- North Carolina launched online sports betting at noon
- Eight operators are live and accepting bets
- Launch occurs nearly nine months after bill signed into law
North Carolina online sports betting is now live.
After nearly nine months from the date Gov. Roy Cooper (D) signed the state’s sports betting bill into law, eight licensed operators kicked off sports betting in the Tar Heel State today at noon.
In-person sports betting still has no timeline for a launch.
Eight Operators Live in Tar Heel State
The Tar Heel State will likely be the only state to launch sports betting this year. Eight operators are currently live and accepting bets. Here are the licensed sportsbooks that are currently live in the state:
As part of the application process, sportsbook operators had to partner with either a state sports franchise, arena, NASCAR track, or PGA Tour course.
The Catawba Two Kings Casino is still awaiting a license and has yet to announce its operating partner. It was the only group that applied for a sports betting license that was not initially approved.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission began its rules and licensing process in September. Statutorily, the commission had until June 2024 to launch sports betting, but after Gov. Cooper publicly stated he hoped the state launch sports betting by March Madness, it made it a point to launch as quickly as possible.
North Carolina will offer a unique starting point for several operators. It will be the first state for ESPN BET to launch and acquire a customer base at the same time as every other operator. ESPN BET transitioned from Barstool Sportsbook in every other state it currently operates in.
Additionally, the Tar Heel state will be the first opportunity for Underdog Sports to profile its sports betting product to users. The daily fantasy sports company has expressed a desire to begin shifting to a sports betting model and will showcase its new sports betting app to North Carolina customers.
North Carolina Sports Betting History
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) signed the state’s online sports betting bill into law on June 14, 2023. By law, North Carolina regulators had one year to launch sports betting from the day Cooper signed the bill.
In-person sports betting was legal in the state, but the bill expands where it can offered. There is currently no date for the expanded launch of brick-and-mortar sports betting in the state. Eight facilities are eligible to host brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
The PNC Arena in Raleigh, WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, Bank of America Stadium and Spectrum Center in Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro and Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte will be allowed to host sportsbooks at their locations.
The sports betting bill includes an 18% sports betting tax rate, legalizes pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, and disallows sports betting operators to deduct promotional bets from their gross revenues. It allows allows bets on professional sports, college sports (including in-state schools), eSports, and the Olympic games.
At an 18% tax rate, the state estimates $22.1 million in total sports wagering tax and fee revenue by FY 2023-2024, which increases to $100.6 million by FY 2027-28.
In a groundbreaking move, North Carolina has officially legalized online sports betting as of 2023. This decision comes after years of debate and discussion surrounding the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing residents to wager on their favorite sports teams from the comfort of their own homes.
With the legalization of online sports betting, North Carolina residents now have the opportunity to participate in a popular form of entertainment that has long been enjoyed by individuals in other states. This new law allows for a safe and regulated environment for sports betting, ensuring that players are protected from fraud and other illegal activities.
One of the key benefits of online sports betting is the convenience it offers to players. Instead of having to travel to a physical sportsbook, individuals can now place their bets from anywhere with an internet connection. This means that North Carolina residents can easily wager on their favorite teams while at home, at work, or even on the go.
Additionally, online sports betting provides a wide range of betting options for players to choose from. Whether you prefer to bet on traditional sports like football, basketball, and baseball, or more niche sports like tennis, golf, and MMA, there is something for everyone in the world of online sports betting. Players can also take advantage of live betting options, allowing them to place bets in real-time as games unfold.
Furthermore, online sports betting can provide a boost to the state’s economy. By legalizing and regulating this industry, North Carolina stands to benefit from increased tax revenue generated by sports betting activities. This revenue can then be used to fund important programs and initiatives that benefit the community as a whole.
Overall, the legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina represents a significant step forward for the state. By providing residents with a safe and regulated environment to enjoy this popular form of entertainment, North Carolina is poised to reap the benefits of a thriving sports betting industry. So whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking to add some excitement to your weekends, online sports betting in North Carolina is now available for you to enjoy.
