North Carolina offers sports betting at three tribal casinos. Mobile betting starts in 2024. Bettors must be at least 21 years old. College betting is permitted. This page offers a detailed analysis of the North Carolina sports betting scene.
History of Sports Betting in North Carolina
North Carolina didn’t waste much time in legalizing sports betting after the federal ban was lifted. However, the state has limited sports betting options. Lawmakers were quick to take advantage of the opportunity back in 2019, but that was only at the state’s tribal casinos.
The state legislature officially passed a law to legalize sports betting back in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the first sportsbook launched. Two sportsbooks went live in 2021. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians hosts both sportsbooks.
Governor Roy Cooper worked with Native American tribes in the state to sign new gaming compacts that included sports betting. A third retail sportsbook launched in the state in September 2022, and that is all of the potential sportsbooks.
What About Mobile Sports Betting?
North Carolina legalized online and mobile sports betting in 2023. It will go live in the first half of 2024. The hope is that it is done by the Super Bowl, or at least March Madness. Regulators are working out details now.
The tax rate will be 14%. There is an initial $1 million fee. Up to 12 sportsbooks may be licensed in the state. These will partner with professional NC sports teams and the two tribal entities. Caesars Sportsbook is the operator at the two Harrah’s casinos in the state. IGT handles sports betting at Catawba Two Kings.
What Can We Expect in 2023 and Beyond?
The remainder of 2023 will bring final regulations. Licensing announcements between sports teams and operators will also occur. Online sports betting may launch any time after January 8, 2024.
Sports Teams to Bet on in North Carolina
North Carolina is the home of three major professional sports franchises. The three franchises that play in North Carolina are the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Carolina Hurricanes. All these teams and other pro ones may partner with sportsbooks. However, gambling brands may not sponsor stadium naming rights.
The Carolina Panthers played their first season in North Carolina in 1995. The team is a member of the NFC South in the NFL. The Panthers are owned by David Tepper and led by Frank Reich. The Panthers have had a fairly successful run in their brief history as a franchise. They won the NFC South for three straight years from 2013 to 2015 and they won the NFC conference in 2015. The team has been unable to win a Super Bowl and struggled in recent years.
The Charlotte Hornets are an NBA franchise that plays in the league’s Eastern Conference Southeast Division. The team is owned by Michael Jordan and coached by James Borrego. Ever since Michael Jordan became involved with the Hornets, interest in the team has grown around the state. The team was founded in 1988, but they have only been playing as the Hornets since 2014. They have no division or conference titles to their name.
The Carolina Hurricanes play in Raleigh. They are a member of the NHL’s Eastern Conference and play in the Metropolitan Division. Coached by Rod Brind’Amour, the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in the 2005-06 season. The team won its first division title during the Covid-shortened 2021 season, finishing at the top of the Central Division. Proving it was no fluke, they also won the division crown after moving back to the Metro Division during the 2021-22 campaign.
FAQ for Betting in North Carolina
Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes, sports betting is legal in the state of North Carolina, but only on a limited scale. Native American tribes in the state can offer retail wagering, but online betting will not go live until at least January 2024.
How does North Carolina sports betting rank nationally?
Since sports betting is only offered through retail sportsbooks on tribal property, the North Carolina sports betting market is extremely small. Most states that have sports betting see most of the wagers placed at online sportsbooks in the state.
Is mobile sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Online sportsbooks will open in NC in 2024.
What’s the legal sports betting age in North Carolina?
The legal sports betting age in North Carolina is 21 years of age.
Who runs the retail sportsbooks in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, retail sports betting operates through Native American tribes. There are currently just three options. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates a pair of Caesars Sportsbooks and Catawba Nation offers IGT kiosks at its Two Kings Casino.
Can you bet on college sports in North Carolina?
Betting on college sports is allowed at retail sportsbooks in North Carolina without restrictions. This will be the case when mobile betting launches in 2024.