In November 2013, New Jersey became the first and only state to legalize online gambling, which became an important event for the entire gambling industry of the country. From that time on, residents and guests of the state have been able not only to play in brick-and-mortar establishments of Atlantic City, bet on horse races, and participate in the lottery but also legally visit virtual casinos.
Considering that online poker is also allowed in this state, we can safely say that it is one of the most attractive places for American fans of each type of gambling. Let's recall the significant milestones in the development of the industry in New Jersey and take a closer look at the current situation.
History of Gambling in New Jersey
It happened so that the government of New Jersey has been loyal enough to gambling operators for a long time. Lotteries were held on the state's territory in the eighteenth century.
The first mention of horse racing betting was registered in the first half of the eighteenth century when the legendary Freehold Raceway racetrack was opened. It is the oldest establishment of its kind in the United States.
Later, other establishments started their activities by offering state residents the opportunity to gamble.
In 1894, the authorities of New Jersey banned gambling, and it remained illegal until the end of the thirties of the twentieth century. However, sly businessmen found ways to open gambling establishments of various types. Bookmakers and pokie halls flourished in most towns of the state.
Non-governmental organizations arranged lotteries, collecting money for charity (who knows how many times this reason was just a cover). Even priests did not hesitate to open bingo halls whose visitors played for money.
But gradually, year after year, the State Legislature legalized other kinds of gambling, undoubtedly under pressure from gambling operators. Bingo halls, racetracks, pokie machines, casinos, and lotteries appeared again in New Jersey.
Since 1974, offline gambling houses in New Jersey have been allowed to operate only in Atlantic City. After a few years, the famous resort in Atlantic City opened. Governor Brendan Byrne cut the ribbon at the ceremony. It was the first legal casino in the United States to start its activities outside Nevada.
Its opening began a new era of gambling in New Jersey. Gradually, new casinos started operating, attracting ordinary people, pop stars, movie and sports celebrities, millionaires, and politicians. Already in the eighties, Atlantic City was comparable to Las Vegas, forcing the leading operators of the gambling capital to renovate old establishments and open new ones.
Since 1977, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission has controlled all casinos on the state's territory. It issues licenses, considers controversial issues, and monitors the fairness of gambling operators.
The critical event for Atlantic City was the luxury Borgata Hotel Casino opening in 2003. A vast area of the gambling hall with numerous tables and pokie machines, great shows, splendid restaurants, and many other kinds of entertainment provides this casino with many visitors.
At the beginning of 2015, nine casinos operated in Atlantic City: Resorts, Bally's, Tropicana, Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Taj Mahal, Wild Wild West, and Harrah's. All of them belong to renowned corporations that have been in the gambling industry for a long time.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This decision, which New Jersey played a key role in challenging, allowed states to legalize sports betting.
New Jersey quickly capitalized on this opportunity, establishing a robust regulatory framework and launching retail and online sportsbooks. This led to a surge in sports wagering activity, making New Jersey a leading market in the United States.
The Division of Gaming Enforcement has played a crucial role in regulating the expanding gambling market, ensuring fairness, integrity, and responsible gaming practices.
The state has seen significant revenue increases from online casinos and sports betting, contributing substantially to its economy.
The gambling industry in New Jersey has had to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. This has led to developing new gaming products, innovative marketing strategies, and a focus on providing a seamless and engaging customer experience.
Online Gambling in New Jersey
In 2011, Governor Raymond Lesniak initiated the legalization of online gambling for locals over twenty-one years old. The bill had many mighty enemies, but after about two years, it was approved.
Several online casinos available only for users residing or physically located in the state's territory have been operating in New Jersey since 2013. Registering on a gambling site from a computer located in another country or another U.S. state is impossible. Even if you have an account on such a website, you can hardly play while staying outside the state.
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According to the legislation, servers of such sites should be located in Atlantic City because it is the only city in New Jersey in which casinos may operate. The portal should be associated with a brick-and-mortar establishment licensed by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
Atlantic City Online Casinos
According to NJ.gov, the state government's official website, the following operators provide legal Internet gambling services. Some of them own several web portals.
- www.resortscasino.com
- www.borgatacasino.com
- www.palacasino.com
- www.nj.partypoker.com
- www.borgatapoker.com
www.tropicanacasino.com
www.virgincasino.com
- www.goldennuggetcasino.com
- www.betfaircasino.com
- nj-casino.goldennuggetcasino.com
Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey is a subsidiary enterprise of Boardwalk Regency
- www.caesarscasino.com
Caesars Interactive Entertainment New Jersey is a subsidiary enterprise of Bally's
- www.harrahscasino.com
- us.888casino.com
- www.wsop.com
- us.888.com
- us.888poker.com
Keep in mind that the other sites that offer online games in New Jersey are operating without the licenses of the Casino Control Commission. Registering with these portals, you do this at your own risk. Moreover, you are breaking the law. And in case of any problems, you have to solve them yourself.
How to Choose an Online Casino in New Jersey?
The choice of an online casino in Atlantic City should begin with checking the legality of its activities. The most reliable way to do this is to visit NJ.gov and NJCCC.gov. They are official state government websites and provide current and accurate information.
All legal gambling sites in New Jersey are directly associated with reliable and reputable offline establishments. Users can completely trust them. Therefore, you may select from them according to your personal preferences.
You should check out the range of offered games, clarify the ranges of bets, familiarize yourself with the bonus promotions, and check the tournaments and drawings. Do not forget about the terms and conditions of the loyalty program. If you are interested in different types of gambling, you should prefer the significant portals that also offer the opportunity to play poker.
Our website publishes reviews of Atlantic City's online casinos, which will help you make the right choice.
| Casino | Regulators | Supported languages | Editors rating | |
| UK Gambling Commission | English, Русский | ||
| — | English, Русский |
Conclusion
New Jersey has cultivated a thriving and multifaceted gambling industry that has significantly evolved since 2015. From the established casinos of Atlantic City to the burgeoning online sportsbooks and casinos, the state has embraced innovation and adapted to the changing landscape of wagering.
The legalization of sports betting has catapulted New Jersey into a leading position within the national market, generating substantial revenue and economic activity. While the state's regulatory framework ensures fairness and promotes responsible gaming, the industry continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences.
As New Jersey navigates this dynamic environment, it remains a key player in the American gambling scene, balancing economic benefits with the need for responsible and sustainable growth.
