For most casual players, online casino gaming is merely a fun pastime, but it’s serious business for sharps and high rollers. Regardless of which category you fall into, you’ll find many exciting options to dip your toes into on NJ casino sites.
Whether you want to take on the dealer with multi-hand blackjack, hit the baccarat tables for a super low house edge, try out free online slots, or tackle immersive live dealer games, there’s something for everyone in NJ online casinos.
This guide will delve into the main categories of real-money online casino games available in New Jersey and reveal which of these titles you can play in demo mode without spending a dime.
Best online casinos in New Jersey for real-money games
What online casino games can you play in New Jersey?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to picking the best NJ online casino games. What constitutes the best game for one player may not fit another one’s preferences. Some players choose games based on their RTP, while others consider maximum payouts, jackpot availability, and minimum bets.
Generally, there’s a vast range of games to pick from in NJ casino sites, so you’re bound to find something to your liking. In addition to the classics found on Atlantic City casino floors, there are some unique games that you will not find in person.
Here are the types of online casino games NJ players have at their disposal:
- Slots: This is the most versatile category, represented by hundreds of titles supplied by high-profile providers such as NetEnt, IGT, Konami, and Amaya. Some online slot machines have bonus features like free spins or mind-boggling progressive jackpots. You can play for as little as $0.10, and free online slots are also available in nearly every New Jersey online casino.
- RNG-powered table games: These are fully computerized versions of classics like baccarat, craps, blackjack, and roulette. They come in numerous variations with different pay tables, side bets, and staking options. For example, Blazing Roulette 7s offers a bonus payout when the ball lands on 7, 17, or 27.
- Video poker: From timeless hits Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better to more offbeat iterations like Ultimate X, NJ online casinos feature different versions of the iconic game — in both single and multi-hand variants.
- Specialty: If you’re looking for outside-the-box options, you might find NJ casino games like keno fitting. It may not have the most favorable house edge, but it can yield huge payouts, even on a smaller bet.
- Live dealer: Live dealer games deliver the most realistic experience of all NJ online casino games. Evolution Gaming is the leading provider of live dealer content in NJ, and deservedly so.
Playing blackjack games online
With real-money blackjack, the goal is to form a combination of cards closer to 21 than the dealer. Your hand must not exceed this total to avoid busting and losing the wager. Getting a natural (a two-card hand of 21) will pay out at 3:2.
Except for some rule differences, blackjack online is essentially the same as the land-based version. Some of the rule tweaks are beneficial to players, meaning you can squeeze out slightly better odds if you play the game online. Several online blackjack games, including High Stakes and Atlantic City Blackjack, allow late surrender — a rarely seen rule in NJ retail casinos.
Also, dealers typically stand on soft 17 in online blackjack, whereas they’re required to hit in most land-based casinos. When the dealer stands on soft 17, the house edge drops by 0.22%, which is a substantial payback boost for high-volume players.
Some blackjack variations are only available at NJ online casinos, such as BetMGM’s Blackjack Millionaire Pro, which offers bonus payouts for consecutive blackjack hands. At DraftKings Casino NJ, a popular variant is Four 20s Blackjack, which is not only linked to the casino’s million-dollar progressive but comes with an exotic side bet that pays based on how many 20s you get in your first four hands.
NJ online slots
While there are many types of NJ online casino games, none can match slots in terms of sheer variety. Real money online slots showcase a variety of themes, special features, and gameplay setups, resulting in a seemingly endless array of gaming possibilities. You can play a classic fruit-themed slot one minute and a popular TV show-inspired slot the next. Contemporary iterations utilize advanced payout mechanisms like Megaways and Cluster Pays, adding another level of excitement to the reels.
Jackpot slots have the highest payout potential. The jackpots of some titles within this genre accumulate with each wager made, reaching millions of dollars. Mercy of the Gods and Divine Fortune from NetEnt are two of the most popular progressives, albeit not the most lucrative ones.
There is some crossover between slots, with some vintage classics adapted for online play. Cleopatra by IGT and Quick Hit by Bally are two examples that instantly come to mind.
Live dealer games
In the past few years, the live dealer format of NJ online casino games has surged in popularity. One of its main selling points is its ability to replicate the authentic vibe of brick-and-mortar casinos. This is accomplished with HD cameras, streams from real casino studios, and human croupiers handling the games.
Here are the four most commonly offered variations of live dealer games in NJ online casinos:
- Roulette: Live dealer roulette is a staple on NJ casino sites, with Evolution Gaming and Ezugi being the two biggest providers. Table minimums go as low as $0.50 and as high as $1,000 on straight-up bets. VIP versions have higher maximums.
- Blackjack: Most NJ casinos have dedicated live blackjack lobbies with several variations. Unlimited and Infinite Blackjack can accommodate an unlimited number of players and have a minimum bet of a mere $1, which is lower than in retail NJ casinos.
- Baccarat: Live baccarat trails behind blackjack and roulette in terms of availability but provides excellent odds. The Ezugi-powered version boasts an RTP of 98.76% and comes with a $200 maximum wager.
- Three card poker: This is a live dealer version of poker in which you’re competing against the dealer rather than other players.
Playing real-money NJ online casino games
NJ online casinos are at an all-time high in terms of popularity. NJ passed legislation authorizing casino online games on February 26, 2013. From that point forward, an increasing number of casino-goers in New Jersey have opted to play their favorite slots, table games, and live dealer games from home rather than drive to AC.
Convenience is only one aspect of what makes NJ online casinos appealing. Many players are choosing virtual casinos over retail ones because of the massive bonuses that are up for grabs. It’s not uncommon for an NJ casino site to offer a thousand-dollar welcome bonus and various promotions for existing customers like free spins bonuses, reloads, and cashbacks.
Further, the game selection and betting options are more flexible online than in brick-and-mortar casinos. At AC casinos, for example, minimum bets on blackjack tables are in the $10 to $25 range. In online blackjack, the minimums start at $0.50.
Playing games on online casino apps in New Jersey
As long as you have a functional iOS and Android smartphone or tablet and an internet connection, you can access online casino games in New Jersey from anywhere. You can take your gaming with you via the casino’s app. You’re not dependent on a computer, nor do you have to go to an Atlantic City casino to play.
In terms of game variety, functionality, and features, mobile casino apps in New Jersey are almost identical to their desktop counterparts. Compatible with a wide range of devices, the apps are highly optimized and adaptable to any screen size. Additionally, some apps offer unique customization options, such as biometric logins, which aren’t available on the desktop version.
Thus, if you play on the go instead of at home, you won’t be missing out on anything. You might even find mobile gaming more enjoyable.
Can I play casino games online for free?
Can you play online casino games for free in New Jersey? Yes, all NJ casinos support demo mode, so you can test the content for free. However, not every type of game offers this feature. You can only play live dealer games with real money, while online slots and online table games that utilize random number generation can be played for free.
It makes sense to try out new games in demo mode before playing them for real cash. This way, you can learn the ropes and maybe try out some betting strategies you might hesitate to use if you were playing online casino games for real money.
A few elite NJ online casinos offer no deposit bonuses to new members. Because of the possibility of winning actual money, this is even better than playing in demo mode. Although casinos typically impose strict conditions on free bonuses, there is a slight chance of cashing out.
Best NJ online casino games to play
A variety of factors go into choosing the right casino game, as we discussed earlier. Slot machines with progressive jackpots allow players to win ultra-big prizes; roulette and online craps are luck-based and don’t require any prior knowledge or skill. There is a tactic element involved in blackjack and video poker, and the odds are excellent when playing optimally. Standard (non-progressive) slots are entertaining and can be played for as little as $0.10. It all boils down to your preferences, budget level, and risk tolerance.
Top online casino games in New Jersey
Here are our top five picks for the best online casino games you can play in New Jersey, based on their favorable RTP, low house edge, and great payout odds.
- Bet the Set 21 Blackjack: An exciting take on the classic game from SG Gaming, available in Golden Nugget It comes with a side bet that pays if the player’s first two cards form a pair. The payout for a suited pair is 25:1.
- Divine Fortune slot: Divine Fortune is NetEnt’s flagship progressive slot, played on a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines. It boasts an RTP of 96.6%, which is superbly high for a jackpot slot. The game is themed around Greek mythology and comes packed with free spins and wilds.
- Buffalo slots series: Brought together by Aristocrat, the Buffalo slot employs 1024 ways to win and offers a max payout of 12,000x the stake. This vintage game, released in 2006, has been followed by several sequels, including Buffalo Gold and Buffalo Stampede.
- Roulette: Fans of the legendary game of chance usually prefer the European version since it offers a better house edge than its American counterpart. Specifically, the house edge in European Roulette comes in at 2.7%, which is twice as low as in American Roulett Caesars is one of the online casinos in NJ that offer European Roulette.
- Cleopatra slot: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a slot with a stronger appeal among old-school players than Cleopatra. It’s one of the most popular slot machines ever, offered by nearly all casinos in AC. Special features include free spins, multiplying wilds, and in some casinos, a progressive jackpot.
NJ Online casino games FAQ
How do I know online casino games are fair?
The NJDGE requires all New Jersey-based sites to maintain a high level of consumer safety and integrity through a strict licensing regime. Each of the Division’s licensees must use RNG software to determine the outcome of the results. In addition, casino operators are frequently audited by third-party agencies that examine their random number generators to ensure that the results are random and fair.
Can you play Atlantic City casino games online?
Most of the games on AC casino floors have been ported over to the online realm. These include some of the all-time hits like Cleopatra, Quick Hit, Double Diamonds, and Double Da Vinci Diamonds.
What are some perks of playing games online vs. at a casino?
The most significant benefits of playing in an NJ online casino vs. a land-based one include bigger casino bonuses, more flexible game selection, a more comprehensive range of betting options, ability to play in demo mode and on the go.
Can you earn rewards for playing online casino games?
Yes, NJ casino sites run loyalty/VIP programs that are often tied to their land-based partners. This means that you can collect perks online and use them at a retail casino in AC.
What is the minimum bet for NJ online casino real-money games?
Depends on the game. With some slots, blackjack games, and certain video poker variations, minimum bets start at $0.10. Live dealer games usually have a higher minimum bet, around $1.