2021’s Guide to Sports Betting in New Jersey

A team of betting experts here to assist you

Why trust us?

Our commitment is to keep you informed and up to date on sports betting. This includes guidance on different types of bets and betting strategies, honest & accurate reviews of online sportsbooks, bets exclusive to different sports, issues & updates around the legality of sports betting, and so much more! We do our homework to be sure you have access to the best strategies and smartest deals. If a deal's a joke, we'll let you know.

How we review sportsbooks​

• ​We do the research

We look at the details to provide the best possible insight. We compare all competitors and look at all angles when making our recommendations.

• What kind of bonuses they offer

Sportsbooks often switch up their bonuses, so we're always on the lookout for who's offering the hottest new deals.

• What kind of margin they provide on odds

Some sportsbooks will have better odds than others. To maximize our value, we compare the odd lines of all the competitors for the best choice.  

• Experience in betting

Our team of experts have years of experience in the betting industry. We constantly apply all the tips and tricks we've learned along the way, and hope to teach you how to become a profitable bettor!

• We stay up to date with the latest news

We're always up to date on the latest breaking news. Whether it be pre-game roster changes, injuries, trades, you name it; we've got you covered!

• Review Customer Support

Customer Support can be a game-changer, especially when you need it ASAP. To find the best support team, we've tested them all and review our experiences from our recommended sportsbooks.

On the legality of Sports Betting in New Jersey

Regulations 

You must be a resident of New Jersey in order to create an account, and also must be present within the state when making your wagers. All players must be at least 21 to create an account with an online sportsbook in New Jersey. 

Licenses recognized in New Jersey

NJ online sports betting sites, as well as land-based sportsbooks and casinos, are all regulated by the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which carries out the lengthy inspections required for these establishments to obtain their licenses.

Before acquiring this license, NJ sports betting sites undergo meticulous inspections and vigorous background checks where authorities investigate the companies along with their employees. This practice ensures the safety of all players involved with legal online sports betting sites.

Organizations

Several organizations, such as GambleAware and Smart Recovery, offer resources to help out victims of gambling addiction. These organizations specialize in researching, preventing, and treating gambling addictions.

If you believe you're experiencing symptoms of addiction, don't worry, you aren't alone. Thankfully, there's a wide selection of resources available to help get through this!

Things that make Online Sportsbook safe:

• Safety of funds

Players can wager their money through protected accounts with the comfort of knowing that their money is in the hands of legitimately licensed establishments. Safe and convenient withdrawal and deposit options are available to players on legal NJ sports betting sites.

• Security of personal information

Online sportsbooks are also obligated to ensure a minimum level of security for players. All online sportsbooks will have security mechanisms, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

How to get started with online betting!

1. Pick a bookie that suits you 
2. Open an Account
3. Redeem any Bonus available
4. Familiarize yourself with sports betting odds
5. Type of bets and betting markets
6. How to Deposit and Withdraw
7. Choose what Leagues/Games to bet on

First things first: Here’s how you pick a sportsbook

Look for Sportsbooks with the best bonuses

Many betting sites offer sign-up incentives to build market share for a rapidly growing customer base. First-time deposits can earn up to a 100% deposit match! Take advantage of these great offers as you begin your online sports betting experience! Check out our extensive reviews to find special bonuses, promotions, and free bets suited for your specific gambling needs.

Find out who offers the best odds

Choosing a site that offers the best promotions or slightly better odds can improve your profitability by thousands of dollars in the long-term. Every so often, a sportsbook may decide to offer an odds boost. This means they’ll take the usual odds for a team and double or triple them.

Picked your favorite bookie? Here’s how you open an account 

1. Check the Sportsbook Requirements

When creating your account, you must verify that you are of legal age to gamble.

2. Visit their Registration page

When you load up the app, you’ll have the option to either enter your login details or click ‘New User’/’Register’ to begin the account registration process. Click the button to register.

3. Make sure to opt-in for a Welcome Bonus

Many sports betting sites provide lucrative bonuses on initial deposits from new players. You should be aware of the bonuses available whenever you make your first deposit.

4. Submit your contact details

Sportsbooks use “KYC” policies to prevent fraud, money laundering, and users with multiple accounts. This means you’ll need to submit your contact information. These will include things like your name, address, and email. 

5. Watch out for a verification email or SMS

It usually takes around 72 hours for your identification to be validated. The most common reason for seeing your ID rejected is the information is not clearly visible. A modern smartphone should be more than enough to ensure all the necessary information is visible.

6. Login and Deposit your first playing funds

Find the sports betting site’s cashier. You’ll be presented with a number of deposit methods. Enter the required details for your deposit method of choice and wait for your funds to appear in your real money balance.

7. You should be good to go and start betting! 

Most apps are built on simple interfaces that are easy for users to navigate. Usually, you can view betting lines before logging into your account. Bets are often organized by sport, betting types, and promotions. 

Don’t forget to redeem your bonus

• What is a Bonus?

Bonuses are free rewards given out by sportsbooks. Although these free bets are lucrative, you should be aware that many of them come with restrictions. Sometimes you may need to play through a free bet multiple times before it can be converted into real money.

• Why are Bonuses Offered?

With the increasing competition in the NJ sports betting market, bonuses and promo codes are a must for sports betting sites to remain strong and competitive. These bonuses help get new customers signed up and push existing customers to continue making deposits. 

• What is a RISK-FREE Bet

This type of bonus allows bettors to retain their money even if their bet didn’t win. The amount typically matches the value of the first wager. 

• Be Careful to choose the right Bonus

Most bookies have separate casino & sportsbook offers, so be careful making your selection, you don’t pick the wrong bonus by mistake!

• Warning about wagering requirements

Be sure to read the terms of the bonus before depositing. Sportsbooks usually require bettors to wager over 2x the bonus amount in order to receive the bonus.

Understanding Sports Betting Odds

What are odds and how they work
Betting odds are determined by the likelihood of the bet winning. The payouts for big favorites aren't very good, but underdogs can have hefty payouts when they win!

The most popular format in the US: American Odds
American odds, or “moneyline” odds, show how much money bettors are required to wager to win a $100 bet.

What does -110 mean in betting?

A money line of -110 means that you would make a profit of $100 if you wagered $110 and were correct. That's also equivalent to decimal odds of 1.91. Most bookies use this line whenever the outcome has a non-favorite, also known as a "pick 'em." For underdogs, a money line of +250 means you would profit $250 if you wagered $100 and were correct. Most betting lines like over/under totals or handicap spreads will have both sides at -110.

Other Odds Formats

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are the easiest to calculate your returns. In order to calculate your payout, simply multiply the stake by the decimal odds.

Fractional Odds

These odds appear as fractions and are meant to calculate your payout. In these circumstances, the denominator is your stake and the numerator is the payout.

Types of Betting Markets

Moneyline (ML)

Moneyline bets are simple yet effective. Placing bets is quick, and it’s easy to understand the value of each option. The requirements are simple: your team/player must win in order to win the bet.

Total Lines (Over/Under)

Totals or Over/Under bets are explained as the combined score of two teams. Totals do not rely on the winner of the game, only the final score at the end. The odds for these bets are usually a pick ’em (-110 each), making them a valuable option if you can consistently pick correctly!

Handicap Spread

Point Spreads refer to a margin of victory between two competing teams. For example, a bet on a favored team with a point spread of -3.5 would need to win by 4 points to win the bet. On the flip side, a bet placed on the underdog opponent (+3.5) would win their bet as long as their team doesn’t lose by more than 3 points. Spreads are a great option if you see a bet you like, but the moneyline is making you hesitate.

Half-time Markets

Half-time bets present great opportunities for value. For example, instead of betting on a -900 moneyline favorite to win their game outright, you could also bet on that same favorite at around -400 odds to win the first half instead of the entire game. These bets can be wise options if you’re sold on a team winning but aren’t sure if they will cover their spread.

Prop Bets

These bets regard specific events during a game such as who will win the opening coin toss, which team will punt first, which player will score first, will player A score more than player B, etc. The payouts can vary by the type of bet and betting odds. There's a ton of value to be found through the numerous prop bets available.

 Place a deposit: Payment Methods for Sports Betting in New Jersey

Credit/Debit Cards

The most common method of making a deposit is to use a credit/debit card. These types of deposits are practically instant and the money will become available in your real money balance in a matter of minutes. It’s recommended you inform your bank before making a deposit with this payment method. Telling them could save you hours of frustrating anti-fraud protocol!

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency has quickly become one of the most popular payment methods available in sports betting. This method is quick, convenient, and carries lower transaction fees. You also are entitled to bigger bonuses if you choose to deposit with cryptocurrency!

E-Wallets (Paypal, Skrill, etc.)

The e-wallet is a term used to describe services like PayPal, Skrill, and Payoneer. These online wallets enable you to hold money online and skip the hassle of dealing with banks. Like with a credit or debit card, these transfers are typically instant.

Bank Transfer

Wire transfers are still possible with most betting sites. However, you should be aware that a wire transfer can take anywhere from three to five business days to clear. Only use this option if you don’t want to use a credit card and have no access to an e-wallet. Some players opt for wire transfers for safety reasons.

Was luck on your side? Here’s how to withdraw your winnings! 

Betting/Wagering Requirements

There’s lots of fine print when it comes to withdrawals. Often, sportsbooks will require bettors to wager over 2x the bonus amount to receive the bonus. These requirements can be pretty extreme, so it’s essential to read them over before depositing.

Withdrawal Limits

Similar to wagering requirements, there are also withdrawal limits. These include time limits and amount limits when making a withdrawal. You should never deposit before checking the limits you’ll be dealing with later on.

Time Limits

Sportsbooks typically limit how often bettors can make withdrawals from their accounts. Some sportsbooks may not have any time limits, but others can expect around one withdrawal per week, or maybe even one per month.

Amount Limits

Sportsbooks also have various limits for withdrawal amounts. Most require a $10 withdrawal as a minimum, while the maximum limits can exceed $10,000. Depending on the method of withdrawal, you may also need to pay a fee.

Security Checks/KYC

Online sportsbooks are also obligated to ensure a minimum level of security for players. These companies are strict on identity verification. They use “KYC” policies to prevent fraud and money laundering.

Methods of Withdrawal

There are several ways to make withdrawals. Common methods include Bank Wire, Bitcoin, Physical Check, Person-to-Person, etc. Some Sportsbooks have more options than others, and some offer direct deposit.

Top Sports Betting Events 

Super Bowl

The Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots emerged as early favorites (6-1 odds) to win the Super Bowl, and the Chiefs proved their odds valid as they managed to go all the way, winning it all. Shockingly, the longshot San Francisco 49ers (40-1 odds) ended up as the Chiefs Super Bowl opponent.

NBA Championship Finals

The Miami Heat started the season as big underdogs with +6000 odds, but still managed to make the playoffs. Jimmy Butler led Miami to the Finals, but they couldn't overcome the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers (+450 preseason odds), losing in 6 games after nearly 100 days inside the NBA's bubble in Orlando, Florida.

World Series

On opening day, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros were tied for the highest odds to win the World Series (6-1 odds). While the Astros ended up making it to the finals, the Washington Nationals were able to defeat them in 7 games, winning the Championship.

Stanley Cup

The season started with the Tampa Bay Lightning as favorites to win the Stanley Cup (+650 odds). Usually, only 16 teams make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but due to the COVID Pandemic, Tampa Bay found themselves competing with 23 other teams. Despite the extra hurdle, the Lightning finally went the distance and won the Stanley Cup over the Dallas Stars (+1800 odds) in 6 games.

March Madness

The NCAAB season began with Michigan State as slight favorites to reach the Final Four (+125 odds), with Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky right behind (+150 odds). Texas Tech (+700) made their first Final Four and title game appearance, but couldn’t finish the job, as the Virginia Cavaliers (+280) went on to win the Championship.

NFL Draft

Going into the Draft, LSU’s Joe Burrow was highly projected to be the 1st overall pick, and Draft Day did not disappoint for Joe. Two other Quarterbacks ended up going in the top 10, with Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa going 5th to the Miami Dolphins, and Oregon’s Justin Herbert going 6th to the L.A. Chargers.

What to do if you encounter any problems 

Why is customer support important? 

Having customer support builds trust. If no customer support means are available, consider a different sportsbook. Whenever you have a problem of any kind, make sure to reach the operator.

Most used means: Email, Phone, Chat.

These are three of the best methods to contact customer service. Phone and chat are the quickest and easiest ways to get in touch. Email is a better option if you’re sending attachments and want your conversation documented. 

Other ways to reach for help:

• FAQ - A database of the most frequently asked questions, along with their corresponding answers.
• Social media - Some sportsbooks have social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Mail - You can also send a letter by mail, although not the quickest method.
• Forums, Help Centers - In-depth explanations on various sports betting topics.

Mobile Betting Apps

Benefits of Mobile Apps

Mobile access is crucial in online sports betting. Punting participants need constant access to their accounts as point spreads change quickly due to weather, trades, players' injuries, etc.

Top Operators with Mobile App

Don’t forget! Keep betting fun! Play responsibly 

Sports Betting was designed to make watching sports more exciting and enjoyable, but it can also become a dangerous addiction if you're not careful. Being a responsible gambler is going to require strong self-discipline

Do you gamble too much? Here are the symptoms.

• Chasing your losses by gambling even more.
• Increasing wager amounts to maintain the same level of excitement.
• Failed attempts at cutting down how often you gamble.
• Lying to close ones to keep your gambling a secret.
• Asking for financial help to offset the money you’ve lost.
• Stealing to continue funding your betting account.

What help is available?

Responsible Gambling

NPC Gambling (1-800-522-4700)
1-800 Gambler (1-800-GAMBLER)
NJ GOV Services

You’re now good to go!

You are now ready to start placing bets! We hope you enjoyed, and really appreciate you taking the time to read our guide! Thank you so much for choosing BetNJ, and we wish you the best of luck on your sports betting journey!