New Jersey Sports Betting Laws: Rules & Regulations 2025

Quick Answer: Is Sports Betting Legal in New Jersey?

Yes, sports betting is fully legal. New Jersey has operated a regulated sports betting market since June 2018. This followed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, 584 U.S. 453 (2018). That ruling allowed states to legalize sports wagering, and New Jersey acted quickly.

The governing statute is the New Jersey Sports Wagering Law, N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1 et seq. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) licenses operators, enforces rules, and handles complaints.

How to bet legally in NJ today

Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located inside New Jersey when placing a wager. Residency is not required, allowing visitors to bet legally. Licensed mobile apps use geolocation technology to confirm physical location before accepting a bet.

Currently licensed online sportsbook operators

The DGE maintains a public list of active licensees at nj.gov/oag/ge. Operators with active internet sports wagering "skins," or online brands, in New Jersey have included FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, PointsBet, Resorts Digital (BetRivers), and Barstool/ESPN Bet. Consult the DGE active licensee list for the current roster, as licenses are issued, renewed, and occasionally revoked.

Several bills introduced in the 222nd Legislature (2025-2026 session) are actively reshaping permitted bet types and operator obligations. None have been signed into law yet, but S 2160 has advanced past committee. Details are in the legislation sections below.

New Jersey Sports Betting Statutes and Regulatory Framework

New Jersey's sports betting framework rests on three layers: a constitutional amendment, a state statute, and DGE administrative regulations.

Constitutional foundation

The New Jersey Constitution, Article IV, Section VII, Paragraph 2D, authorizes the Legislature to permit sports wagering at Atlantic City casinos and at licensed horse racing tracks.

Core statute: N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1 through 5:12A-16

The Sports Wagering Law defines sports wagering, identifies who may offer it, specifies permitted bets, and outlines revenue taxation. It operates alongside the Casino Control Act (N.J.S.A. 5:12-1 et seq.), which provides the broader licensing and regulatory framework for Atlantic City casino operators.

DGE administrative regulations: N.J.A.C. 13:69N

The DGE's administrative rules at N.J.A.C. 13:69N-1.1 et seq. govern day-to-day operations. These include technical standards for wagering systems, internal controls, responsible gambling requirements, and reporting obligations. These regulations carry the force of law and are updated through the standard New Jersey rulemaking process.

Who may hold a sports wagering license

Only two categories of entities qualify (N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1 et seq.):

• Atlantic City casino licensees
• Licensed horse racing tracks (including Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park)

Each licensee may operate up to three internet sports wagering "skins," or online brands/apps, under a single license. Consult N.J.A.C. 13:69N and the DGE Licensing Bureau for current skin allocation rules.

Permitted bet types under current law

Moneylines, point spreads, totals (over/under), parlays, same-game parlays, futures, and proposition bets are all authorized under N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1. Live in-game wagering is permitted. College sports are generally permitted with the exceptions noted below.

Prohibited bet types under current law

• Wagering on any sport event in which a New Jersey college team participates (N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1 et seq.). This restriction applies to games involving NJ collegiate teams, not all college sports.
• Wagering on high school sports.
• Wagering on any event where the outcome is not determined by athletic competition.

Minimum age and geolocation

The minimum legal betting age is 21 (N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1 et seq.). Mobile and online platforms must verify physical location within New Jersey at the time of each wager using approved geolocation technology (N.J.A.C. 13:69N).

Licensing Requirements and Tax Rates for NJ Sportsbooks

Who can apply

Applicants must already hold, or apply concurrently for, an Atlantic City casino license or a licensed horse racing track authorization. There is no standalone sports wagering license for entities not qualifying under these categories (N.J.S.A. 5:12A-7).

The application process involves the NJ DGE Licensing Bureau. It requires background investigations, financial disclosures, source-of-funds documentation, and internal control submissions. For internet wagering, technical system certifications are also required under N.J.A.C. 13:69N.

License fees

Consult the NJ DGE Licensing Bureau directly at nj.gov/oag/ge for current fee schedules. The source material does not include confirmed fee amounts.

Tax rates on gross gaming revenue (GGR)

These rates are established under N.J.S.A. 5:12A-9 and have been in effect since the market launched in 2018:

The 1.25% surcharge on internet GGR is directed to the host municipality and county of the licensed casino or racetrack (N.J.S.A. 5:12A-9). Confirm current applicability with the DGE, as legislative changes could alter this structure.

Operator obligations

Under N.J.A.C. 13:69N, licensed operators must:

• Integrate with the DGE's statewide self-exclusion list and block excluded patrons.
• Provide responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, session limits, and cooling-off periods.
• Display the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline prominently on all platforms.
• Submit regular revenue and wagering data reports to the DGE.
• Maintain approved internal controls and cybersecurity standards.

What Bets Are Allowed (and What's Restricted) in New Jersey

Currently permitted

Licensed NJ sportsbooks may accept wagers on professional and college sports. This includes NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA Tour events, UFC, MLS and international soccer, college football, college basketball, and other college sports, subject to the NJ college team restriction described below. Futures, parlays, same-game parlays, and live in-game betting are all permitted under N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1.

Current restriction: NJ college teams

Wagering on any sporting event in which a New Jersey college team participates is prohibited (N.J.S.A. 5:12A-1 et seq.). This means betting on Rutgers football or Seton Hall basketball games is not allowed, regardless of where those games are played.

Pending restrictions and additions: 222nd Legislature bills