Gambling Laws In New Jersey
New Jersey is making its case to be the gambling capital of the United States, giving Nevada a run for their money with some of the latest laws enacted. Between land-based casinos in Atlantic City, and online casinos that are now state-regulated, gamblers have plenty of options to consider when picking what games to play. This is thanks to the legislation passed that currently governs the state of gambling in the area.
New Jersey Land Based Gambling Laws
The 12 Atlantic City casinos legalized in New Jersey are under the operation of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Land-based gambling was passed by voters in New Jersey in 1974 and implemented by 1978.
Gamblers must be at least 21 years of age to enter into a casino and place real money down on the games that are offered. This legal age will extend to any online gambling sites that are regulated by the state as well. The gambling age is decided at the state level and not the federal level.
New Jersey has long been a premier east coast destination for gambling in the US, but the state has not been allowed to offer sports betting since the passage of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. However, May 14, 2018's Supreme Court PASPA decision legalizes New Jersey sports wagering, making the state victorious in its long-running legal challenge to the constitutionality of that onerous law. Now that the Supreme Court has agreed with New Jersey (by an effective vote of 6-3), PASPA is no more, and the state may allow sports betting within its borders.
Before that happens, though, NJ will have to pass legislation to regulate its new sports betting industry. SB 2602 and A 3911 are currently being debated in NJ's congress, and a vote is expected on both in short order. Once sports betting is formalized and officially legal in the state, NJ residents will be able to wager on all the sports of their choice at area casinos, racetracks, and other bookmaking establishments. Of course, you don't have to wait for all that to wager on sports in NJ, as using legal offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline and SportsBetting (among others) is still safe, secure, and 100% legal.
New Jersey Online Gambling Laws
Perhaps the most significant law passed relating to gambling in years is the bill that was brought forth by Raymond Lesniak in 2011. This was a proposed bill that allowed online gambling in the state, signed into law by Governor Chris Christie on February 26th, 2013 after several modifications. Assembly Bill A2578 would allow for a 10-year period of legalized and licensed online gambling.
This was the boldest move in the gaming industry for New Jersey since 1978 when the Atlantic City Casinos were made legal. In fact, with projected revenues, this could prove to be the biggest windfall – excepting PASPA's repeal – in the state's history relating to gaming.
