NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in New Jersey for Hockey

New Jersey is the birthplace of modern U.S. sports betting. The Garden State led the decade-long legal battle that culminated in the Supreme Court striking down PASPA in May 2018, and New Jersey launched retail sports betting just five weeks later on June 14, 2018. Online betting followed on August 6, 2018, making New Jersey one of the first states to offer fully mobile sports wagering. Today, New Jersey offers 14 licensed online sportsbooks, one of the deepest markets in the nation.

Is NHL Betting Legal in New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey legalized sports betting in 2012 (before PASPA was overturned). The Supreme Court struck down PASPA on May 14, 2018. Retail sportsbooks launched June 14, 2018. Online/mobile sports betting went live August 6, 2018.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) regulates all sports betting activity. New Jersey currently has 14 licensed online sportsbooks: bet365, Fanatics, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, ESPN BET, Hard Rock Bet, Borgata, Golden Nugget, betPARX, Bally Bet, and Sporttrade. Full remote registration allowed, no need to visit physical locations. New Jersey permits betting on college sports, but you cannot bet on games involving New Jersey-based college teams (Rutgers, Seton Hall, Princeton) or college games played within New Jersey.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in New Jersey

Other legal gambling: New Jersey has online casinos, online poker, esports betting, horse racing betting, NFL Draft betting, and entertainment awards betting. Political betting is prohibited.

Legal, regulated betting with 14 operators and the nation's most mature mobile market.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in New Jersey

New Jersey's loaded with options. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

bet365

New Jersey Partner: Hard Rock Atlantic City

bet365 is globally renowned for its best-in-class live betting platform. NHL in-game odds update in real-time with exceptional speed. Live streaming of select events, early cash-out options, and deep futures markets. 4.8/5 App Store rating. Playtech-powered technology.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + 10 Golden Chips on eligible Playtech games.

Best for: Live-action bettors and futures-focused players.

Shurzy Tip: bet365's live betting platform is the best in NJ. If you're watching Devils games live and want to bet momentum shifts during power plays or after goals, bet365 updates faster than anyone else.

FanDuel Sportsbook

New Jersey Partner: Meadowlands Racetrack

FanDuel is consistently rated the top sportsbook nationally. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props, responsive live betting, and the best NHL same-game parlays. Phenomenal mobile app with real-time goalie and injury updates.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins.

Best for: All New Jersey hockey bettors, especially SGP enthusiasts.

Shurzy Tip: FanDuel's SGP builder is clutch for Devils games. Stack player props with game outcomes, anytime goal scorer + team moneyline + over/under. Build your edge in one bet.

Caesars Sportsbook

New Jersey Partner: Caesars Atlantic City

Caesars offers the most regular odds boosts among NJ sportsbooks. Sharp NHL pricing, Caesars Rewards loyalty program, and daily boosts on select markets. 24/7 customer support. Multiple Atlantic City retail locations.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (code SBO20X).

Best for: Bettors seeking daily boosts and loyalty rewards.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars' daily odds boosts are clutch. Check them every morning, they run NHL boosts constantly, especially for Devils games.

DraftKings Sportsbook

New Jersey Partner: Resorts Atlantic City

DraftKings excels at player props (drawing on DFS expertise) and offers integrated DFS, sportsbook, and casino on one platform. Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. Shared wallet across products.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets + 3 months NBA League Pass.

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS/casino players.

BetMGM

New Jersey Partner: Borgata Atlantic City

BetMGM is the best NJ sportsbook for parlay betting. Aggressive promotional calendar with NHL-specific boosts. "One Game Parlay" feature excellent for hockey SGPs. Retail access at Borgata.

Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win.

Best for: Parlay enthusiasts and Borgata visitors.

Fanatics Sportsbook

New Jersey Partner: (Multiple)

Fanatics is the newest major sportsbook in NJ and offers the FanCash rewards program, earn cash back on every bet. Strong same-game parlay markets, daily odds boosts, and comprehensive NHL coverage. Modern platform design.

Welcome offer: Bet and Get up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.

Best for: High-volume bettors seeking rewards.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in New Jersey

New Jersey sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop for best pricing across NJ's 14 books, bet365, FanDuel, and Caesars maintain particularly competitive lines.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5 and alternates)

Hockey's spread with alternative lines available. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: With 14 sportsbooks in NJ, puck line shopping is mandatory. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at bet365. Over a season, those nickels compound into real money. Don't be lazy, shop aggressively.

Total Goals (Over/Under with alternatives)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.6 goals per game with alternative totals.

Player Props

The deepest prop menus in the nation. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (extensive ranges), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, blocked shots, first goal scorer, last goal scorer. DraftKings offers the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals. Available across all major NJ books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard parlays and SGPs with extensive customization. FanDuel leads on SGPs.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds, team win totals. Available on all major NJ books.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in New Jersey

New Jersey's competitive market drives aggressive promotions. Here's what to watch for.

• Welcome Bonuses: All 14 sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include bet365's Bet $5, Get $150 + 10 Golden Chips, FanDuel's Bet $5, Get $150 if your bet wins, Caesars' double winnings on next 20 bets, DraftKings' Bet $5, Get $200 + NBA League Pass, BetMGM's up to $1,500 back if first bet loses, Fanatics' up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash, and BetRivers' 2nd Chance Bet up to $500.
• Devils-Specific Promotions: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars frequently offer New Jersey Devils odds boosts and promotions.
• Parlay Profit Boosts: 3+ leg parlays regularly receive 25-100% payout boosts across multiple books.
• Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Check multiple sportsbook promotion tabs daily. NJ's 14-operator market means constant promotional competition. Devils promos pop constantly during the season, don't sleep on those.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for New Jersey Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in New Jersey's mature market.

1. Leverage Devils Local Knowledge: New Jersey bettors following the Devils have an edge. Use local insight on roster changes, goalie workload, team momentum before national markets adjust.
2. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. NJ's sharp books update quickly, check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop.
3. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
4. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
5. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
6. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Prudential Center provides some advantage for the Devils, but don't overweight home teams league-wide.
7. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
8. Shop NJ's Deep Market: With 14 sportsbooks competing, check at least 3 books before betting. Price discrepancies are common and exploitable.

Use bet365 for Live Betting: bet365 has the best live betting platform in NJ. Use it for in-game NHL wagering when you're watching live.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in New Jersey

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

• Pick a licensed sportsbook from bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, BetRivers, ESPN BET, Hard Rock Bet, Borgata, Golden Nugget, betPARX, Bally Bet, or Sporttrade. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Must be 21+.
• Full remote registration, no physical location visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via multiple methods (cards, e-wallets, bank transfer, crypto on some platforms).
• Claim promotions by checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games. Compare odds across multiple NJ sportsbooks for best pricing (check at least 3). Place your bet through the app or website. Track results and refine your strategy over time.
• Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in New Jersey

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement ensures all 14 licensed sportsbooks comply with strict consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All New Jersey sportsbooks offer deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• 1-800-GAMBLER (New Jersey Problem Gambling Helpline)
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout New Jersey

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. New Jersey's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: New Jersey's Best for NHL Betting

New Jersey is the birthplace of modern U.S. sports betting and remains one of the most competitive markets in the nation. With 14 licensed online sportsbooks, NJ offers hockey fans the sharpest odds, deepest markets, and fiercest promotional competition.

bet365 dominates live betting and market depth. FanDuel leads on SGPs and overall user experience. Caesars offers the best daily odds boosts. DraftKings excels on props and DFS integration. BetMGM is best for parlay betting. Fanatics has the best rewards program. Sporttrade offers unique exchange-style betting.

‍