New Jersey
Gambling Laws 2026

Sports betting is legal in New Jersey, one of 36 states where it is, as of May 2026. Commercial casinos are legal, as they are in 24 states, and online casino gambling is legal, one of 9 states that allow it. New Jersey has a state lottery, and horse racing is legal.

New Jersey has one of the most developed legal gambling markets in the United States. Atlantic City has operated as a casino destination since Resorts Casino Hotel opened in 1978, and nine casinos currently operate there, including Borgata, Caesars, and Hard Rock. The state was the first to successfully challenge PASPA in court, with the Murphy v. NCAA ruling in May 2018 opening sports betting nationally. New Jersey launched legal sports betting immediately and has consistently ranked among the highest-volume regulated sports betting markets in the country.

Online casino gambling launched in New Jersey in 2013, making it one of the earliest regulated online gaming markets. The online casino market is large and competitive, with licensed operators offering thousands of slot games and all major table games. Online poker through licensed operators is also legal. The lottery has operated since 1970. Horse racing at Monmouth Park has a long history.

For residents, New Jersey is one of the best-positioned states for legal gambling. Mobile sports betting works everywhere. Online casino gambling through a licensed operator is fully legal and the selection is extensive. Atlantic City is accessible from most of the state within two hours. The regulatory framework is mature, the tax structure is established, and the market has real competition across dozens of licensed operators.

Atlantic City casino market. Online casino gambling and poker legal — largest regulated online gaming market after NV. Sports betting pioneer (2018).

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Also on New Jersey: the full New Jersey profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the New Jersey sex laws guide and the New Jersey country music guide.