North Carolina Sports Betting: Everything You Need to Know [2024 Updates]

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As of March 11th, 2024, the books are open! Online sports betting has just become legal in the state of North Carolina.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has been working on legalizing sports betting for years, beginning the process of legalization on July 26th, 2019, when he signed S 154 into law.

The governor signed North Carolina's online sports betting bill, HB 347, into law on June 14, 2023, finally legalizing sports betting in North Carolina.

There are currently 8 sportsbooks licensed in the state for fans to use to bet on their favorite teams - see more details on these below.

Quick Look at the Best North Carolina Sportsbook and Offers:

• DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $250 Bonus [Claim $250]
• BetMGM: Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus [Claim $150]
• Bet365: Bet $5, Get $200 bonus [Claim $200]

Must be 21+ to participate and be present in North Carolina. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.

Legal Sports Betting in North Carolina: History and Background

As a Bible Belt state, North Carolina has faced much opposition to the legalization of betting in most forms.

For the past 20 years, however, the state has seen a sharp turn towards a more lenient approach to legislating legal wagers.

Below, we'll dive into the journey towards legalizing sports betting in North Carolina, including key legislative milestones from 2005 to 2024.

North Carolina Sports Betting Bills: The Path to Legalization

• August 30, 2005: A special vote is called in North Carolina legalizing and creating the North Carolina Education Lottery system.
• February 2009: To reduce a shortfall in the state's budget, Gov. Perdue withheld approximately $88 million from the North Carolina Lottery Commission. The North Carolina Lottery Commission then removed "Education" from the name of the fund as the reallocated funds were, at first, intended to build schools.
• 2019 (SB 154 Passed): This NC sports betting bill aimed to legalize retail sports betting at tribal casinos. It gained approval in the North Carolina Senate, passing on a 43-7 vote, and the North Carolina House voted 90-27 in favor of it. Gov. Cooper signed the NC sports betting bill in 2019, and the first tribal sports betting venues opened in 2021.
• Dec. 11, 2020: Gov. Roy Cooper and the Eastern Band of Cherokee submit an amended gaming compact to the Department of the Interior for review.
• March 12, 2020: The U.S. Department of the Interior approves the plan for the Catawba Two Kings Casino in North Carolina, causing tension between the Catawba tribe and the Eastern Band of Cherokee.
• Feb. 25, 2021: The amended gaming compact submitted to the federal government between Cherokee and the state, led by Gov. Roy Cooper, is approved, furthering betting in North Carolina.
• March 18, 2021: Harrah's opens two casinos in North Carolina, including Harrah's Cherokee Valley River, and starts taking the state's first legal bets.
• April 7, 2021: Senators Jim Perry and Paul Lowe file SB 688, introducing mobile sports betting to North Carolina.
• April 16, 2021: Judge James A. Boasberg rules in favor of the Catawba Nation, allowing them to begin building Kings Casino.
• July 1, 2021: The Catawba tribe opens their Kings Casino to much acclaim.
• June 17, 2022: The Senate changes SB 688 to increase licensing fees and the proposed tax rate. With the new changes taken into account, new gambling operators pursuing licenses would need to pay $1 million and a tax rate of 18%.
• April 2023 (SB 668 Passed): This legal sports betting North Carolina bill cleared the Senate in 2022. However, it met fierce opposition in the North Carolina House, and it did not gain approval before the legislative session ended, delaying online sports betting in North Carolina for at least another year.
• May 30, 2023: The Senate Finance Committee discusses HB 347, which will move to the Senate Rules Committee if it gains approval. If it gains their approval, it will move to the Senate.
• June 2023 (HB 347 Passed): This North Carolina betting bill finally succeeded in 2023. It contained different language designed to appease opponents in the House, and it ultimately cleared both chambers by June 2023. The bill was sent to Gov. Cooper's desk, and he signed it into law.
• January 5, 2024: BetMGM announced a partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway, bringing their business to the Tar Heel state. DraftKings also joins the race by partnering the NASCAR in the state of North Carolina.
• Feb. 27, 2024: Pre-registration for online sports wagering begins in North Carolina on Friday, March 1, 2024.
• Feb. 29, 2024: North Carolina approves seven sports betting operator licenses, including FanDuel and bet365, the day before North Carolina betting apps go live with enticing pre-launch welcome bonuses.
• March 4, 2024: FanDuel partners with the Carolina Panthers, giving fans at the Bank of America stadium access to retail sports betting.
• March 2024: Retail sportsbooks are permitted at tribal casinos and eight professional sports venues around the state, including Kings Casino and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River.

Best Online Sportsbooks in North Carolina

With the recent legalization of North Carolina sports betting, there's a grip of sportsbooks looking to get in on the action. Some of the most prolific and popular sportsbooks have set up shop in North Carolina, offering new users bonuses to encourage them to sign up and start betting.

Let's take a look at a few of these and help get you oriented in the world of North Carolina sports betting.

DraftKings

DraftKings is one of the most well-known sports betting sites in the world. Their ads can be seen anywhere there's eyes, and they even have megastar Kevin Hart as one of their spokesmen. DraftKings North Carolina stands out from the other sportsbooks in North Carolina because they're one of the pioneers and leading platforms for daily fantasy sports.

While other sports betting apps involve betting on the outcome of a game like a win or a loss, DraftKings Daily Fantasy allows users to draft their own teams of real players to compete against each other live. This adds a whole new layer of strategy and competition to traditional sports betting, taking DraftKings North Carolina users up a notch.

DraftKings is also known for its simple user interface and easy-to-learn platform. They also offer a myriad of news sources to keep you up to date on your favorite players, teams, and positions. DraftKings is constantly offering their users new promotions too, making them a great destination for bonus bets.

They're giving new users a staggering $250 in bonus bets for betting $5 with them. All you have to do is head to their site, create a profile, and bet on your favorite sports, teams, or players. Once you bet $5, they'll give you $250 in bonus bets which you can use to place even more bets on DraftKings. Head to DraftKings now to claim your $250 in bonus bets and start winning big.

• DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $250 Bonus [Get Offer]

Disclaimer: Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit http://morethanagame.nc.gov. Must be 21+ to participate & present in NC only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at http://draftkings.com/sportsbook/nc . Ends 04/14/24 at 11:59 PM ET. Valid 1 per new customer. Customers who deposit min. $5 AND bet min. $5 will receive an additional $250 in Bonus Bets. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x before any resulting cash winnings can be withdrawn and stake is not included in winnings. Bonus Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at http://draftkings.com/sportsbook. Play Responsibly

BetMGM

BetMGM is another well-known sports betting site. They have superstars Tom Brady and Jamie Foxx as their spokespeople and offer some of the best deals around. One of BetMGM's best features is its cross-platform capability. You can bet online on your phone, at your desk, or at any MGM resort.

BetMGM has partnerships with a wide variety of sports teams, media groups, and leagues to offer their users unique bonuses and collaborations. You can also bet on a game while it's live through BetMGM, as they have a feature that allows you to see and wager on different aspects of a live game.

While gambling can be very fun, it's important to remain responsible while you're playing. To that end, BetMGM provides resources for users who need help managing their betting activity. This includes features like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to support organizations for problem gambling.

For new users in North Carolina, BetMGM is offering a similar deal to Draft Kings. BetMGM is offering new North Carolina sports betting users the chance to get $150 in bonus bets after betting $5. Your bonus bets expire in 7 days though, so be sure to use them before you can't.

• BetMGM: Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus [Get Offer]

Disclaimer: See BetMGM.com for Terms. Must be 21+ to participate & present in NC only. New Customer Offer. Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.

Bet365

Bet365 is a hugely popular sports betting site that has also joined its competitors in North Carolina. The site offers a lot of educational resources new bettors may appreciate, as it can help them understand sports betting rules, how to set up a bet safety net, and more.

Bet365 is known for localizing its content. They show users new bets and information related to the teams in their area. This is great for North Carolina sports betting fans who want to put money on the Tar Heels, Blue Devils, or any of the other great sports teams in NC. Highlighting local teams and events makes it even more exciting to use Bet365.

Another feature that could be attractive to newer users is Bet365's excellent customer support. The company works to ensure that customer support is available around the clock to assist users from North Carolina with any questions or issues they may have. This includes providing support through live chat, email, and over the phone promptly.

For new users in North Carolina, Bet365 is offering two different promos you can choose from. The first promo is a First Bet Safety Net and the second is a bonus bet of $200 for betting $5. Each of these options can net you something nice and the choice between the two is yours. Head to Bet365 to claim yours and start betting today.

• Bet365: Bet $5, Get $200 bonus [Get Offer]

Disclaimer: Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.

FanDuel

FanDuel offers a streamlined user interface and friendly navigation on both its website and mobile app. The platform provides clear betting options, an intuitive design, and fast loading times, making for a great experience for both new bettors and experienced gamblers alike.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel is known for its daily fantasy sports contests. Daily Fantasy Sports appeals to new bettors who may be more familiar with fantasy sports than traditional sports betting. The site offers a variety of Daily Fantasy Sports contests across different sports and leagues like Men's College Basketball or the NFL, allowing users to draft fantasy teams and compete for cash prizes based on the performance of the players they selected.

FanDuel offers live streaming of several different sporting events and broadcasts on their app and website. This can be especially good for new users who want to see exactly what they'll be betting on without having to head to another site.

FanDuel North Carolina is offering their new users an astounding $250 in bonus bets after you bet just $5. That's 50x your bet in bonus bets, making FanDuel's promotion one of the best we're covering today.

• FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus [Get Offer]

Disclaimer:

21+ and present in NC. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.

ESPN BET

ESPN is one of the most trusted and respected names in sports and their new sports betting site, ESPN BET, is the perfect combination of legal sports betting and ESPN's wide reach. Like FanDuel North Carolina and Bet365, ESPN BET offers a lot of educational resources for the newer gambler who wants to get acquainted with the system before making their bets.

ESPN BET has a beginning bettor training camp and rookie's guide to betting for beginning resources. Experts aren't to shy away though, as ESPN BET provides the expert analysis you need to make an informed decision. It's also one of the only sports betting sites to offer fantasy football, baseball, basketball, and hockey.

Outside of educational resources, ESPN BET provides their users with tons of news articles to keep them up to date on the latest happenings in the sports and leagues they bet on. North Carolina sports betting users will be happy to see plenty of Tar Heels, Blue Devils, and Panthers news on ESPN BET.

Like the other sports betting companies on our list, ESPN BET is offering North Carolina users up to $225 in bonus bets after betting just $10, another great deal for the beginner bettor.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars is one of the most respected names in sports betting and they're bringing their talents to the great state of North Carolina. Their new sportsbook will integrate automatically with the Caesars Rewards loyalty program, allowing users to accumulate points for a variety of rewards.

For new users of sports betting, relying on a trusted name like Caesars Sportsbook can provide ease of mind. Sports betting can seem intimidating to an inexperienced bettor, so relying on a big name and using their resources to educate yourself can be very useful.

Like the other sports betting sites we're covering, Caesars Sportsbook comes with a range of betting options across different leagues and sports. Through Caesars Sportsbook, you can bet on NCAA basketball, the NFL, the NHL, and more.

New users in North Carolina will get to enjoy a great offer from Caesars Sportsbook. If you bet $10 with Caesars, you can get $250 in bonus bets, making their offer one of the highest bonus bets offers we've found.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics is one of the most prominent clothing manufacturers in America. If you've seen someone wearing a jersey from the MLB, NHL, or most other sports leagues, it probably came from them. The company has since expanded into a hugely successful online sports betting industry where they're offering their new users some of the best deals in North Carolina.

In partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes, Fanatics Sportsbook launched on March 11th, 2024 in North Carolina. Their partnership with the NHL team will be huge for their users as it will probably give them access to a ton of exclusive events, merchandise, and more.

Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the best sports betting sites for fans. The Fanatics Sportsbook is the only sportsbook that gives its users up to 5% of their wager back. This cashback can be used on the Fanatics website where you can shop for official merchandise from your favorite teams.

To start their North Carolina sports betting with a bang, Fanatics Sportsbook is offering their new users a very unique deal compared to the others we've covered. New users that place a $5 or more bet on any market of -200 odds or longer can get up to $100 in bonus bets every day for 10 straight days. For every bet you place, Fanatics will make your stake in bonus bets up to $100. That's up to $1,000 for new North Carolina sports bettors, one of the best and most lucrative deals out there.

How to Sign Up With North Carolina Sportsbooks Online

It's easy to sign up with an NC sports betting site. There are a ton to choose from and each has its own unique benefits, drawbacks, and bonus offers. Sites like DraftKings and BetMGM will give you bonus bets as a reward offer while Fanatics Sportsbooks has a much higher-paying offer for someone willing to put a little more money on the line.

Before you can sign up with an NC sports betting site, there are a few requirements you must meet:

1. You must meet the legal sports betting age of 21
2. You must have a United States social security number
3. You must have a valid email address and phone number

With that out of the way, you can start signing up with North Carolina sportsbooks by heading to any of their websites. You can do this on your phone or computer and many of these North Carolina sportsbooks have apps that are just as easy to navigate as well.

Once you're on the site or have downloaded the mobile sports betting app, enter your information in. Again, it will most likely ask you for your legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. After you've entered you're information, the site should give you a brief introduction.

It's always a good idea to shop around before you sign up for an NC sports betting site. While the NC sportsbook sites have a lot in common, they each have something that makes them stand out from the rest.

Sports to Bet On in North Carolina

North Carolina has a good amount of choices when you're looking for sports to bet on. While they have plenty of options for the professional leagues, the state also has some of the best college teams around, opening up an entirely new avenue of sports betting.

NFL

The National Football League is the most popular sports league in America by far and North Carolina has their very own franchise through the North Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers haven't been the most successful team in recent years, winning less than 50% of their games for the past 6 seasons. They saw promise under star quarterback Cam Newton, but that was years ago.

That being said, the team does seem to have some promise with great draft picks and young players looking to prove themselves. No matter the future of North Carolina football, it looks to be exciting.

NBA

The NBA is another hugely popular league to bet on and North Carolina's Charlotte Hornets give the state's residents a chance to bet on their team.

Like the Panthers, the Hornets haven't seen much success in recent years, giving North Carolina bettors some doubts about their home team. They've gone through multiple rebrands and have only been dubbed the Hornets for the past 10 years, giving fans hope that they can see their team out of this rebuilding period and into an era of success.

NHL

The Carolina Hurricanes are one of the best teams in the National Hockey League, finally giving fans in Charlotte something to look forward to. They're currently ranked second in their division, just two points behind the storied New York Rangers.

Hockey is one of the most exciting sports to watch live and online NC sports betting will be even more thrilling when the Hurricanes are playing.

MLS

The MLS is one of the fastest-growing sports leagues across the world. The league is working hard to bring in superstars from the best leagues in Europe, including maestro Sergio Busquets, Italian rock Giorgio Chiellini, Mexican thunderbolt Carlos Vela, and the greatest player in the history of the sport, Lionel Messi.

North Carolina's MLS team, Charlotte FC, was formed only a few short years ago, giving North Carolina sports bettors a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor of one of the freshest clubs in the league.

NCAA

North Carolina has two of the best men's college basketball teams in the country. The University of North Carolina Tar Heels are currently ranked number one in the Atlantic and they've already won a couple of rounds of the March Madness tournament at the time of writing.

The Duke Blue Devils are another team to keep an eye on, sitting second in their division with only the Tar Heels ahead of them. North Carolina bettors know how consistent their schools are and with legal sports betting coming into play, they can finally bet on their favorite college sports.

Popular North Carolina Sports Teams to Wager On

North Carolina has a pretty impressive list of teams to bet on. They have a wide range of sports too, from college basketball to professional football, giving you plenty of options when you're looking to bet.

The Carolina Panthers

Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers are the state's only professional football team. The Panthers will be heading into next season hoping to make up for the losses they suffered last year. They haven't had a winning season in over 6 years, giving bettors doubts about their success. But hey, at least they're consistent!

The Charlotte Hornets

Also based out of Charlotte, the state's professional basketball team isn't much more successful than their NFL compatriots. They also have a losing record at the time of writing, and sit 13th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference. If you like betting on basketball, North Carolina's college sports betting may be more your speed.

The Carolina Hurricanes

While the Panthers and the Hornets are struggling to keep winning records, the Carolina Hurricanes are doing very well in the Metropolitan Division of the NHL, sitting in second place. The Hurricanes only sit two points behind division leaders The New York Rangers, giving North Carolina sports fans hope the Stanley Cup will make its way to Carolina once more. They're also the only professional team to win a trophy in the state's history.

Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC is one of the latest editions to the MLS and they've hit the ground running for a team with less than 4 years of history. They started their franchise back in 2022 and already got a playoff run to boot. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez all joining the MLS recently, popularity is skyrocketing and so is legal online sports betting.

University of North Carolina Tar Heels

One of the staples of North Carolina sports, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels are a powerhouse of an NCAA Men's Basketball team. You don't need to know much about ball to know about the team to know that they're one of the top contenders for the March Madness tournament every year. They're currently ranked #1 in the Atlantic and playing great in the tournament.

Duke Blue Devils

North Carolina is a bastion of college basketball with two of the best teams in the country. The Duke Blue Devils are another powerhouse school in the state, currently sitting in second place in the Atlantic. If you like consistency, you'll love the Blue Devils. They've been one of the best teams in the country for a while and it doesn't look like that will be changing any time soon.

Stay on the Right Side of North Carolina's Online Sports Betting Laws

With the new availability of online sportsbooks, betting in North Carolina just got a whole lot easier. The laws the state passed are relatively straightforward and lenient, giving their citizens the right to have fun while also providing help to those who look for it.

Sports Betting Licenses in North Carolina

As online sportsbooks become legal in the Tar Heel state, residents can look forward to using up to 12 different online betting platforms. Each platform will need to acquire a sports betting license through an agreement with a partner who is also doing business in the state of North Carolina before they can offer their services.

The new North Carolina sports betting betting law stipulates that these licenses can come from a few specified sources. Section 18C-905 states that "(a) In order to qualify as an interactive sports wagering operator, the applicant shall be a party to a written designation agreement with one of the following:

(1) A professional sports team.

(2) The owner or operator of one of the following:

a. A motorsports facility.

b. A facility that hosts a professional golf tournament annually.

(3) A sports governing body that annually within the calendar year sanctions more than one National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing national touring race in the State.

(4) A sports governing body that annually within the calendar year sanctions more than one professional golf tournament."

Taxes and Fees for NC Sports Betting

The taxes and fees surrounding NC sports betting legislation are straightforward. An online sports betting license in the state of North Carolina costs online sportsbooks $5 million, split over five years. If a North Carolina resident is on tribal lands, mobile platforms won't be allowed to accept their bets. Online platforms receive a tax rate of 18% of their gross revenue.

North Carolina Betting Age

If you want to bet on North Carolina college sports, you must be at least 21 years of age.

Why Your Location Matters

Sports betting is only legal in certain states in the U.S. and North Carolina is one of 29 that allows online wagering, meaning there are more than a dozen that don't. For online sportsbooks to operate in the state of North Carolina, they're mandated to use a geolocator to confirm that you are in fact in the state in which you place your bets.

If the companies you bet with can't confirm you're in North Carolina, they won't be able to take your wager.

Problem Gambling Help and Abatement

The law to legalize online sports betting in North Carolina was passed on January 8th, 2024, finally going into effect on March 11th, 2024. While some experts and health officials are concerned this may lead to an increase in problem gambling, others have highlighted the solutions both the state and the sports betting companies themselves are putting into place.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has created the NC Problem Gambling Program to provide and support effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach, and treatment services throughout North Carolina.

Resources include the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline, which is 877-718-5543, and the NC Problem Gambling Program's official website, morethanagame.nc.gov. The site has very helpful tools for diagnosing, preventing, and even treating someone's gambling problem.

If you're curious to see the options the site has, you can click on the link above and look through the many resources on offer. You can always call and text their hotlines as well for more immediate help.

North Carolina Sports Betting FAQS

Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina as of March 11, 2024.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, it is legal in North Carolina as of March 11, 2024.

What is the legal North Carolina betting age?

The legal North Carolina betting age is 21.

Are there any welcome offers available for North Carolina betting apps?

Yes, there are plenty of welcome offers available for North Carolina sports betting apps. BetMGM is offering their new users $150 in bonus bets for betting $5. bet365 has a similar deal where they're giving their new users $200 in bonus bets for betting $5.

Draft Kings has the best offer on file right now where they're giving their new users a whopping $250 in bonus bets for betting $5.

Can I use bet365 in North Carolina?

Yes, you can use bet365 in North Carolina. If you're a new user to bet365 in North Carolina, you might be eligible for their welcome offer where they're giving their brand new users $200 in bonus bets for betting $5!

Can I use BetMGM in North Carolina?

Yes, you can use BetMGM in North Carolina. If you're a new user to BetMGM in North Carolina, you might be eligible for their welcome offer where they're giving their brand new users $150 in bonus bets for betting $5! BetMGM secured an exclusive deal with the Charlotte Motor Speedway which may become one of their retail sports betting locations.

Can I use Draft Kings in North Carolina?

Yes, you can use Draft Kings in North Carolina. If you're a new user to Draft Kings in North Carolina, you might be eligible for their welcome offer where they're giving their brand new users $250 in bonus bets for betting $5!

Takeaways

The online sports betting landscape just became a whole lot more exciting in the state of North Carolina. With the introduction and legalization of HB 347, North Carolina sports betting has officially opened up to big sports betting sites like FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365.

Bettors in North Carolina can now look forward to betting on their favorite Tar Heels or Blue Devils in the March Madness tournament directly from their phone or favorite legal sports betting operators. Legalized online wagering has also opened the door to a host of fantasy options where people can use new NC betting sites to bet on their favorite players and teams live.

If you like a tribal casino gaming enterprise, you will probably be unaffected by sports betting changes. If anything, you might have more room at the slots with more people staying home to engage in some good old-fashioned online wagering.

For those worried about gambling addiction, The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has an NC Problem Gambling Program created to provide and support effective problem gambling prevention. They've developed a website to help inform people of the dangers of problem gambling and the best ways to treat it.

With the legalization of online sports wagering, North Carolina sports betting is set to open up to a host of new wagers. State officials are currently looking into the legalization of horse racing and retail sports betting as well. There is even some talk of legalizing online casinos in the future.

North Carolina sports betting will see a boom in the next couple of months. North Carolina bettors have never had more access to college sports betting, professional sports betting, and more. Now with HB 347 passed and implemented, legal online sports betting is set to take the state by storm.