New Jersey is a major hub of the poker scene in the northeast, and a handful of exciting NJ online poker sites are at the heart of that. Learn more about the legalities of playing online poker in New Jersey and check out our experts’ top-recommended NJ poker sites.
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New Jersey Online Poker Rooms Reviewed 2024
There are plenty of New Jersey online poker sites, but a few of them are the clear frontrunners. This is largely due to the size of their player bases, the guarantees on offer, and the industry-leading poker software which actually makes them fun to play at.
Here are our experts’ tips for some of the best poker sites New Jersey has to offer.
1. CoinPoker – Best NJ Poker Site for Crypto
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Curaçao eGaming | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10: Texas Hold’em is the mainstay at every NJ poker site, but variety is important for those who want to play other types of poker. CoinPoker excels by delivering Pot Limit Omaha and 5-Card Pot Limit Omaha, plus unique versions such as Cosmic Spins.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10: There’s a vast range of stakes available, from micros to high-roller events. A range of daily tourneys ensure you can consistently play for meaty guarantees, like the Big Bang tourneys or their Big Stacks events.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10: Ideal for both low and medium stakes, CoinPoker has a firm player base and tables are always running. High stakes can be a little slower to fill up but are still available.
- Software Quality 9.5/10: This is a cutting-edge poker room with a focus on crypto payments, so having ultra-modern software is a must. The tables utilize easily recognizable traits from other popular poker sites and make use of a dark theme to tap into that modern feel.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10: As one of the best crypto-friendly poker sites, you can make near-instant deposits and withdrawals with low fees. You can also use particular cryptos to increase your rakeback.
- Mobile Friendliness 9.5/10: CoinPoker has a great mobile app which you can download on both Windows and Android. Games have been rejigged to work well on smaller screens.
It takes a while to overtake the status quo, but CoinPoker has quickly risen to become one of the best poker sites in NJ. This is thanks to its top software and keen player base – not to mention famous poker pro Tony G helping direct the site.
The poker site also has its own cryptocurrency, CHP, which you can use to claim significant rakeback boosts.
Pros
- Use CHP for massively boosted rakeback
- Less common games like Open Face Chinese Poker are available
- Get help for beginners via free poker guides
- Consistent daily guarantees in Big Bang events
Cons
- High stakes tables can be slow to fill up
- If you don’t use CHP, you won’t get the maximum rakeback
- Anonymous poker with easy registration
- Get 33% rakeback every Monday
- Free from deposit & withdrawal fees on cryptocurrencies
2. ACR Poker – Best NJ Poker Site for Live Events
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10: ACR Poker is one of the most easily recognizable poker rooms in NJ, and for good reason. The lobby is packed with exciting tournaments and unique prizes, like the chance to play at The Cage Live.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10: You’ll never struggle to find a big tourney at ACR, no matter which stakes you’re after. Aside from the usual big online guarantees, ACR also runs a bunch of satellites where you can win a package to the WSOP Main Event.
- Traffic and Player Base 9.5/10: As a poker room with more than two decades of experience, the number of players here is huge. That’s how ACR Poker is able to deliver such massive guarantees so consistently.
- Software Quality 9.5/10: There’s no harm in imitating the best bits from other poker rooms, and that appears to be ACR’s tactic with their software, which resembles PokerStars in its aesthetic and ease of use.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8.5/10: With such a rich player base to choose from, it’s easy for ACR to offer both low and high stakes. When it comes to deposits, the site now offers crypto as a payment method.
- Mobile Friendliness 9/10: Download the free ACR app on your Android device for instant access to the poker lobby on the move. The app is sharp and in-game tables mirror the desktop version.
ACR Poker is one of the biggest names in the NJ poker scene, fronted by the likes of Chris Moneymaker and Tom Dwan. The lobby always has a huge guarantee or the chance to win a live poker experience, and the addition of crypto payments makes this poker room the complete package.
Pros
- Play for huge guarantees of up to eight figures
- Win seats to televised poker games
- Secure a WSOP package to Las Vegas
- Signed off by top pros like Moneymaker
Cons
- With so many players, some are top level
- No ACR Poker iOS app
- WPN network with solid player base
- Blitz poker for speed and convenience
- Seven card stud poker available
3. Black Chip Poker – Best NJ Poker Site for Satellites
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 8.5/10: Take your pick from a mixture of cash games, Sit & Gos and MTTs. There are also plenty of satellites to big events, including WSOP Main Events sats.
- Poker Tournaments 8.5/10: In addition to the big guarantees in their standard online MTTs, Black Chip Poker likes to mix things up with fun events that will appeal to newbies – like mystery bounty tournaments. Their WSOP Main Event satellites are also hugely popular.
- Traffic and Player Base 8.5/10: The player count at Black Chip Poker will often be a fraction less than some of the other top NJ poker sites, but any shortcoming is compensated by the higher percentage of recs.
- Software Quality 9.5/10: When you open up a table at Black Chip Poker, it looks fantastic – and certainly much better than the website itself. Fun in-game features help keep things cartoonish and casual, which suits the many amateurs playing here.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8.5/10: The limits can be a little tight, but the speed and ease of payments is top notch. You can deposit and withdraw using a range of methods including credit cards, e-wallets, and crypto.
- Mobile Friendliness 9/10: A full Black Chip Poker app is available for free, allowing you to play tournaments and cash games from your mobile. We’ve noticed that there are very regular updates with this particular app, which keeps things fresh.
Although there are strong similarities between Black Chip Poker and ACR Poker, this is a poker room which stands on its own merit. It takes the best bits from rival sites, like those dream-inspiring WSOP packages, and couples it with cartoony software which attracts an inexperienced poker crowd.
Pros
- High-quality, exciting graphics at the tables
- Plenty of inexperienced players
- Bet and play using cryptocurrency
- Win packages to the WSOP Main Event
Cons
- Fewer players than some other top NJ poker sites
- Certain limits on software you can use, like HUDs
- Play with other US poker players from all non-regulated states
- Winning poker network
- Seven card stud and 5 table PLO available
4. YaPoker – Best NJ Poker Site for Bonuses
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10: All NJ poker sites focus on No Limit Hold’em, but Ya Poker includes a selection of Omaha games too. You can sometimes find tables for games like 7-Card Stud. There’s a measured balance between fast-paced hypers and 6-max tables alongside tourneys with a slower structure.
- Poker Tournaments 8.5/10: Not only does Ya Poker have tourneys running round the clock, but some of them have significant guarantees. Previous events have boasted eight-figure prize pools by tapping into the Winning Poker Network player base.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10: Although Ya Poker might not be as famous as some of the other NJ poker sites, that doesn’t stop it from having a huge player base. It’s part of the Winning Poker Network, meaning thousands of players can play across the tournaments hosted here.
- Software Quality 9.5/10: The software at Ya Poker is one of the biggest selling points to new players. This is integral if you want a poker site to avoid becoming infested with sharks. In other words, it doesn’t just look great, but also helps to keep the games fair and winnable.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10: Deposits and withdrawals can be made quickly and easily at Ya Poker, and rake on cash games is very fair. There are caps in place to limit the amount you’ll pay. For instance, in a $5/$10 cash game the rake is capped at $3 per pot.
- Mobile Friendliness 9/10: Features in the Ya Poker app will hold appeal with both new and experienced players. Aesthetically, the fun, cartoonish avatars and simple table layout works well for newcomers. While the vast selection of games and tourneys on mobile are enough to keep seasoned players content.
Ya Poker isn’t yet a household name like ACR Poker and other NJ poker sites, but it has many of the same hallmarks. A gigantic player base, massive guarantees, tight software and a wide range of bonuses – including a VIP scheme – all combine to make this one of the better poker sites in New Jersey.
Pros
- High-quality, exciting graphics at the tables
- Plenty of inexperienced players
- Bet and play using cryptocurrency
- Win packages to the WSOP Main Event
Cons
- Fewer players than some other top NJ poker sites
- Certain limits on software you can use (eg HUDs)
- Step satellites for popular tournaments
- Check players at tables with rail tickets
- WPN - US friendly poker network
Advantages of Playing Online Poker NJ
Playing online poker in NJ for real money makes for a great alternative to live poker.
Here are some of the best advantages to playing poker online which you’ll find at our recommended New Jersey internet poker sites:
Players with a lower bankroll will find plenty of low-stakes cash games and tournaments online in NJ. If you’re completely new, you can also try free play.
Sites are always offering lucrative freerolls, cash back bonuses, giveaways, and more.
You don’t have to look hard to find a game. You’ll be able to find some poker action in NJ at any hour of the day.
This is primarily an online-exclusive, and you can grab particularly lucrative rakeback deals by using CHP at CoinPoker.
You can learn more about the crypto-site’s rakeback offer with our detailed CoinPoker review.
Not only will you play more hands per minute, but you can easily find hyper-turbo games which are rarely available at brick-and-mortar casinos.
How to Play Online Poker in NJ
If you’re planning on playing real money poker in NJ, it’s important that you know what you’re doing. Follow these steps and you’ll be on the right path:
- Pick a Useful Username – You only get to choose this once, so make it count. Want to keep a low profile? Pick a discreet name. Prefer people bluffing into you? Maybe something a bit more provocative will work.
- Explore the Lobby – Don’t rush into a game. Have a look at the stakes, game types, and big guarantees on offer to get accustomed to the new poker lobby.
- Customize your Avatar – Your image represents you at the table. Will you portray the image of a confident poker pro, or disguise yourself as an amateur?
- Edit your Settings – There are useful tools which many amateurs ignore in your settings. For example, you can usually input custom bet amounts for your table buttons. Changing this to something like 2.3x makes your betting patterns harder to spot than if you have a simple 2x or 3x button.
- Start Slow – When you’re new to a poker room, kick things off at low stakes or even using free play chips. Get used to the layout and how to see when it’s your turn to act.
- Ramp Up – Once you’re comfortable, you can push on to bigger tournaments and higher stakes.
Bonuses at New Jersey Online Poker Sites
If you’re looking for bonuses at New Jersey poker sites, you’ll have a lot to choose from. But which ones offer the best value?
Here’s a succinct guide to the different types of online NJ poker bonuses.
Welcome Bonuses
Whether you’re joining a poker room, casino or sportsbook, you’re almost guaranteed to be offered a welcome bonus. With poker in particular, these can be pretty lucrative, especially if you’re a high-volume player.
Your NJ poker welcome bonus could be a first deposit bonus, or perhaps free tickets to either freerolls, MTTs or Sit & Gos.
Best NJ poker online site for welcome bonuses: ACR Poker
Free Tournament Tickets
Free tournament tickets and freerolls are two different things. The former allows you to enter real-money events where other players have paid to enter, and are therefore one of the best online poker NJ bonuses.
It could be a $1.10 ticket, or the value could hit four figures. Keep an eye on the many free ticket offers around to make sure you don’t miss out on a higher-value one.
Best NJ poker online site for free tournament tickets: Black Chip Poker
Freerolls
Most freerolls are typically aimed at inexperienced players who want a chance to win something for free. There is no risk involved and the quality of players is often very soft.
Experienced players often avoid poker freerolls because of the low prizes relative to the number of players entering. This represents a great opportunity for new players who want to avoid getting beaten by sharks.
Best NJ poker online site for freerolls: Ya Poker
Rakeback
Every time you play poker online in NJ, you’re charged rake. Rakeback deals give you the chance to claim some of this back.
CoinPoker uses a unique cryptocurrency, CHP. If you choose to use it, you’ll benefit from a huge rakeback boost which far outweighs offers at many other online poker rooms.
Best NJ poker online site for rakeback: CoinPoker
VIP and Loyalty Programs
VIP schemes are particularly important if you play at a site regularly. For many pros, the difference between profit and loss lays in their VIP rewards.
You’ll often earn points for playing at the best New Jersey poker sites whether you win or lose – although getting further in a tournament may yield bigger rewards.
You can then cash these points in for prizes, ranging from free entry to online tournaments to exclusive merchandise.
Best NJ poker online site for VIP programs: Ya Poker
How to Deposit and Withdraw from NJ Online Poker Sites
Signing up for an online poker account in NJ is a quick and easy process, but don’t forget to claim the available poker bonuses to earn some free cash.
Most real-money, regulated New Jersey poker sites will have players provide details including:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Username
After entering that information, you’re ready to deposit. Accepted deposit methods include credit cards, debit cards, ewallets, and electronic checks.
Those who prefer a cash deposit can use partner casinos at the cashier. Or PayNearMe, available at thousands of retail outlets across the country including 7-Eleven.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to be in the state to sign up and deposit to an NJ online poker site. You can sign up and deposit from anywhere and then play the next time you’re in Atlantic City or another part of the state.
This is very convenient for players in neighboring states like New York. But remember that online sites make use of geolocation software to make sure you’re in the state when playing.
Cash withdrawals at NJ online gambling sites are regulated by New Jersey interactive gaming law. Credit and debit cards may only be used for withdrawal if the same card was used for the deposit.
Cashing Out
The ultimate aim is always to become a winning player and cash out. When you’re ready to withdraw those hard-earned winnings, here’s what to do:
- Log into your Account – You’ll need your username and password, and you’ll often have to do this via the downloadable poker software.
- Head to the Cashier – This will mean clicking on your avatar, or a section which reads “My Account” or similar.
- Select “Withdraw” – Within the cashier or banking section, select “Withdraw” to begin the cash out process.
- Choose your Payment Method – A lot of the time, you’ll need to use the same deposit method you used previously in order to cash out.
- Enter the Withdrawal Amount – You can either take out all of your winnings, or leave a set amount in for future games and just treat yourself to some profit.
- Confirm – Once you’re happy, confirm the withdrawal to finalize the cash out. If you’re using crypto, you should receive your winnings nearly instantly.
| Payment Method | CoinPoker | ACR Poker | Black Chip Poker | Ya Poker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTC | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ETH | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mastercard/Visa | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ewallet | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| CHP | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
NJ Online Poker Games
NJ online poker sites always have Texas Hold’em, but there are many other exciting versions of poker available. And you can find them at the best online NJ sites.
Here are a few of the most famous and popular types of poker which you can find at NJ poker sites:
The go-to for every poker site. Known as Texas Hold’em or simply Hold’em, this is by far the most common version of poker.
You’ll receive two hole cards and up to five community cards, and you can bet as much as you want at any stage in the hand in the No Limit version.
Best NJ online poker site for Hold’em: CoinPoker
The second most popular type of poker after Hold’em.
In Omaha, you’re dealt twice as many cards – though you can still only use two. Hands like flushes, straights and full houses are far more common.
But unlike Hold’em, you’re more likely to find pot limit variants over no limit.
Best NJ online poker site for Omaha: ACR Poker
Not quite as fashionable in New Jersey poker circles as Hold’em or Omaha, but still a classic version of poker.
It’s tougher to find stud games online, and they’re likely to have smaller guarantees than their Hold’em counterparts, but you can see a few more spring up when there’s an online festival or series running.
Best NJ online poker site for Stud: Ya Poker
Short Deck Poker also goes by the name 6+ Hold’em and is a version of the game with many of the low cards removed.
This leads to more premium holdings and has proved popular with the action-hungry players of the modern era.
It’s not always available at online poker rooms in NJ, but does spring up from time to time.
Best NJ online poker site for Short Deck Poker: CoinPoker
NJ Online Poker Tournaments
The best online NJ poker sites have tournaments which are as good as any you’ll find across the world, including eight-figure guarantees and the chance to win packages to the biggest live poker tournament on Earth.
Here are a few of the biggest and best online tournaments and series in NJ:
- The Venom with $12.5M GTD
- WSOP package satellites worth $10,000+
- Online Super Series XL with $40M GTD
- Million Dollar Sundays with $1M GTD
Best Poker Apps for NJ Players
Mobile poker is improving every year, and it’s now a popular way to join cash games and tourneys when playing online poker in NJ.
Legal online poker operators have moved to embrace mobile apps for an easy poker experience on the go.
At many of the best NJ poker sites, sites use a HTML 5 shortcut instead of bonafide poker apps. That might sound confusing but, as a player, the experience is very similar between the two.
Here’s a breakdown of which NJ poker sites allow you to play on mobile apps:
| Device | CoinPoker | ACR Poker | Black Chip Poker | Ya Poker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iOS | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Windows | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile Browser | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
New Jersey Live Poker
New Jersey has become a thriving scene for excellent online poker rooms, but you can also play live poker in the Garden State.
There are many poker tournaments in what is one of the most famous gambling locations in the world.
Where Can I Play Poker Live in New Jersey?
The home of poker in New Jersey is Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore seaside resort city which is known as the Las Vegas of the East Coast.
Here are some of the best live New Jersey poker rooms:
- The Borgata: Take a seat at any of 50+ tables and experience the biggest poker room in Atlantic City.
- The Tropicana: More focused on live cash games than tournaments, running daily.
- Harrah’s: In addition to their casino and video poker, there are also a few cash game poker tables.
Online Poker History in New Jersey
Online poker is now an entrenched part of the New Jersey online gaming industry. How did the state become one of the leaders in the industry?
After a couple of failed attempts over a three-year period, New Jersey lawmakers finally got then-Governor Chris Christie to sign an online gambling bill into law that included online poker legislation in February 2013.
The bill authorized the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to put together regulations that would govern online poker in New Jersey.
Plus, it asked the board to issue internet gaming licenses to vet potential operators affiliated with Atlantic City casinos.
NJ Becomes Third State to Legalize Poker
At the time, New Jersey became the third state in US history to legalize online poker. Delaware and Nevada were the first two, and there are now over 30 states which allow some form of online betting, such as poker rooms and sportsbooks.
Delaware and Nevada signed an agreement to share player pools in 2014, and began doing so in 2015. New Jersey signed onto that agreement in October 2017.
These days, you’ll find large shared player pools between multiple states at sites such as ACR Poker and Black Chip Poker.
New Jersey Online Poker Laws
The online gambling bill signed into law by Gov. Christie on Feb. 26, 2013 is officially known as A2578. It governs online poker and online casino operations in the state.
In fact, the law authorized the New Jersey DGE to provide oversight and issue licenses for online gambling operators in the state.
Essentially, the law allows the sites to provide division-tested online poker and casino games to players who are 21 and older and physically located in the state.
On Nov. 21, 2013, six online poker sites launched in New Jersey. Since then, some NJ poker sites have closed while new ones have opened.
Players in New Jersey can now qualify for live tournaments, deposit using crypto, and access massive player pools – and it’s all completely legal.
What is illegal and legal in New Jersey?
Regardless of where you’re from, anytime you’re in the state of New Jersey, you can legally play real-money online poker. You just have to make sure you’re playing at NJ poker sites licensed and regulated by the DGE.
All NJ poker sites and players must adhere to specific online poker regulations set by the DGE. These regulations include:
- Players must be at least 21 to play at the best online poker sites in NJ.
- Sites are required to verify player identity.
- NJ residency is not required. In fact, anyone of age who can be confirmed as being located within the state can play.
- Sites are required to demonstrate they can provide a secure gameplay environment and securely store personal player information.
- Operators must pay a 15% online gambling tax on gross revenue.
Online Poker Safety and Security NJ
Players using a legal online poker site have extra protection not found in unregulated offshore sites. NJ poker sites must go through a rigorous regulatory process, just as a land-based casino does.
Online operators fall under the review of the New Jersey DGE. You can expect player funds and personal information to be secure.
Are Poker Winnings Taxable in New Jersey?
Yes. If you win money playing online poker for real money in New Jersey it will be subject to the standard tax laws. It’s the same as playing at offshore poker sites. Some players believe there’s a loophole if you’re playing with crypto, but this is not the case.
If you want to avoid or reduce your payable taxes on poker winnings, you’ll need to move to a territory like the U.K., where gambling winnings are not taxed.
Poker in Other States
Even though the state has some awesome poker rooms, NJ online poker tournaments are not your only choice in the US. Nearby states also have online poker options.
The state New York isn’t restricted, so you can play at online poker sites as long as they don’t cater to NY specifically. For example, you’re free to play at ACR Poker from New York.
West Virginia is another state which allows you to play online poker, having legalized it in 2019. Poker rooms in West Virginia are part of a Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) with NJ, Nevada, Michigan and Delaware, giving you access to bigger player pools and juicier guarantees.
Play Online Poker in NJ – Key Takeaways
From big guarantees to live event packages, online poker in NJ has plenty to offer. Here are the best bits:
- Huge Player Pools – Large player bases means bigger tourneys and higher guarantees, with prize pools of up to eight figures.
- Exceptional Software – Many of the top NJ poker sites have industry-leading software, comparable with the best poker rooms in the US.
- 100% Legal – There’s no shady business when you play at NJ poker sites – it’s all legal, so you can deposit and play with peace of mind.
FAQs – Play Online Poker Real Money in New Jersey
Is online poker legal in NJ?
Where can I play online poker in New Jersey?
What are the best online poker New Jersey sites?
Do you have to be a NJ resident to play?
Do I have to pay tax at NJ poker rooms?
Can I play poker with crypto in NJ?
Does NJ have live poker?
References
- https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/usa-new-jersey (ICLG.com, New Jersey Gambling Laws and Regulations)