Over the last few years, the state of New Jersey has established one of the most varied and interesting digital entertainment markets in the United States. Famed for being home to the legendary entertainment hotspot Atlantic City, this fun-loving region has also embraced the stratospheric rise of online casino and iGaming platforms and has now created a uniquely blended and wide-ranging experience for both in-person visitors and online players.

Commercial casino gaming revenue in New Jersey hit a record total of $6.30 billion in 2024, and players in the state now have more options and formats to choose from than ever before. To learn more about this thriving entertainment hub, we sat down with Ian Zerafa, Content Manager and expert at Casino.org, who shared some of the latest insights, advice and insider tips for those seeking to explore all that New Jersey has to offer!


Ian, thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with us. To give our readers some context, can you talk us through your experience in the industry, and how this informs your current role at Casino.org?


Of course - I've been working in the iGaming space for five years now, with a close focus on the U.S. market. I currently lead the U.S. team as Content Manager over at Casino.org, and we’re always keeping a close eye on any new developments within each individual state, because we understand that the national landscape for iGaming is always changing on some level.

I know first-hand how difficult it can be for U.S. players to keep up within this fragmented regulatory environment, and we take our responsibility as a source of up-to-date guidance very seriously, especially when it comes to narrowing down the growing number of options available.

Importantly, the iconic casino gaming scene in New Jersey has always been a particular focus for me over the years, so it’s great to have this opportunity to share some of the lesser-known tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.


It feels like New Jersey has always been at the forefront of the U.S. casino scene, and it certainly stands out for having some of the most permissive gambling legislation in the country today. What should first-time visitors and online players know about New Jersey’s unique entertainment landscape?


I think New Jersey really stands out, and because of that there a few things that people should be aware of whenever they’re choosing where to play.

New Jersey was a pioneer for the sector because it was an early adopter of regulated online casino gaming, and that means its market has since had a lot of time to mature and has therefore become highly competitive. This obviously means there’s now a significant amount of quality NJ online casino options to choose from, and at Casino.org we’re committed to keeping our guides, reviews and rankings up to date to help players choose the platform that suits them best.

The state has always been uniquely interesting because it has embraced the connection between more traditional, brick-and-mortar venues and the rise of iGaming platforms in recent years. I think it’s fascinating how these traditional New Jersey casinos have integrated online platforms into their offering, and this combination of in-person and online play can clearly be rewarding for players.


New Jersey’s iconic entertainment destination, Atlantic City, is famed for its epic casinos and is often referred to as the ‘Las Vegas of the East Coast’. Do you have any advice or tips for visitors who may be trying out land-based gaming in Atlantic City for the first time?


I always find that brick-and-mortar venues offer a great opportunity to try new games and different options, as it’s all there waiting to be explored in an approachable, accessible environment.

For those who are visiting one of the many popular casino venues in Atlantic City for the first time, my advice would be not to be afraid to try something new. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of strategic games like poker and blackjack, and I think it’s worth exploring these within an in-person setting if you can, as it offers a great introduction to the complexities and nuances of these fascinating games.

And because many land-based venues and digital platforms in New Jersey are so closely connected, players can then take this newfound experience and knowledge with them into the online space, giving them more confidence to explore different styles of play.


With the casino experience becoming much more digital in New Jersey today, more players are trying out online versions of all their favorite classic casino games. What should people look out for when they’re choosing where to play?


In an iGaming market as competitive as New Jersey’s, I think it’s really important that players look out for the best bonus offers, to make sure they’re stretching their bankroll as far as possible.

Leading platforms in the state are competing to offer the best possible deals for new and returning players and paired with a solid history of regulation in New Jersey it means there’s some fantastic offers and reward schemes to choose from. It’s always worth taking a step back and making the time to read through our guidance over at Casino.org, as we work tirelessly to publish our latest bonus reviews and research, which we hope will save time and energy for our readers when sifting through the vast amount of promotions available online today.

I always say it’s crucial that players read through the wagering requirements closely – these should be simple, straightforward and accessible, otherwise the platform probably isn’t worth your time. Finding a great bonus and a high standard of customer service can have a significant impact on your overall experience at an online casino in New Jersey.


Thank you for your time Ian. These tips are really useful and it's clearly an exciting time for players in New Jersey right now, whether they prefer the bright lights of Atlantic City or the convenience of online gaming!