Legal Online Poker in New Jersey

This article will explore the legality of online and land-based poker in New Jersey and the state’s current stance on gambling as a whole.

Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Avatar Author Adrian Sterne
Fact checked by Dusan Jovanovic

Legal gambling has been a subject of debate in the United States for quite some time. While many states allow land-based gambling halls to operate on their land, online gambling, including online poker, usually isn’t permitted. However, in 2013, New Jersey became the third state in the US to legalize and regulate online poker, after Nevada and Delaware.

Since then, the Garden State has become an East Coast hub for online poker, with a number of legal land-based poker rooms and online poker sites offering players a safe and secure way to enjoy their favorite game. In this article, we will delve into the legality of online poker in New Jersey and cover the details of its land-based counterpart. After reading this guide, you’ll know all the best legal venues for playing this popular game in NJ.

New Jersey is one of the six US states with a regulated online gambling market. Thanks to Assembly Bill 2578, signed into law by Governor Chris Christie, poker fans from the Garden State gained access to legal online poker rooms in 2013. All operating poker sites in NJ had to get a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the regulatory body in charge of overseeing online gambling.

Furthermore, New Jersey entered a shared player pool with Delaware and Nevada via WSOP.com and joined forces with Michigan on the PokerStars network. These collaborations further expanded the market and generated heavier player traffic.

But even though the Garden State has launched legal poker sites and joined the multi-state agreement, some players still stick to offshore online poker operators. As no current US laws on the state or federal level categorize offshore poker sites as illegal, they are a valid option for online poker and tournaments alongside NJ brands.

Poker Laws

LawOnline poker is legal in New Jersey, so players from the Garden State don’t have to worry about anything except practicing their poker face. Yet, if you want to delve deeper into online poker legality in NJ, check out this page:

Best Legal Poker Rooms in New Jersey

New Jersey fully supports gambling in both live and online form, which makes it easy for poker fans to find cash games and poker tournaments when on the East Coast. If you’re up for some live poker action, look no further than Atlantic City. If, on the other hand, you don’t feel like socializing much, join an online poker room from anywhere within New Jersey borders and get the best virtual poker experience in this part of the country.

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Land-Based Poker in New Jersey

If you’re an old-school player who enjoys the perks of live poker games, New Jersey has decent options to fulfill your wishes. The Garden State currently has nearly a dozen land-based casinos, most of which offer popular poker games. You can find various cash games at brick-and-mortar casinos in NJ and take a seat at poker tables even if you’re on a budget.

Some of the casinos in Atlantic City, such as Borgata, have separate poker rooms featuring more than 50 poker tables. Furthermore, this particular venue hosts prestigious poker tournaments, such as the World Poker Tour. 

How to Register at a Legal Online Poker Site in New Jersey

New Jersey poker sites offer all the popular variations to their registered players. If you want to become a member of an NJ poker room, these are the steps to follow:

Choose a poker site

Check out the list of poker sites serving New Jersey players and choose one that suits your preferences. Follow the link on our page to access your desired online poker room.

Sign up for an account

When the online poker room loads, hit the Sign Up/Register/Join Now button. Provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, social security number, and contact details.

After creating an account, you will need to confirm your identity by providing a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. This step may not be necessary right away, but you’ll have to verify your account eventually once you decide to withdraw your winnings.

Deposit & Play

As a registered user, you can make a deposit using a variety of payment methods, such as cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies.

After depositing funds, you can begin playing online poker games. Make sure to follow the site’s rules and regulations to avoid account suspension or closure.

Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker

You’ll have no trouble finding a land-based casino with various poker games in New Jersey. Since Garden State smiles upon gambling in general, it enabled all respectable operators to build brick-and-mortar gambling halls across one of the most popular gambling areas in the US — Atlantic City. Here are some of the establishments you can’t go wrong with:

  • Borgata — MGM Resorts — 1 Borgata Way Atlantic City, NJ 08401
  • Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City — 777 Harrah’s Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
  • Tropicana Atlantic City — 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
  • Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino — 2100 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
  • Golden Nugget Atlantic City — 600 Huron Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Other Resources

Final Thoughts

As you can see, New Jersey is a great place for playing poker, be it live or online, as both options have been legal for years. If you’re not familiar with available gambling venues in the Garden State, you can find all the best options on our website. Scroll through the list of top poker sites for NJ players and join various poker games and tournaments today.

FAQ

Is online poker legal in New Jersey?

Yes, online poker has been legal in New Jersey since 2013.

Is it safe to play online poker in New Jersey?

Yes, it is, as long as you access reliable sites. Choose one of the legal NJ online poker rooms or select a trusted offshore operator from our page, and you won’t have to worry about your safety while playing your favorite game.

Can I play poker on a mobile device?

You can play poker on a smartphone or tablet as long as the online poker room you choose supports mobile play. The options can include a mobile-optimized website or a native mobile app, depending on the operator.

Do NJ poker sites offer any bonuses?

Yes, they do. Almost all poker sites available to NJ players offer bonuses and promotions for new and registered users. You can claim a welcome deal upon registration or any of the incentives for existing members once the sign-up offer expires.

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