North Carolina sports betting apps will launch on and after March 11, bringing the state into the modern era of sports betting. If you’re a prospective bettor in NC, you might wonder: can I bet on my favorite team?
The answer is a simple and resounding “yes.” There are few restrictions for North Carolina teams to bet on. Once sportsbooks go live, you can bet on professional and college sports in the state. Even esports and certain amateur events are allowed. Only a select few markets are prohibited in North Carolina:
- Major Leagues (NBA, NFL, etc.): Injuries
- College sports: Penalties
- Boxing: Disciplinary outcomes
- Olympics: youth sports
- MMA: Replay review outcomes
Besides these caveats, you can bet on various markets across top sports betting apps.
Let’s take a look at the most popular North Carolina sports teams and answer two similar but importantly distinct questions:
- Can you bet on the team?
- Should you bet on the team?
List of North Carolina Teams to Bet On
Here, we break down the most popular teams for NC sports bettors to wager on in 2024 and beyond.
Carolina Panthers
NFL betting is one of the most popular pastimes of sports fans in legal betting markets, and North Carolina is bound to be no different. The Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America Stadium. There will absolutely be lines and odds for the Panthers at North Carolina’s sportsbooks. The question then becomes: How wise is a Panthers bet?
If this past season is any indicator, Panthers fans should tread carefully with bets on the team. They finished 2-15 for the 2023-24 season, nabbing two wins at home and coming in a distant last place in the NFC South.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a staple of the NHL, and North Carolina will offer plenty of bets on hockey, including puck line, moneyline, totals, and many props. In fact, the Hurricanes are one of the best NC teams currently playing a professional sport. As of this writing, they are enjoying a 34-18-6 record (74 points), putting them in second place in the Metropolitan Division and firmly in the hunt for the 2024 Stanley Cup.
Charlotte Hornets
At the time of writing, the Charlotte Hornets seem to have lost their sting. The 15-42 team is at 13th place in the Eastern Conference, ahead of only the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons, who have single-digit wins this season. While you may not want to bet on the Hornets to win any given basketball game, sportsbooks in the state will still offer plenty of props, which get you invested without the need for your team to win.
Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC is a very new addition to Major League Soccer. The team started playing in 2022 and has begun building its skillset. Last year, Charlotte FC placed 9th in the MLS Eastern Conference, barely securing a final series playoff berth. This could be a banner year for the team if they can improve last year’s performance. NC sportsbooks will have all sorts of soccer bets, including three-way moneylines and goalscorer props.
Duke Blue Devils
Any North Carolina bettors who want a reliable in-state team to bet on need look no further than the Duke Blue Devils. Home to the recently retired Coach K, Duke has consistently been a March madness threat for years on end. This season appears to be the same story, even without the iconic leader managing the team. Duke is 21-6 overall and 12-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
UNC Tar Heels
UNC and Duke exist in a fierce rivalry, and both teams constantly battle for the top spot in North Carolina and beyond. This season, UNC is 13-3 in the Atlantic Coast, and Duke is a game behind at 12-4. Whether you’re a Duke or UNC fan, you have plenty of betting fodder for the upcoming March Madness tournament, where both teams will almost certainly appear.
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