New Jersey Online Sports Betting Sites

Sports betting in New Jersey is off and running. Since the US Supreme Court’s May 14 decision, Atlantic City casinos and NJ racetracks move fast into the market.

Gov. Phil Murphy placed the first sports bet in New Jersey at Monmouth Park and kicked off a new era of sports betting in the Garden State.

Where can I bet on sports online?

Online sports betting sites are just getting started, but there are now 13 available in the state:

• DraftKings Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• Caesars Sportsbook
• SugarHouse Sportsbook
• BetMGM
• Hard Rock
• Resorts Sportsbook
• BetAmerica Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings released its software to the general public Aug. 1. The Kambi-designed platform set the standard for the presentation and features for online sportsbooks in New Jersey.

The first major innovation is the betting carousel. To streamline the site for mobile play, DraftKings created a revolving wheel of suggested bets.

Each suggestion is based upon the individual player’s betting history and selected preferences. The betting carousel removes the need to click through endless screens on a smaller device.

DraftKings Sportsbook also offers a tremendous amount of flexibility and variety. Almost every type of betting is available, and players can place bets for as little as 10 cents.

Finally, every bet onsite is subject to the live ticket system. The system allows players to cash out their wagers at almost any point during the contest.

Although a bettor pays a premium for the option (i.e., receives a reduced payout), the system makes it possible to book wins and negate the chances of a last-second collapse. Parlay bettors can also cash out if they’ve won the first or second leg of the bet, but don’t want to sweat the last game.

BetMGM

MGM debuted its online sportsbook  Aug. 22. The casino giant released its BetMGM Sportsbook three weeks after CEO Jim Murren had indicated the site would be online.

Nevertheless, the tacit monopoly that DraftKings enjoyed finally came to an end. At this point, the system does have one major limitation.

BetMGM Sportsbook is available on Android and iOS but does not have a web-based browser option.

The site is also completely separate from the Nevada version. The odds will be set differently in New Jersey, although that may not be a bad thing.

SugarHouse Sportsbook

If BetMGM’s release was long overdue, SugarHouse‘s debut the following day came out of nowhere. SugarHouse accepted its first sports wager online on the morning of Aug. 23.

The third sportsbook to join the party in New Jersey may also be the smoothest so far. For one, SugarHouse is the first site to fully integrate its sports betting with its online casino.

As a result, players can transition seamlessly between the different functions in the same location. The integration also means that players maintain a single wallet across the site, and rewards are available no matter what brand of betting the player chooses.

SugarHouse also has much of the functionality that DraftKings has. Kambi also designed the SugarHouse platform, and the flexibility and variety show as much. SugarHouse even offers a live ticket system to convert open tickets to payouts at any time.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel‘s entry into the online market came later than expected. After the DFS giant sprinted down the stretch in the land-based market, a mobile product launch would’ve made sense right away.

Nevertheless, FanDuel finally released its sports book, the result of a collaboration with parent company Paddy Power Betfair and technology stalwart IGT. So far, it seems that the app was worth the wait.

Its presentation is one of the slickest in New Jersey. Much like DFS rival DraftKings, the FanDuel sportsbook app features a betting carousel and a wide variety of options.

Its lines, however, are less competitive. FanDuel is likely the app for the casual bettor.

Caesars

Caesars entered the game as the sixth entrant in New Jersey. Much like the SugarHouse Sportsbook, Caesars integrated its product into the existing online casino.

The Caesars Sportsbook is a functional but spare site. It is a flat interface that gets the job done, but not much more.

Some of the more exciting and innovative ideas on other apps are nowhere to be found. However, for existing Caesars customers, the app represents a way to extend their options from the rest of the online gameplay.

Hard Rock

Although the initial launch announcement began with a small bluff, Hard Rock Online Sportsbook is now live.

On Jan. 20, 2019, Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) prematurely announced the launch of Hard Rock’s NJ online sports betting site.

Fortunately, everything worked out in the end and Hard Rock was able to officially enter the sports betting market, just in time for Super Bowl 2019.

Powered by GiG, the online sportsbook and Hard Rock online casino offer a shared wallet.

Resorts

Resorts Casino in Atlantic City has officially launched their new Resorts Online Sportsbook just days before the opening kickoff for Super Bowl 2019.

Resorts Digital Gaming LLC is already partnered with DraftKings and BetStars NJ, so their new Resorts-branded sports betting platform begins their journey in a prime position to lead many other NJ online sportsbooks.

Each property in New Jersey is allowed to have three different branded online sportsbooks. So this new Resorts-branded mobile/online addition would be the third and final for the Atlantic City property.

Resorts Online Sportsbook is powered by SBTech, available on any device (mobile/desktop), and offers some entertaining sports betting options rarely seen throughout other NJ sports betting sites.

It is currently integrated into the ResortsCasino.com NJ online casino platform, ensuring bettors in New Jersey have the convenience of a single account across all their favorite slots and table games, as well as a large variety of sporting events.

BetAmerica

BetAmerica, the Churchill Downs Inc. brand, recently announced that players in the state of New Jersey can now bet on all their favorite sports, online.

Powered by SBTech, BetAmerica Sportsbook is another online sports betting platform that launched just in time for Super Bowl 2019.

BetAmerica joins the sports betting world well-prepared with a nice variety of sports to bet on, including in-game betting, straight bets, futures bets, exciting prop bets and parlays.

Golden Nugget Sportsbook

Golden Nugget is already the leader for our best NJ online casino list. Now it will jump into the ever-advancing NJ sports betting industry.

Powered by SBTech, the new Golden Nugget sportsbook offers convenient navigation and a very nice selection of sports to bet on.

Golden Nugget has designed web browser, as well as a mobile app for iPhones, iPads and Android devices

Where can I bet on sports in New Jersey?

At present, there are 10 locations where you can bet on sports in New Jersey. Here are the known partnerships and sportsbooks open:

NJ Casino/Racetrack	Sports Betting Partner	Physical Sportsbook	Launch Date?	Online Sportsbook	Launch Date?
Monmouth Park	William Hill US	Yes	Open, June 14	Probably	Unknown
Ocean Resort Casino	William Hill US	Yes	Open, June 28	Probably	Unknown
Borgata	IGT	Yes	Open, June 14	PlayMGM	Aug. 22
Meadowlands	Betfair/FanDuel	Yes	Open, July 14	Probably	Unknown
Bally's	Scientific Games	Yes	Open, July 30	Probably	Unknown
Harrah's	Scientific Games	Yes	Open, Aug. 1	Probably	Unknown
Golden Nugget	SBTech	Yes	Open, Aug. 15	Probably	Unknown
Resorts	DraftKings/Kambi; SBTech	Yes	Open, Aug. 15	Resorts Online Sportsbook	Jan. 31
Caesars	Scientific Games	No	Unknown	Caesars Casino & Sports	Sept. 6
Tropicana	William Hill	Yes	Open, Oct. 25	Probably	Unknown
Hard Rock Atlantic City	GiG	Yes	Open, Jan. 30	Hard Rock Sports Online	Jan. 30
Freehold Raceway	Unknown	No	Unknown	No	Unknown
BetAmarica Sportsbook	SBTech	No	Unknown	BetAmerica Sportsbook	Feb. 2
CG Technology	Stadium Technology	Yes	Unknown	Probably	2019

Monmouth Park Racetrack

Monmouth Park Racetrack was the first location in New Jersey to accept wagers on sports. Its acceptance of Murphy’s bet on June 14 beat Borgata to the betting window by a half hour.

William Hill, the US arm of the British sports betting giant, operates Monmouth Park’s sportsbook. In a testament to William Hill’s business acumen, the company entered into a partnership with the racetrack back in 2013.

It also spent several million to convert the Monmouth Park cafeteria into the Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill. Though the facility acted as a glorified sports bar for several years, it now realizes its true function on a daily basis.

The sportsbook is open seven days a week. Its hours of operation are typically 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, with longer hours on the weekends.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Borgata began accepting sports wagers June 14, a half hour after Monmouth Park begin its service. For the time being, players will use the former racebook for sports and race betting.

However, Borgata should receive an upgrade from its parent company, MGM Resorts International, in the very near future. MGM announced plans to build a $7 million sportsbook in November 2017, and there are no indications that those plans have changed.

Borgata is using IGT‘s platform to run its sportsbook operations. IGT’s status as a leading gaming software company meant that its solution was well-suited for Borgata’s needs.

Borgata’s sportsbook is open at 11 a.m. EST every day. There are 100 individual observation carrels and 10 betting windows available for players to wager in comfort.

Ocean Resort Casino

Ocean Resort opened its doors on June 28 to great fanfare. The former Revel kicked off its festivities with blessings from owner Bruce Deifik and actor Mark Wahlberg, whose Wahlburgers franchise will open a location inside the new casino.

Ocean Resort began accepting sports wagers along with all other types of betting from the outset. After weeks of operating with a temporary facility, Ocean Resort now has a permanent facility for customers.

The William Hill Sportsbook is 7,500 square feet of brand-new space for sports bettors. In all likelihood, it is the premier sportsbook facility on the Boardwalk.

The William Hill Sportsbook is open from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST daily.

The FanDuel Sportsbook at Meadowlands Racetrack

Daily fantasy sports titan FanDuel opened its very first sportsbook operation at Meadowlands Racetrack. The new facility began welcoming bettors on July 14.

FanDuel figures to see significant volume in its new operation. The new facility is located a mere six miles from New York City and its 10 million inhabitants.

So far, FanDuel is pleased with its performance. The first three days of operation yielded more than $1 million in wagers.

Despite some growing pains, the nascent sportsbook should be a rousing success.

Bally’s/Wild Wild West

Bally’s opened July 30. The Boardwalk casino opened wagering with a $100 bet from North Carolinian Scarlette Hedgepeth.

Fittingly, the first bet in the Western-themed sportsbook was on the Dallas Cowboys. The sportsbook is the second to open on the Boardwalk and the third in Atlantic City.

The new sportsbook’s hours are:

• Sunday — Thursday: 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Friday — Saturday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Harrah’s opened Aug. 1 to greater fanfare than its sister property, Bally’s. The first bets at Harrah’s flagship property came courtesy of Elvis and Frank Sinatra impersonators.

However, Harrah’s has to step a bit sharper since Borgata and its sportsbook are just down the street. Harrah’s is the second sportsbook to open in Atlantic City’s Marina District.

Its hours of operation are identical to Bally’s:

• Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Golden Nugget

Golden Nugget opened its retail sportsbook to the public Aug. 15, an hour and a half before Resorts was able to do so. The casino operated a temporary facility for a few weeks in its old poker room before operations moved into the permanent sportsbook.

At long last, the permanent facility is complete and open to the public. The new area has seating for 100, more than 50 televisions, five video walls, and self-service kiosks for wagering.

The sportsbook at Golden Nugget is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight EST.

Resorts Atlantic City

Resorts opened its temporary sportsbook on Aug. 15, becoming the first New Jersey casino to have both an online (DraftKings) and an in-house sportsbook in operation. On Nov. 14, DraftKings announced that its name would be on the new permanent sportsbook at Resorts when it opens in late November: DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts.

The casino expects to launch its self-branded online sportsbook in September.

You can visit the Resorts sportsbook daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., though the hours are subject to change.

Tropicana Atlantic City

While Tropicana was late to the party, it did eventually open a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.

On Oct. 26, Tropicana and its sports betting partner William Hill launched the William Hill Sports Book at Tropicana Atlantic City. The facility is located in the North Tower Casino, but it’s only temporary.

The casino will hopefully open a permanent 5,000-square-foot sportsbook at a later date.

Hard Rock Atlantic City

Hard Rock might just be the last Boardwalk casino to join the NJ sports betting market. It’s temporary space opened on Jan. 30, just days before the Super Bowl. The casino plans to expand the amenities of its sportsbook once a permanent facility is built.

Its hours of operation are not yet posted, but you can expect it to be a similar time frame to other sportsbooks in the city.

Freehold Raceway

After months of relative silence, Freehold Raceway is now moving towards offering sports betting. Its two corporate parents, Penn National and Greenwood Gaming, are now seeking skins for their online sportsbook operations.

Fantini Research, the gaming consultancy responsible for reporting this development, also said that negotiations are underway regarding both retail and online sports betting at the racetrack. The research firm expects these discussions to complete before the end of 2018. Sports betting is likely to proceed shortly thereafter.

What are the sportsbook operators?

Sports betting is a unique proposition for casinos. If a sportsbook runs correctly, it can be immensely profitable without much risk.

However, there are so many variables and so much complexity to accurately setting lines and accepting sports wagers. As such, many casinos have decided to outsource their sportsbook operations to companies who specialize in the practice.

In a state such as Nevada, where sports betting has occurred for many years, it is possible for some of the larger casinos to run their own sportsbooks successfully. In a new market like New Jersey, subject matter experts on sportsbook operations are scarce, so the existing locations would rather partner with an international sports betting company such as William Hill.

Here are the official operators for sportsbooks or potential sportsbooks in New Jersey so far:

• IGT (Borgata)
• William Hill (Ocean Resort, Monmouth)
• DraftKings (Resorts)
• SBTech (Resorts)
• Betfair/FanDuel (Meadowlands)
• bet365 (Hard Rock)

What sports can I bet on in New Jersey?

Pretty much anything. Sports offered for wagering include:

• National Football League
• Major League Baseball
• National Basketball Association
• National Hockey League
• WTA Tennis
• MLS and World Cup Soccer
• UFC and other mixed martial arts
• PGA and LPGA Golf

What kinds of bets can I make?

The typical types of bets are available in New Jersey sportsbooks. You can make bets such as:

• Point spreads
• Moneylines 
• Totals
• Futures
• In-play
• Parlays
• Propositions

What kinds of bets am I not allowed to make?

New Jersey has a specific group of sporting events that regulations forbid wagering. Most of these regulations are to protect athletic integrity or guard against conflicts of interest. They are:

• Wagering upon high school sports of any kind is prohibited. This rule is likely to be universal in any state with sports betting.
• There is no betting on collegiate events taking place inside the borders of New Jersey. This rule does not discriminate about the teams playing — even games where New Jersey is neutral ground fall under this rule.
• Bettors may not wager on collegiate events involving New Jersey colleges or universities. There can be no betting on these teams, even if the game takes place outside of New Jersey.
• Players, coaches, trainers, and other related personnel in a particular sport may not bet upon that sport in New Jersey.

Side note: NBA betting is not allowed at Golden Nugget due to its relationship with the NBA’s Houston Rockets. As per the regulations, the Golden Nugget sportsbook cannot take bets on any NBA game.

How long has New Jersey been trying to legalize sports betting?

The state first passed a bill legalizing sports wagering at racetracks and casinos in the Garden State in 2011. Professional and amateur sports leagues objected and took the state to court. Ultimately, the leagues were successful in having New Jersey’s first sports betting law struck down.

The state appealed but failed. It tried again in 2014, passing a second sports betting law. However, the leagues took them to court again and were successful in having New Jersey’s second sports betting law struck down.

The state’s appeals failed again until in the summer of 2017; the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. On May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court released a decision declaring the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) unconstitutional. That opened the door for New Jersey and all 50 states to legalize sports betting inside their borders.

Was New Jersey the first state outside of Nevada to legalize sports betting?

No. Considering all the work it did fighting to legalize sports betting, New Jersey hoped it could be first, but it was not to be. The first state outside Nevada to offer full-scale legal and regulated sports gambling was Delaware.

Delaware launched full-scale sportsbook operations at its three racetrack casinos June 5, 2018. The state determined it already had all the necessary laws and regulations in place to implement full-scale sports betting.

Delaware’s sports betting product operates under the direction of the state lottery.