New Jersey Online Poker

Top Online Poker Casinos in New Jersey

Many find online poker appealing because it involves competing against other real players, rather than a casino. This peer-to-peer aspect elevates the enjoyment for most participants.

These poker sites retain a small commission from the pot and entry fees to function, creating an opportunity for players to engage with real money stakes in online poker. In the early to mid-2000s, online poker was massively popular, with advertisements everywhere and seemingly everyone playing. Today, however, New Jersey's online poker scene is revitalizing, with a growing number of active players across the state.

Is Online Poker Considered a Skill-Based Game in New Jersey?

Certainly, it has been established that poker is fundamentally a skill-based game. Unlike slot machines, which rely solely on chance, poker requires time and practice to understand and master. Legally, poker is classified as a game of skill. Although there is an element of randomness—due to the unknown cards in play—sharpening your skills through practice allows for better predictions. For instance, there are a finite number of cards in the deck.

So, being aware of your hand and the community cards gives you cues to hypothesize about your opponent's potential cards. This, combined with observing behaviors, betting patterns, and additional strategies, can help improve your game over time.

Real-Money Online Poker Platforms in New Jersey

As of now, New Jersey boasts seven online poker platforms where enthusiasts can wager real money.

WSOP NJ: The World Series of Poker NJ launched its real-money online poker operation in 2013 within the Garden State. It operates under the All-American Poker Network and is licensed through Caesars Interactive Entertainment. WSOP NJ shares a portion of its player pool with 888 across most tournaments and low-stakes cash games, utilizing the Dragonfish platform for an almost identical user experience.

888 Poker NJ: Essentially, 888 Poker acts as a sister site to WSOP NJ. Renowned globally, 888 Poker found success by collaborating with the World Series of Poker, sharing the largest player attraction in New Jersey with WSOP NJ. Like WSOP NJ, it is partnered with Caesars Atlantic City.

PokerStars NJ: Known as a leading brand in online poker, PokerStars made its comeback in New Jersey in March 2016, having exited the state after the Black Friday event in 2011. Partnering with Resorts Atlantic City and The Stars Group for technology, PokerStars regained its foothold in the market but initially lost ground to WSOP/888.

Partypoker: Once the dominant name in online poker worldwide, Partypoker was among the first to enter New Jersey's market in late 2013. Despite initially leading the market, it has since fallen behind PokerStars and 888/WSOP in recent times. Borgata serves as its land-based casino partner, with GVC and Roar Digital providing tech support.

Borgata Poker: Similar to WSOP and 888 Poker, Borgata Poker operates as a version of the Partypoker platform. Established in 2013 alongside Partypoker, it shares players and liquidity with BetMGM Poker, leading to some of the most substantial tournaments and the highest number of ring games available at any given moment.

BetMGM Poker: Entering the industry as a relatively new offering, BetMGM Poker has quickly become a part of the Borgata/Partypoker network, initially launched in 2017 as playMGM before being rebranded in 2019. It shares player liquidity with other sites in the network, which regularly ranks it among the top three most popular online poker platforms in New Jersey.

Pala Poker: As the newest player in the NJ online poker market since its inception in 2017, Pala Poker has built a strong community of gamers in a short period, operating independently as a standalone site that does not share traffic with other platforms in the region, despite a partnership with Borgata.

Social Poker Options without Cost in New Jersey

Global Poker stands out as the sole free social online poker site within New Jersey's borders, allowing players to partake in games while adhering to regulatory requirements.

This platform can legally operate in the United States because of its dual-currency system similar to promotional sweepstakes. New Jersey residents can play on Global Poker completely for free.

First launched in 2016 as a free-to-play platform, Global Poker requires users to purchase coins that carry no real cash value. When purchasing these coins, players receive complimentary Sweeps Coins, which can be exchanged for cash as rewards for their loyalty. This unique model permits them to provide cash games and tournaments without running afoul of gambling laws.

The online gambling law signed in New Jersey in 2013 permits websites to offer internet poker to individuals who are 21 and older. Players need to be located within the state's geographic boundaries but do not have to be New Jersey residents to participate, creating similar regulations as those for playing in physical casinos in the state.

Who can play online poker in New Jersey?

While the most recognizable poker variations in New Jersey include Texas hold ’em and two-card poker,

Online poker variants offered

there is a vast assortment of games available for enjoyment. Though TV coverage often showcases only certain styles of poker, NJ online poker platforms offer a plethora of variations. online poker sites Cash games, often referred to as ring games or live-action games, involve real money stakes, utilizing genuine chips, even if they are digital representations. These tables are typically open indefinitely, allowing players to join or leave freely, even mid-hand, differentiating them from tournaments that use chips with no value beyond the competition.

Online poker cash games in New Jersey

Tournaments for Online Poker in New Jersey

In contrast to cash games, online poker tournaments require a greater level of dedication. Once you join a tournament, you'll need to stay at the table until it concludes. The chips used in tournaments cannot be cashed out or transferred outside the game itself, unlike cash games where players can leave with their winnings. In tournaments, all players begin with the same number of chips, which remain locked until the event’s end. Additionally, tournaments often present greater potential payouts compared to cash games.

Tournaments vary in structure but the freezeout format is the most common. In a freezeout tournament, once you deplete your chips, you are eliminated for the remainder of that day. A frequent variant of this is the re-entry format, allowing players to buy back into the tournament in case of early elimination.

It's beneficial to look out for marquee tournaments featured regularly by the real-money poker sites across New Jersey, as these events garner significant attention, often feature tough competition, and provide the largest prize pools.

Harrahs AC Poker Room: with 28 tables – established in 1980

Live poker rooms in New Jersey

• Golden Nugget Poker Room: featuring 9 tables – opened in 1985
• Borgata Poker Room: 85 tables – opened in 2003
• WSOP Room at Bally’s: offers 42 tables – opened in 1979
• Tropicana Poker Room: includes 18 tables – established in 1981
• Bally’s Atlantic City Wild Wild West Poker Room: boasts 42 tables – launched in 1997
• Caesars Atlantic City Poker Room: equipped with 24 tables – opened in 1979
• For almost twenty years, Sadonna has been producing high-quality content for online gambling platforms both domestically and internationally. Centered around casino games and poker, Sadonna has reported on recent legal changes affecting the industry, including the introduction of new services in the US, alongside engaging articles about innovative games and thrilling tournament activities.