When it comes to gambling in the States, Las Vegas has always been the go-to spot for a date with Lady Luck, traditionally speaking. You don’t really associate many other places in the USA with gambling, and definitely not New Jersey!
But guess what? New Jersey has stepped up its game and become a serious contender. It’s got a first-class casino scene, a booming online gambling industry, and so much more to offer. No wonder it’s now giving Sin City a real run for its money.
GAMBLING LAWS IN NEW JERSEY
In the 1700s, they used lotteries to help fund the military during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. They also helped build Rutgers and Princeton University. After that, gambling was technically banned for over 200 years until about 1939.
It seems hard to believe in a place like New Jersey, which has slowly worked its way up into the conversation, along with Las Vegas.
BRICK AND MORTAR CASINOS
The brick-and-mortar casinos in Atlantic City are very impressive. They’ve got top-notch games, world-class entertainment, and super fancy hotels to make a weekend of it. While they don’t have replicas of the Eiffel tower, or a giant pyramid in the center, New Jersey still offers some impressive hotels and casinos for those who still like gambling in person.
Sure, Vegas may still have more casinos overall, but New Jersey’s casinos are catching up fast. And, besides, quantity holds nothing over quality. By 2023, Atlantic City had nine casinos running, and that’s quite a comeback, considering they faced tough competition from neighboring states like Pennsylvania, a global pandemic, and the resulting economic downturn.
ONLINE CASINOS
But it’s not just slots and blackjack that are making New Jersey attractive to gamblers. One of the major aspects that sets New Jersey apart is its approach to online gambling. New Jersey legalized online casino games and sports betting way back in 2013.
And boy, did the decision to legalize online casinos pay off: The state of NJ has made a boatload of cash from it. In fact, NJ is one of only six states that allow online casinos, which is perhaps part of the reason why it has the third-largest casino revenue in the States.
HOW BIG IS THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY IN NEW JERSEY?
In 2021 alone, New Jersey has raked in a jaw-dropping $1.4 billion in online gaming revenue, smashing all records. That money has been pumped into public services, infrastructure, and education, only serving to benefit the state.
What’s even more commendable about the state of New Jersey is its genuinely responsible gambling initiatives and the care it puts into its legalized gambling practices. For instance, the state provides a ton of resources to help bettors manage their gambling habits. This refreshingly responsible approach has earned them extra kudos from advocacy groups, and it has helped to solidify the state as a true gambling industry leader.
TOURISM
Because of its proximity to large cities such as New York and Philadelphia, NJ, has attracted many people who want to take a gambling weekend without traveling too far. New Jersey is quickly attracting locals and tourists alike to their growing casino scene. These resorts attract millions of visitors each year and, of course, boost the city’s tourism and job scene.
However, it’s not just the gambling that attracts people to this awesome state. The nightlife and entertainment are fantastic in NJ, particularly in Atlantic City. It offers a more intimate and diverse experience than the extravagant shows of Vegas. They’ve got live concerts, hilarious comedy shows, and all sorts of cultural events. These are all within a compact and walkable city layout.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So there you have it. New Jersey is most definitely giving Las Vegas a real run for its money. This is all thanks to its booming online gambling, world-class casinos, vibrant entertainment scene, and responsible gambling attitude. If you’ve never been to a real life casino and need some tips on how to act when you get inside, be sure to check out our guide.
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