New Jersey is considered one of the pioneering states in the U.S. online gambling industry. As one of the first states to legalize online casinos, New Jersey has become a hotspot for gambling innovation, offering players a wide array of platforms to enjoy everything from slots to table games, poker, and more. With each online casino adding something unique to the market, New Jersey’s online gambling landscape has grown rapidly since its inception in 2013.
In this article, we will delve into the timeline of when each major online casino launched in New Jersey, examining the key moments that shaped the industry, the partnerships behind the platforms, and how each online casino has developed since its launch. This comprehensive overview will offer insight into the growth of online gambling in New Jersey and provide a detailed look at the state’s leading platforms.
2013: The Beginning of Legal Online Gambling in New Jersey
In November 2013, New Jersey became one of the first states to officially legalize online casino gambling, following in the footsteps of Nevada and Delaware. This monumental event marked the beginning of an entirely new era for the state’s gambling industry, with major casinos quickly moving to launch online platforms in partnership with established technology providers.
The legalization was made possible by the passage of the New Jersey Internet Gaming Law, which permitted Atlantic City’s casinos to operate online gaming platforms under strict regulations overseen by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). This regulation ensured that all online casino operations would be secure, fair, and compliant with state laws.
November 2013: The First Wave of Online Casinos
Several prominent online casinos launched almost immediately after the state legalized online gambling, with many partnering with renowned international gaming companies to bring their platforms to life. The first wave of online casinos set the foundation for the competitive landscape that would follow.
Borgata Online Casino (November 2013)
Borgata Casino was one of the first to enter New Jersey’s online gambling market, launching in November 2013. Borgata partnered with bwin.party, a major European gaming operator, to power its platform. The Borgata Online Casino quickly became a top choice for players, offering a wide selection of slots, table games, and poker options.
Borgata’s early launch cemented its place as one of the market leaders, and it continues to hold a dominant position in New Jersey’s online gambling industry.
Caesars Online Casino (November 2013)
Another early player in the market, Caesars Entertainment, also launched its online casino in November 2013. Partnering with 888 Holdings, Caesars introduced a robust platform offering a variety of casino games, including blackjack, roulette, slots, and more.
Caesars leveraged its strong brand and loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, to attract both new and existing players, making it a major contender in the New Jersey market from the beginning.
888 Casino (November 2013)
888 Casino launched alongside Caesars, operating as both a standalone brand and as a technology provider for other casinos. The platform offered a vast library of games, including exclusive slots and table games, and was instrumental in helping Caesars and other casinos establish a foothold in the state.
888’s dual role as both an operator and a provider helped it grow quickly, with its strong international reputation boosting its presence in New Jersey.
2014-2015: New Entrants and Continued Growth
After the initial wave of online casinos launched in 2013, the industry continued to expand in the following years. More Atlantic City casinos partnered with online gaming platforms to enter the market, offering players even more options.
Golden Nugget Online Casino (December 2013)
Though it launched slightly later than Borgata and Caesars, Golden Nugget Online Casino debuted in December 2013 and soon established itself as a key player in the New Jersey market. Partnering with Betfair Casino, Golden Nugget quickly became known for its excellent game selection, customer service, and innovative features such as live dealer games.
Golden Nugget’s platform stood out due to its strong focus on customer experience, and it eventually surpassed many of its competitors in terms of revenue, becoming the top-grossing online casino in New Jersey in later years.
Tropicana Online Casino (December 2013)
Launched in partnership with Gamesys, Tropicana Online Casino also joined the market in December 2013. Tropicana focused on offering a high-quality selection of slots, video poker, and blackjack games. It quickly built a strong reputation for its user-friendly interface and frequent promotions.
Pala Casino (November 2014)
One of the later entrants to the New Jersey market, Pala Casino launched in November 2014. Operated by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and powered by Pala Interactive, the platform focused on providing a wide range of casino games, including exclusive titles not found on other New Jersey platforms.
While Pala didn’t have the brand recognition of some of its competitors, it differentiated itself by offering a generous welcome bonus and an extensive loyalty program.
| Casino | Launch Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Borgata Online Casino | November 2013 | Extensive game library, strong poker offerings |
| Caesars Online Casino | November 2013 | Large selection of games, integrated with Caesars Rewards |
| Golden Nugget Online Casino | December 2013 | Live dealer games, best customer service |
| Tropicana Online Casino | December 2013 | User-friendly interface, frequent promotions |
| Pala Casino | November 2014 | Unique game selection, generous bonuses |
2016-2018: The Rise of Major Sports Betting and Casino Hybrids
With online casinos firmly established, the introduction of sports betting in New Jersey in 2018 added another dimension to the state’s gambling industry. Several online casinos expanded their platforms to include integrated sportsbooks, creating a seamless experience for players who wanted both casino gaming and sports betting in one place.
DraftKings Casino (August 2018)
Initially known for its dominance in daily fantasy sports, DraftKings expanded into the online casino space in August 2018, shortly after launching its sportsbook in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). DraftKings quickly became a popular choice for players looking for a combination of casino games and sports betting.
DraftKings Casino offered a well-curated selection of slots and table games and became known for its innovative app design and smooth integration between its sportsbook and casino platforms.
FanDuel Casino (September 2018)
FanDuel, another major player in the fantasy sports and sports betting world, launched its online casino in New Jersey in September 2018. Like DraftKings, FanDuel leveraged its existing user base from sports betting and fantasy sports to promote its casino platform. FanDuel’s casino games included slots, blackjack, roulette, and more, providing a comprehensive offering to its users.
| Casino | Launch Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Casino | August 2018 | Integrated with sportsbook, innovative app design |
| FanDuel Casino | September 2018 | Large user base, seamless integration with sports betting |
2019-Present: Expanding the Market Further
The last few years have seen continued growth in New Jersey’s online casino market, with new entrants and innovative features adding to the competition. Several major casinos have expanded their offerings to include live dealer games, virtual sports, and enhanced mobile experiences.
BetMGM Casino (September 2019)
BetMGM Casino entered the New Jersey market in September 2019, bringing with it a stellar reputation as part of the MGM Resorts brand. The platform quickly gained traction with its extensive selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options. BetMGM also introduced exclusive branded content and innovative promotions, making it a popular choice for New Jersey players.
Hard Rock Casino (June 2018)
Hard Rock Online Casino launched in June 2018, shortly after the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opened its doors in Atlantic City. Powered by GiG (Gaming Innovation Group), Hard Rock’s platform boasted a wide range of exclusive games, including branded Hard Rock slot titles, table games, and live dealer options.
Final Overview of Launch Dates
| Casino | Launch Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Borgata Online Casino | November 2013 | Early market leader, extensive poker options |
| Caesars Online Casino | November 2013 | Strong loyalty program, partnership with 888 Holdings |
| Golden Nugget Online Casino | December 2013 | Known for live dealer games, high revenue |
| Tropicana Online Casino | December 2013 | High-quality user interface, focus on promotions |
| Pala Casino | November 2014 | Unique game offerings, generous loyalty program |
| DraftKings Casino | August 2018 | Leading sportsbook and casino hybrid |
| FanDuel Casino | September 2018 | Strong sports betting integration |
| BetMGM Casino | September 2019 | Extensive |
The Future of Online Casinos in New Jersey
New Jersey’s online casino market continues to thrive, with new platforms and innovations constantly being introduced. From its early days in 2013 to the present, the state has seen significant growth in both the number of platforms and the variety of games offered. As more casinos continue to expand their digital offerings and integrate new technologies, New Jersey will remain at the forefront of the online gambling industry for years to come.
