Hi, you are correct – you will require a NJ license in order to operate as an affiliate in the New Jersey market.
There are 2 options you can use:
1. Vendor Registration – which is the easiest and quickest, and FREE. Vendor Registration however will limit you on working on a CPA only model. To start with, I think this is the best option to see how things progress, what sort of traffic and conversions you get from the NJ market.
To get a vendor registration number – simply register an affiliate account with a licensed casino in NJ – ex check SugarHouse – and the affiliate manager there will provide you with a 1 page form that you need to fill in and they will take care of getting your VRN to you – as simple as that.
2. Ancillary License – a bit more difficult, you need to do this yourself on official channels, and it costs $2000, but could cost more dependent to DGE verification process on you/your company. The difference here from VRN is that you will be allowed to work on the revenue share model. On the long term – revenue share might make sense – but only if you have good traffic from NJ.
These being said, I would suggest starting with the first option, VRN, and you go from there based on your results.
PS: a license in NJ allows you to promote online casinos and poker rooms that are regulated in New Jersey – not other offshore gambling operators.