How sports betting works, in plain English, with the New Jersey rules that apply on top. Start with the three basic bet types below, then use the guides for bonuses, payments and the betting markets you care about.
New Jersey bettors must be 21 and physically in the state to bet online. You can’t bet on New Jersey college teams, or on college games played in the state.
The three basic bets
Moneyline
You pick the winner. American odds show the price. A minus number is the favorite: at -150 you stake $150 to win $100. A plus number is the underdog: at +130 a $100 bet wins $130. Your stake comes back on top of the winnings.
Point spread
The sportsbook gives the underdog a head start. If the Giants are +3.5 against the Eagles at -3.5, a bet on the Eagles wins only if they win by 4 or more. A Giants bet wins if they win outright or lose by 3 or fewer. Most spreads are priced at -110, so you stake $110 to win $100.
Totals (over/under)
You bet on the combined score. If the total is 44.5, the over wins at 45 points or more and the under wins at 44 or fewer. The half point means there’s no tie.
The house edge sits in the price. At -110 on both sides, a bettor needs to win 52.4% of bets just to break even.
Guides for NJ bettors
| Guide | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Reading betting odds | American odds, implied probability and payouts, with worked examples |
| Prop bets in NJ | Player and game props, same-game parlays and the college prop rules |
| Live betting in NJ | In-game odds, cash out, streaming and microbetting |
| College football betting in NJ | Exactly what the NJ college ban covers, plus bowls and the Playoff |
| NJ sportsbook promos | Every welcome offer and how bonus bets really pay |
| Fastest payout sportsbooks | Withdrawal methods and operator-published payout times |
| PayPal sportsbooks and Apple Pay sportsbooks | Which books take each method, with limits and rules |
| Betting strategy | Bankroll management and line shopping basics |
To compare the books themselves, see our ranking of New Jersey sportsbooks.
21+ and physically in New Jersey. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.