March Madness and Legal Betting: What You Need to Know in New Jersey

Written By Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq

March Madness is one of the biggest sporting events in the United States, drawing millions of fans and bettors each year. With the rise of online sports betting, especially in states like New Jersey where it's fully legalized, many people will be placing wagers on their favorite teams. However, understanding the legal landscape of sports betting is crucial to avoid any pitfalls.

The Legal Status of Sports Betting in New Jersey

New Jersey was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Since then, the state has become a leader in online and retail sports betting, generating billions in annual revenue. If you’re in New Jersey, you can legally place bets through licensed sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook, among others.

Online Betting and Mobile Wagering in NJ

One of the biggest advantages of sports betting in New Jersey is the ability to wager online and via mobile apps. The state allows residents and visitors physically located within its borders to place bets through licensed operators. Thanks to advanced geolocation technology, sportsbooks can confirm whether a bettor is within state lines, ensuring compliance with the law.

Important Rules for March Madness Betting in NJ

While New Jersey offers a robust sports betting market, there are specific regulations that bettors must follow, especially during March Madness:

  1. No Betting on New Jersey College Teams – Even though March Madness is one of the most popular betting events of the year, New Jersey law prohibits bets on any college teams from the state, such as Seton Hall, Rutgers, and Princeton. This includes games they play in or any futures bets related to them.

  2. No Betting on College Games Played in NJ – Regardless of the teams involved, if a college game is held within New Jersey, betting on that event is not allowed.

  3. Age and Location Requirements – To place a legal sports bet in New Jersey, you must be at least 21 years old and physically present in the state when placing the wager.

Responsible Gambling and Legal Protections

While betting on March Madness can be thrilling, it’s important to gamble responsibly. New Jersey has several protections in place, including self-exclusion programs and betting limits, to help prevent problem gambling. If you or someone you know needs assistance, resources such as 1-800-GAMBLER are available for support.

Final Thoughts

March Madness presents an exciting opportunity for sports fans and bettors, but it’s essential to stay informed about New Jersey’s sports betting laws. By using licensed sportsbooks, adhering to state regulations, and gambling responsibly, you can enjoy the tournament without legal concerns. If you have any legal questions related to sports betting or gambling laws, consulting a knowledgeable attorney can provide clarity and guidance.

Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq

Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq. is a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey. 

Experienced in the criminal defense of both adults and juveniles, Art also handles DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and motor vehicle violations in municipal courts. 

Art represents parties in domestic violence cases from the initial phase through settlement or litigated hearings, often in conjunction with related criminal charges.

An approved attorney for the New Jersey State P.B.A., Art represents law enforcement officers in criminal, administrative, and employment cases. 

Art’s 28 years as a criminal prosecutor in the Essex and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Offices has given him the rare ability to develop an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of criminal law.  His extensive trial experience has honed his skills. He has directed numerous investigative units and has prosecuted complex criminal cases involving governmental corruption, white-collar and financial crimes, organized crime, homicide, narcotics, insurance fraud, adult sex crimes, and child abuse.

Throughout his career, Art has worked jointly on investigations with numerous law enforcement agencies, including The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.), The United State’s Attorney’s Office, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement (I.C.E.),  Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), The Office of the N.J. Attorney General, N.J. Office of Attorney Ethics, N.J. State Police, County Prosecutor’s Offices, and Local Police Departments.  As a result of his vast and varied experience, he has developed relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement and has earned an impeccable reputation before judges.

*The Supreme Court of New Jersey has approved no aspect of this advertisement. See Award Methodology

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