The History of Online Casino Launches in New Jersey

The landscape of online casinos in New Jersey has grown dramatically since its legalization in 2013. As one of the first states in the U.S. to regulate online gambling, New Jersey has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. Below, we explore when each major online casino launched, highlighting their contributions to this thriving market.

The Dawn of Online Casinos in New Jersey

In November 2013, New Jersey legalized online gambling, marking the beginning of a new era. The decision to allow online casinos stemmed from the state’s commitment to revitalizing its gaming industry, particularly in Atlantic City. By the end of the year, the first wave of online casinos began operations, offering residents and visitors legal access to digital gaming.

November 2013: The Trailblazers

The first set of online casinos launched on November 21, 2013. These platforms were backed by well-established Atlantic City casinos, ensuring a smooth transition to the digital realm. The following casinos made their debut during this period:

  1. Borgata Online Casino Borgata was among the pioneers, leveraging its reputation as a premier Atlantic City destination to attract online players. The platform offered an impressive array of slot games, table games, and poker options, setting a standard for the industry.
  2. Caesars Online Casino With its iconic brand and extensive gaming portfolio, Caesars quickly became a favorite. Its integration with Total Rewards, the loyalty program for Caesars properties, gave it a competitive edge.
  3. Tropicana Online Casino Tropicana launched with a focus on simplicity and entertainment, offering a wide range of games designed for casual and serious gamers alike.
  4. 888 Casino and WSOP.com Operated by Caesars Interactive, 888 Casino and WSOP.com brought a strong poker presence to New Jersey’s online gambling scene, catering to enthusiasts of the game.

2014: Expanding the Horizon

The year following legalization saw a wave of new entrants, as more Atlantic City casinos embraced the digital space.

  1. Golden Nugget Online Casino
    Launched in late 2013 but gaining traction in early 2014, Golden Nugget quickly became a powerhouse. It distinguished itself with an extensive library of games and exceptional customer service. Over time, it established a reputation for being one of the top-performing online casinos in the state.
  2. Resorts Digital Gaming
    Resorts Casino joined the market in 2014, forming a partnership with PokerStars to deliver a unique gaming experience. Its inclusion of exclusive games and competitive promotions helped solidify its position.
  3. Betfair Casino
    Initially linked to Trump Plaza, Betfair transitioned to Golden Nugget after Trump Plaza’s closure. It quickly became synonymous with innovation and player satisfaction, offering features like live dealer games.

2015–2017: Niche Platforms and New Collaborations

As the industry matured, online casinos began catering to specific audiences, emphasizing differentiation.

  1. PokerStars (2016)
    After a delay due to regulatory concerns, PokerStars made its highly anticipated debut in March 2016. Its global reputation for excellence in poker helped it secure a loyal following in New Jersey.
  2. SugarHouse Casino (2016)
    Now known as BetRivers, SugarHouse brought its cross-state expertise to New Jersey. The platform gained popularity with its diverse game selection and seamless integration with Pennsylvania’s online market.

2018–2020: Increased Competition

The late 2010s saw an influx of new online casinos, driven by partnerships between Atlantic City properties and international gaming giants.

  1. Hard Rock Casino (2018)
    Hard Rock’s online casino launched alongside its brick-and-mortar establishment in Atlantic City. Known for its high-energy branding and innovative promotions, it quickly captured a significant market share.
  2. Ocean Casino Resort Online (2018)
    Ocean Casino Resort entered the online space with a focus on luxury and premium gaming experiences, mirroring its physical casino’s ambiance.
  3. DraftKings Casino (2019)
    Initially known for sports betting, DraftKings expanded into online casino gaming, offering an extensive library of games and user-friendly features.
  4. BetMGM (2019)
    A collaboration between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings, BetMGM brought cutting-edge technology and a robust selection of games to the New Jersey market.

2021–Present: The Evolution Continues

The online casino industry in New Jersey remains highly dynamic, with new platforms and features emerging regularly.

  1. Bally’s Online Casino (2021)
    Leveraging its Atlantic City presence, Bally’s launched an online platform aimed at combining traditional gaming with modern features.
  2. WynnBET (2021)
    WynnBET entered New Jersey’s market with a focus on luxury and exclusivity, targeting high-rollers and casual gamers alike.

Table of Online Casino Launch Dates in New Jersey

Online CasinoLaunch DateKey Features
Borgata OnlineNovember 2013Extensive games, strong reputation
Caesars OnlineNovember 2013Loyalty integration, iconic brand
Golden Nugget OnlineLate 2013/Early 2014Largest game library, innovative features
Resorts Digital2014Exclusive games, PokerStars partnership
PokerStarsMarch 2016World-class poker offerings
Hard Rock Online2018High-energy branding, premium promotions
BetMGM2019Cutting-edge technology, vast selection

The Impact of New Jersey’s Online Casino Market

New Jersey’s online casino market is now one of the largest in the United States, generating significant revenue and offering unparalleled entertainment options. Its success has inspired other states to consider similar regulations. The timeline of casino launches highlights the adaptability and growth of the industry, setting a benchmark for future developments.

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