Legal New Jersey Sports Betting - NJ Betting Laws & Regulations 2023
Greetings, and welcome to Oddspedias's overview of New Jersey legal sports betting.
In this short piece, we aim to inform you about all you need to know about betting and having some legal fun in New Jersey. What are the tax thresholds? Are betting losses tax deductible? Are there any legal restrictions placed on bets from New Jersey sports betting? Read on to find out!
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Sports Betting In New Jersey
Let's take a trip back to the year 2018. This was the year that across the US, states were given the power to legalize sports betting both online and in bookmakers or casinos. Huzzah! This was a boon for the economy of the states and in New Jersey sports betting skyrocketed in popularity. Recent accounts show that in December of 2020 alone, the state spent a staggering $996.3 million in bets, with the main basis of these being sports-related betting.
So, as you can see, New Jersey sports betting is popular and the state is big on football betting in particular. But, the New Jersey sports betting trend follows many states, with baseball, basketball, and college-based football not falling far behind in the popularity of bets and wagers.
Betting Tax in New Jersey
One of the things that are unavoidable in life is taxes and, as is the way with gambling and placing bets, there are a few you need to know about when betting in New Jersey.
As the world has inevitably moved to the online world to do most of its bidding thanks to COVID-19, many bettors want to know more about the tax levied on virtual betting and gambling. The good news is that it is less than you think! At the time of writing in 2021, online games are taxed at 15%- New Jersey sports betting is taxed at 8.5 % if it is done in a casino and 13% if placed online. When the casinos do reopen, there is something to be said about visiting them in person!
Should you strike it lucky with either a casino win or via an online platform, you can expect your winnings to be taxed at around 3%. Casino or gambling winnings are taxable in New Jersey, irrespective of the game that they were won on, and are taxed yearly next to your annual income. If you are a bit of a dab hand when it comes to playing the slots, you will need to consider that your regular winnings may push you into the higher tax bracket for the state, so (as uncool as it seems), it is wise to keep a record of your gambling or betting winnings in preparation for the taxman!
Betting Restrictions in New Jersey
With all the betting options available in New Jersey, are there any types of gambling or betting which are not supported or legal? And why is this the case at all? Firstly, New Jersey sports betting allows certain types of betting and gambling to take place if it is the result of a voter referendum. Therefore, the people of New Jersey have voted to make all the aforementioned gambling and betting legal. Thanks, guys!
But yes, there are certain types of bets you cannot place legally in this state.
- For instance, at the time of writing, dog racing betting is not legalized in New Jersey.
- Also, we discovered during this summary that Tribal Gaming is not legal in New Jersey either, so the stereotypical Native American casinos are not open or operating legally in this state.
We did discover a couple of grey areas; in relation to daily fantasy sports and social gaming, it seems there is no legislation anywhere in New Jersey law that specifies the legality of these sports. So, if you want to place a bet on either of these, check with your online casino or betting platform beforehand.
Legal Online Sportsbooks in New Jersey
Sportsbooks in New Jersey have been mushrooming since the state legalized sports betting. This was right after 2008, when the federal government mandated all states to decide on whether or not to legalize different forms of gambling.
Currently, the number of sportsbooks operating in the region are innumerable, with some of the top-rated options being BetMGM, Unibet, Bet365, Betway, and FanDuel. These rank high for their security and are legal with a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Moreover, these sportsbooks provide players in the state with competitive odds and broad coverage of all the major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and the NHL. You can also find top draw sports such as Soccer, Golf, Tennis, UFC, Nascar, and Boxing, among many more.
Top 12 Bookies for New Jersey
Recommended
- Avg. Payout95.04%(2 of 12)
- Payout speed
- Apps support
- CashoutYes
- Live streamYes
- Bet builderYes
Up to a $500 Second-chance Bet Visit SitePayout on Free Bet wagers includes profits only(stake not returned). Must be 21+ and present in NJ. T&Cs apply.
Recommended
- Avg. Payout94.87%(3 of 12)
- Payout speed
- Apps support
- CashoutYes
- Live streamNo
- Bet builderNo
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars Visit SiteIf the player's Qualifying Wager is graded as a Loss by Caesars, the Participant will earn a one-time Bonus Bet token equal to the lessor of (1) the full value of the Qualifying Wager or (2) $1,000 (the “Bonus Bet”). Must be 21+ years of age and physically present in NJ. T&Cs apply.
Recommended
- Avg. Payout-
- Payout speed
- Apps support
- CashoutYes
- Live streamNo
- Bet builderNo
Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly + A No Sweat SGP Every Day Visit SiteMust select token before placing bet. Bet must lose after applying Token. Paid as one Bonus Bet based on amount of losing bet. Tokens expire at start of the last game each day when offered. No Sweat cannot be used to redeem Bet $5 Get $150 offer. Must be 21+ and located in NJ. T&Cs apply.
Recommended
- Avg. Payout94.03%(5 of 12)
- Payout speed
- Apps support
- CashoutYes
- Live streamNo
- Bet builderNo
Bet $5 on any ML, Get $150 in Bonus Bets IF YOUR TEAM WINS Visit SiteUser must place a wager on any ML and the team must win in order to claim the $150 Bonus bets. No odds restrictions on the ML markets. Must be 21+ and present in the NJ. T&Cs apply.
Recommended
- Avg. Payout94.02%(7 of 12)
- Payout speed
- Apps support
- CashoutYes
- Live streamYes
- Bet builderNo
Get $100 when you bet $20 Visit SiteFree bets will be broken down into 10 x $10 bets. Must be 21+ and located in NJ at time of wagering. T&Cs apply.
Security and Online Betting
When it comes to placing bets or wagers online, it is pivotal to know that your information is safe and secure. Once again, this is the reason we mentioned websites such as William Hill and Bet 365, which use encryption software to keep your information safe and secure when you use them.
When placing a deposit with your online betting site or sportsbook, you will need to have a cursory glance over the types of payments accepted with each site. Certain credit cards are not accepted for New Jersey gambling, or in the US, so it may be worth setting up an e-wallet to make your deposits with your chosen betting site. This offers you additional security, as you can link your credit or debit card via a third party, offering you more security protections from online hacking and scammers. Good to know!
Picking Out a Sportsbook
As a result, there are many bookmakers and online casinos that can be used for bettors to have a flutter in New Jersey. Some of the most well-known of all of these bookmakers include
- 888 sport,
- Fanduel,
- William Hill,
- and Bet 365.
If you are new to the world of betting and gambling, these sites are firm fan favorites due to their security when you are making deposits and withdrawing money. Not only that, but they are also very generous when it comes to welcome bonuses! They are also legally monitored, so should anything go awry when you are placing a bet, you will be protected by their overseers.
Alternatively, if you aren’t a fan of the larger names in betting, you can use a sportsbook to take part in New Jersey sports betting. All legally registered sportsbooks are registered with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (or NIDGE). This also guarantees that the odds you are offered by the sportsbook or the games you engage in with online gambling in New Jersey are not rigged against you, but this will vary between sportsbook in New Jersey. And if you suspect foul play, you can contact the NIDGE to conduct a review.
Most Popular Bets In New Jersey
So, you want to start sports betting in New Jersey but don’t know where to start?
Which types of bets are legal in this state and how can you access them? To help you out, let's take a look at the most popular bets which are placed in the state, to give you a flavor of the area, its laws, and New Jersey betting overall.
As betting was legalized in 2012, it followed suit that New Jersey sports betting became popular when it was legalized in 2018, making it the most popular type of bet that the residents of New Jersey place. Legal both on and offline, New Jersey sports betting in the state is led by football, followed by basketball and baseball.
There are other sports-based betting that you can wager on in the state. This includes college football and basketball, along with golf, soccer, and tennis, but you may find these are not as common in many online betting platforms. If New Jersey sports betting isn’t really your thing but you are a bit of a film buff, the state offers Academy Awards and Oscar betting but once again, this is in a limited capacity.
Are Betting Losses in New Jersey Tax Deductible?
Even the most adept of bettors make a loss here and there and, as your betting winnings count towards your annual income in New Jersey, are they also tax-deductible?
Yes, they are, but it can get a bit complicated. We will try to simplify it as much as we can so you can make sense of it. As always, if you are unsure about anything written here, seek legal advice.
You can deduct betting losses under New Jersey law, but only if you itemize on your tax return. But it doesn’t end there- while you can itemize, your gambling or betting losses cannot exceed your winnings for them to be deductible. For example, if you had $4,000 in winnings and $12,000 in losses, your deduction would be limited to the initial $4,000. That means that the additional $8,000 could not be carried across.
If you gamble or place bets regularly, it is vital to keep good records of your wins and losses to ensure you do not pay any penalties or interest to the IRS. And when it comes to paying taxes, honesty is the best policy!
Conclusion- is it worth betting in New Jersey?
If you want to partake in New Jersey sports betting, the world is your metaphorical oyster.
With New Jersey sports betting, there are few sports that are restricted, and with the tax rates so easy to follow, it is exceedingly straightforward to pay the taxman their due. If you are a bit of a pro when it comes to choosing the most likely college football team for an upcoming season, it seems a shame to let that talent go to waste!
So stay safe and have fun!
Regulatory Bodies and Key Gambling Legislation
- NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement
- Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ
- NJ sports betting law
- Approved leagues and events for NJ sports wagering
- NJ sports betting rules and regulations
- 2018 NJ sports betting law
FAQs About Betting In New Jersey
Is online sports betting legal in New Jersey?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in New Jersey. However, sportsbooks must hold a valid license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
What sports can I bet on in New Jersey?
You can bet on all the major sports and leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, among many others. However, betting on New Jersey-based college teams or college player props is off-limits.
Who can bet on sports in New Jersey?
Anyone 21 years or older can place bets on sports in NJ. You must indicate your age while signing up for an account at any online sportsbook.
Who can get a sports betting license in New Jersey?
Companies and individuals interested in providing sports betting services to players in New Jersey can get sports betting licenses. However, you must first file an application with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. You also need to deposit a non-refundable license application fee.
How do I report winnings for taxation in New Jersey?
Depending on the amount you have won, you may receive a W-2G form from the betting site, casino, or sportsbook to send along to the IRS at the end of the financial year. While the majority of betting platforms will offer this, it is not legally mandated and according to the laws set in New Jersey, you are responsible for declaring your winnings to the IRS. You will receive this if you have won more than $1,200 on slot machines or bingo, $1,500 or more on a keno game, more than $5,000 from poker tournaments, and $600 or more from New Jersey sports betting.Should your winnings from any betting or casino be a non-cash prize, such as a holiday, car, or voucher, the IRS expects you to report the fair market value price for each prize you won.
If I don’t report my gambling winnings, what happens?
In short, you could end up paying more via penalties and interest via tax at the end of the year! Yikes! When partaking in New Jersey sports betting, if you have accumulated a net win over a certain threshold (regardless of the casino or platform), you may receive a W-2G form, which you should send along with your end-of-year tax return to the IRS. While the IRS will also receive a copy of the W-2G form when you do (regardless of whether you or your casino requests it), if your end-of-year income is lower than what they anticipated, you may be requested to pay more. And so, it is important for all people who are engaging in regular gambling or betting to keep accurate recordings of their winnings. Similarly, it is important to keep an accurate record of losses sustained while engaging in gambling or betting.
What are the thresholds for gambling winnings and taxes?
While we could run off a set of numbers or a boring statistics table for you to look through, here we will keep this bit as simple as we can. In New Jersey and across the US, gambling winnings over a certain amount need to be included in your tax return; that amount is $600 at the time of writing. Whether you are an avid bettor or you struck it lucky, if you have made over this amount, you will need to declare it via a W-2G form. If your winnings are over this $600, they will be taxed at a 24% rate. You can pay this at the time of your winning, via the casino or sportsbook withholding an amount of your prize to pay the tax or you can declare it with your end-of-year tax returns. Very simple really!
