New Jersey was the first state to legalize online poker all the way back in 2013. Today, the market is legal, regulated, and NJ residents can compete in live real-money poker tournaments every day of the week. NJ poker players have more options than any other state in the US, but our preferred poker site this November is WSOP.
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New Jersey jumped on the online poker bandwagon early, and online poker has been legal in the Garden State since 2013. All of the seven poker sites that currently accept real money poker wagering are tied to the Atlantic City in-person casinos, though only a few of the city’s nine casinos currently sponsor online-based poker sites. New Jersey is definitely the place to be for online poker players.
One of the unique features of New Jersey online poker sites is their inclusion in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. This currently ties Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware together, allowing people in those states to play together across state lines. There is hope that Pennsylvania, Michigan, and other states which have recently passed online poker laws will join as well, creating a pool of tens of millions of potential players.
If you play online poker in New Jersey at all, adding these two large states would be a tremendous benefit. More NJ poker sites should be popping up soon and the future of online poker rooms looks bright. On this page, we'll let you know which New Jersey poker sites are worth joining.
Current Online Poker Operators in New Jersey
Currently, the Borgata, Harrah’s, and Resorts Casino are the only land-based casinos with online poker sites. This is partly because only a handful of land-based poker rooms remain in Atlantic City and also because online poker hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Total rake remains over $2 million a month, but many had believed the numbers would be higher. In any case, there is fierce competition for players, which makes it difficult for new rooms to launch. On the other hand, it means great offers for both new and existing players.
Borgata Casino Poker Skins
Borgata actually has four separate offerings. PartyPoker, BetMGM, and Borgata Poker is all basically different skins of the PartyPoker poker software, and all three fill a niche for one of the largest land-based poker rooms in the country.
Before the pandemic, the Borgata regularly spread 85 games, more when tournaments were in town, so it’s little surprise they dominate the online poker environment as well. They also sponsor the Pala Poker site, which is run on proprietary software by a California Indian Tribe.
Caesars WSOP
Harrah’s Casino Resort in Atlantic City is owned by Caesars Inc and sponsors the wildly popular WSOP online poker site. Caesar’s Interactive owns the rights to the WSOP app and has licensed 888’s poker platform as its software provider in Nevada, Delaware, and elsewhere. That deal also entitles the 888 online poker site to be sponsored by Harrah’s. They also share some of their player pools on select cash and tournament games, which can add liquidity and players to both of their offerings.
Another good thing about the Caesars-WSOP arrangement is that all players are entered into Caesars Rewards. This allows poker players to rack up points toward free hotel stays and free meals at fine restaurants that owned by Caesars!
Given the recent push from Caesars across the US sports gambling market, WSOP recently went live in Michigan. However, New Jersey still currently runs most of the top tournaments in the world.
PokerStars NJ Online Casino
Resorts Hotel partnered with PokerStars, which is almost certainly the biggest online poker platform in the world. At one point they controlled more than two-thirds of the global market. While this doesn’t translate into a huge opportunity currently, if more and more states are added to the MSIGA, there is a sense that PokerStars' dominance in markets like Michigan and Pennsylvania could help them in New Jersey, as they would be able to offer bigger tournaments and more cash games with the larger entrant pool provided by these other populous states.
As of 2022, the three poker sites have achieved almost parity in terms of New Jersey market share. Resorts with its one partner and skin in Poker Stars generally trails the other two by a couple of percentage points, while Borgata with its four skins and two separate partners generally dominates by just a point or two, though plucky Caesar’s entrants 888 and WSOP occasionally take the top spot.
BetMGM Poker New Jersey
The MGM brand is synonymous with excellence in the online gambling industry. Though they may be more well known for their sportsbook, BetMGM has an incredible app and website for poker in New Jersey! Right now, BetMGM is loving on new poker players with up to $75 free this November!
This bonus offer has been live since March 22, and it's been a big hit with pokers players in the Garden State. The offer is expected to last until December 31, 2022, and it includes a deposit match of up to $1,000. Folks in New Jersey don't even need a bonus code to jump on this bonus offer.
Simply register for a BetMGM Poker account and make your first deposit within seven days. Whatever amount you deposit will be matched by BetMGM as a bonus for up to $1,000. Also, you'll get a specified amount of free dollars. Here's how that is structured:
Deposits of between $10 and $499 will get $25 in free tournament tickets
Folks who deposit $500 to $999 will get $50 in free tournament tickets
People who deposit $1,000 or more will get $75 in free tournament tickets
BetMGM matches WSOP's $1,000 deposit match, and they actually offer $25 more in free dollars than WSOP. The only difference is that WSOP gives away $25 just for signing up. BetMGM does NOT have any type of no deposit offer.
Overall though, we highly recommend BetMGM Poker to all serious players in New Jersey! The app is incredible, and the bonus offer is one of the best in the state. You won't be disappointed.
Getting Started With New Jersey Online Poker
You don’t have to be a New Jersey resident to sign up at any of New Jersey’s online poker sites, but you must be 21 and present in the state while you are playing online poker.
You are welcome to get an account set up and ready to go ahead of time, for instance perhaps you have your eye on a big WSOP tourney in the coming months. You can make your hotel reservation, book your flight, and sign up and deposit money to your account from anywhere. Then when you get to New Jersey, you are good to go.
Opening an Online Poker Account in NJ
Opening an account is simple, with a couple of important rules. Since Online Poker is legal in New Jersey, and the State both licenses and heavily regulates the industry, you can use any credit or debit card to set up your account.
This is by far the easiest and quickest way, but most sites will accept Paypal or other e-wallet type accounts if you don’t have a credit or debit card. Bank wires or even cash deposits with participating retailers can even be used, but are not recommended.
Since the Poker Sites will need to verify your age and identity, make sure you have valid identification that exactly matches your name on either your payment cards or e-wallets. Remember that whatever deposit method you choose, that your withdrawal will go back to either that same exact card or e-wallet. Deposits, especially first-time deposits are not instant and may take several hours or more. Withdrawals are even longer and can take a day or more so plan ahead.
Now for the fun part; Where should you play? This is always going to be up to the individual poker player's needs. Some people love low-limit sit-and-goes, others want high-limit cash games. Some folks only play limit hold 'em, others want some exotic Omaha variant. But most of the Poker sites have made this a little easier with no deposit bonuses.
A no deposit promo allows you to open an account without putting up any of your money quite yet. You can take the site out for a test spin. See if they have that hard-to-find game you love, take a look at their tourney schedules. If you're going to play mobile on your phone, get a good look at graphics and gameplay. If multigame is your thing, see how easy it is to toggle through windows. By signing up for several different sites, you can figure out which one is going to work best for your style of play.
Just remember that most of these bonuses will come with time restrictions and high play-through. It’s best not to think of them as free money and more as a way to get a close-up look at what sets each skin and software provider apart.
Whatever poker game is your thing, there’s a good chance you can find it on one of these sites.
New Jersey Poker FAQ
Are you a new poker player that lives in New Jersey? If so, you may have lots of questions about NJ online poker sites, even though online poker has been legal in the state for quite some time. The following Q&A section will help you quickly find the answers that you need.
Are NJ online poker sites legal?
Yes, the state has offered legalized online poker since 2013. Because of this, New Jersey residents no longer have to travel to Atlantic City and can enjoy online poker from the comforts of their homes and the convenience of their smartphones.
Does New Jersey offer more online poker sites than any other state?
Yes, the state is blessed with a ton of options for online poker! Poker fans in New Jersey will be more than pleased with all that is available to them. More apps means better apps, better bonus offers, and larger tournaments.
What is the best bonus offer on an online poker site in New Jersey?
That's tough to say because three of the brands on our list all offer a $1,000 deposit match. WSOP has the largest no-deposit promo at $25, so they get our vote, but BetMGM and Party Poker are also solid options.
Is my money safe with New Jersey online poker sites?
Yes! Since the online poker industry is legal and regulated, your personal info and funds are always secure with online poker sites in New Jersey.
How do I deposit or withdraw funds on an online poker site?
Online gambling has come a long way as far as banking options are concerned. All of the sites on our list have multiple cashier options. You can use a credit card, debit card, ACH through online banking, a wire transfer, or even PayPal (on select poker sites).
Can I play online poker for free?
Yes, all of the apps on our list have a demo mode where you can play without risking real money. This is a great way to learn the game and get comfortable with the app before risking actual dollars in cash games.
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