New Jersey was the first U.S. state to go all‑in on online casinos back in 2013, and more than a decade later, it’s still the gold standard for legal online gambling. If you live here — or visit often — you’ve got more options on your phone than most players do in an entire lifetime.
However, choosing can be overwhelming with over 25 legal real-money casino sites approved by the NJ Gambling Commission. Do you sign up for BetMGM because it’s tied to the Borgata? Do you try a newer name like PlayStar or Spin Palace for something fresh? Or maybe you’re after those big no‑deposit deals and want to know which ones are actually worth claiming.
We live here, we play here, and we’ve tested every NJ casino app worth your time. This guide — written by the New Jersey‑based team at NY.Bet — breaks it all down: which NJ casinos are genuinely good, which bonuses are actually usable, and where players in New Jersey are really having fun in 2025. Let’s explore the best-reviewed NJ online casinos (such as bet365, HardRockBet, Golden Nugget, Playstar) together!
Best Online Casinos in New Jersey – 2025 Guide to Bonuses & Apps
bet365 Casino NJ
bet365 came over from the UK and basically set up camp in Jersey — and New Jersey players seem happy they did. This one’s partnered with Hard Rock Atlantic City, and the app has that polished “we’ve been doing this for decades” vibe.
The welcome offer — up to 500 slot spins with code USB365 — is a fun way to try the site without feeling locked into some giant wagering requirement. The live dealer section is where bet365 really does a good job with Evolution tables that feel slick and a surprisingly big range of blackjack games.
If there’s a downside? Some players say the bonus terms could be clearer, and the sheer number of real money casino options can be overwhelming if you’re brand‑new to online casinos. But for anyone who likes a clean, steady, trusted casino gambling, bet365 feels like it’s been here forever — even if it’s still the “new site” in NJ terms.
Hard Rock Bet Casino NJ
Hard Rock doesn’t just bring Atlantic City’s guitar‑and‑neon vibe to your phone — it more or less cranks the amp to 11. Partnered with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino AC, this app comes with a $25 no deposit bonus and a 100% match up to $1,000.
The games catalog is insane: 3,000+ games, tons of IGT slots, and one of the best blackjack selections in NJ. The Play+ card makes payouts quick, which players rave about, but we have to be honest — the app can feel “busy” at times, with a lot of promo banners screaming for your attention. Still, if you like that big‑brand energy, it’s pure Hard Rock.
Horseshoe Casino NJ
Horseshoe Casino NJ feels like the underdog that punches above its weight — not the flashiest name in the market, but backed by Caesars Entertainment and tied to the legendary Horseshoe brand. The welcome offer? A no-nonsense 100% match bonus up to $1,000 plus 200 free spins, which is pretty solid — especially for players who like a clean, straightforward deal without a maze of terms.
The app design leans “classic casino” — nothing too fancy, but stable and easy to navigate. The game selection is quietly impressive: over 900 titles, including a strong lineup of slots and a surprisingly good table games section. Horseshoe also shares access to Caesars Rewards, which is a big win if you like converting online play into real-world perks at Caesars properties.
Downsides? The app could use a touch more personality — it’s more dependable sedan than flashy sports car — and the lack of exclusive titles might leave power players wanting more. But for reliability, fast withdrawals, and a trusted name behind it, Horseshoe delivers the goods.
BetRivers Casino NJ
BetRivers is the “sleeper hit” in New Jersey — partnered with SugarHouse (yep, the rebrand lives on), it doesn’t have the flashiest app, but it does have one of the most forgiving welcome offers: 24 hours of losses back up to $500 with code NJBRV. That means your first day of play feels like a free trial with training wheels.
The library? Over 1,200 games, including Slingo, which NJ players weirdly adore (you’ll see it in every Facebook group). Here’s our gripe: the app isn’t as slick as DraftKings or FanDuel — it’s a little “basic cable” compared to “Netflix.” But it’s trusted, the promos are easy to clear, and withdrawals are solid.
Stardust Casino NJ
Stardust is a throwback name from old Vegas, and its NJ online casino has that “retro but cool” vibe. It’s tied to Boyd Gaming (the Vegas folks behind Orleans and Fremont), and partnered with Bally’s AC.
The welcome deal is $25 free + a 100% match bonus, which players like because it’s easy to grab, but we’d love to see lower wagering requirements — they’re a bit steep. The app is well‑built and heavy on live dealer games, which NJ players say feel “as close to being at a table as you can get without driving to AC.”
PlayStar Casino NJ
PlayStar is the newcomer that’s already punching above its weight. Partnered with Ocean Casino Resort in AC, it offers a 100% match up to $500 plus free spins. It’s not the biggest bonus on the list, but it’s straightforward — no fine‑print headaches.
What makes PlayStar interesting is its approach: it’s lighter, more modern, and players say the app feels “less cluttered” than some of the big‑name casinos. The game catalog is still growing (it leans more toward slots right now), but if you want something that feels new and doesn’t scream corporate, PlayStar is a breath of fresh air.
Golden Nugget Online Casino
Golden Nugget is like the old friend you keep coming back to — partly because it’s tied to the iconic Golden Nugget casino in Atlantic City, partly because it just works. The bonus is generous: $1,000 match + 200 free spins on 88 Fortunes Megaways (yes, that slot you’ve seen on billboards).
The game library is almost intimidating — over 1,100 games — and players constantly rate it high for variety. That said, the app could use a little refresh; it feels a bit “2019” in spots. The live dealer studio is excellent though, and the payout times are consistently fast. NJ players love the exclusives you can’t get elsewhere, and so do we.
Caesars Palace Casino NJ
Play Caesars Palace
Caesars is one of those names you don’t have to explain, and their NJ casino app feels just as classic as you’d expect. It’s tied to Caesars Atlantic City, and the bonus is decent: 100% match up to $100 + 100 free spins. Not the biggest offer on the list, but it’s easy to clear, which players like.
What we love? Your online play earns Caesars Rewards points, which you can spend at Caesars hotels from AC to Vegas. The downside? The app feels like it was designed for your uncle’s iPad — a bit clunky in spots. But the reliability and brand trust more than make up for it.
FanDuel Casino NJ
Play FanDuel Casino
FanDuel started with sports, but in NJ, its casino app has quietly become a favorite. The welcome deal — your net losses back up to $1,000 in the first 24 hours — is like a no‑risk trial run, which players love. The app is famously smooth (we’d call it the Apple of gambling apps), and the mix of slots and live tables is solid. But there’s a small gripe: FanDuel feels very “sportsbook first” — the casino side sometimes feels like the sidekick. Still, it’s a great option if you like the idea of having casino games and betting in one app.
BetMGM Casino NJ
BetMGM has been the heavy hitter in New Jersey since online casinos went live, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It’s backed by MGM Resorts — yes, that MGM with the lion roaring before the movies — and tied to the Borgata in Atlantic City, which means you get a bit of that Vegas‑meets‑Jersey glamour. The welcome offer is hard to ignore: $25 free, no deposit needed, plus a 100% match up to $1,000 when you actually fund your account.
The slot library? Decent, with +800 games, including MGM exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. But if we’re being picky, we wish the table games section had the same “wow” factor as the slots — blackjack and roulette are there, but they don’t shine as much. Still, players rave about the payouts being quick (especially with PayPal or the BetMGM Play+ card), and we like that loyalty rewards can actually be used at real MGM hotels and casinos.
DraftKings Casino NJ
DraftKings might still scream “fantasy sports” to some people, but its NJ casino app is honestly one of the best in the state. The welcome offer is massive: 100% up to $2,000 + $50 free credits. That’s the kind of headline number you see in ads, but here’s the thing — the wagering is on the higher side, so don’t expect to clear it in a weekend. The game selection is top‑notch though, and DraftKings has its own branded slots and tables that are genuinely fun. It’s partnered with Resorts Atlantic City, so there’s a nice real‑world connection, and players say the payouts are fast.
Our Top NJ Online Casinos & Bonuses
| NJ Casino | Welcome Bonus | Land‑Based Partner |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $25 Free + 100% up to $1,000 | Borgata AC |
| bet365 | Up to 200 Slot Spins. Promo Code for NJ USB365 | Hard Rock AC |
| Golden Nugget | $1,000 Match + 200 Free Spins | Golden Nugget AC |
| BetRivers | 24‑Hour Losses Back up to $500. Use bonus code NJBRV | SugarHouse AC |
| Spin Palace | 100% up to $1,000 + 20 Spins | Bally’s AC |
| Hard Rock | $25 Free + 100% up to $1,000 | Hard Rock AC |
| Caesars | 100% up to $100 + 100 Free Spins | Caesars AC |
| Borgata | $20 Free + 100% up to $1,000 | Borgata AC |
| FanDuel | Losses Back up to $1,000 (24 hrs) | Golden Nugget AC |
| DraftKings | 100% up to $2,000 + $50 Free Credit | Resorts AC |
| Stardust | $25 Free + 100% Match Bonus | Bally’s AC |
| PlayStar | 100% up to $500 + Free Spins | Ocean AC |
How We Ranked These Casinos
We didn’t just throw names into a list. Every NJ casino here went through our checklist:
- Bonuses that actually matter. We claimed every offer, read every tiny term, and checked if those free spins are really free.
- Wagering terms that won’t make you cry. Some bonuses are brilliant; others might as well be Monopoly money. We’ll tell you which is which.
- Apps that feel good to use. We’re not here for clunky menus or games that take five minutes to load.
- Payout speed. Players want winnings yesterday — we timed withdrawals and noted who really pays fast.
- Local roots. Every NJ casino has a land‑based partner — Borgata, Hard Rock, Golden Nugget — and that connection means something.
NJ Casino Bonuses – What You Should Know
Everyone loves a big shiny bonus banner, but NJ players have learned to look deeper.
- No Deposit Bonuses are fun (like BetMGM’s $25 free), but they often have tight game restrictions.
- Deposit Matches are where the big money is, but check the wagering. DraftKings’ 100% up to $2,000 looks great — but the playthrough is no joke.
- Free Spins (bet365’s 200 spins, Golden Nugget’s 200 spins) are fun — just watch the expiry dates.
- Cashback Offers (like BetRivers’ “losses back” for 24 hours) are a great safety net for cautious players.
Our take? BetRivers is the easiest for beginners (you won’t feel trapped by impossible wagering), while DraftKings and Golden Nugget deliver the biggest bonuses if you’re willing to grind the terms.
Are NJ Online Casinos Safe?
In short: yes — if they’re on this list.
Every site we recommend is licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). That means your deposits are protected, the games are audited, and if there’s a dispute, there’s a regulator to step in.
You’ll need to prove you’re in NJ with geolocation when you play, which feels annoying the first time, but it’s how the state keeps things legal and safe.
FAQ – What NJ Players Ask Us Most
What’s the best NJ online casino bonus right now?
BetMGM’s $25 no deposit bonus is the easiest freebie, but Golden Nugget’s $1,000 + 200 spins is the most generous if you’re ready to deposit.
Which NJ casino app pays out the fastest?
Players swear by BetRivers and Hard Rock for same‑day Play+ and PayPal withdrawals.
Can I play NJ casinos if I live in NY?
Yes — but you have to physically be in NJ when you log in and play.
Which NJ casinos have the best live dealer games?
BetMGM, Golden Nugget, and Hard Rock all have excellent live studios. Players love DraftKings’ branded blackjack tables too.
What’s the legal age for online gambling in NJ?
You need to be 21 or older to play at NJ online casinos.
Which NJ online casinos launched most recently?
As of mid‑2025, the freshest names in the Garden State gaming scene are Horseshoe Online Casino (launched November 2024), Monopoly Casino (formerly Virgin, rebranded November 2024), and Fanatics Casino (live since May 2024). They’re all legally licensed in NJ and run alongside their Atlantic City land‑based partners.
