Best NJ Online Poker Sites: Play Online Poker in New Jersey
Find all the best New Jersey poker sites so you can play online poker in NJ today! Whether you want to play poker freeroll tournaments, are looking for the best poker bonuses, or want to know what the best poker apps in NJ are, PokerNews has got you covered.
Keep reading to find out all there is to learn about poker in the Garden State, where the best online poker sites around are, and dive right into the poker action in no time!
In short, if you want to know what the best New Jersey online poker websites are, we're here to help! So without further ado, let's get you started at the best poker site for you in this ultimate poker guide for those in the Garden State.
The Best Online Poker sites in New Jersey
Internet poker can be an exhilarating, exciting, and, above all, profitable experience, but it can also be quite intimidating for new players. Not to worry, though, as our experts have put together this comprehensive guide to legal online poker in New Jersey to help you get started.
Most players join a poker site to play for fun, whether real money is involved or not, and play online poker with friends. Others are looking for big prizes and huge bonuses when signing up for a poker site (don't worry, we have the best bonus offers right here).
PokerNews has prepared a list of six recommended sites, which you'll find more details on below. Click on the list to jump straight to a specific real money poker operator, or keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the following New Jersey poker sites.
Before we dive fully into the matter, there are a few things you should always keep in mind when choosing an online poker room, such as the selection of games offered, the software quality, the level of customer support, promotions, and bonuses available, and (incredibly important! ) the overall reputation of the site.
All the sites in New Jersey we discuss right here meet those criteria, plus a whole lot more. At PokerNews, we only select the best and most reliable places to play.
One of the best things about playing online poker in NJ is the sheer number of options available. There are many online poker sites that cater to players in New Jersey, offering games such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha Poker, Seven-Card Stud, and many more poker games. Poker enthusiasts have various poker sites to choose from for NJ online poker sites, which are all legal in Garden State.
So, which ones are the best? What are the pros and cons of each site? We give you a review of New Jersey online poker sites so you can make an educated decision on which poker room fits your poker goals, playing style, and poker bankroll the best. Keep reading to find out.
Play Poker Online in New Jersey at PokerStars NJ
PokerStars NJ is part of the largest and most trusted online poker site in the world. It offers unrivalled game selection, the biggest online poker tournaments, and world-class customer service, and it has a lot to offer players in New Jersey. Needless to say, PokerStars is one of the best poker sites NJ has to offer.
There is a huge selection of cash games available, as well as plenty of opportunities to qualify to win tournament tickets to live events. The software is top-notch, and the customer support is excellent. Overall, PokerStars NJ is our top pick for online poker in New Jersey.
Thanks to its popularity, NJ PokerStars also has a strong presence in social media and other websites, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Twitch. So if you are looking for some goodies, these are worth checking out.
PokerStars is one of a handful of major online poker sites worldwide. Stars entered the state legally thanks to the lenient NJ online poker laws compared to most states.
Find out more about the PokerStars review, software, bonus offers, and other options, or click the banner below to claim your welcome bonus straight away.
PokerStars NJ App (Review)
Players on PokerStars NJ can play online poker on the PokerStars app, which is one of the best poker apps out there. Poker players will be able to enjoy a lot of the same features as on a desktop, including access to the Cashier playing all your favorite formats.
The 'Play Now' button allows players to instantly join their favorite games and tournaments with a single click from inside the PokerStars lobby. The app also allows for multi-tabling, whether you're playing for play money or for real money. The PokerStars app is also fully secure, using powerful encryption technology to ensure that all players have a safe environment to play in.
The PokerStars app is available on both iPhone and iPad, as well as on Android operating systems.
PokerStars NJ Desktop Software (Review)
The desktop client for PokerStars NJ is the same PokerStars client that poker players have enjoyed for over 20 years and is available for both Mac and PC. The client has been consistently updated to give players the best playing experience, easy access to their favorite games and clear information about the games they choose to play in.
With clear tabs and fully customisable tables, PokerStars makes it easy for players to jump into tournaments, cash games and Sit & Gos. Players can also enjoy Spin & Go games in the PokerStars NJ client.
Other client features include customizable betting sliders, throwables, and optional tiling opportunities to ensure a seamless multi-tabling experience.
PokerStars NJ Bonuses
As is expected, PokerStars NJ online poker offers a wide variety of bonuses and promotions to all the players who sign up through PokerNews. Upon signing up for the first time, all new players receive a 100% match bonus up to $600. The more you deposit, the more you will receive in bonus money, up to the $600 maximum. Playthrough requirements apply.
To be eligible to enjoy all the PokerNews-exclusive offers and be awarded the welcome bonus described below, all you need to do is to sign up for an online poker account by clicking on one of the links on this page.
PokerStars NJ Deposit and Withdrawal Information
The PokerStars NJ online poker site provides some of the best customer support by any US-regulated online poker room. Questions are quickly and accurately answered via email 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Depositing and withdrawing is easy and quick, with many different options available. Players can deposit and withdraw via the following methods:
- MasterCard
- PaySafeCard
- PokerStars Instant Online Banking
- Instant e-checks*
- Neteller*
- PokerStars Play+ Card*
*denotes withdrawal only
Additionally, players looking to make more sizable deposits and withdrawals have the option of doing so at the casino cage at Resorts Casino located in Atlantic City.
What poker games can I play on PokerStars NJ
PokerStars software offers the widest variety of poker variants in both cash games and tournaments. They include Texas Hold'em (Limit and No-Limit), Omaha (Pot-Limit and Hi-Lo), Seven-Card Stud, Razz and a variety of mixed games including 8-Game, Draw games and Badugi. These are all easily accessible from within the PokerStars NJ client.
Each poker variant is different and requires an understanding of the poker rules that are particular to that game. While everyone may have played Texas Hold'em, they may not know how Stud games are dealt or played. The online software on PokerStars NJ makes it easy — players don't have to worry about anteing as it is done automatically — so it makes it a great place to learn new mixed game variants.
PokerStars NJ Formats
The PokerStars NJ online poker platform also has many different online poker tournaments, including daily and weekly events as well as the annual series and its popular New Jersey Championship of Online Poker.
To play, you first need to download the PokerStars NJ software. Or, if you want to play online poker on mobile, you can also download the PokerStars NJ app.
PokerStars NJ Offers, Promotions and Rewards
PokerStars is the most rewarding online casino in the world via its Stars Rewards program. What makes this such a great program is that even on days when you're running bad, you can receive some money or prizes back as a consolation that softens the blow a bit. Points ear earned from poker as well as the casino and sportsbook. Details on earning points are as follows:
Poker
Players earn 100 reward points for every $1 paid in fees for scheduled tournaments. Also, they earn 100 reward points for every $1 paid in rake in Zoom or cash games or other tournament fees.
Casino
Players earn reward points at the point of wagering. For more information about each type of game, you can also select 'How to play' at the bottom of the casino website.
Sports
Players earn reward points when a bet is settled. For single bets, it's 1.7 reward points for every $1 wagered. For parlay/combination bets, it's 4.7 reward points for every $1 wagered.
As points are earned, players fill up their Progress Bar and are rewarded with a Chest. Chests are set based on six levels. The higher the level, the bigger the reward. You move up the levels by earning a number of Chests within a 28-day period. Should you go an entire 28-day period without earning any Chest, you'll be moved down a level
About PokerStars NJ
The leading online poker site in the world, PokerStars is also extremely popular in Garden State. While the US player pools are separated, it still draws in many enthusiasts.
Established in 2001, making it one of the oldest online poker sites ever, PokerStars cemented itself to be by far the world leader for real money online poker. After receiving approval from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement, PokerStars, which is licensed through its partner Resorts Digital Gaming LLC, launched its online poker room in the Garden State in March 2016, quickly growing into the largest regulated online poker room in the United States.
Play Poker Online in New Jersey at 888poker NJ
One of the first online poker sites to go live in New Jersey, 888pokerNJ, part of 888 Holdings, launched on November 26, 2013, following a partnership with Caesars Interactive. It has since grown to become one of the most consistent gambling sites in the Garden State.
When signing up to play at the 888poker NJ online poker site, you will join one of the most trusted online gaming companies in the world. While 888poker NJ launched in 2013, the 888poker brand has existed since 2002. With so much experience, it’s easy to see why 888 is among the best in the business.
Since January 2015, 888poker shares its player pool for tournaments with 888 Holdings sister site WSOP.com NJ, offering bigger tournaments and prizes for New Jersey players.
888poker NJ App (Review)
Available to download and play both on Android and iOS devices, the 888poker NJ mobile app has a very simple and user-friendly interface. It has a clean and minimalistic design. After signing in, you will then be taken to the lobby screen.
The lobby makes it easy for players to pick what kind of poker game they want to play, with each step extremely straightforward.
888poker uses the same software as 888 Holdings’ sister brand WSOP.com, with a different skin. In this case, this skin features the classic 888poker black and blue colors. The graphics have seen a significant update to give it a modern and smoother look.
888poker NJ Desktop Software (Review)
The desktop software for 888poker NJ is exceedingly easy to use. Just like the mobile app, it also runs using the same software as WSOP.com, with the 888 skin. The interface is primarily grey, black and blue, the same colors as the 888poker brand. It runs smoothly and without any problems.
The desktop version lobby has tabs for each different game, including Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Sit & Go, and Tournaments, as well as the popular BLAST poker variation.
It will then display the poker rooms available for each game. It is just as straightforward as the mobile app version and is also user-friendly.
One particular highlight for the desktop app is the favorites tab, which is a very good option for setting your personal preferences.
888poker NJ Deposit and Withdrawal Information
Here is a list of the deposit and withdrawal methods available to 888poker NJ players. The 888poker NJ online poker site payment system uses SSL technology (Secure Socket Layer) and encryption to protect all account information and funds.
- Bank Transfer
- e-Wallet
- Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard)*
- Prepaid Card*
*denotes deposit methods only
Players can also deposit and withdraw cash to/from your 888poker NJ account at the Caesars Atlantic City cage.
What poker games can I play on 888poker NJ?
888poker NJ has all the popular poker variants including Texas Hold'em (Limit and No-Limit), Omaha (Pot-Limit and Hi-Lo) along with both Seven-Card Stud and Stud Hi-Lo.
888poker formats
Thanks to its shared player pool with Nevada and Delaware, 888poker and WSOP.com tournaments also offer increased competition if you are looking for a bigger challenge.
BLAST Sit & GO poker is an 888poker exclusive variation. It is a four-handed sit & go game, but the prize pool is only revealed when the game starts. Until then, it’s kept secret from the participants. The prize can vary from 2 up to 10,000 times the buy-in. The draw takes place once four players have joined the room. All players will automatically go all-in until the winner is decided, which makes the game extremely fast-paced.
If you are looking for competition, 888 also has daily and weekly championships. In order to play, users must download the PC software or the 888Poker NJ free mobile app.
About 888poker NJ
Part of the American Poker Network, 888 Poker NJ has a shared player pool with Delaware and Nevada.
It is WSOP.com's sister site and a very popular choice among New Jersey players. Thanks to its large player pool, 888 is guaranteed to offer great competition and a nice challenge to all poker enthusiasts.
Voted the 'Poker Operator of the Year' in 2011 and 2012, 888 uses the same engine and platform as WSOP NJ. As one of the first gambling sites to go online in NJ, and with plenty of experience in the internet gaming industry, 888 offers a great experience to all its users, which includes tournament series.
Play Poker Online in New Jersey at WSOP.com NJ
WSOP.com, home of the world-famous World Series of Poker brand, is booming in New Jersey giving the Garden State’s poker-playing population access to their favorite real money games. Whether you play on your desktop or use the WSOP NJ poker app, the action is non-stop and fast-paced.
WSOP.com poker rooms are always buzzing with activity thanks to shared liquidity deals with Nevada and Delaware. Two others states are expected to join the interstate compact in Michigan and Pennsylvania, with the former almost certainly to be first.
The market leader online poker site in New Jersey, WSOP.com, shares its player pool with Nevada and Delaware while also enjoying the popularity of the WSOP, one of the world's top poker brands.
It is part of the American Poker Network, which is owned by parent company 888 Holdings and is one of the biggest poker networks in the US.
The WSOP NJ online poker site was launched on November 21, 2013, and became one of the first internet gaming sites available in NJ. As you would expect from a WSOP product, competitors will have their hands full with tournament events. WSOP NJ has a wide variety of both weekly and daily poker tournaments with generous prize pools.
Players can also participate in bracelet events and the WSOP Online Series of Championships. The champion will be awarded an exclusive WSOP ring.
New Jersey poker players also have access to many exclusive promos on WSOP.com. The site offers a good variety of games, which includes Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 7-card stud, five-card draw, lowball draw and badugi.
Players must download the WSOP software on a PC or the WSOP.com NJ mobile app first.
Play Poker Online in New Jersey at Borgata Poker NJ
Borgata Poker NJ is the official online poker site of the famous New Jersey land-based casino Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. This popular destination has hosted numerous World Poker Tour events in the past. Borgata Poker NJ offers a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as a loyalty program that can earn players comps at Borgata’s land-based casino. Thehuge sign-up bonus of a free $75 is excellent, and it's easy to deposit and withdraw money on and off the site.
Borgata Poker NJ has partnered with BetMGM and PartyPoker to create a smooth and visually appealing platform. If you have an Android or iOS-powered device you can enjoy Borgata Poker’s products while on the move. Cash games, fast forward poker, and sit & go tournaments are all available, as are casino games.
As the name suggests, Borgata Poker NJ is the online branch of Atlantic City Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa which also played host to the World Poker Tour in 2019. It also relies on players liquidity sharing with PartyPoker and BetMGM, which are also part of the Borgata network.
The site users can take part in daily and weekly tournaments. Another possibility is to join the PartyPoker US Network Online Series. The poker variants on offer include Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha and Pot-Limit Hold'em.
The software used by Poker Borgata is the same as PartyPoker, with a different skin presentation. Users need to download the desktop client or the Borgata Poker app in order to play.
Play Poker Online in New Jersey at PartyPoker NJ
Another large online poker site with a lot to offer players in New Jersey is the world-famous brand PartyPoker. With plenty of experience in the online poker business, this trusted and famous brand has been around since 2001, which makes it one of the oldest in the world, and one of the top places for playing online poker.
PartyPoker NJ has a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as some good promotions. They're part of the MGM-owned PartyPoker US network, which also includes Borgata poker and BetMGM poker. PartyPoker NJ shares an integrated platform with PartyCasino, allowing players to use the same account for both sites.
Another popular online poker site, PartyPoker NJ was acquired by Borgata. As previously mentioned, it provides the engine used by its sister sites. PartyPoker also shares its New Jersey players network with the other two sites.
PartyPoker NJ also shares the same tournament's pool with Borgata, hosting daily and weekly tournaments as well as the US Network Mini Series. Variants include Pot Limit Omaha and Pot-Limit Hold'em.
In order to play real money online poker at PartyPoker, one of the top NJ poker sites, you need to either download the PC/Mac software or the mobile app.
Play Poker Online in New Jersey at BetMGM Poker NJ
This online poker site is operated by MGM, one of the largest casino operators in the world, and an overall fantastic place to play real money online poker. BetMGM Poker NJ offers a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as a loyalty program that can earn players comps at MGM’s famous land-based casinos.
BetMGM Poker runs on one of the best poker software available to players in New Jersey. The platform is the same that powers its sister site PartyPoker NJ and is considered to be one of the most advanced in the business.
It is also worth noting that the platform integrates all the casino games available to BetMGM users in New Jersey. The fact that BetMGM is so popular amongst casino players means the field is softer than at PokerStars, with a lot more recreational players active at the MGM Poker tables.
The third and most recent addition to the Borgata family, BetMGM Poker also uses the PartyPoker engine and shares its player pool with the other two sister sites.
BetMGM offers different game variations, which include Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, Pot Limit Hold'em and 7-card stud.
It also offers the same tournaments and prize pools as its other two sister sites, which includes daily and weekly events as well as the Party Poker US Network Online Series.
You will be required to download the BetMGM software in order to play, which is available for PC. Another option is to play on the go by downloading the BetMGM mobile app.
These are just a few of the many legal online poker sites that are available to players in New Jersey. So, take your time and find the one that’s right for you. And, remember, you can always come back and try another one if you’re not happy with your first choice.
What is the Best Place to Play Online Poker Tournaments in New Jersey?
Internet poker tournaments are one of the reasons why the game has grown in popularity. The competitive environment and the fun from these events are what keep drawing in both experienced and new players.
With a single table or multiple tables, NJ players can pick their favorite format and go for it. While tournaments usually require a buy-in, all sites have free play events that you can play for fun. And some of these free tournaments also pay real money, and sometimes you can even win tournament tickets into events where you could make a ton of money.
Of course, you can play simply for the sake of it without caring about the prizes - after all, gaming is all about fun more than anything else.
But, if you're looking for the best online poker tournament New Jersey has to offer in terms of both prizes and quality, then we'd definitely recommend WSOP.com NJ. Not only is it licensed and regulated, it has a close relationship with the WSOP offering its players the chance to win WSOP bracelets from the comfort of their own home.
With an interstate compact with players from Nevada and Delaware, you're not going to have to worry about the size of these tournaments anyway. Sundays are especially busy with tournaments like the $320 buy-in Sunday $100K Guarantee.
On the other end of the spectrum, every Sunday there's an $11 buy-in, $11,111 GTD Weekly tournament. If you're not keen to buy in directly, WSOP NJ offers a wide variety of satellites providing players an opportunity to get in at a fraction of the price. Upon winning satellites, you take those tournament tickets that you won to enter into a bigger event.
Alternatively, PokerStars is definitely a top pick for you.
PokerStars hosts multiple online poker tournaments every day with different formats and buy-ins. From small events with a $5 buy-in to large ones that cost $200 or more, there's something for every player. The site also has a special section for its online poker tournaments, where you can find all the information you need about upcoming events. This includes the schedule, the buy-ins, the number of players, and the prize pool.
Finally, 888poker NJ offers a large welcome bonus, and has one of the most trusted names in poker you're able to enjoy exciting BLAST poker tournaments. These are four-handed sit & gos, where the prize pool is only revealed when the game starts. Until then, it’s kept secret from the participants. The prize can vary from 2 up to 10,000 times the buy-in. The draw takes place once four players have joined the room. All players will automatically go all-in until the winner is decided, which makes the game extremely fast-paced. 888poker NJ also features regular MTT and SNG tournaments as well.
New Jersey Online Tournament Calendar
As the prime destination for all things poker in the Garden State, we're thrilled to unveil our latest feature: the Online Poker Calendar.
Tailored specifically for New Jersey's dynamic poker community, this versatile tool keeps you updated with the latest information on online poker tournaments that are coming up.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just beginning your journey into the world of online poker, our calendar widget ensures you're always up-to-date. Why not give it a go today?
What is the Best Place to Play Online Poker Cash Games in New Jersey?
The quick nature of cash games has made it rise in popularity among online poker players, and it's no different in New Jersey. And because of that, all poker sites have cash games poker rooms to their users.
Naturally, a cash game will offer a slightly higher risk-reward factor, but is still enjoyable. While you can play it to win money, you can also enjoy a few rounds just for fun as well.
So, if you're looking for the best online poker cash game New Jersey has to offer, then PokerStars is the site for you.
PokerStars offers a wide variety of cash games with different limits and stakes. From small-stakes games with a $0.01/$0.02 blind to high-stakes tables with a $100/$200 blind, you'll find everything you're looking for. The site also has a special cash games section where you can find all the information about the different tables and limits. This includes the average pot size, the flop percentage, the number of players, and more.
Players should also check out WSOP.com NJ to take advantage of the interstate compact, offering increased player liquidity and more tables full at once. You can use the Seat Poker Wizard to find your favorite game, table type, and blind structure. It doesn’t matter if you want to play $.05/$0.10 no limit Hold ‘Em or $10/$20 limit Omaha; WSOP.com has the cash game and perfect stake size for you.
Thanks to its shared player pool with sister site WSOP.com, 888poker NJ is also a great option for players wanting to enjoy exciting cash game action. While hold'em games are easy to find, Omaha and Stud games run more sporadically, but there's something for everyone inside the 888poker client.
Make sure to check out all the best legal online casino games in New Jersey.
What are the Best Online Poker Deposit Bonuses in New Jersey?
If you are looking for a good online poker deposit bonus to start off with, then we have some very good news. NJ online poker sites offer some very good bonuses, from bonus money to 100% match bonus offer.
Online poker sites have a generous first deposit bonus offer for which new players are eligible. But regulars also get special offers, which include not just deposit bonuses but other perks.
Some sites will even go the extra mile and offer players a no-deposit bonus. When picking a poker site in NJ, it's always worth checking out these offers.
Think of it this way, if you walked into your local casino and signed up for a player rewards card and they offered you $50 in free slot play or some slot tournament tickets, would you say no? Of course you wouldn't! The poker sites in New Jersey give you a similar offer in the form of a deposit match bonus when you sign up, which is free money to help you build your bankroll.
New Jersey
- Online Poker is allowed
- Online Poker is legal since 2013
- Live Poker is allowed
- Live Poker is legal since 1977
- New Jersey Casino Control Act
- Online Casino is allowed
- Online Casino is legal since 2013
- Sports Betting is allowed
- Sports Betting is legal since 2018
Free Online Games in New Jersey
If you're looking to try your hand at one of New Jersey’s free online games before you're ready to play for real money, you can! Check out our comprehensive list of tried-and-true free games to scratch your poker and gaming urge.
And, as the name would suggest, the best thing is these games are completely free to play! Click below to visit one of PokerNews's most trusted social gaming sites.
Is Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, poker is legal in the state of New Jersey. A first online gambling bill was voted in 2011, but New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed it. Christie saw some legal issues regarding the possibility of offering online gambling elsewhere outside Atlantic City and concerns over a potential gambling problem.
It took another year for a second bill. It passed the New Jersey Legislature in December 2012 and was finally signed into law in February 2013. After that, online gambling in NJ went live on November 21 of that same year. After a five-day trial period, real money, regulated online gambling finally went live on November 26. WSOP.com NJ, 888 Poker NJ, Borgata, Ultimate Poker and Betfair were the first ones.
While some of these sites have ceased operations, some remain and enjoy plenty of popularity. Other sites have also joined the scene, which offers many options.
Meanwhile, you can rest at ease knowing that NJ online poker is thoroughly regulated to ensure that the sites are up to date regarding safety and that the competition is fair.
The runs tests to make sure that each game's Random Number Generator works the way it should. Any attempts to rig the system will be detected instantly, preventing potential cheaters from finding exploits.
All the rooms on this list use the latest TLS encryption technology and have accurate RNG. In case you want to see it by yourself, it's also possible to .
New Jersey Poker History Timeline
Online poker sites were ruled legal in New Jersey seven years ago, back in November 2013. Since then, it has been one of the many options for internet gaming and online casino games enthusiasts in Garden State.
After Nevada had been the only state in the U.S. to offer legal gambling for more than four decades, New Jersey passed legislation to allow casinos in Atlantic City the mid-1970s, with the first casino opening in 1978.
After reaching a revenue peak in 2006, the famed "Boardwalk" declined in subsequent years, though has revived recently. Currently, nine casinos operate in Atlantic City, with legislative efforts to allow casinos elsewhere in the state having thus far failed to advance.
Most forms of gambling have been allowed in New Jersey casinos, with sports betting added in 2018. The state also has horse racing and off-track betting and was one of the first states to have a lottery (starting in 1969).or players in New Jersey.
Initially, New Jersey had a relatively small pool of online poker players. While it was significantly larger than Nevada and Delaware, it still had some limitations. In 2017, Governor Chris Christie signed the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which allowed the four states to share player pools.
New Jersey Online Poker and Atlantic City Casinos
As part of the New Jersey gambling legislation, the state's online poker networks must establish a partnership with an Atlantic City brick-and-mortar casino.
Thanks to some of the most lenient gambling laws in the country, the NJ online poker market is booming. You can play no-limit hold'em, pot-limit Omaha, tournaments, free play games, you name it — straight from your own home.
The 888 Holdings network, which consists of WSOP.com and 888 Poker, partners with Harrah's Casino, which is part of Caesars Entertainment.
Borgata Hotel, Spa and Casino, home to numerous World Poker Tour events, partners the three websites from its network - Borgata Poker, PartyPoker, and BetMGM, as well as the independent Pala Poker. Meanwhile, Pokerstars has Resorts Casino as its land-based partner.
Final Verdict - What is the Best Online Poker Site in New Jersey?
So, what is the best online poker site to play at in NJ? Well, the state is blessed with top online poker rooms, but our top pick has to be PokerStars.
It's long history has meant that PokerStars has now become a titan in the poker industry. It's long since been at the top of pile, being instrumental in boosting the profile of the game into the mainstream, hosting tours like the European Poker Tour. But away from the live circuit, its online offerings are second to none. In particular, I loved the range of weekly tournaments that are staples of the online poker calendar. What's more, if I want to deviate from the typical No-limit Hold'em or Pot-limit Omaha games, there's plenty of Badugi, Stud and other less common games and tournaments to choose from.
888poker and WSOP NJ come in close second for the best poker sites in the state. 888, similarly to Stars, has been around for a while. While it started off predominantly as a sportsbook, in the last few years its concentrated efforts on building its poker offerings have paid off. Now, they have secured their place at the top of the industry, with its array of tournaments a particular highlight, and something I liked about the site.
Finally, how can I not talk about WSOP? Like its competitors, WSOP online offers all the stuff you'd expect from a leading poker site, but one thing in particular stood out for me. It is the fact that the online room is closely related to the World Series of Poker itself. This means I can literally satellite into the Main Event from the comfort of my own home. What's more, I can also actually win a WSOP bracelet directly from playing one of the selected tournaments on the site.
Overall though, players in New Jersey aren't short on viable options. There are loads of great, legal and regulated online poker sites to choose from.
New Jersey Online Poker FAQ
Is online poker legal in NJ?
If you are at least 21 and find yourself within the Garden State borders, the answer is yes. You can create a poker account and play real money online poker in New Jersey.
All licensed operators rely on geolocation software to determine the player's location. Because of this, players outside the state aren't allowed to play at NJ poker sites — and no, a VPN will not help you fake your location.
Some websites also share the player pool with the states of Nevada and Delaware. These gambling operators allow you to test your skills against a wider range of players.
A wider players' pool not only increases the fun factor but also leads to much larger prize pools - especially during guaranteed scheduled poker tournaments.
Can I play online poker and online casino in New Jersey?
If you are at least 21 years and find yourself in New Jersey, then yes, you can play both online casino games and online poker for fun and for real money.
Almost all the poker rooms licensed in New Jersey also offer online casino games and sports betting. After making your account, you can use the same login and wallet to play both and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Can I play online poker for fun in New Jersey?
If you aren't looking for real money poker in NJ, you can join a poker room to play for fun.
Even if you don't want to play for cash, you still need to register an account, meaning you must be in New Jersey and be 21 or older.
All the New Jersey online poker rooms do offer free tournaments (i,e poker freerolls), which are always a good pick if you want to have fun without worrying too much about having to play money and the potential winnings and losses.
Can I play the championship of online poker in New Jersey?
All online poker sites in New Jersey offer tournaments, including free play events and tournament series. Some free online tournaments do pay real money. You can also play for fun.
For the most part, a championship of online poker will require a buy-in for tournament tickets. But all seven sites in NJ offer these events, so it's up to the user to decide their favorite one.
When was online poker legalized in New Jersey?
Here is a brief poker timeline for Garden State.
The New Jersey bill for online gambling was finally signed into law in February 2013. However, it took another nine months until November 2013, when the first online casino sites and online poker rooms went online.
On November 21 2013, the first gaming websites went live for a five-day testing period. Then, on November 26 2013, online gaming became official.
Since then, anyone 21 or older and within the Garden State lines is allowed to create an account and play.
What is the best online poker site in New Jersey?
If you want to play online poker in NJ, seven different websites are available. Four different poker networks run these.
WSOP.com NJ and 888 are both part of the 888 Holdings Network and share the same player pools with the Nevada and Delaware websites while using the World Series of Poker client for the game.
WSOP NJ has many bracelet events from its tournament series with a generous prize pool.
Borgata, PartyPoker and BetMGM are part of the Atlantic City's Borgata Resorts casino hotel network and use the PartyPoker software to run the game.
PokerStars is also legal in New Jersey and is naturally a very popular choice.
Pala Poker is the most recent addition to the party. While it does have a partnership with Borgata, it runs as a standalone operation.
What are the best online poker games available in New Jersey?
One of the best things about New Jersey poker sites is the number of games on offer. Popular game formats such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 6-max, 5-max, and seven-card stud are available at most websites, but you can also check out some other unique variations such as the fast-paced Spin & Go sit-and-go tournaments.
Some other sites have poker rooms with fast variants, which are also worth checking out if you want to sit down for a quick playing session. These faster variations are just as fun as all the others and worth a try in case you haven't done so already.
If you are looking for even more options, sit & go and cash games are also available on all websites.
Do New Jersey online poker sites offer deposit bonuses?
Yes, you will find an excellent first deposit bonus offer at all the NJ online sites. We suggest you check out the reviews written by the PokerNews team to find out about the best deposit bonus for New Jersey online poker.
There is plenty to choose from, from deposit match bonuses to bonus money and loyalty programs.
Which deposit and withdrawal methods do NJ online poker websites offer?
New Jersey online poker sites offer many deposit methods and banking options.
While credit and debit cards are the most common and popular choices, other options are available. Virtual wallets such as Paypal and Skrill are also reasonably popular.
Users can also deposit with bank transfers. Withdrawals must be requested using the same payment methods as the original deposit.
Is online poker in New Jersey safe?
Playing poker online in NJ is safe if you keep it to the regulated online poker operators with a valid gaming license from the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
This will ensure that the website follows all the strict guidelines regarding internet safety, which includes running the latest data encryption technology to protect the user's personal and sensitive information, such as an ID card or social security number.
It's also worth mentioning that the New Jersey legislation requires websites to partner with a land-based Atlantic City casino.
In other words, to put it simply, all the online sites that are legal in NJ are highly safe, so you don't have to worry about it.
What software do I need to play online poker in NJ?
Each NJ website will require you to download online poker software to play.
WSOP NJ and 888 run on the same game engine, developed by WSOP, with specific skins and different branding for each site. Borgata, PartyPoker, and BetMGM, which are all part of the Borgata network, use the game engine developed by Party Poker.
PokerStars New Jersey uses the brand's well-known game engine, while Pala uses its own poker client. Head to the download section and install the desktop software.
Can you play PokerStars in NJ?
Yes, you can play Pokerstars in New Jersey. It's one of the seven sites licensed by the state's DGE.
Can I play mobile online poker in New Jersey?
The sites authorized to offer online games in NJ also provide their own mobile poker apps if you choose to play poker on Android or iPhone. The app download link is available on the homepage or in the download section.
After downloading and installing, you can play poker apps on your mobile device.
How much money does the online poker market generate in New Jersey?
The market saw a poker boom and set a new record revenue in March 2020 of $3.6 million.
The previous record had been set back in January 2014, only the second full month of operations, with a revenue of $3.4 million.
What is a deposit bonus?
When you make your first deposit, you will receive a matched deposit bonus at the major online poker sites you choose. How these works are, you will receive free play or free money totaling the amount of your deposit up to a specific maximum (on some sites, it's $1,000, whereas for others, that will be $600 or so).
New Jersey
- Online Poker is allowed
- Online Poker is legal since 2013
- Live Poker is allowed
- Live Poker is legal since 1977
- New Jersey Casino Control Act
- Online Casino is allowed
- Online Casino is legal since 2013
- Sports Betting is allowed
- Sports Betting is legal since 2018