North Carolina sports betting apps are legal and live. The first NC online sportsbooks were cleared to launch on March 11, 2024, after Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law.
The bill permits up to 11 sports betting apps to launch in the Tar Heel State. There are currently eight legal online sportsbooks in North Carolina, including Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, BetMGM, Bet365, and DraftKings.
This page breaks down the various legal betting options available to sports fans in North Carolina. We will explain how online sportsbooks are regulated, discuss the tax rates, and highlight the importance of using legal, regulated apps.
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North Carolina Sports Betting News and Updates
North Carolina Sports Betting: Quick Facts
| NC Population | 10.55 million |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
| Sports Betting Regulator | North Carolina State Lottery Commission |
| Launch Date for NC Betting Apps | March 11, 2024 |
| Online Sportsbooks Now Live | 8 |
| Tax Rate | 18% |
North Carolina Sports Betting Laws
North Carolina legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in June 2019, when Gov. Roy Cooper signed SB 154. Caesars Sportsbook launched the state’s first brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in March 2021. They are located at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River.
In March 2023, Rep. Jason Saine introduced House Bill 347 a bill seeking to legalize online sports betting in North Carolina. The House passed the bill later that month, and it gained approval in the Senate in May 2023.
Gov. Cooper officially legalized online sports betting when he signed HB 347 into law on June 14, 2023. The first online sportsbooks were cleared to launch in March 2024, just in time for the NCAA tournament.
North Carolina Sports Betting Regulator
This legislation established the North Carolina State Lottery Commission as the licensing body and regulator for authorized sports and horse racing wagering. The commission licenses and regulates sports betting and horse race wagering.
The application fee for a sports betting operator license in North Carolina is $1,000,000. A service provider license in the state is $50,000, while a supplier license is $30,000. Commission staff will facilitate payment of the application fee after an application has been submitted.
With more than 30 years of experience in the gaming industry, Sterl Carpenter joined the NC State Lottery Commission on Aug. 2, 2023, to lead its Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting division in a new role. In this position, Carpenter is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a compliance framework for regulating NC sports betting activities.
What’s the Legal Betting Age in North Carolina?
You must be at least 21 years old to participate in North Carolina sports betting.
North Carolina Sports Betting Tax Rate
The North Carolina sports betting tax rate for individuals’ gambling winnings (with losses deducted) is 5.25%.
The NC Department of Revenue will collect an 18% tax on gross sports betting revenue (from operators) and 1 percent of the total pari-mutuel wagers placed on horse racing.
- The rules and regulations will govern up to 11 sports wagering operators, their service providers and suppliers, and those operating advanced deposit wagering used in horse racing.
- The North Carolina General Assembly allocated up to $300,000 annually from sports betting revenue to collegiate athletic departments at 13 state universities, including Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, NC Agricultural & Technical State University, NC Central University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Western Carolina University, and Winston-Salem State University.
- The NC General Assembly also allocated $1 million annually to North Carolina Amateur Sports to expand opportunities in youth sports.
North Carolina Sports Betting Bill HB 347
Under the law, sports betting licenses will be valid for five years, and the available permits include interactive sports wagering licenses, service provider licenses, and sports wagering supplier licenses.
The legislation allows for state residents to place a sports wager in one of two ways: in person at a retail site or as a registered player via a mobile account. The North Carolina sports betting laws authorize wagering on professional sports, college sports, electronic sports, amateur sports, or any other event approved by the NC Lottery Commission and horse racing, both live and simulcast races.
“This legislation will help North Carolina compete, make sure taxpayers receive a share, create many good-paying jobs, and foster strong economic opportunity,” Governor Roy Cooper said in a release after signing the bill. “As we move forward, we should work to make sure more of the revenue is used to invest in our public schools, teachers, and students.”
What Sports Can I Bet on in North Carolina?
On Nov. 16, 2023, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission approved its list of all sanctioned sporting events and wagers.
Betting in North Carolina is allowed on professional and college sports, electronic sports, amateur sports, or any other event approved by the commission. Residents are now able to bet on Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and NC State, in addition to mainstream sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, golf, tennis, and NASCAR.
For further details, review the North Carolina sports wagering catalog.
| ✅ Approved Sports and Wagering Events | ❌ Unapproved Sports and Wagering Events |
|---|---|
| ✅ Major Sports Leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL) | 🚫 Injuries |
| ✅ College Sports | 🚫 Penalties |
| ✅ Boxing | 🚫 The outcome of disciplinary proceedings against a participant in a sporting event |
| ✅ Olympics | 🚫 Youth sports |
| ✅ MMA | 🚫 The outcome of replay review |
| ✅ Motorsports |
What Can I Not Bet on in North Carolina?
Per the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, licensed operators cannot offer wagers on any of the following:
- Sports wagering involving youth sports. Youth sports means an event in which the majority of participants are under the age of 18 or are competing on behalf of or under the sponsorship of one or more public or private preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary schools.
- The occurrence of injuries.
- The occurrence of penalties.
- The outcome of disciplinary proceedings against a participant in a sporting event.
- The outcome of replay reviews.
- The placing of a pari-mutuel wager.
Sportsbook Partnerships With NC Sports Teams
As many as 11 legal online sportsbooks, including eight retail sites at professional sports venues in the state, can launch in North Carolina under the revised set of sports betting rules. The rules state that each operator must have an agreement with a professional sports organization. Below are the sportsbooks that have already established market access through their local partnerships.
| 📱NC Sportsbook | 🤝 Local Partner | ✅ Now Live | 🎰 Retail Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📱Caesars | 🎰 Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission | Live for Mobile and Retail | Harrah's Cherokee Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Catawba Two Kings Casino |
| 📱FanDuel | ⛳️ PGA Tour and 🏈 Carolina Panthers | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱BetMGM | 🏁 Charlotte Motor Speedway | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱Bet365 | 🏀 Charlotte Hornets | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱DraftKings | 🏁 NASCAR | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱Fanatics | 🏒 Carolina Hurricanes | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱ESPN Bet | ⛳️ Quail Hollow Club and Wells Fargo Championship | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱Underdog Sports | ⛳️ McConnell Golf | Live for Mobile | N/A |
NC Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
It took North Carolina some time to legalize online sports wagering. For years, the Tar Heel State lost plenty of potential revenue to neighboring states with expanded gaming.
Here is how the path to legal online NC sports wagering came to fruition.
On March 21, House Bill 347 cleared the House Commerce Committee by a vote of 17-10. Following a vigorous debate, the North Carolina House voted 66-45 in favor of the mobile NC sports betting bill on March 28, 2023. The North Carolina House Rules Committee passed the bipartisan bill on March 28, fast-tracking it for a full house vote. Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law on June 14, 2023.
It appeared that 2022 would be the year that online North Carolina betting sites would be legalized, but the House vote failed to garner enough support. A dramatic turn saw SB 688 lose by a single vote in the House, 51-50, on June 22, 2022.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians become the first to offer legal sports betting in North Carolina at casinos in Cherokee and Murphy.
In July 2019, North Carolina passed a law that allowed it to amend its compacts with federally recognized tribes operating casinos in the state to open a sportsbook for legal sports betting.
NC Retail Sportsbooks: Where To Bet in North Carolina
In-person wagering is currently available but limited to a few tribal casino locations in the state. Retail sports wagering will launch on a case-by-case basis in the state as operators meet standard requirements.
Currently, North Carolina retail sports betting is allowed only at the casinos located on tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation. North Carolina has three active casinos:
- Catawba Two Kings Casino
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
The Carolina Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte), Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Carolina Hurricanes’ PNC Arena (Raleigh), Quail Hollow Country Club (Charlotte), Sedgefield Country Club (Greensboro), Charlotte Hornets’ Spectrum Center (Charlotte), and WakeMed Soccer Park (Cary) were all eligible to apply for both retail locations and digital platforms.
Before the 2023-24 NFL season, the Catawba Two Kings Casino announced it had opened an on-property sportsbook in September 2022, bringing sports wagering to the greater Charlotte area. The temporary casino features a branded Catawba Two Kings Casino sportsbook, agent/teller services with betting voucher redemption, and 30 betting kiosks throughout the facility.
North Carolina Retail Sportsbooks and Casinos
| Location | Sportsbook | 📍Address | Opening Times | Odds Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏦 Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook | Two Kings Sportsbook | 📍538 Kings Mountain Blvd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | 24 hours | IGT |
| 🏦 Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort | Caesars Sportsbook | 📍777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719 | Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. | Caesars |
| 🏦 Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel | Caesars Sportsbook | 📍777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906 | Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. | Caesars |
North Carolina Sports Betting Revenue
The launch of online sports betting in North Carolina is already producing strong returns in terms of handle and revenue.
In August 2024, North Carolina produced total sports wagering handle of $370,484,774, an increase over the $340,375,353 post in July. Declines are typical during the summer months as the sports calendar slows.
Total gross wagering revenue for August was $33,751,015. After the 18 percent tax rate is applied, the estimated tax proceeds for the month would be $6,075,183.
NC Monthly Sports Betting Handle
| 🗓 August 2024 | 🗓 July 2024 | 🗓 June 2024 | 🗓 May 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰Total Handle: $370,484,774 | 💰Total Handle: $340,375,353 | 💰Total Handle: $398,251,464 | 💰Total Handle: $525,548,571 |
| 🏦 Gross Wagering Revenue: $33,751,015 | 🏦 Gross Wagering Revenue: $42,226,040 | 🏦 Gross Wagering Revenue: $40,302,263 | 🏦 Gross Wagering Revenue: $63,080,347 |
More Legal North Carolina Gambling Options
In addition to legal NC online sportsbooks, there are other fun forms of gambling North Carolina bettors can consider.
| NC Gambling Alternative | Legal? |
|---|---|
| 🪙 Social Sportsbooks | ✅ Yes |
| 💰Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | ✅ Yes |
| 🐎 Horse Racing Betting | ✅ Yes |
| 💸 Lottery | ✅ Yes |
| 🤑 Online Casinos | ❌ No |
| ♠️ Online Poker | ❌ No |
Horse Racing Betting in North Carolina
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing was included in the North Carolina sports betting bill, but as of April 2024, the state lottery commission is still formalizing rules for horse racing, and no operator has applied for a license to take bets on horse racing in the state. House Rep. Jason Saine’s (R, Lincolntown) bill cleared the Senate by a vote of 37-11 on June 1 after the Senate added language authorizing horse racing and horse race betting in North Carolina.
Adding horse betting in North Carolina marks a significant shift for a state that previously only allowed charitable horse racing and no pari-mutuel wagering outside tribal lands. North Carolina has discussed legalizing horse race betting for years, with the last push for a legal Thoroughbred racing industry in 2021. Sen. Paul Lowe and Sen. Jim Perry sponsored the North Carolina Derby Act.
Live horse racing in North Carolina is currently limited to charitable thoroughbred racing at the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase near Charlotte and some harness racing.
Social Sportsbooks in North Carolina
Unlike traditional real-money betting sites, social sportsbooks like Fliff are play-for-fun platforms that turn sports predictions into social games. Fliff is available to residents of North Carolina, and you don’t need actual cash to make sports picks on Fliff. Customers can instead wager with Fliff Coins in social mode or Fliff Cash for the opportunity to earn rewards and prizes.
Bingo in North Carolina
Bingo in North Carolina is legal only if the charitable organization has a current charitable bingo license.
North Carolina Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
The country’s leading daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps accept players based in North Carolina. The state has never explicitly permitted fantasy sports contests, and the NC Lottery Commission did not include DFS regulations when it issued the first set of sports betting rules in November 2023.
However, DFS contests have never been outlawed in North Carolina either, so apps like DraftKings and FanDuel have always welcomed players from the Tar Heel State. Sports fans in North Carolina can sign up with a wide range of DFS apps.
Traditional DFS Apps
DraftKings and FanDuel have historically dominated the DFS market in North Carolina. Both apps cover a wide range of leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, plus college football, college basketball, soccer, golf, and various other sports.
They are similar, but they have slightly different scoring rules. FanDuel and DraftKings also offer unique bonuses and contests, so many DFS enthusiasts hold accounts with both of them.
Challenger DFS Apps
However, the DraftKings and FanDuel duopoly is under threat from a series of innovative challengers. Rivals like PrizePicks and Betr offer pick’em style contests, which focus on player stat categories, providing sports fans with an intriguing alternative to FanDuel and DraftKings.
Underdog Fantasy is also popular in many states, as it follows a similar format to prize picks. However, the Underdog Fantasy app is no longer available in North Carolina. The company pulled the pick’em fantasy product from the state to ensure it received an online sports betting license.
Additional options include Sleeper Fantasy and SuperDraft Fantasy, so the North Carolina DFS market is vibrant and competitive. If you are interested in playing at any of these fantasy sports apps, follow the links provided below to redeem the best welcome bonuses.
DFS Apps: Betr Promo Code | PrizePicks Fantasy Promo Code | SuperDraft Fantasy Promo Code
How NC Sports Betting Compares to Betting in Nearby States
The push to legalize sports betting in North Carolina was heightened by the proximity to its neighboring states, including Tennessee and Virginia, both of which have been reaping the rewards of regulated mobile sports betting.
Unlike Tennessee, which offers online wagering only and no retail sportsbook sites, North Carolina has three locations where its residents and visitors can place sports wagers.
While Virginia’s sports betting legislation includes a law against betting on in-state collegiate teams, North Carolina residents can wager on in-state college teams without restrictions.
Pros and Cons of North Carolina Sports Betting
The legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina puts the Tar Heel State in line to compete with its neighbors that already have expanded gaming for mobile sportsbooks.
Here are the key benefits of legalized sports betting in NC thus far:
- You can bet on more than 20 professional sports in North Carolina, including every game featuring the Panthers, Hurricanes, Hornets, and Charlotte FC.
- College sports betting is also legal, including straight bets and prop bets. You can wager on games featuring in-state teams in North Carolina too.
- There are eight rival NC sports betting apps and several NC sportsbook promos to choose from in this competitive market.
- You can register with multiple NC sportsbooks and shop for the best odds. That allows you to maximize your winnings on each successful pick.
- Legal NC sportsbooks are tightly regulated, so they must grade bets fairly, implement robust security measures, and provide reliable payouts.
Some of the drawbacks of North Carolina sports betting include:
- There are only three retail sportsbooks right now, and they are inconveniently located for most bettors in the Tar Heel State.
- North Carolina has fewer online sportsbooks than some states, and the law permits no more than 11 sports betting apps.
- Prop bets on college sports are currently legal, but Rep. Marcia Morey (D) has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit them.
Responsible Gaming in North Carolina
Responsible gambling has become a more significant part of the conversation within the sports betting industry. Gaming Today has compiled North Carolina gambling resources to help NC bettors have a safe and enjoyable experience while getting the most out of NC sports betting sites.
The NC Problem Gambling Program provides effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach, treatment, and recovery services. The new law allocates an additional $2 million annually to expand the program.
Free, confidential help is already available 24/7 through the NC Problem Gambling Program. You can talk, text, or chat online with a trained and licensed clinician who can provide free counseling services.
The law also requires the North Carolina Commission to establish a voluntary self-exclusion program so anyone can voluntarily exclude themselves from sports wagering or horse race wagering for a predetermined amount of time. Additionally, licensed sports betting operators in North Carolina must commit to responsible betting.
- Talk: 877-718-5543
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- Chat: morethanagame.nc.gov
More Resources for North Carolina Sports Bettors
North Carolina Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, online sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Gov. Roy Cooper signed expanded sports betting legislation into law in June 2023, clearing the way for sports betting apps and websites to launch on March 11, 2024. Anyone aged 21 or older can bet on sports in the Tar Heel State.
Some forms of online gambling are legal in North Carolina, including online sportsbooks, fantasy sports apps, racebooks, and social casinos. However, online casinos and poker rooms are still illegal in the Tar Heel State, and you cannot buy lottery tickets online in North Carolina, either.
North Carolina’s sports betting rules require you to be 21 or older and physically located within state lines. You can bet on professional and college sports if you sign up with a regulated online sportsbook. Legal sports betting sites must follow strict rules, which are designed to ensure North Carolinians enjoy a fair, secure online wagering experience.
Yes, DraftKings is one of the legal online sportsbooks that launched in North Carolina when mobile apps went live on March 11, 2024. DraftKings also runs fantasy sports contests in the Tar Heel State. You can earn Dynasty Rewards points whenever you bet on sports or enter fantasy sports contests at DraftKings in North Carolina.
Yes, FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in North Carolina. The company partnered with the PGA Tour to gain market access in the Tar Heel State, and FanDuel has also signed a partnership agreement with the Carolina Panthers. FanDuel also offers a fantasy sports app in North Carolina.
No. You simply need to be physically located in the Tar Heel State to use NC sports betting apps and websites. That means sports fans from neighboring states can visit North Carolina to bet online.
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports online in North Carolina. When you sign up for an account, you will be asked to provide your name and your date of birth. The online sportsbook will then take steps to verify your age, so you may need to upload an ID card, such as your driver’s license.
There are currently eight legal online sportsbooks in North Carolina: Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, FanDuel, Bet365, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Underdog. State law permits up to 11 legal sports betting apps, so there is still room for another three to launch in the future.
Yes, it is legal to bet on college sports in North Carolina, provided you are 21 or older. State law permits online sportsbooks to take bets on games featuring college teams based in the state, such as Duke and UNC. Some states prohibit prop bets on college sports, but prop bets are allowed in North Carolina.
Offshore sportsbooks do not operate legally in North Carolina. They are based overseas, and they do not comply with state or federal laws, so you cannot trust them to keep you safe, grade your bets fairly, or pay out when you win. We recommend avoiding offshore sportsbooks and using legal sites like Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM instead.
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