has set up resources for self-exclusion, account limits, and voluntary exclusion programs.
Many sportsbooks also have their own responsible gambling measures, allowing you to set limits on your spending, track your betting activity, or take breaks from betting.
7. Conclusion: The Future of New Jersey Sports Gambling in 2025
New Jersey sports gambling has come a long way since its legalization in 2018. With a thriving online sports betting market, a variety of physical sportsbooks, and a wealth of betting options, New Jersey remains a top destination for sports bettors. In 2025, the market will continue to grow, with even more innovations and improvements to enhance the betting experience.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bettor, New Jersey offers a safe, secure, and dynamic sports betting environment. As the industry evolves, expect to see even more opportunities for betting, promotions, and user-friendly experiences that keep New Jersey at the forefront of the sports gambling world.