Thousands of fans are heading to the NYC area this weekend for Wrestlemania 35. Not only will history be made Sunday (or Monday, pending how long the show runs) as three women are slated to main event the annual live spectacle, it’ll be made before the gates open at MetLife Stadium.
This is the first time Wrestlemania will be in an area with regulated sports betting since Wrestlemania IX in Las Vegas. It also marks the first marquee event in New Jersey since the books opened last summer.
The biggest night in live sports entertainment has become a weekend-plus gathering of fans from around the world. A cosmopolitan destination like the Big Apple will certainly draw those familiar with sports betting.
As a native New Jerseyan, I’m here to help you navigate the online and retail opportunities.
Brick-and-mortar locations
The Meadowlands in East Rutherford will host Mania on Sunday. There’s lots of action happening before the first bell a few lots away from MetLife Stadium in that complex.
FanDuel Sportsbook opened their retail outlet in July at the Meadowlands Racetrack. It’s the only sports book in the NYC metro area, accessible from Manhattan via bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
The highest revenue retail location in New Jersey is upscale and sleek without feeling intimidating. Fans can watch games, eat good food, enjoy quality drinks, and have a really good time.
For fans whose Saturdays revolve around European soccer, FanDuel opens at 7 AM for the big league kickoffs. The location is open until 2 AM for the Final Four and West Coast baseball (yeah, that may take some explaining for you Europeans).
Bring cash for the bets. Even if you have a BetPaddyPower or another Euro book partnered with FanDuel, your app won’t work stateside.
Those who want to take a longer drive can head down to William Hill an hour-plus south at Monmouth Racecourse. Keep going for another hour or so to hit Atlantic City and all that gambling mecca has to offer.
Online outlets
I’d like to clarify one thing before we go any further: there are no options to legally bet on Wrestlemania in New Jersey. Neither retail nor online locations are taking any action on the show.
For some visitors, it’s common to make bets in Europe and other locations on WWE shows. New Jersey has not sanctioned them.
There are plenty of options to bet online legally and safely in New Jersey. There’s a catch: players have to be IN the state of New Jersey to place bets.
Most outlets have online or mobile options for players to open accounts, make deposits, and wager. Signing up is fairly simple with an ID like a driver’s license.
Everyone has some sign-up bonus or freeroll available to new subscribers. Help is usually a call, email or tap away.
Some banks and cards don’t allow players to make deposits. Check with your financial institution for their parameters.
There’s a lot to learn to help you discern so do some research. Our sites have in-depth reviews and tips to help new players acclimate.
For those visiting NYC for the first time, here’s a tip: don’t bet too much. This area is fairly expensive for food, booze, even that Statue of Liberty fridge magnet your mom wants.
Overall, this is a great time to come to the NY/NJ area. Have fun and enjoy the experience of Wrestlemania in one of the best areas of the world.
