New Jersey Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of New Jersey. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in New Jersey. New Jersey legalized daily fantasy sports in 2017.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in New Jersey is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
LEGALNew Jersey legalized online casino gambling and poker in 2013 under the New Jersey Casino Control Act (N.J.S.A. 5:12-1 et seq.). The state has a robust regulated market with multiple licensed operators.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of licensed online gambling software is legal.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online casino and poker platforms requires licensing by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Penalties
Unlicensed operation or participation can lead to criminal charges and fines.
Minimum Age
21+ for all gambling activities.
New Jersey legalized online sports betting and online casino gambling under the New Jersey Casino Control Act (N.J.S.A. 5:12-1 et seq.) and the Sports Wagering Act (N.J.S.A. 5:5-41 et seq.). The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates online gambling, which launched in 2018.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of licensed online gambling software and devices is legal.
Licensed Operators
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms requires licensing by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations can result in felony charges with fines and imprisonment.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in New Jersey as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to the laws regarding social gambling.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
LEGALSports betting is legal in New Jersey. No significant changes to the mature and competitive market.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. New Jersey was the state that brought the PASPA case to the Supreme Court and launched sports betting in June 2018. Online/mobile and retail available. One of the largest and most competitive markets with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, PointsBet, and many others. New Jersey pioneered the modern legal sports betting framework.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at Atlantic City casinos and racetracks (Meadowlands, Monmouth Park). Operator tax rate: 13% (online) / 8.5% (retail).
Penalties
N.J.S.A. 2C:37 covers illegal gambling. Unlicensed operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+