Online sports betting is on the rise across New Jersey, and Ridgewood is right in the thick of it. From phone apps to buzz locally, this is the way the wave of online gambling is impacting close by.
Just a few years back, sports betting appeared to be the domain of casino floors in Atlantic City or smoke-filled back rooms out of a movie. Now? It’s just another phone app. And in Ridgewood, this is how that shift has really taken hold more than maybe some might have expected.
Since New Jersey legalized sports betting online in 2018, the industry has exploded, and it hasn’t left quiet suburbs like Ridgewood behind. Whether a pizza-and-coffee crowd checking scores or weekend warriors tracking odds while mowing the lawn, there is betting that has quietly become part of the local beat.
New Jersey: A betting powerhouse
New Jersey is no small player when it comes to sports betting. The state has long ranked among the top in the nation in terms of total handle, or “handle” in the business jargon, of bets. In 2024 alone, over $13 billion was wagered, of which roughly 9 out of every 10 dollars were made online.
This is not entirely sport-related, however. New Jersey online betting encompasses virtual equivalents of casino games like poker, slot machines, roulette and blackjack which are all sold in accessible apps. The websites have a tendency to offer sign-up deals, risk-free bets and seasonal promotions that appeal to novices and veterans alike.
The convenience of it all, to place a wager in your living room while watching the game or while picking up the takeout, has completely changed the face of gambling. And while Newark and Jersey City share the local spotlight, suburban towns like Ridgewood are quietly adding to those numbers.
Betting in the burbs: Ridgewood’s local buzz
Ridgewood may not be blanketed with billboards hawking sportsbooks, but the presence of online gambling is a fact. The local sports bars echo game-day frenzy that now encompasses talk of odds, point spreads and fantasy lineups.
In town, mobile gambling apps are everywhere on phones and tablets. They offer an easy betting experience, blending traditional sports bets with those of online casinos. Whether watching the Yankees play or catching a late-night hoops game, the entire sporting experience has started to shift.
Online gambling gives consumers immediate access to an array of hundreds of live wagers, casino games, and even same-game parlays. For Ridgewood residents, it’s become an afterthought pastime, something they get into over the weekend or whenever major games happen.
Treading carefully: Risks in a click-first world
With so much at one’s fingertips, there are dangers that come with the territory. One of the biggest benefits of online betting is its ease of accessibility, but this is accompanied by new challenges, especially in terms of problem gambling.
Across New Jersey, and even in Bergen County, there have been rising awareness campaigns concerning problem gambling and addiction. Mental health professionals have highlighted how quickly small, occasional bets can compound into a serious issue when users are not in full awareness of their actions.
Even though platforms carry built-in features to help limit costs or time spent on apps, that only works if users actively oversee them. And as many platforms gamify the experience through stunning graphics, leaderboards and daily rewards, it’s easy to find yourself spending time and money.
Other concerns raised about betting
There is also growing concern over the manner sports betting is becoming a part of youth culture, especially since it’s advertised during major sporting events. Even though sites require users to be at least 21, the advertising trail is hard to escape.
Despite the risks, the financial benefits to New Jersey are significant. In 2024 alone, the state collected more than $200 million in tax income from online gaming and sports wagering. Those funds are employed to support diverse programs, from public health to infrastructure projects.
While Ridgewood does not plug any of the tax dollars directly into its coffers, the overall state investment finds its way down locally in grants, transportation upgrades or school funding. And with the casino market continuing to grow, local distribution of gaming taxes is starting to make waves in Trenton. There’s a spill-over effect in neighborhood businesses, too. Sports bars, restaurants and even special event rooms are experiencing increased traffic during peak sports seasons, driven partly by the betting crowd. When customers have a stake in the game’s outcome, they’re more likely to stick around, get a bite to eat and create buzz.
What’s next for Ridgewood’s betting scene
In the coming days, online betting on sports is not disappearing. Instead, it’s getting even better. Companies are developing in-app live streaming, even more sophisticated stats tracking and even social features that enable friends to compete or share bets.
In Ridgewood, that could mean more grassroots activity, either betting-themed viewing parties at taverns or local debate regarding responsible gambling. The technology exists; now it is a question of how the community continues to grow.
To newcomers to the online betting arena, the classic advice still applies: Be smart, set boundaries and enjoy responsibly. If you’re on board because you love the game, the thrill of the odds or just for an occasional wager during playoff season, the culture of betting has officially touched down in Ridgewood, and it’s changing the way we play.
It’s funny you mention that it’s about 40 to 60 people in town bet on every Ridgewood game, makes it exciting
Even the 8U travel baseball games…?
How do I get in on that action…??