- The North Carolina Sports Betting Committee met for the first time since the state launched online sports betting
- A regulator said the launch was a positive one
- No specifics were provided on bet amounts, but described as “large”
More than one week after North Carolina launched online sports betting and regulators are already describing its jump-off as a positive one.
The North Carolina Sports Betting Committee met this afternoon for the first time since the state launched online sports betting on Monday, March 11, at noon. Regulators were enthusiastic about the launch and its level of activity during the state’s first week.
While no specifics were provided, the level of North Carolina betting activity in the last nine days was described as “large.”
North Carolina Online Sports Betting Launch Went Smoothly
Sterl Carpenter, deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports betting, congratulated the lottery commission and sports betting committee members for their work towards the state’s sports betting launch.
“All eight operators that met the requirement for licensure and had their certificates of compliance were able to go live and began accepting wagers on Monday, March 11. This is due in large part to the the enormous amount of work from our team here at the lottery. All reports concerning the launch have been very positive,” Carpenter said.
Committee member Ripley Rand jokingly asked Carpenter if he could confirm that “at least one bet was made since the launch.”
Carpenter said specific sport betting numbers will be available at a future date, but confirmed that a “large” number of bets had been placed in the state.
“There was a large amount of wagers that were placed. We are still tallying all the information and we hope to have more soon,” he said.
North Carolina Launches with Eight Operators
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.
North Carolina recently launched its sports betting market, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. The state officially began accepting bets on sports events on March 18, 2022, after Governor Roy Cooper signed a bill legalizing sports betting in the state.
One of the key reasons for the positive reception of North Carolina’s sports betting launch is the convenience it offers to residents. Prior to the launch, North Carolinians had to travel to neighboring states like Virginia or Tennessee to place bets on sports events. Now, they can do so from the comfort of their own homes or at one of the state’s licensed sportsbooks.
Another factor contributing to the positive reception is the potential economic benefits that sports betting could bring to the state. According to estimates, North Carolina could generate millions of dollars in tax revenue from sports betting, which could be used to fund education, infrastructure, and other public services.
Furthermore, sports betting is expected to boost tourism in North Carolina, as sports fans from neighboring states may visit to place bets on their favorite teams. This could have a ripple effect on local businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and bars, which could see an increase in foot traffic as a result of sports betting.
Overall, the launch of sports betting in North Carolina has been met with enthusiasm and excitement from residents and businesses alike. With the potential for economic growth and increased tourism, it’s clear that sports betting has the potential to be a game-changer for the state.
