If you’re not into sports betting, then August 15 was probably just another day in the office for you. However, New Jersey sports bettors should know that as of this date, two casinos joined the NJ sports betting scene. Namely, this Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., Atlantic City bettors got another place where they can try their luck—Golden Nugget Casino opened its temporary sportsbook location. An hour and a half later, Resorts Casino did the same at their own temporary sports betting site.
Ironically enough, the similarities don’t end there. Unlike the Borgata and other NJ casinos, where the governor and other notables placed their first bets, the first wagers at these casinos came from a couple local John Does. Namely, Neil Calise of Staten Island and Michael Sylvester of Rye Brook both bet on the New York Giants to win the next Superbowl. The former threw a $100 Hail Mary, and the latter did the same with $500. The odds were 40/1 at both sportsbook locations, so they can expect amicable winnings if the Giants manage to upset the NFL world.
Monmouth Park, Borgata, Ocean Resort, the Meadowlands, Bally’s, Harrah’s, and now Golden Nugget and Resorts have all launched their sportsbooks in NJ. We’re expecting at least three more, but the number of brick-and-mortar sports betting sites in the state could go up to 14. However, the ones we hope to see shortly are Hard Rock AC, Caesars, and Tropicana.
Resorts Casino is moving quite aggressively regarding its New Jersey sports betting sites. Apart from the cooperation with DraftKings (the first website and app for NJ sports betting), they’ve also inked a deal with The Stars Group, which means we can expect at least two gambling sites from Resorts—one they’ll create independently and the other one they’ll launch together with The Stars Group.
Until they launch two more websites and mobile apps, you have the opportunity to enjoy sports betting at their temporary location’s well-known address—1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA. Nevertheless, the temporary facility is in great shape. It features a 12-foot video wall with 15 TV screens. Most importantly, you’ll be able to bet on a great variety of sports, from MLB and NFL to MMA and soccer.
Golden Nugget didn’t have a grand opening like Resorts. In fact, they didn’t even notify the press until the night before the launch. Still, the temporary sportsbook location at Golden Nugget looks more than decent. It’s expected that these facilities will be replaced with new ones that will feature 90 TV screens, four terminals, and nine self-serve stands.
As far as their offer is concerned, you’ll get an impressive variety of games, with the exclusion of NBA matches (casino owner Tilman Fertitta also owns the Houston Rockets). As is the case with Resorts Casino, Golden Nugget also plans to launch their online casino and app by the end of September.
Since NJ online gambling will always emerge victorious from its contest with in-person betting, we can’t wait for DraftKings to get some company!