New Jersey was the third state to legalize online poker. It launched to invited players on November 21, 2013. It opened to the public five days later.
New Jersey had the ability to become the first state to legalize and regulate online poker in 2011. A bill that would have allowed online gambling passed both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature and went to Governor Christie’s desk. On March 3, 2011, Christie vetoed the bill. He cited constitutional concerns.
The New Jersey Constitution only allows casino style gambling within the city limits of Atlantic City. He did not feel simply hosting the servers in Atlantic City would suffice. He must have changed his mind. In February 2013, he signed the current bill into law. There was a conditional veto before final acceptance of the bill. The governor insisted that the tax rate be 15 percent, as opposed to the original 10 percent rate, as well as more funding for problem gambling services.
Unlike Nevada where only online poker is legal, New Jersey regulates casino games. In addition to poker, New Jersey players may choose between slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and numerous proprietary table games. Sports betting is not yet permitted in New Jersey. A case is pending before the U.S. Supreme Court that hopes to change that status.
Is Online Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Online poker is legal in New Jersey at sites that are regulated by the state. There are five networks available to New Jersey online poker players.
Borgata/Party Poker – Borgata and Party Poker share the same player pool and software platform. This network is the largest in New Jersey. It is the only current New Jersey site with more than one skin. New players may receive a 100% up to $600 first deposit bonus at Borgata and a 100% up to $100 first deposit bonus at Party Poker.
Both bonuses clear at a rate of 50% rakeback. This makes it the best online poker bonus in New Jersey. The Sunday tournament series is anchored by a $50k guaranteed tournament. There are also World Poker Tour qualifiers and daily guaranteed tournaments. Sign up today and get $25 FREE to check out PartyPoker NJ for yourself or check out the review below.
>> PartyPoker/Borgata.com Review <<
WSOP – WSOP is the number two site in New Jersey. It is the interactive brand for the World Series of Poker. The site offers prize packages for players to win seats to the annual series held in Las Vegas every summer. New players qualify for a 100% up to $400 first deposit bonus. It releases in $10 increments for every $50 in rake paid. This makes it worth 20% rakeback.
>> WSOP.com Poker Room Review @ 4Flush.com <<
888 – 888 is the third largest New Jersey poker site. It provides the same software to WSOP, however, the two sites do not share player pools. New players receive a 100% up to $888 first deposit bonus. It releases in $10 increments for every $50 in rake paid. New players also receive $10 in free tournament tickets.
>> 888Poker NJ Review <<
Ultimate Poker – Ultimate Poker was the first regulated online poker site in the U.S. when it launched in Nevada on April 30, 2013. It has been unable to parlay that into success in New Jersey. The site’s cash game traffic lags the other four by a wide margin. Ultimate Poker tries to make up for this by offering massive overlays in its tournament schedule. New players will receive a 100% up to $500 first deposit bonus. This clears at a rate of $50 for every $200 in rake paid, the equivalent of 25% rakeback.
>> Ultimate Poker NJ Review @ 4Flush.com <<
Betfair – Betfair offers online poker using Ongame software. It does not have any games. This may change if Golden Nugget ever launches its online poker site. Betfair and Golden Nugget may one day share the same network. Golden Nugget was to have launched in January but never did. There is no word on if the plans to offer online poker have been dropped.
There are several casino sites that are licensed by New Jersey that do not offer poker rooms. These include HarrahsCasino.com, CaesarsCasino.com, TropicanaCasino.com, and VirginCasino.com.
Where can you play live poker in New Jersey?
There are seven Atlantic City poker rooms. They range in size from 10 to 85 tables.
Borgata – Not only is Borgata the largest New Jersey poker site, it is also the largest poker room. It spreads cash games of 1/2 No Limit up to 10/25 blinds. Fixed Limit Hold’em starts at 2/4 and goes as high as 50/100.
Fixed Limit Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud, and Pot Limit Omaha are also available. Borgata also offers sit and gos starting at just a $60 buy-in. These are available 24 hours a day and start whenever there are enough players. Borgata is the U.S. home to the World Poker Tour.
Bally’s – The Bally’s poker room is located in the Wild West Casino. It uses the WSOP.com brand name. It offers 20 cash game tables but can spread another 45 for tournaments. Its usual game is 1/2 no limit.
Trump Taj Mahal – Trump Taj Mahal is the Atlantic City home for Seven Card Stud. Limits start at just 1-5 spread and run as high as 20/40. No Limit Hold’em in 1/2 and 2/5 blinds are also common. Fixed Limit Hold’em is often available at 2/4 and 4/8 limits.
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