North Carolina Welcomes Sports Betting Operators’ License Applications

This move comes as a promising sign for sports betting enthusiasts in the state. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission, responsible for overseeing this new venture, made this announcement today, setting the stage for a transformed sports betting landscape in the region.

Seven Pioneers in North Carolina’s Sports Betting Scene

The first seven applicants, comprising notable names like bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, PENN Sports Interactive (ESPN BET), and Underdog Sports Wagering, LLC, are now in the running to secure these coveted licenses. These operators, upon successful awarding of licenses, will be poised to launch their services as soon as North Carolina officially announces the start date for sports betting.

AThe commission has outlined that it will continue to accept license applications as it progresses into 2024. However, applicants beyond this initial group will not have the advantage of launching their services on the first day of sports betting in the state. A unique requirement for these applications is the necessity for each operator to form a partnership with a North Carolina sports franchise, arena, PGA Tour course, or NASCAR Track. Among these, Underdog Sports Wagering stands out with its background in daily fantasy sports and plans for expansion into sports betting services.

Public Announcements and Pending Partnerships

The state has already witnessed a few of these partnerships being made public. FanDuel is partnered with the PGA Tour, Fanatics Betting and Gaming with the Carolina Hurricanes, ESPN BET with the Quail Hollow Club, and bet365 with the Charlotte Hornets. The other operators, including DraftKings, are expected to reveal their partnerships shortly, with a representative hinting at an impending announcement.

In a related development, American Wagering Inc. (Caesars) has applied for a service provider license in North Carolina, already having a foothold in the state through its operation of sports betting services at two casinos for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The state’s sports betting bill also accommodates online sports betting participation by the tribes.

The commission’s staff is currently engaged in a thorough review process, assessing the completeness and substance of each application. The commission emphasizes its commitment to accept applications on a rolling basis, indicating a dynamic and evolving sports betting environment in North Carolina. While no official start date has been announced yet, there is anticipation building around a major launch goal set by a significant player in the state’s market.

Our Comment on the Article

The move by seven sports betting operators to apply for licenses in North Carolina marks a pivotal moment in the state’s sports betting journey. This development not only diversifies the gaming options available to residents but also signals the growing acceptance and integration of sports betting into mainstream entertainment.

The commission’s structured approach to reviewing applications and fostering partnerships with local sports entities underscores a commitment to a responsible and community-integrated rollout of sports betting services. As North Carolina edges closer to its official launch date, the anticipation and potential impact on the state’s sports and gaming landscape continue to grow, reflecting a broader trend of embracing sports betting across the United States.