North Carolina Sports Betting Sites: Legal Sportsbooks Going Live March 11th, 2024

Exciting news – sports betting has officially been legalized in North Carolina! Residents can already place wagers in-person at state-approved retail sportsbooks. Additionally, mobile and online sports wagering is set to go live March 11th 2024. This will allow you to conveniently bet on sports from your phone or computer.

✅ Updated on April 26, 2024 by Frank Sutton

North Carolina has become the newest state to legalize online sports gambling. Starting March 1, 2024, North Carolinians can begin signing up early for sports betting accounts in anticipation of the official launch on March 11th. Last June, Governor Roy Cooper approved House Bill 347 allowing both online and in-person sports wagering entities to operate. Up to 12 online sportsbooks can now open for business in addition to physical sportsbooks situated at certain locations across the state. This guide covers key details concerning the North Carolina sports betting law: minimum age requirements, tax policies, which sports can have bets placed, and more that residents need to know as legalized sports betting gets underway.

✅ Legal Status of Sports Betting in North CarolinaIn-person wagering permitted, online currently prohibited
🚀 Expected Online LaunchMarch 11th, 2024
🚨 Current Situation11 companies approved to offer sports betting in North Carolina
📲 Authorized Sports Betting Companiesbet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel and Underdog Sports
👍 Operator Licenses11 total licenses, 8 claimed so far
🧾 Previous PolicyPreviously prohibited all forms of sports betting
🎰 Tribal CasinosAlready operating retail sportsbooks under tribal gaming compacts
🌎 Nearby StatesTennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia have legal online sports betting
🔎 OversightNorth Carolina Education Lottery will regulate

On January 24, 2024, the North Carolina Lottery Commission declared that online sports gambling and mobile wagering apps will officially launch on March 11th. Leading up to the premiere date, an early sign-up period will take place starting March 1st. Last June 14th, Governor Cooper enacted House Bill 347 to legalize sports betting.

Feel free to bookmark this page for the most up-to-date information concerning the upcoming launch of legal North Carolina sportsbooks. We will continue providing announcements plus details on promotional offers and codes to unlock bonuses from top-rated mobile sports betting platforms approved for the state. As we move closer to the launch of regulated sports wagering year residents will soon have access to exciting sign up offers and North Carolina sportsbook promos from top tier U.S. Sportsbooks.

Top NC Online Sports Betting Sites

North Carolina law allows up to 12 online sports betting sites. We don’t know exactly which companies will start operating in NC. But we can make educated guesses based on their work in other states or NC connections. Below are the most likely to offer good deals when online betting opens in NC:

Best Sports Betting Option Expanding to North Carolina

When the BetMGM app and the BetMGM North Carolina bonus code launch, expect many sports options, special deals, and site bonuses. Make sure to use the BetMGM North Carolina bonus code when signing up to claim special welcome offers. The platform should work well on both computers and phones. BetMGM might also open physical sportsbooks in North Carolina like in other states.

🌟 App Score:9.1
📱 What Stands Out• Wager on in-progress sporting events
• Withdraw winnings before match completion
• Loyalty incentives offered
• Edit wagers
🚀 Fast Payouts1-3 business days

Best Evaluated North Carolina Sports Betting Site

This sportsbook is another top pick, especially for their Caesars North Carolina promo code deals. They already have two physical sportsbooks in North Carolina and will likely offer online betting soon.

🌟 App Score:8.9
📱 What Stands Out• Rapid wager placement and competitive probabilities
• NFL wagering and competitions
• Two physical sportsbook locations
🚀 Fast Payouts1-2 days

New Sports Betting Site Launches in North Carolina

When ESPN Bet goes live in North Carolina, it will be a unique new betting option. It will likely have a good ESPN Bet North Carolina promo code too. The site will stand out for parlay bets and tips from ESPN experts. ESPN Bet launched in other states on November 14 and has been popular.

🌟 App Score:9.3
📱 What Stands Out• Promotions with ESPN personalities
• Competitive odds and special promotions
• Customizable wagering lines
• Parlay bonus offerings
🚀 Fast Payouts1-3 days

Best Quality Sports Betting Site Experience Available

FanDuel is very popular with lots of downloads, high ratings, and good promo codes. It will likely be a big hit in North Carolina. Like DraftKings, FanDuel is a major daily fantasy sports provider in the state. It is usually one of the first to offer online sports betting when states legalize and will be the first to offer the FanDuel North Carolina promo code on March 11th.

🌟 App Score:9.5
📱 What Stands Out• Wager on in-progress sporting events
• Withdraw winnings before match completion
• Referral promotions available
• Parlay offer portal
🚀 Fast Payouts1-2 days

Sports Betting Site for Football Fans

DraftKings is a top NFL betting site with many player prop options and promo codes. The DraftKings North Carolina promo code will be very popular in the state. DraftKings already operates daily fantasy sports contests in the state, so it has good name recognition. The company is usually one of the first to offer online sports betting when states legalize. It’s rare to find a state where online sports gambling is legal and DraftKings isn’t present.

🌟 App Score:9.4
📱 What Stands Out• Daily fantasy sport contests
• Group wagering competitions
• Matchup analytics
• Diverse wagering options
🚀 Fast Payouts1-5 days

Largest Sports Betting Site Company Enters Market

bet365 is a globally known sportsbook that partnered with the Charlotte Hornets. It will have competitive NBA betting odds and likely launch with other North Carolina sportsbooks in time for March Madness.

🌟 App Score:9.4
📱 What Stands Out• Edit wagers
• Wager on live events and streams
• Customizable wager alerts
• Early winnings payout option
🚀 Fast Payouts1-5 days

Most Innovative New Sports Betting Site Launches

Fanatics Sportsbook is a new but strong player in sports betting. Previously known mainly for sports merchandise, Fanatics now offers wagering. You can use FanCash points from merchandise for bonus bets.

🌟 App Score:8.0
📱 What Stands Out• Customizable feed
• Withdrawal activity monitoring
• FanCash program connectivity
🚀 Fast Payouts1-3 days

North Carolina Sports Betting Updates

North Carolina passed a law allowing retail sports betting back in 2019. It took until March 18 2021 for the first physical sportsbook to open and accept legal bets within the state.. Now things are about to get even better with the upcoming launch of mobile and online betting. Thanks to Governor Cooper signing House Bill 347 into law we can expect regulated sports wagering to begin in 2024.

This website will keep you updated on all the news regarding North Carolinas sports betting scene. I’ll provide information on new in person sportsbook openings and closely monitor progress towards the anticipated launch of legal online sports betting in 2024. You can expect coverage and analysis, on both physical and digital betting as this market continues to grow. Make sure to check back for updates on where and when North Carolinas sports gamblers can safely place their bets within the boundaries of the law.

  • March 11, 2024: North Carolina’s sports betting market opens as the first legal online wagers are placed across approved platforms.
  • March 1, 2024: Registration systems go live for licensed digital sportsbooks, allowing North Carolina residents to sign-up in anticipation of the upcoming launch.
  • Feb. 21, 2024: Eight sports betting operators receive final approval to take online wagers on March 11, according to North Carolina State Lottery Commission progress update.
  • February 19, 2024 Eight operators are on track for a March 11 launch, with the approved applicant list potentially being released this week, the NC Sports Betting Committee said in a February 19 meeting.
  • February 13, 2024 Meredith Poll showed 57% of North Carolina voters support expanding online casino gaming statewide.
  • January 30, 2024 Caesars publicly stated its North Carolina online betting expansion plans on January 30.
  • January 24, 2024 Preregistration for mobile sportsbook apps will start on March 1st. The official launch is set for March 11th at noon. Eight operators expected to go live include FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365 and Underdog.
  • January 11, 2024 The State Lottery Commission set a January 26 deadline for license applicants to submit internal controls documentation required before launch.
  • January 5, 2024 DraftKings announced NASCAR would be their sports betting partner. The same day BetMGM also partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway.
  • January 4, 2024 State lottery executive Sterl Carpenter stated mobile wagering should launch before retail facilities open.
  • December 29, 2023 FanDuel and BetMGM were among eleven total companies applying for North Carolina sports betting licenses.
  • December 21, 2023 Governor Cooper predicted March Madness betting launch.
  • December 15, 2023 Fanatics partnered with Carolina Hurricanes hockey team.
  • December 13, 2023 Fourteen companies have applied for licensure said lottery official Sterl Carpenter.
  • December 7, 2023 FanDuel secured market access via the PGA Tour golf partnership.
  • December 5, 2023 ESPN BET announced a partnership with Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club golf course.
  • December 1, 2023 ESPN BET deal with Quail Hollow Club revealed after Penn tied up access via the venue.
  • November 29, 2023 License applications due by December 27 per lottery regulators.
  • November 17, 2023 bet365 partnered with Charlotte Hornets basketball team.
  • November 14, 2023 Fantasy sports included in North Carolina sports betting statutory reforms.
  • November 7, 2023 The Lottery Commission discussed new marketing rules for sports betting companies.
  • October 17, 2023 The Lottery Commission special committee finalized license application requirements for operators.
  • September 28, 2023 Officials stated sports betting providers must partner with professional sports teams, golf courses or racing venues in North Carolina.
  • September 27, 2023 The Lottery Commission created a special sports betting review committee.
  • June 21, 2023 Shortly after the new law passed, Tipico announced mobile license application intentions.
  • June 19, 2023 The Lottery Commission began preparations for the new sports betting law, including launching an information website.
  • Jun. 14, 2023: Governor Cooper signs HB 347, which means people can start online sports betting in North Carolina between January 8 and June 14, 2024.
  • June 7, 2023 The House passed HB 347 with a 68-45 vote. Pending the Governor’s signature, launch could occur in January 2024.
  • June 6, 2023 The House agreed to Senate amendments to HB 347, putting it one vote away from the Governor’s desk.
  • June 1, 2023 The Senate passed amended mobile betting bill HB 347, sending it back to the House.
  • May 30, 2023 The Senate Finance Committee took up legislative consideration of HB 347.
  • May 24, 2023 The Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee advanced HB 347 with changes like a higher tax rate and horse race wagering allowances before sending it to the Finance Committee.
  • March 29, 2023 HB 347 passed the House and moved to the Senate, with hopes for 10-12 operators to launch by January 8, 2024 if approved.
  • March 28, 2023 After a favorable House rules committee report, HB 347 headed to a full House vote.
  • March 21, 2023 HB 347 advanced from a House committee 17-10 but included an amendment to prohibit college betting before going to finance.
  • March 13, 2023 Rep. Jason Saine introduced industry-backed bill HB 347 to allow 12 licensed sportsbook operators.
  • March 3, 2023 Over 1.75 million attempts were made to access legal sportsbooks from North Carolina during 2022 NFL season according to network data.
  • February 27, 2023 A new bill proposed allowing 10-12 licensed operators to facilitate hoped for early 2023 market launch.
  • January 12, 2023 Senate President Berger believed passage efforts for legal mobile betting has solid chance in new year.
  • September 6, 2022 Two Kings Casino temporarily opened a retail sportsbook at their Kings Mountain location.
  • August 8, 2022 Though still illegal, the Hurricanes and Hornets professional franchises lobbied for both online and in-person sports betting near their arenas.
  • June 24, 2022 Two Kings Casino targeted NFL 2022 season for planned sportsbook opening.
  • June 22, 2022 Legalization efforts failed after House rejected bill passed by Senate.
  • June 21, 2022 Two sports wagering bills advanced from committee votes but required further approval.
  • June 20, 2022 Full House vote expected on legislation a day later on June 21.
  • June 17, 2022 Senate amended bill including increased licensing fees and taxes.
  • June 15, 2022 Supporters hoped House would pass something by month’s end despite likely changes.
  • June 2, 2022 With 28 days left, House yet to take up mobile sports betting.
  • May 25, 2022 Lawmakers confident about imminent betting legalization.
  • May 5, 2022 Stakeholders predicted bill passage after May 18 session start.
  • April 21, 2022 Senate approved sports betting bill sending it to House.
  • February 18, 2022 DraftKings identified North Carolina as target market for its online sportsbook.
  • February 15, 2022 Two Kings Casino in Charlotte could host the state’s first retail sportsbook.
  • January 4, 2022 Expectations emerged for state-controlled market with 10-12 mobile licenses if legislation passed.
  • November 4, 2021 A sports betting bill advanced from the House Commerce Committee but faced additional panels.
  • August 19, 2021 The Senate passed its version of sports wagering legislation sending bill to House.
  • July 2021 Catawba tribe pre-launch opened temporary casino ahead of full planned buildout.
  • May 21, 2021 Eastern Band of Cherokee tribe legally challenged ruling allowing Catawba casino.
  • April 16, 2021 Judge decided in favor of Catawba Nation’s casino project.
  • April 7, 2021 Legislation introduced aiming to legalize statewide mobile sports wagering.
  • March 25, 2021Catawba Nation gained federal approval for gaming compact with North Carolina.
  • March 18, 2021 Harrah’s Cherokee sites took first legal retail sports bets in state.
  • January – February 2021 Governor Cooper compact allowed Catawba casino and sportsbook plans to progress.
  • March 2020 Lawsuits and federal approval advanced Catawba casino development efforts.
  • July 2019 Law restricted sports betting to tribal lands until statewide mobile push.
  • May 2018 Supreme Court allowed states to enable broader sports betting.
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In July 2019, Governor Roy Cooper signed a law making in-person sports betting at retail locations legal. Recently in 2023, another law was passed allowing online and mobile sports betting too.

Residents can already place wagers at approved physical sportsbooks. Mobile and web-based sports betting apps are expected to launch sometime between January 8 and June 14, 2024. Likely in advance of the 2024 Super Bowl.

Beginning Sports Betting in North Carolina: What to Know

Betting on sports in North Carolina will be easy. By 2024, up to 12 sports betting sites will open across the state. These new sites come from a new law, HB 347. The law lets North Carolina set up legal places for people to bet on sports. To get ready, do some things:

  1. Select a reputable sports betting website from industry leaders that will likely be approved when mobile betting goes live in 2024. Take time to compare offerings and read reviews to find the platform that best suits your preferences.
  2. Soon, North Carolina residents will be able to conveniently sign up for sports betting platforms from anywhere in the state. You will need to provide personal information and verify your identity to get started.
  3. Once betting launches, you can choose from an array of enticing new account bonus offers including risk-free bets, deposit-free site credits, and deposit matching bonuses.
  4. Before wagering, you must fund your account. Accepted payment methods will include credit cards, debit cards, bank account transfers, prepaid gift cards and services like PayPal.
  5. Placing wagers, you’ll have multiple options – predicting game/match winners, points scored over/under set totals, point difference betting, parlays, and teasers.
  6. While currently limited, more physical sportsbook locations are expected to open across NC soon. Compare betting lines and odds offered before finalizing wagers.
  7. Importantly, verify withdrawal rules and speeds by reading site reviews. Withdrawal fees may apply depending on payout method.

You Must Be 21 to Gamble on Sports in North Carolina

To place bets in North Carolina, you need to be at least 21 years old. This age rule is the same whether you bet in person or online. The first betting locations were two Eastern Band of Cherokee casinos, opening on March 18, 2021. Also, in January 2021, the Catawba Nation and Governor Cooper agreed to allow betting at Two Kings Casino. On September 6, 2022, Two Kings opened a dedicated betting area just in time for the 2022 NFL season. So if you meet the age requirement and live in North Carolina, you can bet at these places now and look forward to more options coming soon!

You Don’t Have to Live in North Carolina to Bet There

You do not need to live in North Carolina to bet on sports there. You can use North Carolina sports betting apps and websites to place bets. You also have the option to visit locations in the state that offer in-person betting.

Betting in Nearby States

If you live in North Carolina and can’t bet on your phone there yet, check out nearby Virginia and Tennessee. These states allow legal sports betting apps.

To bet in Virginia or Tennessee, physically be in the state. Then register and place bets using an approved sports betting app.

So far, four online betting companies have deals to operate in North Carolina: bet365, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel. More big names will likely join too, like BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook.

Expected NC Sports Betting Websites

bet365 North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024
BetMGM North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024
Caesars North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024
DraftKings North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024
ESPN BET North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024
Fanatics North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024
FanDuel North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024
Underdog Sports North CarolinaMarch 11th, 2024

Wager Options Available at North Carolina Sports Betting Operators

Let’s look at the different bets you can make at legal North Carolina sports betting sites.

  • Bet on Winners 
    The simplest bet is picking who will win, known as the moneyline. Just choose who you think will win.
  • Parlays 
    With parlays, you combine multiple bets. Win one, and the money goes to the next bet. Lose one, and you win nothing.
  • Futures
    Futures bets are on later events – like the Hornets winning the NBA Finals or Duke the NCAA Tournament.
  • Prop Bets
    You can bet on specific player or team achievements during a game.
  • Over/Under
    These bets are on the total points, runs, or goals scored. Usually it’s the combined score of both teams.
  • Point Spreads
    With spread betting, the sportsbook makes the odds even. You bet if the favorite will win by more than a set number of points.
  • Live Betting
    Many people enjoy betting on games as they happen. Odds change quickly, allowing bets during play.

The Pros and Cons of North Carolina Sports Betting

North Carolina currently has limited sports betting, with only three locations. But efforts to expand betting options continue.

Governor Cooper recently passed HB 347 into law. The House agreed on March 29, 2023 and the Senate, which tends to support online betting, approved it on June 1, 2023. So in early 2024, North Carolinians can likely use apps to legally bet on sports.

Pros
  • Nearby states, including Tennessee and Virginia, currently allow mobile sports betting.
  • North Carolina projected to legalize statewide online sports betting by June 14, 2024.
  • Tribal casinos in North Carolina already operating retail sportsbooks.
Cons
  • Proposed 18% tax on sports betting revenues, exceeding typical rate.
  • Currently limited to in-person wagering at three tribal casinos in North Carolina.
  • Online sports betting was not legally accessible statewide in North Carolina last year.

Gambling Options in North Carolina

North Carolina has limited gambling. Aside from some tribal casinos, the only legal gambling is the state lottery, charity games, and bingo.

Casinos

North Carolina has three tribal casinos – two run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee and one temporary Catawba casino, leading up to the upcoming Two Kings Casino. These offer traditional games and slot machines.

Online Casino Games

Real money online casino games are currently illegal in North Carolina.

Poker

The only legal poker in North Carolina is at tribal casinos. State laws classify poker as a game of chance, making it illegal elsewhere.

Horse Racing

There are no horse tracks in North Carolina. But tribal casinos allow betting on races happening elsewhere. HB 347 includes horse race betting. There is also talk of a racing commission due to growing sports betting interest.

Daily Fantasy Sports

North Carolina lacks laws against fantasy sports. So companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Monkey Knife Fight can operate without state interference.

🎰

North Carolina Lottery

One of the few legal gambling options in North Carolina is the state lottery. It offers major games like Powerball and Mega Millions, plus daily games.

🎲

North Carolina Casinos

North Carolina has three tribal casinos but no online casinos yet. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians runs two Harrah’s casinos. The Catawba operate Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.

🏇

Horse Race Betting in North Carolina

You can bet on horse races at the three tribal casinos per a 2019 bill. Currently no tracks exist in North Carolina, nor can you bet on races online.

🎗️

Charity Bingo in North Carolina

North Carolina has several charity bingo halls with small prizes. These will remain alongside the new online betting options.

North Carolina Sports Betting Oversight

With legalized mobile and online sports betting, the North Carolina Lottery Commission will provide oversight. They already manage the state lottery. A new division was recently formed to facilitate the launch.

The three current in-person betting locations are overseen by the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission, as they are tribally owned casinos.

North Carolina Sports Betting Licenses

North Carolina allows 11 legal online sports betting providers. Sites must partner with a professional sports team, golf course, or racing track. Many licenses may go to NC pro teams, who would then work with operators on in-person and mobile betting.

The North Carolina Lottery Commission sports betting division recently approved initial rules on license applications and fees. Leader Sterl Carpenter aims to have online betting operational by June 15th.

It’s unclear how much sports betting revenue North Carolina will generate. But figures may be similar to Tennessee ($7.3 billion in bets, $120 million in tax revenue) or Virginia ($8.1 billion wagered, $72 million in taxes). Some estimates peg NC sports betting to potentially yield around $600 million.

Check our NC gambling tax calculator to estimate taxes on your payouts.

North Carolina Sports Betting Partnerships

In North Carolina, betting companies must partner with local professional sports teams, golf courses, racing tracks, NASCAR, or the PGA Tour. The partners need to host NC events.

So far, six betting companies partnered with three NC sports teams, leagues, or racing venues. We’re monitoring partnerships and will provide updates in our comparison chart.

Betting SitePartnership
BetMGMCharlotte Motor Speedway
bet365Charlotte Hornets
DraftKingsNASCAR
ESPN BETQuail Hollow Club (Charlotte)
FanaticsCarolina Hurricanes
FanDuelPGA Tour

Questions and Answers About Sports Betting in North Carolina

  • Who is responsible for online sports betting in North Carolina?

    The North Carolina Education Lottery will regulate online sports betting. While the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission handles casino sports betting, the state law designates the NC Education Lottery as the overall regulator due to the absence of a dedicated gambling commission.

  • Who is in charge of making sure sports betting is fair in North Carolina?

    The Tribal Gaming Commission is responsible for overseeing all gaming activities on Eastern Cherokee lands in North Carolina. Additionally, the North Carolina Lottery Commission has some authority over tribal gaming to ensure compliance with regulations and fairness.

  • What's the minimum age for gambling in North Carolina?

    You must be 21 years old to gamble at a casino or participate in online sports betting in North Carolina.

  • How can I place sports bets in North Carolina?

    Currently, you can only bet on sports by visiting one of the three tribal casinos. However, there will likely be online options soon thanks to the new law, HB 347.

  • Do you need to live in North Carolina to bet on sports there?

    No, you do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to bet on sports in the state. However, the current options for sports betting in North Carolina are limited to the three established casinos. Online sports betting is expected to become available in the state after Super Bowl 58 on March 11th, 2024, which will provide more accessibility to bettors regardless of their residency.

  • Can you get the $200 promo in North Carolina?

    No, the $200 bet offer is not available in North Carolina at the moment because online betting has not yet started in the state. It is anticipated that BetMGM Sportsbook and its $200 bonus bets will be available once online sports betting is launched, which is expected in 2024.

  • Can You Bet on Sports in North Carolina?

    Yes, you can. Betting on sports is legal in North Carolina, both online and in person. But right now, you can only bet at one of the state's three casinos because mobile betting hasn't started yet. Online sports betting should start in North Carolina in early 2024.

  • Are websites claiming to accept North Carolina bets legal?

    No, those sites aren't legal. They operate outside the US and don't comply with North Carolina or US laws, posing risks. Stick to regulated sites for safety.

Safe Sports Betting in North Carolina

Legal North Carolina sportsbooks want you to bet safely. Sports gambling should be fun but can sometimes lead to issues like addiction. Sites and apps will have safe betting resources with help and advice.

They will link to expert groups offering guidance and support, like North Carolina’s Problem Gambling Program and National Council on Problem Gambling’s local chapter.

✅ Updated on April 26, 2024 by Frank Sutton