New Jersey Online Poker Tournaments
The New Jersey online poker market came to fruition less than a decade ago. Since then, the state has become a leader in both the number of players and platform variety.
All legally-licensed online poker sites are safe and legitimate thanks to regulations imposed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. If you’re ever unsure if an online poker site is legit, simply visit their website to review the complete list.
The rates for rake (commission fee charged by the online poker site) is between 5 and 7 percent and depends on the tournament or game.
Live tournaments moving to online poker platforms. Also, in response to concerns around COVID-19, the World Poker Tour (WPT) postponed or canceled several poker tournaments around the world. As a result of the changing landscape, the WPT is partnering with partypoker for the first-ever WPT Online Series to be held from May 10-26. Yes, real money online poker is legal in New Jersey. It has been since Feb. 26, 2013, when a bill permitting internet gambling in the state was approved by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law by then- Gov.
New Jersey also has shared-liquidity, or interstate player pools, with Delaware and Nevada. That means you can play against folks in both states as well as any other states that legalize online poker and join those pools.
List Of Legal Online Poker Sites In New Jersey
This is the complete list of legal New Jersey online poker sites in alphabetical order:
- 888Poker
- BetMGM Poker
- Borgata Poker
- Pala Poker
- Party Poker
- PokerStars
- WSOP.com
888Poker
888Poker has had its ups and downs since its New Jersey launch in November 2013.
The 888Poker site saw impressive numbers initially. The site saw a steady revenue decline in 2017, 2018, and 2019 until COVID-19 shuttered land-based casinos in 2020. They’ve since bounced back as have other online poker sites.
The land-based partner is Caesars Palace Atlantic City, which 888Poker shares with WSOP.com. Because of this, the two online poker platforms often combine player pools for tournaments and cash games.
BetMGM Poker
BetMGM Poker’s land-based partner is Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and it launched in 2017 as playMGM.
While it’s not the most popular option as a stand-alone, BetMGM NJ is part of the PartyPoker network. That means playing at BetMGM also means you can play against players at PartyPoker as well as Borgata Poker.
New Jersey Online Poker Tournaments Real Money
The reason you’d want to play here over the other two is access to the BetMGM online casino and sportsbook in NJ.
Borgata Poker
The Borgata Poker site is the exact same as the MGM site except for the logo. They both have the same tournaments, promotions, and player pool. The sportsbook odds between the two are the same.
The only slight difference between Borgata and MGM is the online casino. While the catalog is practically identical, you can find a few more titles at Borgata. If you like to play online casino games as well as poker, we’d recommend comparing the two in that regard.
Otherwise, there’s no significant difference.
PalaPoker
PalaPoker is also a Borgata Hotel Casino partner, same as BetMGM and PartyPoker. However, it does not share a player pool, which makes it easy to wonder why it even exists. There’s virtually no one in the poker rooms.
PalaPoker does have a few decent promotions, though, including a No Deposit Bonus. So it might be worthwhile to join for that, play as much as you can, then withdraw and play elsewhere.
Even the PalaPoker website itself looks dated. Its future is uncertain.
PartyPoker
PartyPoker is one of the best options among the many New Jersey online poker sites. As a Borgata Hotel Casino partner, it shares a player pool with Borgata Poker as well as BetMGM.
It’s also the biggest name among these shared-network brands. That means it will be the last one to go out of business (if any do), so you won’t have to worry about migrating your account.
The only downside to PartyPoker is the lack of an online sportsbook. If you enjoy betting on sports and want access to the PartyPoker player pool, join BetMGM or Borgata Poker.
PokerStars
PokerStars has the highest number of players than any other brand in the world. And while New Jersey players can’t legally compete against folks overseas, it’s a testament to the PokerStars NJ overall quality.
PokerStars NJ officially launched in March 2016. Its land-based partner is Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City. And the promotions, large player pool, and huge tournament prizes make this well-worth considering for both new players and seasoned online poker pros alike.
WSOP.com
While PokerStars is the biggest name in online poker, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the biggest name in poker, period.
This Caesars affiliate also shares a player pool with folks in Nevada, Delaware, and members of 888Poker. You can also play online at WSOP.com to qualify for the World Series that takes place annually in Las Vegas.
WSOP.com’s New Jersey launch was November 21, 2013, making this brand among the first legally licensed platforms in the state.
New Jersey Online Poker Tournaments Online
Learn more in our complete Guide To Online Gambling In New Jersey.
What Is The Biggest Online Poker Site In New Jersey?
The biggest individual online poker site in New Jersey—by both revenue and number of players—is PokerStars NJ. This brand also happens to be one of the largest online poker sites in the world. In April 2020, they brought in $2,066,293.
However, the All American Poker Network encompasses both WSOP.com and 888Poker. According to an 888Poker press release, “Micro and low-limit cash games and select tournaments will be part of the shared liquidity.”
WSOP.com NJ made $1,862,004 in April 2020, which means PokerStars NJ beat it by $204,289. And revenue is a reflection of player variety as well as tournament size and cash game win potential.
While a search for 888Poker’s April 2020 revenue proved unsuccessful, it did see a 60 percent jump in traffic that month. It’s also one of the most well-known brands in the world of online gambling. So it’s a very safe bet that WSOP.com and 888Poker combined create the biggest online poker site in New Jersey.
Also, the only live online poker site in Delaware is 888, and the only one live in Nevada is WSOP.com. So the only way to take advantage of New Jersey’s shared-liquidity across state lines is through 888Poker and WSOP.com.
Does New Jersey Share Online Poker Player Pools With Any Other States?
Yes. New Jersey shares online poker player pools with Nevada and Delaware.
However, Nevada’s only licensed online poker site is WSOP.com. If you’re in Delaware, your only option is 888Poker. So New Jersey online poker players looking to take advantage of liquidity-sharing need to join one of those two sites.
Thankfully, WSOP.com and 888Poker share a player pool, so joining one or the other gives you access to it all.
If the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board allows online poker sites to share player pools, that would mean twice as many players. (PA has as many residents as New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada combined.)
Since PokerStars PA is the number one choice in that state, that would mean PokerStars would have the biggest player pool in New Jersey.
But, for now, that title goes to All American Poker Network, which consists of WSOP.com and 888Poker – and extends to NJ, DE, and NV.
Do New Jersey’s Online Poker Sites Offer Mobile Apps?
Yes. All legally-licensed New Jersey online poker sites have a mobile app for both iOS and Android. They’re all also download-only for desktop versions, meaning you can’t play a flash version of any poker site directly on its website.
Different real-money poker apps are distinguished by their individual quality. If you play online poker on your phone, we highly recommend looking into the reviews before joining.
A common complaint is that the app can be glitchy and quit. That would be devastating if you’re in the middle of a tournament or a high-stakes hand. In fact, it would be grounds to never play at that poker app again.
Generally speaking, it’s probably best to play tournaments on your desktop. The computing power greatly reduces the chances that your app will quit unexpectedly. If you’re using an older mobile device, that can further increase the chances of poker app issues.
This is not meant to scare anyone out of playing online poker via a mobile app. A few have glowing reviews. The ones with consistently bad marks are working to improve their performance.
It’s also worth noting that many of these online poker brands have been operating through desktop apps since the 1990s. Mobile apps are comparatively new, so there’s a bit of a learning curve that’s to be expected.
For Android Users: Steps For Downloading A Poker App
- Visit the online poker website from your Android device.
- Download the app directly from the site.
- Sign in or create an account through the app.
- You can now deposit, play, and cashout, all on your Android app.
It is required to turn on your location tracking. The Google Play store also does not allow gambling apps, which is why you need to download it directly from the online poker site.
For iOS Users: Steps For Downloading A Poker App
- Search the app store or visit the online poker website and use their direct App Store link.
- Download the New Jersey version of the online poker app.
- Create an account or log in to an existing one.
- Accept location tracking (it’s required!)
- From here, you’re able to make deposits, play in all tournaments and games, and withdraw.
What Online Poker Bonuses Are Available In New Jersey?
Because New Jersey online poker sites are competing against one another, each will have its own promotional offers. However, all offers fall under the following categories:
No Deposit Bonus
No Deposit Bonuses give players free money just for signing up.
At 888Poker NJ, you can receive a $20 signup bonus that consists of $10 in free play money, six tournament tickets, and $4 in bonus cash. No deposit is required. There are also no stipulations. This means you can withdraw any money using this 888Poker NJ No Deposit Bonus without worrying about playthrough requirements.
First-Deposit Match Bonus
This one comes with a few stipulations. Every online poker site offers the deposit-match bonus, including PokerStars, PartyPoker, 888, and WSOP.
For example, the PokerStars NJ version doubles your first deposit up to $600. As you buy tournament tickets or pay the rake, you earn points. The more points you earn, the more of your bonus money gets unlocked.
The playthrough requirement is usually 1x.
Reload Bonus
The reload bonus is the same as the first-deposit match bonus. The only difference is that it applies to when you add money to your account, or “reload” your bankroll.
Freerolls
Freeroll tournaments are promotional tournaments that are free to enter but have real-money pots. At PokerStars NJ, the “Start-Up Freeroll” tournament is open to all first-time depositors. But at 888Poker, there are daily, weekly, and monthly freerolls.
Free Tournament Tickets
A lot of deposit promotions at online poker sites in New Jersey include free tournament buy-ins. At WSOP.com, the Mystery Blast Offer gives depositors a randomly-generated tournament ticket.
Leaderboard Prize Pools
Leaderboard tournaments are commonly held at all major New Jersey online poker sites. At PokerStars New Jersey, placing in the top 15 percent of a tournament scores leaderboard points. The players with the most points at the end of the promo period receive a slice of the prize pool.
New Jersey Online Poker FAQ
You have to be 21 years or older to play online poker in New Jersey. The same applies to playing at a brick-and-mortar casino anywhere in the Garden State, including Atlantic City. You also have to be 21 to play at NJ online casinos and NJ online sportsbooks.
Technically speaking, no. DraftKings New Jersey runs an online casino and sportsbook platform separate from other Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City partner products. While the DraftKings NJ casino has casino poker, it does not offer player vs. player poker.
However, DraftKings does share Resorts Casino as a land-based casino partner with PokerStars NJ. But PokerStars is owned by The Stars Group, which runs the FOX Bet NJ sportsbook. That means you can use your PokerStars NJ account to bet at the FOX Bet sportsbook, but not the DraftKings sportsbook.
Licensing in New Jersey is all over the place. But the bottom line is that DraftKings NJ does not offer online poker.
PokerStars New Jersey is available for download through a unique URL specifically for NJ players. There, you can download the desktop version of the platform as well as find a direct link to the apps.
Because PokerStars has products specific to various states, each one has its own URL. For example, the PokerStars Pennsylvania URL is also unique to the state.
New Jersey poker sites accept all major methods of payment for deposits. These include:
- Visa and MasterCard debit or credit
- PayNearMe locations (cash deposits)
- Direct bank transfer
- Echeck
- PayPal
- Skrill
You also have the option to deposit at the partnering land-based casino cage.
New Jersey poker sites accept fewer withdrawal options than deposit options. But all online poker players will find something they can easily utilize for cashing out. These include:
- Direct bank transfer
- Echeck
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Casino cage
If you choose to withdraw at the partnering casino’s cage, you can receive your winnings in cash.
There is a lot of uncertainty in New Jersey and across the country, as states react in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Measures include the canceling of most sporting events, the closing of schools, and cities under quarantine or putting curfews in place.
Schools are scrambling to transfer learning online, people are grocery shopping through apps, and poker tournaments are shifting from card rooms to the virtual felt.
WSOP.com moves poker tournament online
On Friday, we reported on our PlayNJ live blog that the World Series of Poker canceled its upcoming circuit events.
The WSOP’s announcement impacted Harrah’s Atlantic City, which was in the middle of hosting a WSOP Circuit tournament. The Main Event was in progress when the WSOP suspended it.
The company, to its credit, quickly switched gears and created an entire online poker tournament series to keep players playing in a safe environment: their home.
It is quite impressive how quickly the online tournament came together.
The WSOP Circuit Super Series is comprised of 18 events with $1.24 million in guarantees and is hosted on WSOP.com and 888 poker platforms.
The first two events kicked off this weekend and crushed their guarantees.
Event No. 1, $320 NLH Double Stack with a $50,000 guarantee finished with 409 entries for a total prize pool of $171,000.
That was followed by Event No. 2, $215 NLH Monster Stack, also with a guarantee of $50,000. The final prize pool settled at $188,200 from 720 entries.
It’s been since last summer’s WSOP online bracelet events that NJ online poker has seen such massive prize pools.
Besides New Jersey poker players, the tournament series is open to players in Nevada and Delaware. It is worth noting that Delaware players have been ineligible to participate in WSOP online circuit events until now.
There are 16 more events on the schedule. The series couldn’t be timed better to help provide a little escape for poker players.
WSOP Circuit Super Series schedule
| Date | Time PST | Event | Buy-in | Guarantee | Total Entries | Prize Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. 14 | 4:00 PM | 1 - NLH Double Stack | $320 | $50,000 | 570 | $171,000 |
| Mar. 15 | 2:00 PM | 2 - NLH Monster Stack | $215 | $50,000 | 941 | $188,200 |
| Mar. 16 | 4:00 PM | 3 - NLH Deep Turbo | $215 | $50,000 | 669 | $133,800 |
| Mar. 17 | 4:00 PM | 4 - NLH High Roller (6-Max) | $1,000 | $75,000 | 290 | $276,950 |
| Mar. 18 | 4:00 PM | 5 - NLH | $215 | $50,000 | 859 | $171,800 |
| Mar. 19 | 4:00 PM | 6 - NLH | $320 | $50,000 | 720 | $217,800 |
| Mar. 20 | 4:00 PM | 7 - PLO 6-Max | $215 | $30,000 | 454 | $90,800 |
| Mar. 21 | 4:00 PM | 8 - NLH Double Stack | $320 | $75,000 | 826 | $247,800 |
| Mar. 22 | 5:00 PM | 9 - NLH Monster Stack | $525 | $150,000 | 636 | $318,000 |
| Mar. 23 | 4:00 PM | 10 - NLH Freezeout | $250 | $30,000 | 473 | $110,209 |
| Mar. 24 | 4:00 PM | 11 - NLH BIG $500 | $500 | $75,000 | 314 | $247,977 |
| Mar. 25 | 4:00 PM | 12 - NLH | $215 | $50,000 | 541 | $168,800 |
| Mar. 26 | 4:00 PM | 13 - NLH 6-Max | $320 | $75,000 | 402 | $201,900 |
| Mar. 27 | 4:00 PM | 14 - NLH Turbo | $250 | $50,000 | 422 | $149,460 |
| Mar. 28 | 4:00 PM | 15 - NLH | $320 | $75,000 | 473 | $219,300 |
| Mar. 29 | 5:00 PM | 16 - NLH Main Event | $525 | $200,000 | ||
| Mar. 30 | 4:00 PM | 17 - NLH Knockout | $300 | $30,000 | ||
| Mar. 31 | 4:00 PM | 18 - NLH Grand Finale HR | $1,000 | $75,000 |
New Jersey Online Poker Tournaments 2020
Is the 2020 World Series of Poker still taking place?
Knowing there would be many questions around this year’s World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, WSOP.com Editor-in-Chief Seth Palansky issued a statement.
“As it relates to the summer WSOP in Las Vegas, we are monitoring COVID-19 developments very carefully and it is scheduled to be held as planned.”
The WSOP has big plans for this year’s event. It will reward more than 100 gold bracelets. New Jersey poker players will have the opportunity to play in 14 online bracelet events, the most in its history.
PokerStars NJ boosts its online poker guarantees
PokerStars NJ also saw a rise in online poker play this weekend. It responded by boosting its Sunday Special guarantee by $10,000.
Its guarantee of $25,000 has been the standard for more than a year, only changing when it is part of an online tournament series. We saw that with the Winter Series in February.
The $35,000 guaranteed Sunday Special on March 15 ended with 137 players rebuying 79 times for a total of 216 entries. While the $40,176 prize pool wasn’t as impressive as what happened on WSOP.com, it is still nice to see.
It is worth mentioning that all of PokerStars NJ’s Sunday majors exceeded their guarantees this past Sunday, several by triple.
Live tournaments moving to online poker platforms
Also, in response to concerns around COVID-19, the World Poker Tour (WPT) postponed or canceled several poker tournaments around the world.
As a result of the changing landscape, the WPT is partnering with partypoker for the first-ever WPT Online Series to be held from May 10-26.
It is unlikely that New Jersey players will have an event of its own and playing on the global platform is not an option.
But it would not be surprising to see more NJ poker platforms host big online tournaments as more and more people opt (or are required) to stay home to wait things out.
NJ online casinos are the place to be
As more and more people are staying home and self-distancing, digital forms of entertainment will be in demand. That is evidenced by the surge in online poker tournaments over the weekend.
Undoubtedly, NJ online casino gambling will also see a surge in activity as people wait out the coronavirus pandemic from the comfort of their home.
When this article was published, Atlantic City casinos were still open for business.
It would not be surprising, however, to learn early in the week that Gov. Phil Murphy is ordering them closed. Several states have already done just that, including:
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Indiana
Several casino properties in Nevada and Pennsylvania are also closed.
Social distancing for an unknown period of time will be a challenge; however, it is the right thing to do. Everyone must protect our most vulnerable citizens and ease the burden on our health care systems.
Finding new sources of entertainment that replace your typical routine will be key to getting through this challenging time with your sanity intact. Thanks to technology, there are plenty of options.