UPDATE (2/9/2024): North Carolina online sports betting will go live on Monday, March 11. This article was written a week before the launch date was announced.
Excitement has been building for legal online sports betting in North Carolina to finally launch. Sports fans in the Tarheel state have been waiting for 2024, in hopes to place bets on Super Bowl 58 and the NCAA basketball tournament.
Now we are in January of the new year, and sports betting has not yet launched online. Currently, we know NC online sports betting will be active no later than before June 2024, but it is unlikely to kick off before the conclusion of the NFL postseason.
Why No Launch Date For NC Online Sports Betting?
Navigating sports betting regulation is a challenging process. From several reports, the state seems to be running into more challenges than expected while attempting to set up the structure of the future betting landscape.
North Carolina should be able to draw inspiration from nearby states, particularly Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, where thriving sportsbook markets have already taken root. Utilizing existing rules and regulations from these states can help form North Carolina’s future market stipulations, ensuring a smoother transition into the world of online sports betting.
Potential Sportsbook Operators and Potential Promos
Several operators are poised to pursue a North Carolina sports betting license, with industry giants leading the pack. When they launch, they will likely do so with an array of North Carolina sports betting promos, including the following:
- BetMGM NC: $158 in bonus bets following a $5 initial wager.
- Caesars Sportsbook NC: Up to $1,000 bonus bet on the first bet of $10 or more.
- FanDuel NC: $150 in bonus bets upon a $5 wager after sign-up and a deposit of $10 or more.
- DraftKings NC: $200 in bonus bets for a $5 deposit and bet.
Other potential online operators include ESPN BET NC and Fanatics NC, contributing to a competitive and diverse sports betting landscape in North Carolina.
NC Sports Betting Launch Window
North Carolina currently lacks legal mobile or online sports betting, but North Carolina sportsbooks must go online by June 14, 2024. That’s the one-year anniversary of when Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB347 into law.
What is HB347?
This law passed the legalization of sports betting in North Carolina and is projected to:
- Boost the state’s economy: by creating jobs, attracting tourism, and generating tax revenue.
- Benefit taxpayers: through a share of the collected revenue, which will be invested in public schools, teachers, and students.
- Offer convenient betting options: with in-person and online wagering through licensed operators.
- Protect consumers: by ensuring age verification and responsible gambling practices.
Key points of HB347:
- It is regulated by the NC State Lottery Commission: who will issue licenses and collect fees.
- Allows two types of wagers: in-person at authorized locations or online through registered accounts.
- Minimum age of 21 to bet: on professional and college sports, esports, and other approved events.
- Revenue allocation: funds will be directed towards responsible gambling programs, amateur sports, universities, major events, outdoor heritage initiatives, and the general state budget.
Current Retail Sportsbooks at Tribal Casinos:
While awaiting the online launch, residents can engage in sports betting at three tribal casinos housing legal retail sportsbooks:
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, North
- Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, NC
Stay Tuned
As we await the North Carolina sports betting launch, remember we will keep you updated. Winners and Whiners is the premier source for the complete analysis, along with side and total predictions on every game for every major sport in America, every day!