New Jersey Statewide Rule
New Jersey Sports Wagering Act Governs Sports Betting
Key Facts
- Governing law
- N.J.S.A. 5:12A-10 et seq. (P.L.2018, c.33)
- Who may operate
- Licensed Atlantic City casinos and NJ racetracks only
- Minimum betting age
- 21 years old
- Barred events
- NJ collegiate games and any NJ college team
- Tax rate
- 8.5% in-person, 13% online, at casinos
- Unlicensed operation penalty
- Fourth-degree crime, up to $25,000 fine
- Regulators
- Division of Gaming Enforcement; NJ Racing Commission
Summary
New Jersey legalized sports betting in June 2018 under the Sports Wagering Act, N.J.S.A. 5:12A-10 et seq. Only Atlantic City casinos and Meadowlands/Monmouth Park-class racetracks holding a Division of Gaming Enforcement or Racing Commission license may run a sports pool, in person or online. Bettors must be 21 or older, and wagers on New Jersey collegiate teams or events are barred. Unlicensed sports pools are a fourth-degree crime carrying up to $25,000 in fines.
A casino which holds a sports wagering license issued by the division may operate a sports pool in accordance with the provisions of this act and applicable regulations promulgated pursuant to this act. ... A casino or racetrack that holds a sports wagering license may conduct an online sports pool or may authorize an internet sports pool operator licensed as a casino service industry enterprise pursuant to section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), or an applicant for such license, to operate an online sports pool on its behalf provided the terms of the agreement are approved by the division, in the case of a casino, or the racing commission, in the case of a racetrack. ... A person placing a wager on a sports event shall be at least 21 years of age.
Full Breakdown
A. S. Supreme Court struck down the federal sports-betting ban in Murphy v. NCAA. A. 5:12A-11(a)-(b). A. 5:12-92, once the division or racing commission approves the agreement. A. 5:12A-10 defines a 'prohibited sports event' to exclude any collegiate contest played in New Jersey or any event involving a New Jersey college team, so licensed books cannot take action on Rutgers or Seton Hall games or any tournament held in-state. Every bettor must be at least 21. A. 25% local share. Athletes, coaches, referees, and league or team employees are barred from betting on their own sport under the act's insider-wagering restrictions. A. 2C:43-3's standard fine caps, carrying up to $25,000 for an individual and up to $100,000 for a corporate operator.
Violations & Penalties
Running a sports pool or online sports pool without a Division of Gaming Enforcement or Racing Commission license is a fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 5:12A-11(c), punishable by up to $25,000 for an individual and up to $100,000 for a business, regardless of the lower fine caps in N.J.S.2C:43-3. Taking a wager from anyone under 21, accepting bets on a prohibited New Jersey collegiate event, or letting an athlete or team insider place a wager on their own sport can cost an operator its license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I legally bet on sports in New Jersey?
Can I bet on Rutgers or Seton Hall games?
What happens if an unlicensed operator takes sports bets in New Jersey?
How much tax does New Jersey collect from sports betting?
Sources
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