- North Carolina users can start registering sports betting accounts
- Eight operators are eligible to start accepting new customers
- Online sports betting will launch on Monday, March 11
In 10 days North Carolina online sports betting will launch, but beginning today users can choose to register sports betting accounts in the Tar Heel State.
As of noon today, eight licensed operators can begin pre-registering users ahead of the state’s Monday, March 11 online sports betting launch. Users with registered accounts can also begin funding their accounts starting today.
It is expected that all eight licensed operators will be ready to begin accepting bets during the state’s opening day.
North Carolina Sports Betting Close to Becoming Reality
The North Carolina Lottery Commission awarded licenses to the following operators and their partners:
As part of the requirements for a license, each operator had to partner with either a North Carolina sports franchise, arena, or PGA Tour golf course.
Two tribes have applied for sports betting licenses in the state. Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Cherokee has partnered with Caesars Sportsbook for online sports betting in the state. The Catawba Two Kings Casino is still awaiting a license and has yet to announce its operating partner. Both tribes currently offer in-person sports betting at their respective brick-and-mortar casinos in the state.
“Issuing the first interactive sports wagering operator licenses today represents a major milestone in establishing legal sports betting in North Carolina,” said Ripley Rand, chair of the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, in a release. “North Carolinians can begin signing up for accounts on their mobile devices on Friday with the confidence they will soon be able to make wagers on their favorite sporting events securely and responsibly. We’re just 11 days away from the start of sports betting in North Carolina and we will be working every day between now and then to see that our launch is a successful one.”
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.
Sports Betting Revenue Distribution
North Carolina sports betting tax revenues will be distributed as follows:
- $2 million annually for gambling addiction and treatment services
- $1 million annually to Division of Parks and Recreation for the purchase of youth sports equipment
- $300,000 each annually to seven state universities for their athletic departments
- $1 million annually to Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council for grants
If there is any remaining revenue, it will be distributed as follows:
- 20% to 13 historically black colleges and universities for their athletic departments
- 30% to a fund to attract major sporting events to the state (Super Bowl, March Madness, etc.)
- 50% to the state’s general fund
Online sports betting licenses cost $1 million for five years.
North Carolina residents who are eager to participate in online sports betting can now pre-register for the upcoming launch of this exciting new opportunity. The state recently passed legislation allowing for online sports betting, and the pre-registration process is now open to those who want to get a head start on placing their bets.
By pre-registering, sports fans can ensure that they are ready to go as soon as online sports betting officially launches in North Carolina. This means that they can create an account, provide any necessary information, and be among the first to start placing bets on their favorite teams and events.
Pre-registration is a simple and straightforward process that can typically be completed in just a few minutes. Users will need to provide some basic information, such as their name, address, and email address, as well as create a username and password for their account. Once this information is submitted, users will receive confirmation of their pre-registration and will be notified when online sports betting officially goes live.
One of the benefits of pre-registering for online sports betting is that it allows users to take advantage of any special promotions or bonuses that may be offered to early registrants. By signing up early, users may have access to exclusive deals or offers that will enhance their betting experience.
In addition, pre-registering for online sports betting ensures that users will be able to start placing bets as soon as possible once the platform is live. This means that they won’t have to wait in line or deal with any delays when they are ready to start wagering on their favorite sports.
Overall, pre-registration for North Carolina online sports betting is a great opportunity for sports fans to get a head start on enjoying this exciting new form of entertainment. By signing up early, users can ensure that they are ready to go as soon as online sports betting launches in the state, giving them a competitive edge when it comes to placing bets on their favorite teams and events.
