Back in the day, Atlantic City was the go-to spot for New Jersey residents who wanted to enjoy a great poker game. That changed in 2013 when the state became one of the first in the U.S. to legalize and regulate online poker.
Since then, players have been able to enjoy real-money games legally and securely from their laptops, phones, or wherever they prefer to play. Today, thousands of NJ residents log in daily to compete in tournaments, join cash tables, and connect with other players without ever stepping into a casino.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about playing poker online in New Jersey, including trusted sites to play, the state’s legal stance on online poker, and how to play smart and responsibly.
Online Poker Legality Snapshot
Online Poker
Available
Land Based Poker
Available
Legal Gambling Age
21
Poker Regulator
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in New Jersey
Yes, you can participate in online poker games for real money within the state. Unlike many other states, NJ residents don't have to rely on offshore poker sites. Simply sign up at any reputable NJ-approved poker room, deposit funds easily with credit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers, and start playing. These sites offer plenty of cash games, tournaments, generous bonuses, and quick, easy withdrawals when you're ready to cash out. Plus, you can easily play from your phone or tablet and compete against players across New Jersey and other states.
Top Sites for Online Poker in New Jersey
When you first start playing online poker, it’s tempting to sign up at the first room you come across. Why compare rooms when you only want to play poker? Avoid the trouble; choose one.
That’s why we’ve simplified the process with this list of the top New Jersey online poker sites. All the sites on our list receive the highest ratings for operating safely, rewarding players generously, and maintaining software that provides a smooth, safe online poker experience.
BetOnline - Best for Crypto - Friendly Banking and Fast Payouts
Everygame Poker - Best for Low-Stakes Players and Soft Competition
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best for Crypto
This is one of the faster offshore poker options in New Jersey regarding crypto payouts; Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins are supported with same-day processing. First-time crypto deposits qualify for a 100% bonus up to $1,000 using the CRYPTO100 code (14x rollover), while returning users get a 35% reload bonus via CRYPTO35 (8x rollover). Traditional payments are available too, but the best value and speed go to crypto-focused users.
New Jersey players looking for a relaxed, low-cost poker option will feel at home on Everygame. Cash games start at $0.02/$0.04, and frequent freerolls make it easy to play regularly without going broke. The player pool leans casual thanks to the Horizon Network’s soft traffic, and the site backs it all with a 200% welcome bonus up to $1,000 and simple promotions. With 36% rakeback and micro-stakes games, it’s equally great at building a bankroll or just playing for fun.
Comparing Online Poker Rooms Available in New Jersey
Each of our top poker picks brings something different to the table. The comparison below gives you a quick look at what each site does best—ensuring you find the right fit without wasting time.
How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites in New Jersey
Before recommending a poker site to New Jersey players, we look at the things that actually matter—like who can play, how active the tables are, and what kinds of games and bonuses are on offer. Here’s what we consider:
Availability in New Jersey: We only recommend sites that accept NJ players without workarounds.
Player Traffic & Competition Levels: We check how busy the tables are and how tough the competition feels.
Poker Bonuses & Promotions: We look for valuable welcome offers and ongoing rewards that are easy to claim.
Game Variety & Availability: From cash games to tournaments, we make sure there’s always something running at your preferred stakes.
Banking Options & Payout Speed: We check for fast, hassle-free deposits and withdrawals, especially for crypto users.
Site Reputation & Security: We only recommend sites with a solid track record for fairness, player safety, and reliable customer support.
Is Online Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, online poker is fully legal and regulated in New Jersey. The state became one of the first in the U.S. to authorize online poker when it passed Assembly Bill 2578 in February 2013, less than a week after Nevada. The law was a landmark moment for internet gaming in the U.S., and it made New Jersey the third state to officially legalize online gambling. Unlike Nevada, which only allows online poker, New Jersey’s legislation covers a wide range of internet casino games, including poker, slots, and table games.
Online poker in New Jersey is governed by the Casino Control Act and enforced by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). This agency handles all licensing and regulatory oversight, ensuring that platforms follow strict standards for game fairness, responsible gambling, and player security. Interestingly, the legislation does not include a "bad actors" clause—a common rule in other states that bars companies who offered real-money poker after the 2006 UIGEA. In New Jersey, any operator that meets software requirements and partners with a licensed Atlantic City casino can legally enter the market, even if they were active post-UIGEA.
To legally operate in the state, online poker platforms must partner with a land-based casino located in Atlantic City. As of now, approved operators include PokerStars NJ, WSOP.com, and BetMGM Poker, all of which are tied to licensed casino partners. Players must be at least 21 years old and physically located within New Jersey to play.
New Jersey is also part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows it to share online poker player pools with other regulated states, such as Michigan, Delaware, and Nevada. This expands game selection, increases traffic, and improves tournament prize pools.
Play Online Poker Responsibly in New Jersey
Playing poker online should always be something you enjoy and feel in control of. In New Jersey, you’re never on your own—helpful tools and local resources are in place if you ever want to take a break or set healthy limits. Here’s where you can turn if you need support:
NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement – Self-Exclusion Program: If you ever feel like you need a break, you can voluntarily exclude yourself from all online gambling sites licensed in New Jersey. The process is private, and you can choose a temporary or permanent option. Learn more here.
800-GAMBLER (Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ): This 24/7 helpline offers free, confidential support to anyone concerned about their gambling. They also provide resources for friends and family. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit800Gambler.org for support and education.
In-Site Tools on Licensed Platforms: All NJ-approved poker sites offer tools to help you stay in control—like setting deposit limits, time reminders, and loss limits. These features are built into your account and easy to customize whenever you need them.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): The NCPG provides a comprehensive list of resources, including a gambling behavior self-assessment and a directory of treatment facilities. Access these tools atNCPG New Jersey Resources.
Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of individuals who share their experiences to help each other recover from problem gambling. Regular meetings are held throughout New Jersey. Find a local meeting atGamblers Anonymous NJ Meetings.
Poker Players from New Jersey
New Jersey has produced some of the most successful poker players in the world, with impressive earnings that highlight the state's contribution to the poker community. Here are some notable players from the Garden State:
Phil Ivey – $48+ million
Thomas Marchese – $19.1 million
Darren Elias – $13.4 million
Chris Klodnicki – $11 million
Scott Blumstein – $8.6 million
Tom Dwan – $6.3 million
Josh Beckley – $5.4 million
Michael Wang – $5.2 million
Matt Stout – $4.6 million
Michael Ruane – $3.8 million
New Jersey and Online Poker
New Jersey makes it easy to enjoy online poker the right way—legally, securely, and with plenty of choice. With trusted platforms licensed by the state, players can focus on the fun part: finding games that fit their style, playing on their own schedule, and knowing help is available if they ever need it.
We’ve highlighted the top poker rooms available to NJ players, each offering unique features. Whether you're playing for fun, chasing big prize pools, or just trying out a new format, the right platform makes all the difference. Explore your options, take advantage of generous welcome offers, and start where you feel most comfortable. Your next hand, and maybe your next win, is only a few steps away.
The World Series of Poker has been awarding gold bracelets online all fall long, as GGPoker hosted its WSOP Online
FAQs
Which companies hold online gaming licenses in New Jersey?
At the start of 2023, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement showed the following casinos licensed to operate online gaming sites as follows:
Bally’s Atlantic City: Internet gaming (no online poker) via Bally, PointsBet, and Virgin skins
Borgata Casino: Internet gaming and online poker via Borgata, Party, Pala, BetMGM, Scores, and WheelOfFortune skins
Caesars / Boardwalk Regency: Internet gaming and online poker via Caesars, Harrahs, WSOP, WynnBet, and 888 skins
Caesars / Tropicana: Internet gaming (no online poker) via Caesars skin
Golden Nugget: Internet gaming (no online poker) via Betway, FanDuel, GoldenNugget, Stardust, and BetRivers skins
Hard Rock: Internet gaming (no online poker) via HardRock, Bet365, and Unibet skins
Ocean Resort: Internet gaming (no online poker) via Tipico, Ocean, Parx, and PlayStar skins
Resorts Atlantic City: Internet gaming and online poker via Resorts, Barstool, DraftKings, MoheganSun, and PokerStars skins
Online poker sites offer cash games and tournaments. As the industry has grown, sites have added more games and tournament series.
Online casinos offer online slots, video poker, bingo, keno, and table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Live dealer games are now available as well, with live dealers in land-based studios dealing table games to internet players.
What games are available?
Online poker, which is referred to as peer-to-peer gaming, is available in the form of cash games and tournaments. Most sites offer Hold’em and Omaha games, though there are no limits as to the games that can be offered.
Online casinos offer video poker, bingo, keno, and online slots. There are also numerous table games, like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, that are offered as traditional internet games and in the new live-dealer format. Most games that are offered in land-based casinos can be offered online.
What are the taxes, licensing fees, etc.?
The initial permit to obtain an online gaming license in NJ requires a deposit of $100,000, which can then be applied to the $300,000 due for the first year of service upon the issuance of the license. Applications for renewals require $100,000 as a deposit, which can be applied toward the total of $150,000 due for a one-year renewal permit upon its issuance.
Each online gaming operator pays an annual fee of $250,000 that is dedicated to a responsible internet gaming fund to be allocated to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and other compulsive gambling treatment programs in New Jersey.
Operators must pay a 15% tax on gross internet gaming revenues to the Casino Revenue Fund.
Watch our poker news section for daily updates on regulation and other important topics for US online poker players.
What About Playing Poker Online?
Unlike neighboring state New York, poker players in New Jersey aren’t restricted from signing up at most online poker rooms. The rule of thumb for New Jersey online poker players: if a site accepts US players, then you can be pretty confident New Jersey residents will also be allowed to create an account.
Is Online Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Two things we always have to get out of the way before talking about online poker and the law. The first is that this page does not offer legal advice, and you should not treat it as any sort of substitute for legal advice. The second is that knowing your state law is always a good idea, so we strongly suggest you bookmark the New Jersey State Statutes online.
The simple answer to the question of online poker legality in New Jersey is YES. The legislature passed the bill in 2013, it was signed by Governor Chris Christie, and the law became effective on October 21, 2013. The final version of A.2578 amended the Casino Control Act. The details of the law are explained in the New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 13, Chapter 69O, with the most pertinent section as follows:
Pursuant to the 1976 amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution and the express authorization to the Legislature to determine the type of gambling games that may be conducted in casinos under regulation and control by the State, the Legislature hereby declares that in furtherance of the goals of the Casino Control Act and in recognition that the technologies necessary to support Internet gaming can be prescribed and implemented in a manner that ensures all such gambling activity occurs within casinos located in Atlantic City, it is appropriate that the Casino Control Act be amended and supplemented to authorize licensed casino operators to conduct such games within the casino premises with all wagering to be conducted solely within the casinos. (New section) Any authorized game or authorized gambling game, as defined in section 5 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-5), that is authorized to be played in a casino may, with the approval of the division, be offered through Internet gaming.
Online poker, slots, table games like blackjack, and other casino games are now available online via a number of partnerships between online gaming operators and land-based casinos in Atlantic City.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on New Jersey Online Poker
