New Jersey Bet Apps: 17 Licensed Sportsbooks and a $1 Billion Handle Milestone
New Jersey launched online sportsbooks weeks after PASPA fell in 2018 and hit $1 billion in monthly handle by 2021. Here's the full picture for NJ bettors.
New Jersey moved fast after PASPA fell in May 2018. The state had online sportsbooks live by June 2018 — weeks after the Supreme Court ruling. By September 2021, NJ recorded its first $1 billion monthly handle. Today, 17 sportsbooks are licensed there, making it one of the most competitive markets in the country.
How did New Jersey get here so quickly?
NJ had been fighting for the right to offer sports betting for years before PASPA was overturned. The infrastructure — casino partners, regulatory framework, geolocation tech — was largely ready to go. The state's Division of Gaming Enforcement moved quickly on licensing, and operators flooded in. That head start shows in the handle numbers.
The Federal Wire Act still applies here, just like everywhere else. It restricts how gambling funds and information move across state lines, so every bet placed through an NJ-licensed app must originate from a device physically inside New Jersey. Geolocation software enforces this in real time. Crossing into Pennsylvania or New York while the app is open? The bet won't process.
Which sportsbooks are licensed in New Jersey right now?
Seventeen operators hold active licenses. The biggest names — FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, bet365 — are all live. See the FanDuel Sportsbook App Review: The US Market Leader for a deep dive on the top operator. For a broader national comparison, the Best Betting Apps in the USA for 2026 guide ranks all major platforms side by side.
How does New Jersey stack up against other big markets?
| State | Licensed Sportsbooks | Notable Milestone | Mobile Betting |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 17 | First $1B monthly handle: Sept. 2021 | Fully legal statewide |
| Michigan | 13 | $4.19B+ handle in fiscal year 2023–24 | Fully legal statewide |
| Mississippi | 20+ retail casino locations | HB 1581 passed House, Feb. 2026 | Not yet legal statewide |
Michigan's $4.19 billion fiscal-year handle is massive, but NJ's 17 licensed operators give it the deepest bench of competing apps. Mississippi is a study in contrast — retail-only for now, with statewide mobile still pending Senate action on HB 1581. More on that situation at Mississippi Mobile Bet Apps: Legal Status, HB 1581, and What Bettors Can Do Now.
Who is New Jersey's market best suited for?
Casual bettors benefit most from NJ's deep competition — 17 operators fighting for customers means better promos, sharper lines, and more features. Sharp bettors appreciate having multiple books to shop for the best number. Bonus hunters have plenty of welcome offers to work through, though every offer comes with rollover requirements and expiration windows, so read the fine print carefully. Bonuses and availability can vary; always confirm current terms directly with the operator, as offers are subject to change and state-specific restrictions apply.
What do NJ bettors need to know before signing up?
You must be 21+ and physically located in New Jersey at the time of every wager — residency in NJ is not required. KYC verification at signup requires your full legal name, date of birth, last four SSN digits, and home address. Account verification delays are the most common reason early withdrawals get stuck, so complete verification before depositing.
For a full breakdown of which states have active mobile markets and which are still retail-only, visit Which States Allow Bet Apps? Your Legal States Questions Answered.
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.