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NJ.com promotes both New Jersey regulated gambling sites as well as prohibited sweepstakes sites
New Jersey is one of a handful of U.S. states that made sweepstakes casinos illegal
Sweepstakes casinos may be prohibited in the state of New Jersey, but don't tell that to the Garden State's largest newspaper and digital news outlet, the Newark Star Ledger (NJ.com).
That media organization continues to rate sweepstakes casinos through its affiliate relationship.
Unlike a real money online casino, sweepstakes - or social casinos - is an online platform that allows users to play casino-style games, including slots, bingo, table games, and even live casino games, using virtual currency instead of real money. These types of online casinos rely on additional real money purchases once the free play component is exhausted. In contrast, real money online casinos require a small deposit that can be increased through wins. Free play and cash bonuses are typically offered as well.
New Jersey banned sweepstakes casinos in August 2025 when Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation targeting the “dual-currency” model. That ban makes it illegal for sweepstakes-style casino platforms to operate or accept players in the state.
Promoting sweepstakes to New Jersey residents is not illegal per se but there is definitely a grey area.
NJ.com does not explicitly promote these websites to New Jersey residents. Direct referral links aimed at NJ users is especially problematic, and doesn't appear to be a practice NJ.com is engaging in.
But....
The real problem may lie with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) disdain for its regulated gambling operators appearing alongside unregulated gambling company promotions on websites.
The Newark Star Ledger has long been considered a local newspaper, unlike the New York Times and Washington Post, which enjoy a more national presence.
NJ.com has expanded its digital footprint outside the state. Estimates suggest anywhere from 30% to 50% of its readership could originate from outside of New Jersey. This is especially likely as many who grew up or resided in the state have located elsewhere but still monitor New Jersey news. The site is also completely free to access.
Some local stories do make national headlines, and NJ.com is best equipped to cover these. Coverage of the 2016 Hoboken train crash and extensive coverage of the "Bridgegate" scandal reached national visibility. The 2025 NJ gubernatorial race was heavily covered nationwide with NJ.com playing a pivotal role.
Catena Media partners primarily with US regulated gambling sites but does own properties where sweepstakes casinos are also promoted.
The sweepstakes casino reviews appear to come from NJ.com editorial staff, not Catena Media. But NJ.com featuring these editorials for free doesn't seem realistic, especially when each site ranking is accompanied by a link that reads "Get Bonus".
And then there is this disclaimer that appears on NJ.com's recent sweepstakes casino ranking piece:
"If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy."
New Jersey is one of four U.S. states that strictly forbid sweepstakes (or dual currency) casinos. The others are Michigan, Washington and Idaho. Indiana is about to join this club.
As of January 1, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 831, banning dual-currency sweepstakes platforms statewide. The ban passed 36-0 in the Senate and 63-0 in the Assembly and took effect on January 1, 2026.
Last summer, New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has stopped online sweepstakes casinos operating in New York. This is important where NJ.com is concerned as Newark, and Northern New Jersey as a whole, is part of the New York City metropolitan area.
“Online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, dangerous, and can seriously ruin people’s finances,” said Attorney General James. “I thank the New York State Gaming Commission and Senator Addabbo for partnering with my office on this issue to protect New Yorkers.”
“These so-called ‘sweepstakes’ games are unscrupulous, unsecure, and unlawful,” said New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “I have been very vocal about the need to crack down on these operations, and I am thrilled that Attorney General James has taken this significant step to eradicate the illegal gambling market. We encourage those of age who wish to gamble to do so with legal operators.”
Connecticut, Louisiana and Nevada highly scrutinize these platforms.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
