Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina? Guide to Operators and Regulations

Understanding North Carolina Sports Betting Laws

Sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Online sports betting became available statewide in March 2024. Retail sports betting, however, has been permitted since 2019, following the governor’s approval of Senate Bill 154. Despite its earlier legalization, the first legal retail wager was not placed until March 18, 2021, when the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians introduced sportsbooks at their two tribal casinos.

A Historical Overview of Legalization Efforts

The journey toward sports betting legalization in North Carolina began after the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). PASPA, enacted in 1992, effectively prohibited sports betting across most states, with a few exceptions. Its repeal by the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to craft their own laws and regulations for sports wagering.

North Carolina took its first steps in July 2019, when Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 154 into law. This bill permitted retail sports betting on tribal lands, specifically allowing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to offer sportsbook operations. The first legal sports bet in the state was placed on March 18, 2021, at one of two physical casinos operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Efforts to legalize online sports betting in North Carolina took longer. After multiple attempts, House Bill 347 was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Cooper on June 14, 2023. This legislation allows for up to 12 licensed online sportsbooks to operate within the state. Online sports betting officially launched on March 11, 2024.

Current Sports Betting Regulations in North Carolina

Retail sports betting has been legal since 2019, with sportsbooks currently available at three tribal casinos:

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
• Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
• Catawba Two Kings Casino

The recently passed HB 347 also allows for eight retail sportsbook locations at sports facilities, though none have opened as of yet.

Online sports betting in North Carolina commenced on March 11, 2024, and the state now hosts eight licensed mobile sportsbook operators. Licenses for these operators are issued under strict regulations, including:

• Local Partnerships: Operators must have a written agreement with a professional sports organization, sports venue, or tribal entity in the state.
• Licensing Fees: Each five-year license costs $1 million.
• Taxation: Operators are taxed at 18% of their adjusted gross revenue.

Permissible Bets

In North Carolina, bettors can wager on:

• Professional sports
• College sports, including in-state teams
• Amateur sports
• Horse racing (though online horse racing betting is not yet active)
• Esports

Certain events remain off-limits for betting:

• High school sports
• Political events
• Award shows, such as the Oscars

The legal minimum age to place a sports bet in North Carolina is 21 years.

Active Sports Betting Operators in North Carolina

North Carolina’s sports betting market features several established operators that have entered the state through strategic partnerships with local sports organizations.

FanDuel North Carolina

FanDuel, a leading sportsbook in the U.S., gained access to North Carolina by partnering with the PGA Tour and the Carolina Panthers. Its app is widely regarded for its user-friendly interface and features like live streaming and comprehensive market coverage for both professional and college sports. FanDuel offers promotions for new users, including a welcome bonus that has attracted many bettors to the platform.

DraftKings North Carolina

DraftKings, another prominent name in sports betting, entered the North Carolina market through a partnership with NASCAR. Known for its streamlined app design, DraftKings caters to both new and experienced bettors. It offers innovative features like pool betting, allowing users to participate in tournament-style contests with friends. DraftKings also provides substantial welcome bonuses, ensuring competitive options for users.

BetMGM North Carolina

BetMGM has established a foothold in North Carolina through its collaboration with Charlotte Motor Speedway. This operator is recognized for offering one of the most extensive selections of betting markets in the state. Its app includes unique features, such as the ability to modify existing bets, which appeals to seasoned bettors. BetMGM also provides attractive promotions, including bonuses for first-time users.

Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina

Caesars Sportsbook operates both online and through retail locations at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino. These partnerships are supported by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Caesars offers a robust loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, which adds value for frequent users. The sportsbook provides diverse betting markets and competitive bonuses, further cementing its presence in North Carolina.

Other Sportsbooks in North Carolina

Several other sportsbooks have established themselves or are emerging in North Carolina.

• bet365 entered the market through a partnership with the Charlotte Hornets, offering a user-friendly platform that has gained attention for its reliable customer service and efficient payout process.
• Fanatics Sportsbook joined the market via a collaboration with the Carolina Hurricanes, expanding its reach in the state.
• ESPN BET secured its position by partnering with Quail Hollow and the Wells Fargo Championship, offering unique opportunities for bettors.
• Underdog Sports connected with McConnell Golf, the owner of Sedgefield Country Club, to gain access to the market.

Potential future entrants, such as BetRivers Sportsbook, could further diversify the options available to North Carolina bettors. Although BetRivers has slowed its expansion, its presence in neighboring states makes it a viable candidate for future operations in the state.

What Types of Bets Are Legal in North Carolina?

North Carolina allows a variety of bet types, catering to both novice and experienced bettors. These include popular options such as moneyline bets, parlays, prop bets, futures, and live betting.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets involve wagering on which team or athlete will win a specific event. This is one of the simplest and most common forms of betting, making it popular among new bettors.

Parlays

Parlay bets combine multiple individual bets into a single wager. To win a parlay, all the individual bets (legs) must be correct. While parlays offer higher potential payouts, they also carry greater risk due to the need for all selections to succeed.

Prop Bets

Prop bets focus on specific aspects of a sporting event, such as how many points a player will score or the number of corner kicks in a soccer match. These bets add an additional layer of excitement by allowing players to focus on individual elements of a game.

Futures Bets

Futures bets involve wagering on the outcome of events that will take place in the future. Examples include predicting the winner of the NBA Championship or the Super Bowl. Futures bets typically offer attractive odds due to their long-term nature.

Live Betting

Live betting allows players to place wagers during the course of a sporting event. Odds in live betting are dynamic and adjust in real-time based on the unfolding action, providing an engaging and fast-paced betting experience.

Rules for College Sports Betting

North Carolina permits betting on collegiate sports, including wagers on teams from within the state. Unlike some other states, North Carolina imposes no restrictions on prop bets for individual college athletes, allowing bettors to wager on specific player performances.

• College sports betting is available both online and at retail sportsbooks.
• All eight licensed online sportsbooks in North Carolina offer options for college sports.
• The three tribal casinos with retail sportsbooks also accept college sports bets.
• High school sports betting remains strictly prohibited in the state.

Sports Available for Betting in North Carolina

North Carolina provides a diverse range of betting opportunities, encompassing both popular professional leagues and collegiate sports, ensuring something for every sports enthusiast.

Popular Professional Leagues

NFL: Football holds a special place in North Carolina, home to the Carolina Panthers. Betting on the Panthers is expected to be one of the most sought-after options in the state. Additionally, fans can place bets on other NFL teams and events, including the Super Bowl.

NBA: North Carolina’s basketball legacy is enriched by the presence of Charlotte Hornets and its historical connection to Michael Jordan. Bettors will find numerous opportunities to wager on NBA games, from regular season matchups to the playoffs.

MLB: While North Carolina lacks a Major League Baseball team, the popularity of minor league teams such as the Charlotte Knights and Durham Bulls sustains interest in baseball betting. MLB wagers are available for regular season games, the All-Star Game, and the World Series.

NHL: Ice hockey enjoys growing popularity in North Carolina, especially with the Carolina Hurricanes representing the state. Betting options span the NHL season, playoffs, and Stanley Cup Finals, offering ample opportunities for fans.

MLS: Charlotte FC proudly represents North Carolina in Major League Soccer. With soccer’s rising popularity in the U.S., betting on MLS games is expected to attract considerable interest among fans.

College Sports

NCAA Football: North Carolina boasts highly competitive college football programs, including the North Carolina Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils, and nearby Clemson Tigers. Betting on these teams is widely anticipated, especially during bowl season and rivalry games.

NCAA Basketball: College basketball holds a special place in North Carolina, fueled by the storied rivalry between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils. These teams’ rich histories and multiple NCAA championships make them a popular choice for bettors. Notably, North Carolina imposes no restrictions on betting on in-state college teams or prop bets related to individual player performances, making the experience seamless for fans.

Additional Sports

Esports: Esports betting is permitted in North Carolina, allowing fans to wager on competitive gaming events across popular titles.

NASCAR: With its deep ties to NASCAR and several teams headquartered in the state, North Carolina offers extensive betting options on both local and national racing events. Tracks like Charlotte Motor Speedway enhance the betting experience by hosting major events.

Responsible Gambling in North Carolina

North Carolina, as a state that recently legalized online sports betting, emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling. A range of resources and tools are available to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction, and operators are mandated to adhere to specific measures to promote safe and responsible play.

Resources for Responsible Gambling

• Helpline: Individuals experiencing gambling-related issues can contact the confidential, 24/7 helpline at 877-718-5543. This nationwide service provides support, guidance, and referrals to specialized assistance.
• Text Support: For a discreet option, residents can text “morethanagamenc” to 53342 to connect with advisors and access support.
• Website: Additional information, tips on identifying gambling problems, and links to helpful organizations can be found at morethanagame.nc.gov. This platform also provides educational materials to encourage informed and mindful gambling practices.
• Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission oversees a self-exclusion program that allows individuals to voluntarily prohibit themselves from participating in sports betting. Once enrolled, participants cannot place bets with licensed operators within the state.

Measures Taken by Operators

• Dedicated Responsible Gambling Sections: All licensed sports betting platforms in North Carolina include a section dedicated to responsible gambling, featuring advice, resources, and self-help tools for players.
• Deposit and Session Limits: Operators offer customizable tools that enable players to set deposit and session limits, helping them manage their spending and time spent on gambling activities.
• Support and Links: Sports betting websites provide direct access to organizations specializing in problem gambling, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Additional Initiatives

“Play Smart” Program: The North Carolina Education Lottery runs the “Play Smart” program, focusing on educating players about responsible gambling. This initiative aims to empower players with the knowledge to make informed decisions and promotes healthy gambling habits.

Community Outreach and Awareness: Efforts to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and available support are an integral part of North Carolina’s approach. Operators and regulators collaborate to maintain a safe gambling environment.

FAQs About North Carolina Sports Betting

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina for both online and retail formats. Online betting began on March 11, 2024, while retail sports betting has been available since 2019.

What are the best sports betting apps in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers a variety of high-quality sports betting apps. Choosing the “best” one depends on individual preferences, but some of the most popular and highly rated options include:

• Caesars Sportsbook: Known for its generous rewards program and a wide array of betting options.
• FanDuel Sportsbook: Praised for its user-friendly interface and excellent live betting features.
• BetMGM Sportsbook: Offers a vast range of betting markets and unique features like the “Edit My Bet” option.
• bet365 Sportsbook: Valued for its intuitive navigation and competitive odds.
• DraftKings Sportsbook: Renowned for its top-tier mobile app and extensive sports betting options.

Can I bet on college sports in North Carolina?

Yes, college sports betting is allowed in North Carolina, including bets on in-state teams. There are no restrictions on this type of betting.

What is the minimum age for sports betting in North Carolina?

The minimum age for sports betting in North Carolina is 21 years. This applies to both online and retail betting formats.