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

Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, sports betting in North Carolina is legal for retail, mobile and online. While retail is live now, NC sports betting sites and apps will launch in 2024.

What North Carolina Sportsbooks are Legal?

Since mobile sports betting apps and online sites are not yet available, the only legal sportsbooks are at the following tribal casinos.

• 🎰 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
• 🎰 Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino
• 🎰 Catawba Two Kings Casino

The Harrah’s Cherokee casinos, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, are partnered with Caesars Sportsbook. Catawba operates sports wagering indepently.

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.

What is the Legal Age to Sports Bet in North Carolina?

You must be at least 21 years old to gamble in North Carolina at retail sportsbooks, and this will be the same age for mobile betting and North Carolina online casinos.

Best North Carolina Sportsbooks to Expect

When North Carolina sports betting sites and apps go live in 2024, there will be up to 12 different NC sportsbooks to choose from. Here are some of the best legal sports betting operators to expect.

BetMGM

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.

Caesars Sportsbook

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.

FanDuel

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

DraftKings

DraftKings North Carolina will be popular option, especially for NFL bettors. With arguably the widest array of player prop betting options, football fans will enjoy using this app or online sportsbook.

WynnBet

WynnBet North Carolina will feature one of the best rewards programs in the state. Bettors in other states have been able to stack up rewards and redeem them for free bets and prizes.

bet365

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

Tipico

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

Mobile & Online Sports Betting in North Carolina

Mobile and online sports betting in North Carolina is NOT available yet. The bill to legalize online sites and mobile apps has been signed by Governor Roy Cooper, but several regulatory steps still need to be taken before they can launch.

When Will Online & Mobile Sports Betting Launch?

Mobile and online North Carolina sports betting will be live in 2024. Now that sports betting has been fully legalized, it will take some time for the online and mobile market to be ready.

How Many NC Sportsbooks Will There Be?

The NC sports betting bill will allow for up to 12 sports betting licenses. For now, there are only three (3) retail locations for in-person wagering. Anyone looking for legal sports betting in North Carolina must visit one of the three retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos.

Sportsbooks Partnered with NC Sports Teams

There are no official partnerships between sportsbooks and in-state teams. The closest deal is the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' Harrah's casinos’ retail sports betting sponsorship of the Carolina Panthers.

This should change now that North Carolina has legalized mobile betting and online sportsbooks. For instance, some are official sportsbook partners of the NFL and NBA. It is unlikely the Duke Blue Devils or North Carolina Tar Heels will have any official partners, but wagering on the two colleges will be allowed.

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.

North Carolina Sports Betting Legalization 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.
• 📆 September 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.
• 📆 March 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.

Where Can I Bet in North Carolina?

North Carolina sports bettors can place wagers at three tribal casinos that have legal retail sportsbooks: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. 

Owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee locations are operated by Caesars Sportsbook. Catawba Two Kings Casino offers their own sportsbook located in Kings Mountain.

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 12 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.

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. 

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 sports betting licenses available in North Carolina is between 10-12 online betting North Carolina licenses, which was the number submitted in the North Carolina House. 

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.

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. 

Choosing the Best Sportsbook

When online sportsbooks in North Carolina become available, there are several factors to consider when assessing betting apps or sites. Here are some things to monitor.

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 sportsbooks have the best odds. By spotting 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.

User Experience

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.

Deposits + Withdrawals

North Carolina sports betting sites and apps will allow a variety of banking methods. Check out the legal sports betting deposit methods available. Look at the withdrawal options too, to get money out of your sports betting account.

Customer Service

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 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.

North Carolina Sportsbook Promotions

All mobile and online sports betting operators in North Carolina will offer regular promos leading up to the launch date and thereafter. These promotions include bonus bets, bet refunds, odds boosts and more.

Retail Sports Betting vs. Mobile Sports Betting

Although there's excitement for newly legalized online and mobile sports betting in NC, some still prefer retail 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, and continue to increase in popularity. While mobile apps and online sportsbooks can be enjoyed anywhere, though, retail locations will always be popular.

Sports to Bet On

There are plenty of different sports to place a wager on for retail, mobile and online sports bettors in North Carolina.

• Football

  Football is the biggest sport across the USA with support and money wagered. The Carolina Panthers ensure some popularity in North Carolina. Expect plenty of wagering opportunities at North Carolina betting sites, including on Panthers Super Bowl odds.

• Basketball

  Basketball also enjoys massive popularity. Bettors and hoops fans in North Carolina will have plenty of sports betting opportunities with the Charlotte Hornets, as well as collegiate teams such as Duke and North Carolina.

• Hockey

  Hockey is a sport that 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 betting opportunities.

• Baseball

  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.

• College Sports

  Even with three pro teams, collegiate sports command a lot of the attention in North Carolina. The North Carolina Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils and others will be popular to bet on. Fortunately, North Carolina will allow college sports betting, so you can bet on markets such as UNC QB Drake Maye Heisman odds.

• Motorsports

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

Teams To Bet On

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

• Carolina Panthers

  The Carolina Panthers have their stadium in Charlotte, and Panthers playoff chances will surely be a popular market for bettors in the Tar Heel State.As their new rookie QB's career gets going, you can track Bryce Young odds for OROY, MVP and more.

• Charlotte Hornets

  With Michael Jordan as stakeholder, the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA will be another team bettors will surely enjoy wagering on.

• Carolina Hurricanes

  There will be plenty of North Carolina online sports betting opportunities on the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL.

• Charlotte FC

  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.

• North Carolina

  College sports betting will be allowed in the state, and the North Carolina Tar Heels may be the most popular team to bet on for college football, basketball and more. Find the latest UNC odds here

• Duke

  Similar to their rivals, the Duke Blue Devils will be another draw for North Carolina bettors, whether it's college basketball, football or other sports. Find the latest Duke odds here.

• North Carolina State

  When it comes to college sports betting, North Carolina basketball fans have plenty to look forward to, including the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

• Wake Forest

  Teams from Wake Forest Demon Deacons, in Winston-Salem, will also be an option for college sports betting in North Carolina.

Wager Types

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

• Moneyline

  The most straightforward of sports bets. Simply decide who will win, and place your money on that outcome.

• Parlays

  Parlays are popular with bettors thanks to 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 spreads. Will the favorite win by more than that number to “cover the spread”, or not?

• Futures

  You can also bet on future events, 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?

• Live Betting

  Many bettors like to wager on events already underway. Odds are updated instantly, enabling live betting. This 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.

Legal Gambling Options

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

Casinos

There are three tribal 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 both managed by Caesars but owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Catawba Two Kings Casino is in Kings Mountain.

Horse Racing

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.

Daily Fantasy Sports

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

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.

Lottery

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

Banking

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 up to 12 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.