Is Online Poker Legal In NJ?
The Garden State has been at the forefront of online gambling legalization in the United States. Starting in 2013, poker sites have found their way and have become extremely popular among NJ gamblers.
This article will explore NJ’s current legal landscape of gambling sites, their history, licensing, and some of the most reputable NJ casinos.
New Jersey: History of Online Poker
As one of the first states to legalize online casinos, NJ has a long history dating back to February 2013. At that time, Governor Chris Christie signed Assembly Bill A2578 into law.
With this bill, licensing regulations within New Jersey were allowed, and with that, online casinos and poker sites were established by November of the same year. That has paved the way for this industry, leading to a later boom and rise of their popularity.
Legal Requirements for Online Poker Casinos
Gambling websites must cover specific law requirements to offer any online poker services in New Jersey. To start, they need a license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), which oversees all gambling activities within Garden State.
Another requirement is that online poker sites must partner with a land-based casino in NJ and adhere to all rules and regulations regarding fair and responsible gambling.
Players Eligibility
Every person wishing to partake in any gambling activities in NJ must meet some lawful criteria. Such an example is age regulations – a gambler must be at least 21 to wager on online poker.
Another requirement is to be present in the state borders while playing. It’s important to note that players do not need to be from NJ. Visitors to the state can play online poker if they are of age.
Note: The border restrictions are for all NJ-based online poker sites or sportsbooks. Your location is viewed upon opening such a site via GPS.
Leading Online Poker Sites in NJ
With the legalization of online poker, multiple reputable online casinos have emerged and taken over the gambling industry with a sweep. Here are a few popular ones:
- PokerStars NJ: This is a world-renowned brand that found its place in NJ back in 2016. It offers players many cash games and exciting tournaments like multi-table or heads-up, all in innovative gaming formats. PokerStars New Jersey is known for its high-end software and excellent customer service.
- WSOP NJ: Another popular poker site in New Jersey, partnered with Caesars Interactive Entertainment. They provide players with a rich mix of cash games, Sit & Go tournaments, or single-tables. You can even attempt to qualify for live WSOP events and earn big cash prizes.
- PartyPoker New Jersey: This is one of the earlier online poker websites launched in this state. It entered the market in 2013 by acquiring all licenses from NJDGE. PartyPoker NJ established itself as a strong leader in the market with a growing player base due to its wide variety of cash games and many tournaments. It’s partnered with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, a site with many great promotions and offers, like a 100% match on the first deposit and an extra $25 as a bonus.
Conclusion
Online poker is entirely legal in NJ, and many existing regulations ensure players have a choice from many great licensed online casinos. As these rules keep improving, NJ again sets an example for all other states regarding gambling regulations.
That allows New Jersey players to enjoy a safe, secure poker experience without worrying about legal implications or getting scammed.
