Bingo in New Jersey: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in New Jersey?

Yes. Bingo has been a legal fundraiser in New Jersey for decades under the Bingo Licensing Law, and it’s run only by qualifying nonprofit groups. The state body in charge is the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC), part of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

The LGCCC says it oversees bingo and raffles for about 7,000 charitable, educational, religious, patriotic, public-spirited and senior citizen organizations. The detailed rules sit in Chapter 13:47 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, with a full subchapter (13:47-7) on how bingo must be conducted.

New Jersey splits the paperwork between the state and your town. A group registers with the Commission, then gets the actual bingo license from the municipality where the game will take place. Towns also decide whether games may run on Sundays.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in New Jersey?

18. The rule is spelled out in N.J.A.C. 13:47-6.10: no one under 18 may play in any licensed bingo game. The same section bars minors from running or helping with a game, with one exception. Teens can serve or sell food and drinks at the event.

Atlantic City casinos and online casino sites are a separate system with a minimum age of 21.

Can you play online bingo for real money in New Jersey?

Legally, yes. New Jersey is one of the few states where online casino gambling is legal, through sites partnered with Atlantic City casinos and approved by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). Players must be 21 and physically inside the state.

Bingo has been part of that market. Pala Interactive launched PalaBingoUSA, billed as the first dedicated real-money bingo site in New Jersey, using a license tied to Borgata.

As of October 2026, though, the DGE’s list of authorized internet gaming sites doesn’t include a dedicated bingo site. The current lineup is online slots, table games and poker brands such as BetMGM, Borgata, FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars. If you want real-money bingo online in New Jersey today, you may not find a traditional bingo room. Check the DGE list before you sign up anywhere, since any site not on it is unlicensed.

Charity bingo is different. Licensed charity games are in-person events, not internet games. For more on the options, see our online bingo guide.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in New Jersey?

No. Gov. Phil Murphy signed A5447 on August 15, 2025, and the ban took effect right away. It outlaws online sweepstakes games that use a dual-currency system (free “gold coins” plus redeemable “sweeps coins”) to mimic casino games or sports betting. Sweepstakes bingo rooms built on that model fall under it.

The law also targets proxy betting and the use of insider information. Retail promotions, like a sweepstakes entry that comes with a purchase of food or merchandise, are carved out. Our sweepstakes bingo explainer has more on how these sites work.

Where can you play bingo in New Jersey?

New Jersey has no tribal casinos, and the Atlantic City casinos don’t run traditional bingo halls. Your best bets are local charity games at:

• Catholic parishes and other churches, often one or two nights a week
• Volunteer fire companies and first aid squads
• Veterans’ and fraternal groups such as VFW posts, American Legion posts, Elks and Knights of Columbus councils
• Senior citizen clubs, which are named in the state’s list of eligible groups

We haven’t listed specific halls because we couldn’t verify current schedules. Your municipal clerk’s office issues local bingo licenses and can tell you which groups currently hold one.

How to run a charity bingo game in New Jersey

1. Confirm your group qualifies. Eligible organizations include charitable, educational, religious, fraternal, veterans’, volunteer fire and first aid, civic and senior citizen groups.
2. Register with the LGCCC. This gives your group its state registration before any license is issued.
3. Apply to your municipality. The town clerk processes the bingo license and any Sunday authorization.
4. Use active members. Members run the game; compensated workers are allowed only under the Commission’s rules.
5. Report and spend correctly. Proceeds go into a separate bank account, must be used for the purposes your license lists, and must be reported to the Commission.

Our bingo fundraiser guide covers the event side, from pricing to choosing bingo patterns.

Real-money play should stay fun. If it doesn’t, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (New Jersey’s own helpline number too) or visit our responsible gaming page.