Legal Sports Betting in New Jersey

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It could be said that without New Jersey's efforts, sports betting in the US might still be confined exclusively to Nevada. In 2012, this state took significant steps towards legalising the sector, although it encountered a federal prohibition that needed to be addressed before its goals could be realised. Today, NJ stands as one of the most comprehensive states for sports betting, providing a wide range of options for those who are interested.

Legal sports betting in New Jersey overview and insights displayed with live betting screen and excited fans.

Is Sports Betting Legal in NJ ?

New Jersey was one of the first states to legalise online sports betting once it was permitted by law. It led the charge against the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, and advocated for this law to be declared unconstitutional, a victory which it secured in 2018. Following this landmark ruling in May 2018, NJ quickly launched its betting operations in June of the same year, and the sector has experienced significant growth ever since then.

Legal Sports Betting in New Jersey

In 2012, the state took a major step toward the legalisation of sports wagering, mainly because of the results of a referendum that showed strong support among voters, with a 2-to-1 margin favouring the move toward legalisation.

This clear public mandate led Governor Chris Christie to sign a bill in January 2012, to authorise legal sports betting at sportsbooks and racetracks throughout NJ.

Legal Hurdles

Despite these changes and widespread public support for sports gambling, the path to legalisation was not smooth. Shortly after the bill's passage, New Jersey encountered legal challenges, most notably when major sports leagues, including the NCAA, NFL, NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball, brought a lawsuit against Governor Christie and the state in August 2012. They argued that NJ's new law broke the rules of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. This act banned betting on sports across the country, with only a few exceptions, as part of an effort to control and reduce sports gambling in the United States.

This lawsuit also generated a national conversation about the legality and regulation of sportsbooks. NJ’s efforts to legalise these types of bets were also part of a strategy to boost the state’s economy, by providing a lifeline to the struggling casinos and racetracks in Atlantic City.

Key Moments in New Jersey's Legal Battle

Challenge Against PASPA: The 2012 legislation to legalise sports betting directly challenged the nationwide ban imposed by PASPA.
Supreme Court Ruling: In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned PASPA. This decision validated the long-standing effort to legalise sports wagering and opened the pathway for other states to follow suit.

Impact of the Supreme Court's Decision

The Supreme Court's ruling in favour of New Jersey transformed the sports betting industry in the U.S.:

Regulatory Changes: It fundamentally altered how sportsbooks operated and regulated, and gave individual states the authority to enact their own legislation.
Market Expansion: Following the decision, there was a swift introduction and implementation of regulations by numerous states which significantly expanded the legal sports betting market.
Economic Growth: This expansion has not only contributed to the growth of the industry but also created new economic opportunities.

New Jersey Sports Betting Rules and Regulations

Restrictions on College Betting

In NJ , there are specific limitations regarding betting on collegiate sports:

No Betting on Colleges: It's not permitted to place bets on any collegiate teams from NJ , regardless of whether their games are played at home, away, or at neutral venues.
No Betting on Collegiate Events: Any college sports event taking place within the state is off-limits for betting, even if no NJ college is participating. This includes bowl games and NCAA tournament matches hosted within the state.

Additional College Betting Limitations

There are further restrictions to be aware of regarding college sports betting:

Betting on individual college player performances (prop bets) is forbidden.
Live betting on college sports events is prohibited.

High School Betting

Betting on high school sports is entirely barred in the state This ban applies regardless of whether the teams or the event location have any direct connection to the state.

Legal Sports Betting Sites in New Jersey

New Jersey is nearing a total of two dozen online sportsbooks, with additional launches anticipated in the near future. Each platform offers a distinct betting experience, with diverse features, and benefits.

Selected Online Sportsbooks and Their Features

Barstool Sportsbook: Known for its integration with Barstool media and a wide variety of promotional offers.
Bet365: Distinguished by top ratings in banking options this online sportsbook is exclusively available in NJ and Colorado.
BetMGM: Often praised for its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of sports.
betPARX: Notable for competitive odds and a broad spectrum of sports markets.
BetRivers: Focuses on promotional offers and a rewarding loyalty program.
Betway: Acclaimed for top-notch bonuses and customer support.
Borgata Sportsbook: Offers superior odds for NFL and NBA, available only in NJ and Pennsylvania.
Caesars: A reputable platform with a diverse range of betting options and an impressive rewards program.
DraftKings: Features an outstanding app renowned for its ease of use and comprehensive functionality.
Golden Nugget: Offers a world class betting experience closely integrated with their casino operations.
FanDuel: Provides an exceptional overall user experience, and is particularly known for its same-game parlay options.
FOX Bet: Ideal for football fans, and offers strong tie-ins with FOX Sports for promotions and payouts.
Hard Rock Sportsbook: Boasts a user-friendly interface and faster payouts compared to competitors.
PlayUp: Competitive odds and straightforward promotional terms are key highlights.
PointsBet: Known for its excellent pricing and innovative PointsBetting system.
SuperBook Sportsbook: Supplies bettors with essential stats and excels in live betting offerings.
Tipico: Exclusive to Colorado and New Jersey, offering attractive promos and quick withdrawals.
Unibet: A well-trusted brand featuring a wide range of betting options.
WynnBET: Stands out for early cash-out options and smooth live betting.

Sports Betting Options in New Jersey

In New Jersey, bettors have access to a diverse range of sports, offering plenty of opportunities for wagering. Here’s a look at the sports you can bet on:

Sport Betting Options Auto-Racing Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) Basketball NBA, WNBA, international leagues Boxing Matches across weight classes and titles College Sports College basketball and football (except NJ events/teams) Darts National and international competitions Football NFL, Canadian Football League (CFL) Golf PGA, LPGA tours Hockey NHL, international competitions Horse Racing Various events Rugby League and union formats Soccer UEFA Champions League, MLS, Premier League Tennis Major tournaments, international matches

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Paul Richard is a professional sports betting and casino content writer with over three years of experience. He provides expert tips, strategies, and betting advice to help bettors succeed.