Online Gambling in New Jersey

Online gambling is a popular and convenient way of enjoying various games of chance, such as poker, blackjack, roulette, slots, and sports betting. However, not all states in the US have legalized online gambling, and some have different rules and regulations for different types of online gambling. In this essay, we will explore the legal status of online gambling in New Jersey, one of the first states to legalize and regulate online gambling in the US.

History of Online Gambling in New Jersey

New Jersey has a long history of gambling, dating back to the colonial era when lotteries were used to fund public projects. In 1976, New Jersey voters approved a referendum to allow casino gambling in Atlantic City, making it the second state after Nevada to legalize casinos. Since then, Atlantic City has become a major gambling destination, attracting millions of visitors and generating billions of dollars in revenue.

However, the rise of online gambling in the late 1990s and early 2000s posed a challenge to the traditional casino industry in New Jersey. Many gamblers preferred to play online from the comfort of their homes, rather than travel to Atlantic City. Moreover, online gambling sites were not regulated by the state or federal authorities, raising concerns about fairness, security, and problem gambling.

In 2011, New Jersey lawmakers passed a bill to legalize online gambling in the state, but it was vetoed by then-Governor Chris Christie, who cited constitutional and legal issues. However, after a revised bill addressed some of his concerns, Christie signed it into law in 2013, making New Jersey the third state after Delaware and Nevada to legalize online gambling.

Regulations and Requirements for Online Gambling in New Jersey

The law that legalized online gambling in New Jersey established a strict regulatory framework for the industry. The law stipulates that:

• Only licensed casinos and racetracks in New Jersey can offer online gambling services.
• Online gambling operators must partner with an existing land-based casino or racetrack in New Jersey.
• Online gambling operators must obtain a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which oversees and enforces the rules and regulations for online gambling in the state.
• Online gambling operators must pay a 15% tax on their gross gaming revenue to the state.
• Online gambling operators must verify the identity, age, and location of their customers, and ensure that they are physically located within New Jersey when playing online.
• Online gambling operators must implement measures to prevent underage gambling, problem gambling, money laundering, fraud, and cheating.
• Online gamblers must be at least 21 years old and register with an online gambling site before playing.
• Online gamblers can play any type of game that is offered at land-based casinos or racetracks in New Jersey, such as poker, blackjack, roulette, slots, and sports betting.

Benefits and Challenges of Online Gambling in New Jersey

Since its legalization in 2013, online gambling has proved to be a successful and profitable industry in New Jersey. ccording to the DGE reports, online gambling has generated over $3 billion in gross gaming revenue and over $450 million in tax revenue for the state from 2013 to 2022. Online gambling has also created jobs, boosted tourism, and supported the land-based casino industry in Atlantic City.

However, online gambling also faces some challenges and risks in New Jersey. Some of these include:

• Competition from other states that have legalized or are considering legalizing online gambling
• Legal disputes with federal authorities or other states over interstate or international online gambling
• Technological issues such as hacking, glitches, or outages that may affect the security and reliability of online gambling platforms
• Social issues such as addiction, crime, or fraud that may result from unregulated or illegal online gambling activities

Conclusion

Online gambling is legal in New Jersey since 2013, making it one of the pioneers and leaders of online gambling in the US. Online gambling is regulated by the DGE, which ensures that only licensed operators can offer online gambling services to customers who are physically located within New Jersey. Online gambling has brought many benefits to the state’s economy and society, but also poses some challenges and risks that need to be addressed.

FAQ

Q: What are some of the authorized sites for online gambling in New Jersey?

A: According to the DGE website, some of the authorized sites for online gambling in New Jersey are:

• Bally’s Atlantic City: www.nj.ballycasino.com, www.pointsbet.com, www.virgincasino.com
• Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa: www.borgatacasino.com, www.borgatapoker.com, www.nj.partycasino.com, www.nj.partypoker.com, www.palabingousa.com, www.palacasino.com, www.palapoker.com, casino.nj.betmgm.com, poker.nj.betmgm.com, scorescasino.com, casino.wheeloffortunecasino.com
• Caesars Interactive Entertainment- Affiliate of Boardwalk Regency Corporation: www.caesarscasino.com, www.harrahscasino.com, www.wsop.com, www.wynnbet.com, us.888.com, us.888poker.com, us.888casino.com
• Golden Nugget Atlantic City: nj.betway.com, asino.fanduel.com,goldennuggetcasino.com, www.stardustcasino.com, nj.betrivers.com, nj-casino.goldennuggetcasino.com
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: www.hardrockcasino.com, www.nj.bet365.com, nj.unibet.com
• Ocean Resort Casino: casino-nj.tipico.us, www.oceanonlinecasino.com, nj.parxcasino.com, nj.playstar.com
• Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City: www.resortscasino.com, barstoolsportsbook.com, www.draftkings.com, www.mohegansuncasino.com, www.pokerstarsnj.com
• Tropicana Casino Resort Atlantic City: caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/nj/

Q: What is the difference between online gambling and sports wagering in New Jersey?

A: Online gambling refers to playing any type of game of chance online, such as poker, blackjack, roulette, slots, and sports betting. Sports wagering refers to placing bets on the outcome of sporting events online or at land-based venues. Sports wagering was legalized in New Jersey in 2018, after the US Supreme Court struck down a federal law that prohibited states from legalizing sports betting. Sports wagering is regulated by the DGE and the New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC), which ensure that only licensed operators can offer sports wagering services to customers who are physically located within New Jersey.

Q: How can I get help if I have a problem with online gambling in New Jersey?

A: If you or someone you know has a problem with online gambling in New Jersey, you can get help from various resources and organizations. Some of these include:

• The DGE’s Responsible Gaming Coordinator, who can provide information and assistance on responsible gaming issues and initiatives.
• The DGE’s Self-Exclusion Program, which allows you to voluntarily exclude yourself from online gambling sites or land-based casinos or racetracks in New Jersey for a certain period of time.
• The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, which offers a 24/7 confidential helpline (1-800-GAMBLER), a website (www.800gambler.org), and various programs and services for problem gamblers and their families.
• Gamblers Anonymous, which is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.