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, licensed and regulated New Jersey online casino sites.
Don’t be fooled. While many websites promote illegal, offshore gambling sites to New Jersey residents, our reviews exclusively promote legitimate websites. We are registered and are in full compliance with NJ online casino regulations.
Top-Ranked NJ Online Casinos — 2021
Don’t be fooled. Many websites are promoting illegal, offshore gambling sites to New Jersey residents. Our reviews exclusively promote legal websites, and we are registered and in full compliance with NJ regulations.
Play New Jersey online casino games today
More than 20 sites offering legal online casino games to players in New Jersey, all licensed and regulated by the state and held to the same standards as the casinos in Atlantic City. In fact, all legal NJ online casino sites are operated in partnership with one of New Jersey’s casinos, like Caesars, the Golden Nugget, and the Borgata.
How do I get started with online play in NJ?
Playing online slots or table games in New Jersey is a simple two-step process:
- Choose an online casino. There are nearly two dozen to choose from, but the good news is that you can’t really go wrong. Compare your options with our list of legal NJ online casinos.
- Sign up for an account. Account creation takes just a couple of minutes. Because these are legal, regulated online casinos, you will have to take a couple of quick steps to verify your identity.
That’s all you need to do to get started at NJ’s legal online gambling sites.
Can I play at NJ casino sites for free?
Absolutely. Many online casinos in NJ offer free versions of their slots and table games. You can sample the various titles before you play for real money.
And once you’re ready to play for real money at a regulated NJ online casino, many of them offer free chips or spins to new players. Free chips and spins do come with terms and conditions; however, you do get a shot at winning real money without having to make a deposit.
Here are some of our favorite offers:
View our complete list of all NJ online casino bonus codes.
How do I get my money if I win?
When you open an account with one of New Jersey’s online gambling sites, you will have a cashier account attached to your name at the site. The cashier functions much like an online bank account.
You will be able to deposit funds into your NJ online casino cashier by credit card, e-check, bank wire, or a cash deposit at some of the land casinos. Then you can play, bet, and wager your funds as you see fit.
There are several cashout options from most NJ online casinos. Checks by mail, bank wires, and e-wallets are the most common ways to request a cashout. Typically sites take 1-2 days total to both approve a cashout and deliver funds to your account (some methods may take longer). Again the process works much like other online funds transfers. Read more about this and other common questions in our FAQ.
If you prefer, many legal gambling websites in New Jersey will also let you pick up your funds at the casino cage. So, you can travel down to Atlantic City for a vacation and not have to worry about bringing cash. Instead, you can draw from your NJ online gambling account to get some money to gamble, shop, drink, dine and enjoy yourself at Atlantic City’s casinos.
Legal online gambling in New Jersey is ushering in a new era for Atlantic City’s casinos. The wave of online casino sites in NJ is generating new revenue for casinos and new taxes for the state. Atlantic City casinos are also seeing an influx of new customers from NJ online gambling; as many of the players at NJ, online casinos are entirely new to gaming.
In that way, NJ’s legal online casinos are clearing a path forward for the future of Atlantic City by connecting the state’s casinos with a new generation of customers, many of whom will start with NJ online gambling and then continue to the casinos by the shore.
How do I deposit money at a legal online casino in New Jersey?
Online gambling sites in NJ offer a robust number of ways to accept deposits.
Play Plus Prepaid
Use your Visa, Mastercard or Discover to fund your NJ online casino account. Enjoy instant deposits, as well as quick withdrawals, and cash back on account loads. There’s no sign-up fee, no monthly fees, no deposit fees. There aren’t any fees at all.
Instant e-check (ACH)
Instant e-checks or ACH is a great option for players who have checking accounts which can be accessed online. Many casinos utilize this process, which has an excellent deposit success rate. Using this depositing option, the NJ online casino account establishes an instant connection to a player’s checking account in order to successfully deposit funds to their chosen NJ online casino iGaming account. It’s a simple process. Players need to supply is the bank name, the bank routing number, and the checking account number.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most popular e-wallets used around the world today. Fortunately, PayPal can now be used to deposit funds into an NJ online casino gaming account legally.
Players must have a PayPal account first before using this deposit source to fund their iGaming account, along with a source to fund their PayPal balance.
Customers can fund their PayPal account in one of the following ways:
- Bank transfers
- Credit or debit cards deposits (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, etc.)
- User-to-user transfers
Credit or Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard and AmEx are the top three credit and debit resources allowed at most NJ online casinos. Using a credit or debit card to fund your NJ online casino account is fast and secure. Funds will usually be available for immediate use. Deposits using a credit/debit card are instant, but additional costs/fees may be charged by your issuing bank when using this type of banking option. This depends on the iGaming site and the card being used, so make sure you check any disclaimers beforehand.
Cash at Casino Cage
For those desiring face-to-face interactions, players can deposit their cash at the brick-and-mortar casino partner of each NJ online casino gambling site.
Even though online transactions are still fast and secure, some players prefer to use the cashier’s cage at casino to put themselves at ease.
While using this option, funding can be made using personal checks, credit or debit cards and obviously cash. However, players still must provide a picture ID and their NJ online casino account information for that location.
7-Eleven (PayNearMe Cash Deposit)
PayNearMe is one of the newer and more unique deposit methods used in many NJ online casinos. Many NJ online gambling sites accept PayNearMe because it’s an instant and secure way to transfer money at any 7-Eleven store. However, the PayNearMe maximum deposit is capped at $500 (minimum $10). Also, NJ online casino players must leave their house and get to a nearby 7-Eleven to finish the transaction.
For this deposit method to work, players must take the proper steps given in the deposit methods list.
- Select CASH AT 7-ELEVEN or PAY WITH CASH
- Print barcode or have it sent to your mobile device
- Take the barcode to a participating 7-Eleven
- Show barcode to the cashier and give the amount (in cash) you’ve chosen to deposit
- PayNearMe deposit is added to account within minutes
Neteller & Skrill
Neteller and Skrill are online accounts in which consumers use to personal e-wallets to add, withdraw and transfer funds to and from Neteller and Skrill merchants and other customers.
NJ online casino players use these e-wallet accounts for several reasons:
- The credit card transaction is declined. These services can help with alternative payment options using a third-party account.
- This payment option allows you to make quick and easy deposits
- NJ online casino players who use these e-wallets can still benefit from welcome and loyalty bonuses.
- Neteller and Skrill support many different currencies
- Neteller and Skrill are known to have excellent customer service
Unfortunately, Neteller and Skrill have pretty significant fees tied to each one:
- 2.5 percent for Neteller Visa transactions
- 2.9 percent for Skrill Visa/MasterCard transactions
Wire Transfers
For players who don’t have much success using instant e-checks (ACH) or for those who aren’t in a hurry to start playing online, wire transfers may be for you. This outdated form of depositing is rarely selected and usually only used as a last resort of NJ online casino players. For one, they are only available on a few NJ online gambling sites and it also takes 5-7 days for funds to clear.
What games can I play at online casinos in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s regulated online casinos offer all of the games you can play in an Atlantic City casino and some more that you won’t find anywhere else. Unlike a land-based casino, online casino sites aren’t constricted by the amount of space they have available on the floor.
In fact, the largest online casino in New Jersey offers more than 600 unique slot machines. You’d be hard-pressed to find that many different slot machine titles in a typical casino, but online gambling sites in NJ have a better variety. Plus, the list of NJ online casino games you play is growing by the day as online gambling sites add more and more games to appeal to players.
Quick game guides
Best online slot games in New Jersey
Whether you like progressives, classic three-reel machines or the latest slots from big brands like Monopoly or Deal Or No Deal, New Jersey online casinos almost certainly have a game for you.
The nice thing about playing online in NJ is that you can often play for lower stakes, meaning your gambling dollar goes further. And the more you can stretch your gambling dollar at a slot machine, the better the chance you have of getting to the fun stuff like special bonus rounds.
The other advantage: If you want to play a few spins while you’re waiting for a phone call or on a trip, you can take out your phone, log on, and play within seconds. That’s a far cry from having to drive, park, walk, and get to your favorite slot machine at the casino.
Below are five of our favorite online casino slots at NJ’s legal gambling sites.
Cash Spin
Play at our featured online casino:Virgin
Cash Spin is an older but popular slot set in a game show-like atmosphere and features two bonus games. The game is set on a five-reel, three-row reel set with 243 ways to win. Bets on Cash Spin can range from 40 cents up to $480. While the max payout is very generous at $672,960, the RTP is on the low side at 94.14%.
Base symbols include a diamond, ruby, emerald, $, and 9-Ace. Bonus symbols include the Wild, U-Spin Wheel and a Money Bag. The Wild only occurs on reels 2 and 4. The U-Spin Wheel occurs on reels 1, 3 and 5 only and the Money Bag symbol occurs on reels 2, 3 and 4 only.
The U-Spin Wheel bonus is triggered by three symbols landing in any position on reels 1, 3 and 5. The U-Spin Wheel then replaces the reel set, and you’ll get one spin. The wheel features Free Games and monetary prizes. Land on the Free Games and you’ll head straight to the Free Games Bonus feature. Monetary prize amounts are multiplied by your credit vale (not your total stake).
During the Free Games feature, you’ll get 12 free spins and all wins are 2x your stake. Should you land on the U-Spin Wheel during this bonus round, all symbols within the wheel become 2x. If you hit Free Games again, they will be added to your remaining balance. You can win up to a maximum of 60 free games.
Also available at:Betfair, BetMGM, Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Mohegan Sun, Resorts, SugarHouse, Tropicana, and Virgin.
Cirque du Soleil Kooza
Play at our featured online casino:888 Casino
Cirque du Soleil shows have become popular throughout the United States due to their extensive touring schedule and phenomenal and unique acts. They are also a mainstay at several of the Las Vegas casinos. One of the most popular of these Canadian productions is Cirque du Soleil Kooza, which takes you into a world created by the Trickster, as seen through the eyes of The Innocent. Created in 2007, it has withstood the test of time and is now available to slot enthusiasts in New Jersey.
Cirque du Soleil Kooza is a five-reel, four-row slot with 40 paylines set with a stage backdrop. Base symbols include the performance’s recognizable characters, playing card symbols, and two masks. Bonus symbols include a Wild and a Bonus Box.
There are multiple bonus features available in Cirque du Soleil Kooza, including a BoxPick Bonus, Trickster Free Games, Wheel of Death Free Games and the JackpotWheel. If you land the Bonus Box on reels 1-3-5 you’ll get to choose a box, which will reveal either a cash prize or a spin on the Bonus Wheel. (Getting the Bonus Box on reels 2-3-4 will also trigger the Bonus Wheel.) The Bonus Wheel contains the aforementioned free games bonuses and jackpot bonuses.
There are four jackpots available in this game: Mini, Grand, Colossal and TresMagnifique (a nod to the Cirque’s French-Canadian roots). Prizes range from 10x to 500x your bet, meaning the higher your bet, the higher the jackpots.
Also available at:BetMGM, BetAmerica, Betfair, Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Mohegan Sun, Ocean, Pala, Resorts, SugarHouse, Tropicana, and Virgin.
Imperial Wealth
Play at our featured online casino:Golden Nugget
This Asian-inspired game from Konami is a riot of color and features many of the lucky symbols you’ve come to expect from their games. Imperial Wealth is a five-reel, three-row slot with 30 paylines with the minimum bet set at 45 cents, and the upper limit at $180. In addition to the lucky base symbols are the 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace. Bonus symbols include the Dragon Wild and Scroll Scatter. The Dragon Wild can take up one, two or three spots on the reel, which can make for some nice paydays.
The game also has Lucky Frames, a signature Konami feature. You’ll find them surrounding randomly selected symbols. If a frame lands in any position on 3 or more reels, it triggers the Lucky Frame feature. Any reels with the Lucky Frame are nudged until all positions on that reel have a frame. If on adjacent frames, it makes for a great win.
There is also a Free Games Bonus where you can win up to 88 spins. Get 3 Chinese Scrolls to earn 8 spins, 4 symbols will get you 18 spins, and 5 symbols will yield the giant 88-spin round. During free spins, a random reel will have all positions replaced with a frame.
Also available at: BetMGM, BetAmerica, Borgata, Caesars, Hard Rock, Mohegan Sun, Ocean, Resorts, andSugarHouse.
Quick Hit Platinum
Play at our featured online casino:Golden Nugget
Quick Hit Platinum is the first in a series of Quick Hit online games from SG Digital. It follows in the footsteps of one of the more popular slots available for decades in brick-and-mortar casinos, hence the retro symbols you’ll find on it. The game’s base symbols include 7, 77, and 777, as well as a bar and 5 bar. Also available are bells and cherries. Bonus symbols include the Wild, a Free Bonus Game Scatter, Quick Hit, and the Quick Hit Platinum.
This five-reel, 30-payline slot has a range of bets, starting at 30 cents and going up to $150. It has one of the higher max payouts of today’s available slots at $734,846, but a lower than average return-to-player percentage of 94.06%.
The Quick Hit feature is the one that defines the game. The Quick Hit Platinum symbol pays for 3, 4 or 5 symbols at 2x, 25x and 5,000x your stake. The standard Quick Hit symbols can be stacked and occur on any of the five reels. The more you get, the more the payout.
- Three Quick Hit symbols: 1x your bet
- Four Quick Hit symbols: 5x your bet
- Five Quick Hit symbols: 10x your bet
- Six Quick Hit symbols: 50x your bet
- Seven Quick Hit symbols: 100x your bet
- Eight Quick Hit symbols: 650x your bet
- Nine Quick Hit symbols: 2,000x your bet
Get three or more of the Free Games bonus symbols, which occur on reels 2, 3 and 4 only, to get free spins at 1x your stake. This is a standard bonus game, with all the symbols in play.
Also available at:Betfair, Caesars, Pala, SugarHouse, Tropicana, and Virgin.
Hot Roll Super Times Pay
Play at our featured online casino:Betfair
This IGT slot takes it old school with just 3 reels and your basic Bar and 7 symbols. What makes this so special, and one of the most popular slots in New Jersey online casinos, is the special Wild multipliers.
You’ll find a total of 20 paylines available, and you have the choice of playing 1, 5, 9, 15 or all 20. Bets range from $1 to $1,000. Your base symbols in Hot Roll Super Times Pay are single, double and triple Bars, a red 7, and a Bar/7 combination. The Wilds come with multipliers—2x, 3x, 4x and 5x—and should you get two Wilds on a payline, the sum of the two will determine your win, which can be substantial. Also helpful is that any Wild that lands on a payline but doesn’t create a win will still payout for that one symbol. A nice touch.
Look out for the Hot Roll symbols, which can lead to a bonus round. There’s a special space on each of the reels where a base symbol is coined a Hot Roll. If you get three of these on a payline, you move to the Bonus.
The Bonus game is based on dice, where you continue to roll until you get a 7, which will end the round. Each time you throw something other than a 7, you get a payout. The payout chart is below the game for each possible dice roll combination. (For example, a 2 or a 12 will earn you 10x your bet.) Should you have the good fortune to never throw a 7, the Bonus round will end at 300 throws (but really, what are the odds of that happening !?!?).
Also available at: 888, BetMGM, BetAmerica, Borgata, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Mohegan Sun, Ocean, Resorts, SugarHouse, Tropicana, and Virgin.
Blackjack games at NJ online sites
These days you can’t find a good blackjack game at the casino. The rules are bad, the limits are high, and good players aren’t always treated in a friendly fashion.
We’re not saying that playing blackjack at one of the legal online casino sites in NJ will be profitable. But you will on average find much more favorable rules, returns above 99%, and way lower limits than you’d ever find at a casino.
Why? The same reason why you’ll find so many slot machines online in New Jersey. It’s because the casinos don’t have to worry about making the maximum amount per table. There’s also a lot more competition between online gambling sites in New Jersey. Every New Jersey casino has to think about supplying games that appeal to players.
Live dealer online casino games in NJ
One of the biggest innovations we’ve seen at NJ’s online casino sites is the introduction of live dealer casino games. Here’s how live dealer works: You’re playing your favorite games online, but actual dealers are dealing them in the casino.
You can chat with the dealers and even play along with other players. Many gamblers find live dealer games to be the perfect mix between the convenience of online betting and the experience of playing in an actual casino with real dealers.
Live dealer games are standard at NJ’s regulated online casino sites. Two sites stand above the rest in terms of having the longest track record with live dealer in the New Jersey market:
Choosing the right New Jersey online gambling site
Deciding which of the multiple New Jersey online casinos to sign up at can seem daunting at first. There are so many online casino sites in NJ, so many options, and so many games to choose from.
The answer to the question begins by asking yourself what is your goal in gambling online.
Are you interested in playing the highest stakes, finding the best deposit bonuses, or cashing out your winnings at the land-based casino? Depending on your needs, different sites may offer you the best benefits.
We also have an in-depth breakdown of various NJ Gambling Website rewards programs, so you know which is the right scheme for your level of play.
For example, poker players often wish to find websites with the largest player pools. This gives them the largest tournaments, more game formats to choose from, and more consistent action all hours of the day. The leading choices, in that case, would be NJ online casinos that also offer active online poker rooms, such as Caesars’ WSOP.com.
Others might prefer simply to take advantage of the best NJ online casino signup bonus available. Virgin online casino might be a good choice for these value-seeking players because of their $20 free signup bonus plus up to $100 cash back on losses after a deposit is made. That’s one of the top opening offers among all New Jersey online gambling sites.
For players wishing to combine their land-based casino rewards with play at NJ online gambling sites, sites like Caesars may prove to be the most convenient NJ online casino. One of the advantages here is that Caesars owns a whole host of casinos across the country. They include Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Bally’s and Planet Hollywood. By earning rewards on their system, you can earn Caesars Rewards Tier Credits and Reward Credits for cash and comps at any of their hotels and casinos around the world!
You’ll also have the ability to earn crossover rewards at several other NJ online casino sites, including the Golden Nugget online casino and Tropicana Atlantic City’s online casino.
All of the NJ online casino sites listed on NJ Gambling Websites are 100% legal and licensed to offer gambling online in New Jersey.
Below, are quick guides to many of the major online casino sites in New Jersey.
Golden Nugget Online Casino
As an important name in the US gaming industry, GoldenNugget Online Casino has had to come up with something befitting its reputation. Working in unison, the executives, developers and promo team have certainly done that.
When you join as a newbie, you’ll receive $20 that’s courtesy of our exclusive no deposit bonus (use the promo code PLAY20). From there, your first deposit will receive a 100% multiplier that’s worth up to $1,500.
Thanks to a change in 2015, Golden Nugget Online Casino now boasts more than 450 games. By linking up with NYX Gaming, the developers were not only able to integrate a wealth of NYX titles but other top developers.
Indeed, it’s NYX Gaming’s open platform allows Golden Nugget to build a world-class gaming lobby. It is full of slots, table games and live games from game developers IGT, Barcrest and NetEnt.
Of course, in amongst the bevy of bonuses and gaming options, you’ll find secure desktop and mobile platforms. New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement regulates the site, which uses the latest SSLencryption and geolocationtechnology. Golden Nugget Online Casino is as fair and safe as it is entertaining.
888 Casino NJ
Building on the reputation for excellence in Europe, 888Casino is making waves in NewJersey. For newbies, a $25 no deposit bonus is the perfect way to explore what this site has to offer without busting your bankroll.
On top of that, you can unlock up to $2,000 on your first deposit, which is courtesy of a 50% match welcome bonus.
While the 888 Casino welcome package is nothing to be sniffed at, the defining feature of this NJ online casino is its selection of games. Because 888 Holdings has a software division, it’s capable of offering some unique games. Although other sites claim to have an exclusive selection, it’s often the case that games are available with select partners. With 888 Casino; that’s not the case.
The jewel in the site’s proverbial crown is the progressive jackpot slot Millionaire Genie. This game is great because it’s capable of offering jackpots worth $1 million. Beyond that, you’ll find upwards of 280 desktop and mobile casino games from 888’s in-house team as well as NetEnt, NextGen, SGGaming and WilliamsInteractive.
Virgin Online Casino
Perhaps the surprise package of the New Jersey online casino scene, Virgin Online Casino has a reputation for promotions.
As well as a welcome package of $30 free (use the promo code 30BUCKS) and up to $100 cash back after an initial deposit, Virgin Online Casino has plenty of ongoing value. For bonus hunters, random prize draws and no-lose promos are a weekly occurrence.
However, for us, the Virgin Adventures series is the most impressive loyalty reward. It gives active players the change to win exclusivegifts and luxuryvacations for as little as $50.
Of course, without games, bonuses are worth nothing. Unlike its peers, Virgin Online Casino doesn’t have a long history of gaming expertise to fall back on. However, its partners do. By linking up with Tropicana and the likes of NetEnt and IGT, this operator has built up a healthy selection of 300+ desktop and mobile games.
What’s more, Virgin was bought by Gamesys Ltd. in 2013. A significant gaming brand in Europe, Gamesys has helped transform this site into a leading NJ online casino.
Caesars Online Casino
Caesars Online Casino has a big reputation and an even bigger gaming menu. If you read our Caesars Online Casino review, you’ll see it offers more than 520 games.
Caesars’ links initially helped this level of depth and breadth with the world’s largest gaming company, Amaya. This relationship was bolstered in 2015 when NYX Gaming joined the mix.
Casinos Near Ohio With Hotels
Today, you’ll find hundreds of top-tier games. From DivineFortune and AstroCats to XchangeBlackjack and Let It Ride, the variety is courtesy of gaming developers NetEnt, IGT and more.
In tandem with a robust selection of games, Caesars Online Casino has a fantasticbonus system. Newbies who use our Caesars promo code PLAYFREE25 will get $25 when they sign up.
Alongside that, first deposits are boosted by a 100% multiplier, up to $300.
Also, you can join the TotalRewards loyalty scheme. A hybrid, this system allows you to earn points online and offline at Caesars properties across the US. What’s more, you can use your points to buy online bonuses, room upgrades and casino comps.
BetMGM Online Casino
One of New Jersey’s newest online casinos, BetMGM went live in 2017 and now offers desktop gaming for PC and Mac users. Additionally, you can download native iOS and Android apps, each offering upwards of 200 slots, table and live dealer games.
Naturally, as something of a latecomer to the industry, BetMGM is big on its bonuses. Aiming to catch the attention of high-rollers, the welcome package includes a $25 no deposit bonus. Use BetMGM promo code PLAYNJFREE and receive a 100% depositmatch,up to $1,000.
As well as being lucrative, the deposit bonus is subject to a 20x playthrough. For those not in the know; that’s significantly lower than the average wagering target of 40x that’s common for players in Europe.
As you’d expect, all games and features are secure and certified as fair. This is also true for BetMGM’s bankingoptions. Regardless of whether you choose Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, live payments at the Borgata or 7-Eleven, you can be confident your funds will always be safe.
SugarHouse Online Casino
It’s easy to say this NJ online casino offers a bagful of sweet treats, but it’s the truth.
Although we won’t make too many sickly puns, the reality is that PlaySugarHouse.com provides excellent added value. For example, when you use our SugarHouse Online Casino promo code PLAYNJ, you’ll receive a 100% first deposit bonus that’s worth up to $250.
To unlock your free credits, you’ll only need to wager 1x whatever you receive. That’s hugely impressive, and one of the reasons this US online casino is perfect for casual players.
On top of that, free bingo games, weekly cash challenges, and a loyalty scheme where you can turn points into cash all help give you something extra.
As we’ve mentioned, bingo is part of the PlaySugarHouse mix of games. Alongside these bingo rooms, almost 500games have a place to thrive thanks to Rush Street Interactive.
What’s interesting about Rush Street Interactive is that it cut its teeth in the social-gaming sphere. Using this experience, the developers have ensured the games on offer at SugarHouse Online Casino are perfect for low-stakes players.
Indeed, if there’s one thing this site is known for, it’s offering casual gamers an entertaining and accessible experience.
Latest news and updates at NJ casinos
A new site is in the books for New Jersey online gambling players. Unibet online casino is the latest site to join the ranks and launched in June with 237 slot titles as well as eight table games. A product of Kindred Group and land-based partner Hard Rock Atlantic City, the site will eventually include a robust online sportsbook.
According to Unibet, the NJ sports betting site is slated for a July launch, which means it could be any day now. However, there is no iOS app yet. You can check out Unibet via Android download or desktop browser.
In other news, the long-rumored merger of Caesars Entertainment and Eldorado Resorts is officially in the works. The deal will have an enormous effect on the Atlantic City casino landscape, among other things, but not much is known or official until the merger is final in 2020. The merger would effectively put 45% of the NJ casino market in the hands of one ownership entity.
Two other casinos that are new to the Boardwalk celebrated their first anniversaries in late June: Ocean Casino and Hard Rock. The celebrations included fireworks and in-casino promotions.
For many years, Ohio was not a player in casino gambling. Players had to make the trip to neighboring states like Indiana and Pennsylvania to scratch their itch.
However, in 2009, Ohio decided to authorize the licensing of four land-based casinos. One in each of the major cities (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo). It took three years, but between May 2012 and March 2013, each of the four casinos opened its doors.
Slot machine-type gaming was further expanded by a legislative action in 2012 that put video lottery terminals (or VLTs) into the seven racetracks. VLTs are functionally the same as slot machines. They are actually administered differently and considered a form of lottery gambling, rather than a pure slot machine.
Still, in just five years, Ohio has managed to provide its residents with more than 18,000 video gaming and slot machine options – along with table games, poker, and horse racing.
Ohio now finds itself in an odd position: perhaps having too many casinos available for its own good, both inside and near the state. Many of the state’s gambling options are clustered in its northeastern quadrant. Revenues are declining for the four Las Vegas-style casinos. The drop is largely being blamed on the proliferation of racinos throughout the state. These attract some of the vital slots gamblers away from the four big-city venues (sometimes to racinos inside the same city).
Many experts believe that the northeastern United States in general is over-saturated with casinos. There are simply not enough customer dollars to go around.
Still, as long as state legislatures have budget overruns and a desire not to raise taxes on consumer products, casino gambling will likely be a go-to option for states in years to come. This is especially true if the door for gambling has already been opened. Below are the 11 casinos and racinos in Ohio.
Additionally, another favorite kind of gambling could be on its way to Ohio: sports betting. Read on for details.
Casinos Near Wooster Ohio
Sweepstakes casinos in Ohio
Social casino site options
Several of Ohio’s casinos have free sites available through their websites. The two Hollywood Gaming casinos (Dayton Raceway and Mahoning Valley) and the three Jack casinos (Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Thistledown) all offer visitors the opportunity to sample the brands of slots available at their land-based operations for free. This practice continues to be a wise idea. It both familiarizes and desensitizes customers and potential customers with the variety of games they can play.
In effect, customers will know what machines they want to play as soon as they step through the door. Jack’s play money site even offers free poker and table games, further enhancing the experience. All the sites allow players to link their player cards to their play money accounts. This leaves open the possibility that the casinos could link comps to the play money functionality and increase the likelihood of new and returning customers entering the premises.
As usual, Zynga, Slotomania, Big Fish, and Doubledown are all accessible from Ohio social media sites. MyVegas, the ubiquitous MGM-owned free comp site is also available. However, its usefulness is limited, as there are no MGM-owned properties nearby. As it stands, House of Blues and Gray Line Tours are likely the only options for redemption. Still, Ohioans have some avenues if they’d like to play the games without risking any money.
Ohio sports betting
While there are a few gambling options in the Buckeye State, sports betting is not one of them, at least for now.
There are legislative efforts currently making the round in Columbus to legalize sports betting but thus far, nothing of significance has happened. One hold up lawmakers are finding difficult to overcome is deciding which government agency will oversee Ohio sports betting, the Ohio Lottery or Casino Commission.
However, at least one operator appears to be getting its ducks in a row. Penn National Gaming and Kindred have struck a partnership that would see the latter’s brand Unibet enter Ohio by way of Penn National’s Hollywood Casino. For now, the deal means nothing until sports betting is officially legal in the state.
Land-based slots options
| Property | Location | Number of Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center | Cincinnati | 1,300 |
| Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park | Northfield | 2,200 |
| Hollywood Casino Columbus | Columbus | 2,200 |
| Hollywood Casino Toledo | Toledo | 2,200 |
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | Dayton | 1,000 |
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course | Youngstown | 850 |
| Jack Cincinnati Casino | Cincinnati | 1,900 |
| Jack Cleveland Casino | Cleveland | 1,500 |
| Miami Valley Gaming | Lebanon | 1,600 |
| Scioto Downs Racino | Columbus | 2,200 |
| Jack Thistledown Racino | North Randall | 1,500 |
Online gambling options
There are no laws on the books for or against online gambling in Ohio. As such, there are no officially-regulated options for residents and visitors to the Buckeye State.
However, the state just received a commissioned study from Spectrum Gaming Group. Among other recommendations, it suggested the state legalize online gambling to maximize its tax revenue. So, it is possible that an Ohio iGaming bill could happen – particularly after legislators have a chance to see how online gambling performs in neighboring Pennsylvania.
Operator profile
Jack Entertainment
Jack Entertainment LLC is a Detroit-based proprietor of several casinos and racetracks throughout the United States. Though the majority of its holdings are in Ohio, it also has properties in Michigan, Kentucky, and Maryland. The company is a subsidiary of Quicken Loans, which means it is in the same family of companies as the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The CEO for the company is Matthew Cullen. He also serves as a principal in the Rock Ventures holding company, which is the chief administrator of all Quicken’s portfolio. However, the company’s more industry-specific expert is its chief operating officer, Mark Dunkeson. Prior to taking this role at Jack, Dunkeson served as a senior vice president for Station Casinos. They are a Las Vegas-based company that operates a chain of casinos targeting the locals market, rather than the tourist segment. This fits in well with the market of regional casinos like the Ohio offerings.
Like most Ohio casinos, Jack’s portfolio is facing increasing competitive pressure, and its revenues are suffering.
In fact, Jack Cleveland Casino’s revenues for December 2016 are down 32 percent from 2013. However, in that four-year span, three racinos have opened nearby, squeezing the market and making exceptional returns more difficult. The casino (and others in the company’s portfolio) are also no longer novelties for Ohioans. The initial furor – whatever it may have been – is gone.
Still, the Cleveland location reported revenue north of $200 million in 2016, so there is still significant cashflow. It remains to be seen how companies like Jack will navigate an increasingly congested market. It is reasonable to assume the consumer is in a good place to benefit from competition.
Ohio slot players and other gamblers, keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground. Amazing promotions could happen anytime.
State legal environment
| Permitted/Offered? | Notes & Restrictions | |
|---|---|---|
| Land-based Gambling | Yes | Clustered in northeast part of state |
| Online Gambling | No | State-commissioned study in 2016 recommended legalization, so it may not be far away |
| Lottery | Yes | Includes video lottery terminals at seven racinos |
| Charitable or House-based Gambling | Yes | Bingo only – charity poker disallowed |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 for horse racing; 21 for casinos |