Are sweepstakes casinos legal in New Jersey?
Not available — restricted
Law: A5447 — P.L.2025, c.128 · effective Aug 15, 2025
Since Aug 15, 2025, New Jersey has banned online sweepstakes casinos under A5447. All 93 casinos we track are closed to prize play for players located here.
- Aug 15, 2025 — A5447 approved as P.L.2025 c.128, effective immediately — prohibits the sweepstakes model of wagering.
Sources: pub.njleg.gov · checked Oct 7, 2026 · All state laws explained
What the law covers
P.L.2025, c.128 (bill A5447) makes it unlawful gambling to run a sweepstakes that people in New Jersey pay to enter for a chance at a prize. Its exceptions don’t cover coins or online credits that can be exchanged for money or merchandise. It took effect the day it was approved, August 15, 2025.
“offering or conducting a sweepstakes in which a person present in New Jersey may participate by paying or proffering something of value, including, but not limited to, an entry fee for the opportunity to win or receive a prize or prize equivalent, shall constitute unlawful gambling”
Quoted from the source: pub.njleg.gov
What this means for players in New Jersey
No casino on our list is open to players located in New Jersey, so we don’t rank any here. A VPN or a borrowed address breaks the operators’ terms, and they can close the account and void any prizes.
How operators treat New Jersey
Of the 93 casinos we track, 78 leave New Jersey off their own state lists, 7 allow Gold Coin play only and 8 still list it as open. We count New Jersey as closed for those 8 too, because state law or the state’s regulators say these games aren’t allowed, whatever the operator’s list shows. Operators edit these lists themselves, so the split can change.
Gold Coin play in New Jersey
7 casinos we track still let players in New Jersey use Gold Coins, though not Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins can’t be redeemed for anything, so this is play for fun only.
Fortune Coins (Fortune Wins)Crown CoinsPulszAmerican LuckLuckyLand CasinoGolden Hearts GamesGains
Legal options in New Jersey
Sweepstakes casinos are out in New Jersey. These are the alternatives as official sources describe them, with a link to each. We checked each one on Oct 14, 2026.
- Real-money online casino: Legal through licensed operators. The Division of Gaming Enforcement publishes the approved casino sites, and any site not on that list isn’t approved. (njoag.gov)
- State lottery online: Only through a registered lottery courier, and you have to be in New Jersey when you buy. (njlottery.com)
- Problem gambling help: New Jersey problem gambling helpline: call 1-800-GAMBLER. (njoag.gov)
Nearby states with sweepstakes casinos
- Pennsylvania: 82 casinos accept prize play
- Maryland: 60 casinos accept prize play
These counts are for players located in those states, under each operator’s own state list and that state’s law.
New Jersey sweepstakes casino FAQ
- Are sweepstakes casinos legal in New Jersey?
- No. A5447 bans online sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey, effective Aug 15, 2025. None of the 93 casinos we track accept prize play from players located there.
- Can I still play with Gold Coins in New Jersey?
- Yes, at some sites. 7 casinos we track allow Gold Coin-only play here: Fortune Coins (Fortune Wins), Crown Coins, Pulsz, American Luck and LuckyLand Casino, plus 2 more. Gold Coins can’t be redeemed, so there are no prizes.
- What happens if I use a VPN to play from New Jersey?
- It breaks the operators’ terms. Using a VPN or someone else’s address to get past location checks can get the account closed and any prizes voided.
- Where can I play legally in New Jersey?
- Not at a sweepstakes casino: none of the ones we track accepts prize play here. Real-money online casino games are legal in New Jersey through state-regulated sites. You can buy state lottery tickets online through a registered courier. Across the state line, casinos we track accept prize play from players located in Pennsylvania (82 casinos) and Maryland (60 casinos).