Know how to make the most out of the Atlantic City gambling scene

The betting scene in New Jersey includes Atlantic City gambling, off-track wagering, horse racing, New Jersey lotto, social and charity betting and amusement games. Betting regulations in this state are one of the least restraining in the US. Legitimate in-state web betting was established in November 2013 and New Jersey is challenging Nevada's monopoly over legal sports wagering.

Gambling is deeply rooted in New Jersey since the state has been more permissive about it compared to other states. Lotteries were abundant in the state until they were forbidden in 1844. The income generated from these lotteries were used to augment the salary of military personnel during the Indian and French war as well as the American Revolution. Between 1894 and 1939, all forms of betting was, in theory, forbidden throughout the state. However, the enforcement of this policy was blotchy. Racetrack betting was legalized again in 1939. In 1974, the people vetoed the proposition of legalizing casino betting throughout the state, although after two years the citizens approved a referendum that made casinos legal provided that these establishments were only set up in Atlantic City. The first to open was Resorts Atlantic City in 1978 and from then on Atlantic City gambling became bustling.

At present, nine casinos make up the Atlantic City gambling landscape. In 2011, the casino employee population were tallied at 33,000 while the betting industry in New Jersey welcomed 28.5 million visitors and paid $278 million in taxes out of its $8.3 billion revenue. All these betting establishments are under the regulation of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission as well as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

In January of 2012, sports betting was legalized in New Jersey but several sports organizations, such as the NBA, NHL and NFL, filed a lawsuit to prevent this. The court's decision leaned toward the athletic leagues so New Jersey was prohibited from issuing any sportsbook license. On a lighter note, online betting was finally legalized in New Jersey after the concerns raised were sorted out. In October of 2014, the state posted a revenue of more than $100 million since the implementation of the regulation started in November 2013.