North Carolina Sports Betting & Legal NC Sportsbooks: November 2023 Updates

Can You Sports Bet in North Carolina?

Yes, you can sports bet in North Carolina at retail locations only. Mobile and online sports betting is expected to launch in North Carolina in early 2024.

Where Can I Bet on Sports in North Carolina?

North Carolina sports bettors can place wagers at three tribal casinos that have legal retail sportsbooks: 

• 📍 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC
• 📍 Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, NC
• 📍 Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, NC

You won't be able to bet using mobile sports betting apps in North Carolina until they go live in early 2024.

Do I Need to Be a North Carolina Resident to Bet Online?

No, you do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to use legal mobile betting apps, online sports wagering sites, or land-based retail betting locations. However, you will need to be physically located within state lines, and NC betting sites and apps will use geolocation technology.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in North Carolina. However, sportsbooks have not launched online yet. 

Sportsbooks in North Carolina have a deadline of June 2024 to launch their apps and betting sites. We expect North Carolina sportsbook apps to go live early in the year.

What North Carolina Sportsbooks Will Launch?

We expect BetMGM Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, Tipico Sportsbook, and more to launch in North Carolina. However, no sportsbooks have been confirmed to go live in North Carolina quite yet.

Now that the online sports betting bill has been passed, the North Carolina Education Lottery has started to plan regulations. While the overall sports betting legislation rules and regulations are established, several other well-known mobile and online sportsbooks are preparing applications for sports betting licenses.

When will North Carolina Sportsbooks Launch?

North Carolina sportsbooks are expected to launch in early 2024, though we don't have a definite launch date set yet.

What North Carolina Sportsbooks are Legal?

Since mobile sports betting apps and online sites are not yet available, the only legal sportsbooks are at three tribal casinos. The Harrah’s Cherokee casinos, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, are partnered with Caesars Sportsbook. 

Caesars Sportsbook has been operating at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort since 2021, thought the casino resort itself has been open since 1977. The sportsbook is located on the casino floor, next to the World Series of Poker room.

Opened in 2015, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River has had sports betting available with Caesars since 2021.

Catawba Two Kings Casino operates sports wagering independently in-house.

How Many Sportsbooks will there be in North Carolina?

Right now, we know at least two sportsbooks are planning to go live in North Carolina: bet365 and FanDuel. There could be up to 11 sportsbooks in North Carolina, though we don't know the final number yet. 

The latest North Carolina state regulations call for each sportsbook to partner with a professional sports team, golf course or auto racing track. These teams, courses and tracks have to be located in North Carolina and host races or tournaments in the state.

Sportsbooks Partnered with North Carolina Sports Teams

Recently, bet365 North Carolina announced a partnership with the Charlotte Hornets. FanDuel North Carolina has been partnered with NASCAR since the summer of 2023.

Best North Carolina Sportsbooks to Expect in 2024

When North Carolina sports betting sites and apps go live in 2024, there will be 11+ NC sportsbooks to choose from. Here are some of the best legal sports betting operators to expect.

Trending North Carolina Sportsbook

If and when it launches, ESPN BET North Carolina will be an exciting addition to the state's sports betting scene. It will be known for its parlay offerings and content from leading ESPN analysts. The operator went live on Nov. 14 in other states and was considered a very successful launch. 

Ranking the BEST Overall North Carolina Sportsbook

We think BetMGM North Carolina will be the best overall sportsbook in the state. 

Once the MGM sports betting app and online site are available, you can expect to find a huge range of sports, frequent promotions and bonuses, and an outstanding level of user experience for both desktop and mobile customers. Additionally, the sportsbook may operate a retail sports betting location, as they are currently doing so in others states.

BEST North Carolina Sportsbook for Promos

We predict that Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina will be another great option for bettors, especially because of their promotions. In other online sports betting markets, bettors can take advantage of a valuable welcome bonus and rewards program.

The popular brand already has two retail North Carolina sports betting locations, and will be one of the first to expand with an app and website.

Most Popular North Carolina Sportsbook

With the most downloads and highest ratings among all mobile sports betting competitors, this sportsbook is one of the leaders in the industry. FanDuel North Carolina will be hugely popular with in-state bettors. 

BEST North Carolina Sportsbook for NFL Betting

With arguably the widest array of player prop betting options, football fans will enjoy using this sportsbook. DraftKings North Carolina will no doubt be a popular option, especially for NFL bettors. 

North Carolina Sportsbook with Best Odds

A well-known international brand, bet365 North Carolina, and partnered with the Charlotte Hornets, will have competitive odds compared to other sportsbooks. They'll also have one of the best sports betting sites and apps.

North Carolina Sportsbook with Best Odds Boosts

Once this sportsbook launches, expect to see frequent odds boosts, profit boosts and additional promotions. Tipico North Carolina will be another popular sportsbook for bettors. 

Other North Carolina Sportsbook Options

With room for up to 11 different sportsbooks, it's possible even more will come to North Carolina. If and when that happens, Betway Sportsbook in North Carolina will be a great option for bettors who want an easy-to-use digital platform. It's designed to be seemless as you move your betting back and forth from mobile to desktop.

Though it only just launched in a few other states, Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina is already a powerhouse brand in the sports world. Best known for their wide range of merchandise, Fanatics is entering the sportsbook industry integrating its preexisting FanCash Rewards points from merch purchases into Bonus Bets.

Hard Rock is a name that probably sounds familiar to bettors for its retail locations around the U.S. and the globe. Hard Rock Bet North Carolina will likely offer great odds boosts if it launches in the state.

There will be no shortage of sportsbooks with competitve odds and odds boosts in North Carolina. Bettors should expect BetRivers North Carolina to offer standout game lines and top-tier navigation for those who want to get the job done quickly.

Finally, if you want a break from the traditional sportsbook experience, Betr Sportsbook North Carolina is perfect for you. This is a relatively new sportsbook (having only just launched in 2022) that focuses entirely on "micro-betting," a form of super-quick live betting. 

How NC Sports Betting Compares to Other States

More than 30 other states have legalized online sports betting. North Carolina has just three retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos. However, mobile apps and sites are coming.

The sports betting bill is similar to other states, as it allows for up to 11 NC sportsbooks. One important highlight is the law legalizes betting on college sports. This will stand out for North Carolina, as some other states do not allow college sports betting on in-state schools.

North Carolina Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

The road to legalized North Carolina sports betting was long and arduous; here were the key milestones as it all played out: 

• 📆 June 14: NC Gov. Roy Cooper signs online sports betting bill HB 347 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, fully legalizing sports betting in North Carolina. While there's no official launch date, the NC Education Lottery is planning regulations.
• 📆 June 7: After weeks of discussion among North Carolina lawmakers and votes on proposed amendments, the Senate and House give final approval on HB 347.
• 📆 May 31: HB 347 passes its second reading in the state Senate. A third reading and vote is still needed before it can advance to the North Carolina House for concurrence.
• 📆 May 30: The amended version of HB 347 for legal online sports betting and mobile apps is approved by the North Carolina Senate Finance and Rules committees.
• 📆 May 26: Soon after the recent bill amendments, it is reported that the North Carolina Senate Finance Committee will hear sports betting legislation HB 347 to make sports betting legal on Tuesday, May 30, and the Rules Committee will hear the bill after.
• 📆 May 24: The Committee on Commerce and Insurance voted for an amended version of the mobile and online sports betting bill HB 347. The latest vote does not send the bill to the Senate floor, however, as it must pass the Finance and Rules Committees.
• 📆 March 30: The North Carolina House votes in favor of legalizing sports betting with HB 347. The bill now moves to the Senate.
• 📆 March 13: A new bill for NC sports betting is proposed by Rep. Jason Saine. Online sportsbooks and mobile apps would be legal if it passes.
• 📆 Sept. 7, 2022: A third legal North Carolina sportsbook goes live at a tribal casino. Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain now has a legal sportsbook.
• 📆 June 22, 2022: The 2022 NC sports betting bill, SB 688, is defeated by a single vote, 51-50, on the North Carolina House floor after passing through the Senate. Legal sports betting is still not available for online or mobile.
• 📆 Mar. 18, 2021: Two retail sports betting locations go live at Harrah's two casinos in North Carolina, and sports bets can be made in-person. The Tar Heel State has yet to legalize mobile sports betting and online wagering, but the conversation around online NC sports betting has started.
• 📆 July 26, 2019: Retail sportsbooks are officially legalized as SB 154 passes through the NC Senate and House Commerce Committee, but there's a long way to go to legalize online sports betting and mobile wagering apps.
• 📆 May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court voids the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Sports gambling isn't legal, but progress has been made, and states have the ability to legalize online and mobile wagering in addition to daily fantasy sports.
• 📆 August 13, 2012: Only now does North Carolina allow more than slots and electronic poker at tribal casinos. Despite hopes the Tar Heel State will legalize sports betting, it has a long way to go.
• 📆 August 31, 2005: North Carolina is one of the last states to introduce a lottery. Legal sports gambling is a distant hope.

Who Regulates North Carolina Gambling?

With mobile and online sportsbooks now legalized, the North Carolina Lottery Commission will regulate sportsbooks. This body already oversees the operation of the North Carolina Education Lottery. Recently, the Lottery Commission approved a new committee to assist with the rollout of mobile sports betting.

The three sportsbooks currently in operation are regulated by the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission. All three are retail locations hosted by tribal casinos.

North Carolina Sports Betting Licenses

The total number of legal online sports betting licenses available in North Carolina is now 11. Sportsbooks must be partnered with a pro team, golf course or motor raceway. A majority of these could be allocated to pro sports teams in the Tar Heel State, which would then partner with operators to launch in-person, mobile or online sportsbooks.

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission’s Sports Betting Committee recently approved the first draft of rules and regulations. They include processes for operators to submit their applications and fees. NC Lottery deputy executive director Sterl Carpenter says the goal is to have all rules and regulations finalized so that sportsbooks can go live online before June 15. 

NC Sports Betting Revenue 

It's hard to estimate how much the North Carolina sports betting market will generate now that the state has decided to legalize online sports betting. However, it could be comparable to neighboring states Tennessee ($7.3 billion handle, $120 million tax revenue) and Virginia ($8.1 billion; $72 million). Some estimates have NC sports betting generating as high as $600 million in gross gaming revenue at maturity. 

Check out our North Carolina gambling tax calculator if you want to find out how much you might eventually owe on a winning bet.

How Experts Rank the Best NC Online Sportsbooks

When online sportsbooks in North Carolina become available, there are several factors to consider when assessing betting apps or sites. Here are some things our BetCarolina.com experts are monitoring when picking the best ones.

Read Reviews

The operators who get licenses for North Carolina sportsbooks will likely be live in other online sports betting markets. Look for reviews of North Carolina sportsbook apps and sites.

Bet Types

Most North Carolina sports betting apps and sites will offer all the popular sports betting wager types. But you may find some have particular features, making them stand out. There may also be a disparity in the number of different sports.

Competitive Odds

Experienced online bettors may notice differences between prices and odds on sporting events. It's recommended to find which NC sportsbooks have the best odds. By researching this, you can get the best value.

Welcome Bonus

All mobile and online sports betting operators will offer a welcome bonus. These come in the form of a deposit match bonus, bet refunds, risk-free bets and more. Check out different promos available from sportsbooks.

UX & Customer Service

The mobile and online sports betting experience depends on the website or app. Look for a sportsbook with an intuitive design, making it easy to find what you're looking for. Navigation should be quick and simple – and placing your wagers should be hassle-free.

The speed it takes sportsbooks to answer questions can make a big difference. Look for ways of getting in touch with customer support. These can include a phone number, email, 24/7 live chat and social media.

Why Sign Up For Multiple NC Sports Betting Sites?

After the online sports betting launches, you'll be able to use as many mobile betting apps as you want. By trying out several sports betting operators, you can decide which online sportsbook or app is your favorite. 

Having several sports betting accounts helps you access the most competitive odds and lines, and means you can claim multiple NC sports betting bonuses.

Promotions for North Carolina Sports Betting Sites

All mobile and online sports betting operators will offer regular North Carolina sportsbook promos leading up to the launch date and thereafter. 

These promotions include bonus bets, bet refunds, odds boosts and more.

Retail NC Sports Betting vs. Mobile NC Sports Betting

Although there's excitement for newly legalized online and mobile sports betting, some still prefer retail North Carolina casino locations. Many enjoy placing sports wagers surrounded by other bettors. Additionally, you can watch games and events on several TV screens, while sitting at bars and restaurants.

Desktop sites and mobile apps are convenient, continuing to increase in popularity. While mobile apps and online sportsbooks can be enjoyed anywhere, retail locations will always be popular.

Sports to Bet On In North Carolina

There are plenty of different sports to place a wager on for retail, mobile and online sports bettors in North Carolina. North Carolina has no MLB team, but the Charlotte Knights and Durham Bulls ensure some interest. Expect MLB wagering opportunities through the regular season and the World Series.

NFL Betting in North Carolina

Football is the biggest sport across the U.S. in terms of fandom and wagers, and that trend is sure to continue in North Carolina, home to the Carolina Panthers.

Expect plenty of wagering opportunities at North Carolina NFL betting sites.

NASCAR Betting in North Carolina

Several NASCAR teams have headquarters in North Carolina, and the state is home to numerous tracks.  As a result, expect several NASCAR betting opportunities on local and national races. 

Perhaps the most important race for North Carolina bettors will be the Bank of America ROVAL 400, which takes place just outside of Charlotte every year. A.J. Allmendinger won the most recent race in 2023.

NHL Betting in North Carolina

Hockey commands interest across the nation, especially in North Carolina with the Carolina Hurricanes. Between the Stanley Cup Finals and international hockey, there will plenty of NHL betting opportunities.

College Betting in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to perhaps one of the greatest rivalries in all of college sports: Duke vs. UNC. Every year, these teams do battle for bragging rights in the Tar Heel State. Fortunately, North Carolina will allow betting on college sports, so you can bet on your favorite local teams. Betting should be live in North Carolina in time for March Madness, the ultimate college basketball tournament.

NBA Betting in North Carolina

Basketball enjoys massive popularity in the U.S., and especially in North Carolina. The state boasts one of the NBA's greatest players of all time in Michael Jordan. Needless to say, bettors in North Carolina will have plenty of NBA sports betting opportunities with the Charlotte Hornets.

North Carolina Teams To Bet On

North Carolina bettors will be able to wager on all professional teams once online sports betting arrives.

When it comes to college sports betting, North Carolina basketball fans have plenty to look forward to, including the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Teams from the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, in Winston-Salem, will also be an option for college sports betting in North Carolina.

Nearly all sportsbooks allow MLS betting. Charlotte FC joined the ranks of Major League Soccer clubs in 2019 and played their first season in 2022.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers represent two states but are based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team was established in 1993 as an expansion team and have appeared in two Super Bowls. Some of the Panthers top all-time draft picks are still considered local heroes today.

Most recently in 2023, the team drafted Heisman-winning QB Bryce Young as the No. 1 overall pick. You can track Bryce Young odds to win various awards and hit passing milestones, such as Young's passing touchdown odds.

Once mobile sports betting goes live across the state, bettors will be able to track the Panthers Super Bowl odds in real time. In the meantime, you can wager on markets like the Panthers playoff chances at retail casino locations.

UNC Tar Heels

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels boast one of the best teams in all of men's college basketball. They have an all-time win percentage of .735, second highest in the NCAA. Longtime head coach Roy Williams led the team to three national titles in 13 seasons. Therefore, UNC odds are seemingly always on the shortlist to win March Madness.

UNC's football team, by comparison, hasn't always enjoyed the same sustained success. But in recent years, the team has been on an upswing, playing in four consecutive bowl games since 2019. You can track UNC bowl game projections for this year to see where they might be playing to close out the season.

UNC QB Drake Maye has been a standout through his first few years in Chapel Hill, and Drake Maye draft odds have reflected that. This season, his draft stock is rising so much that he may rival Caleb Williams for the No. 1 pick in 2024.

Duke Blue Devils

Similar to their in-state rivals', Duke odds will be another huge draw for North Carolina bettors, whether it's college basketball, football or other sports. The men's basketball team is also one of the winningest all time, with a .712 win percentage. They've won the National Title twice since 2010, five times in their team history.

Duke's football team hasn't seen the same success, playing in an ultra-competitive ACC since the 1950s. However, they have been to seven bowl games since 2012, winning four. This season's Duke bowl projections have them most likely to play in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

Carolina Hurricanes

There will be plenty of North Carolina online sports betting opportunities on the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL. The Hurricanes Stanley Cup Playoffs odds are among the shortest in the league. They were one of the last four teams standing last season. 

Carolina advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, where it was the Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Hurricanes were eliminated just a few games shy of the title game series.

North Carolina bettors should get a good opportunity to explore wagers on the Hurricanes when online sports betting begins in early 2024.

Charlotte Hornets

With UNC legend Michael Jordan as a minority owner, the NBA's Charlotte Hornets of the NBA will be another team North Carolina bettors will love. 

With a talented roster of young players, Hornets playoff chances will be an interesting market to watch in the years to come.

While the Hornets NBA Championship odds have remained long for the last few seasons, expectations for Charlotte are high.

Available Wagers at Legal NC Sports Betting Sites

Let’s look at some of the most popular types of sports betting wagers to be found at legal North Carolina sportsbooks.

🔥 MORE: How To Bet On Sports In North Carolina

• Moneyline The moneyline is most straightforward of sports bets. Simply decide who will win, and place your money on that outcome.
• Parlays Also popular with bettors are parlays, thanks to the potential for big profits. Combine several bets and as each wins, your return rolls on to the next – but if just one loses, your payout is zero.
• Totals Also called over/unders, these wagers involve total points, runs or goals. They're most often applied to the combined score of both teams.
• Point Spreads The sportsbook levels the odds with point spreads. Will the favorite win by more than that number to “cover the spread,” or not?
• Futures You can also bet on futures, such as the Charlotte Hornets to win the NBA Finals or Duke to win the March Madness NCAA Tournament.
• Prop Bets Within any game, you can also bet on specific players or one team. How will a player perform? What will a teams stats be? That's what prop bets offer you a chance to find out.
• Live Betting Many bettors like to wager on events already underway. Odds are updated instantly, enabling live betting. Live betting will be one of the most popular forms of wagering.
• Prohibited Bets Some wagers will be prohibited at all legal North Carolina sports betting sites. For example, you won't be able to bet on any political election.

Alternatives to NC Sports Betting: Legal Gambling Options

There are a few additional options available to those looking to gamble legally in North Carolina.

Casinos in North Carolina

There are three tribal retail casinos, but as of now, there are no North Carolina online casinos. 

The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino are owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Catawba Two Kings Casino is in Kings Mountain.

🎰 MORE: Caesars Palace Online Casino North Carolina Review

Horse Betting in North Carolina

Horse racing is legal in North Carolina at the three tribal casinos in the state, though there are no legal online pari-mutuel sites. Betting on horse races was allowed as part of the bill that passed in 2019. However, there are no active racetracks in the state at this time.

Daily Fantasy Sports in NC

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in North Carolina, so DFS operators have already been building sports betting customer databases in the state for years. 

Once NC sports betting goes live, DFS may be less popular, but it will still be available.

Charitable Bingo in NC

North Carolina has several bingo halls. Only registered charitable organizations can operate, and the prizes tend to be modest. These will continue to co-exist with sportsbooks when online wagering launches in North Carolina.

North Carolina Lottery

The North Carolina Lottery is one of the few forms of legal gambling. It operates regular games including Powerball and Mega Millions and daily games.

Banking with NC Sports Betting Sites

With the new sports betting bill passed by North Carolina lawmakers, mobile and online sports bettors will have many ways to deposit with NC sportsbooks. 

North Carolina Sports Betting: Final Thoughts

Now that NC has voted to legalize online sports betting and mobile apps, bettors will have 11+ sportsbooks to choose from in 2024. In addition to the current retail locations at tribal casinos, many of the popular brands will be in the mix.

Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often, as we will follow the latest developments and provide North Carolina news and updates on the upcoming mobile and online betting launch.