Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in New Jersey?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in New Jersey. Skill machines in New Jersey bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in New Jersey. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. Its one New Jersey exception covers domino games, and Atay Games has no domino game. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in New Jersey; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Next door, Delaware is on that no-cash list, so cash matches stop when you cross into it. New Jersey taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for New Jersey, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in New Jersey
| Game | Cash play in New Jersey | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not New Jersey |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not New Jersey |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not New Jersey |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not New Jersey |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not New Jersey |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Jersey |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Jersey |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Jersey |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Jersey |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Jersey |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New Jersey |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in New Jersey
Every game plays free first, so New Jersey players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in New Jersey
New Jersey taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your New Jersey return. The New Jersey Division of Taxation decides how New Jersey treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for New Jersey players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering New Jersey
Crossing from New Jersey into Delaware switches cash matches off.
Questions about skill-game apps in New Jersey
Can I play Atay games for cash in New Jersey?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in New Jersey. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in New Jersey I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Newark and Trenton get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from New Jersey into Delaware?
Cash matches switch off once your phone is in Delaware. Free play keeps working, and cash play returns when you are back in New Jersey.
Does New Jersey tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and New Jersey has a state income tax; check the New Jersey Division of Taxation's guidance for your situation.
New Jersey status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.