Today I want to tell you about the types of legal gambling in New Jersey, a story that begins in the colonial period and continues to the present day. As of 2025, we have 30 issued online licenses, 23 sportsbook licenses, 9 land-based casinos, 2 racetracks, 2 off-track betting locations, and 8 lottery types (a detailed review of each of them will be published soon). We begin at the very foundation of gambling. Gambling that gives us what we seek. Where we can start from zero, with a small wager, and try to beat luck. To pull it to our side, in order to earn a reward. more gambling news
Gambling is an inseparable part of human nature. Because gambling always drives you. Gambling, first of all, is interest. Interest that is reinforced not just by the desire to understand or to see something, but reinforced by money, an inseparable part of human existence, which brings us benefit.
So let us begin the history of gambling in the great state of New Jersey, from illegal racetracks to regulated iGaming. If you’re looking to start playing at a legal online casino New Jersey players can trust, this guide provides context from the very beginning.
Colonial Era: Origins of Gambling
Gambling in New Jersey has its roots in the colonial era. Since the late 17th century, lotteries, betting, and cash-based games were actively used across the colony. By the 18th century, lotteries had become an important means of funding public infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and colleges.
In 1744, the Colonial Lottery of New Jersey was held with the purpose of raising funds for the construction of a road between Elizabeth and New Brunswick (Acts of the General Assembly of the Province of New-Jersey).
From 1748 to 1774, several public lotteries under the name “College of New Jersey Lottery” were conducted to fund infrastructure and support the educational institution now known as Princeton University (Princeton University Archives)
In 1754, one such lottery was authorized to finance the expansion of the college’s academic buildings. In 1761 and 1764, tickets were sold throughout the colony to support Princeton and the construction of bridges at river crossings. The last major public lottery in support of the college and road construction was registered in 1774 (Lotteries in Colonial America (Neal Millikan).
19th Century: Horse Racing and Early Bans
In the 1830s, horse racing became a regular activity in New Jersey, particularly at Freehold Raceway. Starting in 1853, the Monmouth County Agricultural Society took over the organization of racing events. The races were held annually, accompanied by betting, and were seen as a form of local public entertainment (Freehold Raceway ).
On July 30, 1870, Monmouth Park Racetrack opened in East Long Branch. The project was initiated by businessman John Chamberlain, Senator Amos Robbins, and attorney George Lorry. The track quickly gained a reputation as a prestigious resort destination that attracted business and political elites from the East Coast. Horse races were accompanied by unregulated pari-mutuel betting, which was widespread on the premises.
From 1882 to 1891, Monmouth Park hosted the most prominent races in the region, including the Monmouth Cup and the Phillip H. Iselin Stakes. Betting took place through private bookmakers and illegal totalizators operating outside the legal system. The track’s growing popularity raised concern among religious and reformist groups.
On March 21, 1894, a law was passed that outlawed the pari-mutuel betting system and criminalized all forms of wagering on horse racing. Monmouth Park was shut down, and organized horse racing in New Jersey came to a complete halt.
20th Century: Underground Gambling in New Jersey and Reform
From the 1900s through the 1930s, New Jersey, especially Atlantic City, experienced a disorganized but large-scale rise in underground gambling fueled by a political alliance between crime and local authorities.
Gambling thrived in the shadows: in nightclubs, illegal gaming parlors, and unlicensed betting houses, all protected by local government and law enforcement.
• Clicquot Club (operated from the 1920s until 1931) was a well-known venue for gambling and illicit alcohol. It was shut down in 1931 following a raid in which roulette wheels, dice tables, slot machines, and horse race betting slips were confiscated.
• The 500 Club, opened in the 1930s, functioned as an elite club with a hidden gaming room under the stage, offering roulette, craps, baccarat, and card games (The 500 Club).
• Enoch “Nucky” Johnson ruled Atlantic City from the early 1910s to the late 1930s as both political leader and criminal boss. He approved illegal gambling operations in exchange for kickbacks and ensured their protection. After the arrest of political opponents and a series of corruption scandals, Johnson solidified his control over the local police and city government.
Toward Legalization: 1934–1976
1934–1938: Failed Legislative Attempts Amid the economic collapse of the Great Depression, New Jersey saw growing interest in legalizing specific forms of gambling. However, during this period, none of the proposed bills received sufficient political backing.
On April 17, 1939, a constitutional amendment was passed allowing pari-mutuel betting on horse races. The New Jersey Racing Commission was established in July 1940.
On November 3, 1953, a referendum approved a constitutional amendment permitting nonprofits and religious groups to hold bingo and raffles. Legislative implementation followed in January 1954.
1976: Atlantic City Legalization, A revised amendment limited gambling to Atlantic City and passed on November 2, 1976.
Modern Regulation and Online Gambling in New Jersey
In 1977, the Casino Control Act was passed, establishing the Casino Control Commission to license and regulate land-based casinos in Atlantic City.
• On May 26, 1978, Resorts International became the first officially licensed operator, opening Resorts Atlantic City as the first legal casino outside Nevada.
2010–2013: First Online Gambling Licenses
2013, a law permitted online gambling tied to land-based casinos. No more than five skins were allowed per brand. On October 9, 2013, Borgata became the first iGaming license holder. By November 25, platforms including Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Resorts, Tropicana, and WSOP.com were live. By December, 888casino, Partypoker, and Virgin Casino had joined the network.
As of 2025, over 30 licensed online casinos legally operate in New Jersey, alongside 23 sportsbook licenses, 9 land-based casinos, and 8 lottery products. A full breakdown of each license holder will be provided in upcoming reviews. Today, online casino New Jersey options continue to grow and evolve under strict state regulation.
Final Timeline Summary
• 1744 Colonial Lottery for road infrastructure
• 1830s Horse racing begins at Freehold Raceway
• 1870 Opening of Monmouth Park Racetrack
• 1894 Complete ban on betting and racetrack closures
• 1939 Horse betting legalized by constitutional amendment
• 1953 Charitable gaming legalized by referendum
• 1976 Atlantic City-only casino legalization approved
• 1978 First licensed casino: Resorts Atlantic City
• 2013 First official online gambling licenses issued
• 2025 30 licensed online casinos, 23 sportsbooks, 9 land-based casinos, 2 racetracks, 2 OTBs, 8 lotteries