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New Jersey Online Casinos
NJ Online Casinos Summary
| Status | Legalized on Feb. 26, 2013 |
| Legal NJ Gambling Age | 21+ |
| Banking Methods | Paypal, Play+, bank transfer, eCheck |
| Gambling Regulator | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
| Tax rates | 24% federal tax + 3% state tax |
New Jersey gambling includes Atlantic City, the New Jersey lottery, social gambling, casino games, charity gambling, off-track betting and horse racing. At the moment, New Jersey’s gambling laws are the least restrictive ones in the US.
Gambling at brick-and-mortar establishments in Atlantic City has been a favourite pastime for US players since the first land-based casino opened back in 1977. Online gambling has been legal since 2013 in this state, making it the first state to legalize internet gambling and poker.
In 2018, the Garden State even won a lawsuit which led to dismantling the monopoly of Nevada on sports betting. Currently, there are 7 Atlantic city casinos licensed to operate 28 online gambling websites where players can enjoy slots, table games, live dealer games and more; as well as several sportsbooks.
The gambling industry in New Jersey is regulated by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the Casino Control Commission. To obtain a license, NJ online casino servers have to be located in NJ and affiliated with land-based Atlantic City casinos.
Every NJ online casino has an Atlantic City casino partner and can operate up to five on-line brands (skins). It’s a bit different for sports betting as both Atlantic City casinos and New Jersey racetracks can have online sportsbooks, up to three skins.
In order to function, online casino New Jersey sites must:
- Have a valid Internet Gaming Permit issued by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).
- Ensure that only players over 21 years old can access games.
- Ensure that solely players who are located within the state borders of New Jersey can access games.
- Send all games and systems to the NJDGE for audit.
- Allow complete financial auditing of funds.
All gambling winnings are subject to a 24% federal tax and a state tax rate of 3%. While in most cases, you will receive a W-2G form by email, showing you that the taxes have been withheld by an NJ casino site, sometimes you will not. This means that the taxes have not been taken by online gambling sites, and so it is your responsibility to report all gambling winnings on your tax returns.
The actual amount you owe can change depending on your total income. Taxes are automatically withheld on winnings that reach a specific threshold:
- $1,200 or more on slot machines and/or bingo.
- $1,500 or more on keno.
- $600 and over from any pari-mutuel event (like horse racing), only if the payout was 300x or more the wager amount.
- $5,000 and over on poker tournaments (the sum is reduced by your buy-in amount).
SlotsCalendar Advice: New Jersey online casinos are not required to issue W-2G forms for table games, so the IRS expects players to track their wins and losses and report them. Non-cash prizes like cars or vacations, for example, must be reported at a fair market value. If you haven’t received a W-2G form, you are obligated to report all winnings.
How We Rate the Best NJ Online Casino Sites
The same theorem that we apply to the reviews of casino brands for all GEOs still applies to NJ online casino sites reviews. We’ve spent a lot of time coming up with this system and so we stick to it to make sure that we bring you all the information you could possibly need when you’re trying to decide which site on our NJ online casino list you wish to try.
SlotsCalendar Advice: Before we jump into the actual factors we take into account, we wish to tell you that no matter what online casino NJ you end up picking it will be a good choice. That’s because we decided a long time ago back when we were just starting out in this business and were still players just like you that we will always be truthful and recommend solely casinos that are worth it.
So here are the main things we consider (and so should you) when creating our NJ online casino reviews:
Safety, Fairness & Support
New Jersey online casinos that are on our list are obligatorily licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGM). What is more, they will have the latest form of SSL encryption to make sure that your personal and financial data are well secured.
We will also check to see if they are periodically tested for fairness by an independent company so that all games have a functional RNG.
Another important aspect we take into consideration is how well-trained their customer support team is. We will go undercover and test if they will answer at all hours, how fast and how well because it’s crucial that you are able to get professional help asap.
Mobile Options & Convenience
While all online casino New Jersey sites at the moment are available on all devices, not all of them will offer the same experience. Some will only have an instant-play option and allow you to access the site on smartphones and tablets via a browser, while others will also have a dedicated mobile app that runs on Android or iOS or both.
While the casino experience can be amazing both directly through the website and on apps, depending on how mobile-friendly they all are, the software, speed and ease of use will be different.
Casino Bonuses, Promotions & VIP Program
For new NJ online casino sites, the chance of finding a good welcome bonus is pretty high, but we’re interested in finding New Jersey online casinos that have plenty of bonuses of all types.
You should be able to claim no deposit bonuses, reload offers and even have access to special VIP promotions. The bonuses should be easy to understand and claim, have non-predatory terms and conditions, wagering requirements you may actually complete and offer a real benefit to players.
Payment Options
Deposits and withdrawals should be hassle-free. This means not having to get a different payment method than you already have, not having to reach impossible sums to be able to deposit or withdraw, as well as not waiting countless days until your withdrawal is performed.
You should have plenty of payment options at your disposal, ranging from debit cards to Play+, e-wallets and even cryptocurrencies if that’s what you want.
Game Availability
The games available at an online casino New Jersey are the most important part as you’ve come here specifically to have a good time and relax.
So, we expect the best NJ online casino sites to have many different games, from slots to table games, progressive jackpot slots to instant-win games, live dealer options and maybe even a sportsbook. And plenty of titles for each category.
NJ Online Casino Responsible Gambling
NJ casino sites that are licensed by NJDGM and therefore abide by the Casino Control Act and the rules imposed by the Council on Compulsive Gambling are obligated to exclude any person that is a professional offender, cheat or has a criminal offence.
Furthermore, all New Jersey online casinos are obligated to have a self-exclusion program. The minimum self-exclusion periods are one year, five years or a lifetime. They also allow access to free consultations. There is a helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, where anyone can call at any time to get help.
If you feel like you might have a gambling problem, you may also contact the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey online if you’re not comfortable using the hotline or the National Center for Responsible Gambling.
There are over 45 Gamblers Anonymous meetings in New Jersey every week so you’ll easily find a meeting near you.
Remember to always play responsibly and seek help right away if you feel like you need it. There are a lot of professionals trained to help you figure things out.
Online Casino New Jersey Legislation
On the 26th of February 2013, the New Jersey legislature legalized on-line gambling through bill A2578. The legislation was pushed by Senator Ray Lesniak who wished to improve Atlantic City’s economy. The bill passed by a margin of 68 to 5, and in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 1.
The bill offers land-based casinos the option to apply for an on-line gambling permit and partner up with a software provider or operator. Applicants must pay a nonrefundable deposit of $100,000 to fund the application process. If the application is approved, then the money will be used towards the $400,000 cost of the gaming license.
The casinos that are approved will also have to pay s $250,000 renewal fee and an additional $250,000 annual fee, which will go to compulsive gambling treatment programs in the state. NJ casino operators must pay a tax rate of 15% of their gross gaming revenue, and 2.5% of GGR to the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA).
Online gambling is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which is responsible for the following:
- Examining applicants
- Insure the “honesty, good character and integrity of casino owners, operators, employees and vendors”
- Verifying that the casino games are fair
- Monitoring any violations of the exclusion list
- Checking the integrity of Information systems
The A2578 bill allows NJ casino operators to offer players poker, slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, video poker and other casino games. Any type of game is allowed as long as the DGE finds it suitable to use after a test period.
The DGE actually gives out a transactional waiver first, which is a temporary permit that will allow NJ online casino sites to go through a soft launch, meaning that, at first, it will be open for a small number of players and a limited number of hours each day.
During this time, the DGE will test the website and decide whether it follows all laws and is safe. After it’s been established that the online casino New Jersey passed the test it will be allowed to open to any customers.
Who Can Play at an Online Casino NJ?
Only people over 21 are allowed to play for real money at New Jersey online casinos. Also, players must be physically within state borders, although it is not required to be residents, visitors can also play while in the state and of legal age.
All NJ online casino sites will enforce these requirements and will verify your age and location before allowing you to play. The location will be established with the use of geolocation software, while your age will be verified by checking user details and public databases along with credit reporting agencies.
These rules are quite similar to those available in other US states where on-line gambling is legal like Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut and Delaware.
New Jersey Gambling Timeline
- The beginning of legalizing gambling in this state was in January 2010, when the State Senator, Ray Lesniak, introduced bill S3167 which allowed licensed Atlantic City casinos to offer online poker and games to people from NJ.
- The legislation aimed to give new life to brick-and-mortar casinos and grow the state economically as there was a decline in revenue. The bill suggested that iGaming operators pay a $200,000 licensing fee, a yearly payment of $100,000 and a 20% tax.
- In November 2010, S3167 passed through the Senate by a margin of 29 to 5, but it didn’t end up being put to vote in the Assembly that same year due to the addition of a last-minute amendment.
- In 2011, the revised bill was passed by both the Assembly and the Senate, but it was vetoed by the New Jersey Governor who didn’t think that gambling should expand outside Atlantic City.
- Lesniak claimed that the governor’s decision was influenced by Caesars Entertainment which was opposed to on-line gambling at that time.
- On the 15th of April 2011 (Black Friday for the gambling industry), the US Department of Justice blocked the top four online poker sites (Absolute Poker, UB, Full Tilt and PokerStars) from accepting US players.
- It was revealed that the operators have not divided player deposits from operating expenses, so millions of US dollars owed to players disappeared into thin air. PokerStars was the only one which managed to pay out to customers and then bought Full Tilt. Users of Absolute Poker and UB spent over 6 years waiting for payments, which began in September 2017.
- In December, the Department of Justice issued an opinion on the Wire Act, legislation created in 1961 that had been used to block iGaming in the USA. The ruling stated that on-line betting unrelated to sporting events should not be seen as illegal.
- Governor Christie changed his opposition to iGaming, and Senator Lesniak started working on the new legislation. Lesniak took Christie’s suggestions – housing all equipment and servers inside Atlantic City-based casinos.
- Lesniak introduced SB S1565 and its companion, AB A2578. The bills kept the $200,000 licensing fee and $100,000 annual charge but lowered the tax rate to 10%.
- In December 2012, the New Jersey Assembly passed A2578 and, a couple of days later, its companion.
- In February 2013, Christie conditionally vetoed the bill, requesting that the tax rate be increased and that more funds be given to gambling addiction programs.
- On the 26th of February 2013 revisions were made, including increasing the tax rate from 10% to 15%, and it was again passed by the Assembly and the Senate. Chris Christie signed the bill into law, thus making New Jersey the third state, after Nevada and Delaware, to legalize on-line gambling.
Games Available at NJ Online Gambling Sites
- Slots – no NJ casino would be complete if you wouldn’t be allowed to play slots. In fact, slots are by far the most beloved and preferred casino games in the world. So, of course, according to the legislation you are allowed to play online slots NJ, both new video slots with plenty of bonus features and progressive jackpots and classic games.
- Table games – table games like blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette and poker are available nowadays, with different limits so that both regular players and high rollers can enjoy them.
- Live dealer games – all the table games also have a live dealer version which you can enjoy if you desire to combine the on-line and off-line experiences and get the best of both.
- Virtual sports – Football (soccer), horse racing, dog racing, motorsports, tennis and basketball are all examples of virtual sports you may bet on at an online casino New Jersey.
NJ Casino Bonuses
Our New Jersey online casinos list includes gambling websites where you can find all manner of bonuses. Most commonly, you will find deposit match bonuses either welcome offers or reload offers, so that both new and existing customers can enjoy them.
While most of the time these are 100% match offers, you can even find 200% casino bonuses or higher depending on the NJ online gambling sites and their terms and conditions.
So percentage deposit bonuses are the most common, but this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to claim an NJ online casino no deposit bonus. Some sites on our NJ online casino list have no deposit options for new players.
This includes both no deposit free cash bonuses and offers with free spins that don’t require a deposit.
Online Casino New Jersey Banking
It’s crucial that the online casino NJ you pick has the banking methods you prefer to use. While not all online casino NJ sites will have every option, the best ones will have a wide array of payment methods you can choose from. Below you will find the options that are commonly preferred by players that gamble at New Jersey online casinos:
- ACH/bank transfer/wire transfer – transferring funds directly from your bank to the casino is super comfortable and secure, but it takes quite a long time. While deposits are done instantly, withdrawals can take several working days.
- Play+ – The Play+ card was made specifically for the online gambling industry. It works like a prepaid credit card. You have to put money on your card online or at an ATM and then use it to fund your account. The transfers are instantaneous and you can use the card like a regular debit/credit card and withdraw from an ATM.
- eCheck/Check – You can either use an eCheck or deliver the check in person at the casino cage of a partner land-based casino. While deposits will be performed right away, withdrawals will take at least a week.
- PayPal – PayPal is a popular payment method as it’s very fast and super secure. Deposits and withdrawals shall be swift, but in case you don’t intend to use your PayPal account to pay for things, you will have to link it to your card.
- PayNearMe – PayNearMe has partnered with retailers like CVS and 7-Eleven so you must fill out a PayNearMe slip and go to one of these retailers. Hand the cashier your slip and cash and funds will be deposited in your NJ casino account.
- Debit/Credit Cards – Definitely an option at all NJ online casino sites, debit and credit cards are the most hassle-free options but they will take 3 to 5 working days to process usually.
- Neteller/Skrill – the most popular e-wallets, Neteller and Skrill guarantee that you’ll get your funds for either deposit or withdrawal almost instantly, but they are not eligible for some promotions.
NJ Mobile Casino & Apps
All New Jersey online casinos are available on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets. But while all of them will allow you to access the website from your browser and even claim NJ mobile casino bonuses, some of them will also come with a dedicated mobile app.
It’s up to you whether you prefer playing from your browser with no download required, or if you prefer to download NJ casino apps. Most apps are available both to Android and iOS players, some might even work for Blackberry and Windows users. But no matter what you pick, instant-play or app, you will have a great mobile experience.
NJ Online Casino in a Nutshell
- The State legalized online gambling in 2013, but the bill set its expiration date as late 2023. The new bill aims to push that deadline to 2033.
- Online gambling is an important source of revenue for the state as it has brought in nearly $4.2 billion in 2021, a 41% since 2020.
- Players must pay 24% federal tax + 3% state tax.
- The taxes are used to fund gambling addiction programs.
- The gambling industry in New Jersey is regulated by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the Casino Control Commission.
- To get a license, NJ online casino servers have to be located in NJ and affiliated with land-based Atlantic City casinos.