NC Lawmaker Favors Letting Sports Bettors Deduct Losses On State Taxes
Steve Bittenbender - Nov 18, 2024
You can bet with legal North Carolina sportsbooks anywhere in the state. BetCarolina.com covers the latest on NC sports betting.
Legal sports betting in North Carolina is available with 8 online sportsbooks and 3 tribal casinos where you can bet on sports in person.
Check out our review of all NC sports betting promos that are available to new customers before you sign up.
✅ Is NC Sports Betting Legal? | Yes (retail & mobile) |
🔞 Legal Betting Age | 21 |
🚀 When Did Online Sportsbooks Launch? | March 11 |
⚖️ How Many Sportsbooks Are Licensed? | 8 |
💻 Online Registration Available? | Yes |
🎓 Betting On College Sports Allowed? | Yes |
🚨 Latest News | Majority of North Carolinians Support Approval of Casinos |
📝 Last Verified: | December 7, 2024 |
📣 Before you register at any of the legal online betting sites, review our tips to gamble responsibly to ensure gambling is never more than a game. 📣
Disclaimer: BetCarolina.com is an independent comparison website featuring dedicated affiliate links. If you register at a sportsbook and make a deposit, we might receive a commission payment at no extra cost to you. But, our operator reviews and recommendations are impartial as our editorial standards are commercially independent and follow a professional methodology.
Yes! North Carolina sports betting is legal online and at retail sportsboks. Legal online NC sports betting and retail sports betting are both live.
You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in North Carolina. That goes for both retail and online sportsbooks in the state.
Fanatics, BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, Caesars, ESPN BET, and Underdog sportsbooks are legal online in North Carolina. They started accepting bets on March 11 of this year.
Caesars Sportsbook is also legal at retail locations in Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River. Caesars owns the Harrah's brand and has been operating "The Book" sportsbooks at both North Carolina casinos since 2021.
You do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to bet online, gamble at casinos or visit land-based retail betting locations.
However, you need to be physically located within state lines. Online NC betting sites will use geolocation technology to confirm your location within North Carolina.
You can now bet anywhere in the state with any of the eight mobile NC Sports Betting Apps that are live.
North Carolina sports bettors can also place wagers at three tribal casinos that have legal retail sportsbooks:
As of now, there are 8 different sportsbooks in North Carolina. Eight sportsbooks were awarded online licenses, and Caesars Sportsbook also operates at retail locations.
North Carolina state regulations call for each sportsbook to partner with a professional sports team, golf course, auto racing track, NASCAR or the PGA Tour. These teams, courses and tracks have to be located in North Carolina and host races or tournaments in the state.
So far, seven sportsbooks have announced partnerships with three sports teams, leagues or race courses. We're tracking the latest partnership announcements in this table:
bet365 | 🏀 Charlotte Hornets |
ESPN BET | ⛳️ Quail Hollow Club (Charlotte) |
DraftKings | 🏎️ NASCAR |
FanDuel | ⛳️ PGA Tour |
FanDuel | 🏈 Carolina Panthers |
Fanatics | 🏒 Carolina Hurricanes |
TBD | ⚽️ NC Courage |
TBD | ⚽️ Charlotte FC |
Underdog Sports | ⛳️ Sedgefield Country Club (Greensboro) |
TBD | 🏎️ North Wilkesboro Speedway |
BetMGM | 🏎️ Charlotte Motor Speedway |
✅ Data Last Verified: | December 7, 2024 |
We'll keep this table updated as more sportsbooks forge partnerships in North Carolina.
BetCarolina.com follows all the latest news on legal North Carolina sports betting. Follow us on X @BetNCdotCom for daily NC sports betting updates!
Here are recent updates on legal NC sportsbooks, casino gaming and more.
Our experienced reporters keep you up-to-date on sports betting in North Carolina. Our experts bring the latest news and developments on online NC sports betting, retail sportsbooks and North Carolina online casinos, betting odds and more.
We rank the top eight North Carolina sportsbooks available today:
🏆 BetMGM North Carolina | Best NC Sportsbook |
🔥 ESPN BET North Carolina | Trending NC Sportsbook |
❤️ FanDuel North Carolina | Most Popular NC Sportsbook |
🏀 DraftKings North Carolina | NC Sportsbook with Best Markets |
⭐️ Caesars North Carolina | Best Sportsbook for Rewards |
💪 bet365 North Carolina | Best for Experienced Bettors |
👀 Fanatics North Carolina | Most Anticipated NC Sportsbook |
🆕 Underdog Sports North Carolina | Newest NC Sportsbook |
✅ Ratings Last Verified: | December 7, 2024 |
I think BetMGM North Carolina is the best overall sportsbook in the state. 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.
The sportsbook may operate a retail sports betting location, adding to their nearly 30 locations nationwide.
🎖️ Best For | Daily Existing User Offers |
🏎️ NC Partner | Charlotte Motor Speedway |
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 9.1/10 Stars |
FanDuel North Carolina is one of the best sportsbook leaders in the industry. This sportsbook is already hugely popular with in-state bettors due to its overall user experience, including the best SGP odds available.
🎖️ Best For | Same Game Parlay Betting |
⛳️ NC Partner | PGA Tour |
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-2 days |
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 9.5/10 Stars |
With arguably the widest array of player prop betting options, fans of any and all sports will love DraftKings North Carolina. This sportsbook is one of the best for both casual and avid sports fans of NFL football, NHL hockey, college basketball, and more—thanks to its matchup data, live betting offering and quick odds.
🎖️ Best For | Using Odds Boosts |
🏎️ NC Partner | NASCAR |
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 9.4/10 Stars |
I predict that Caesars North Carolina will be one of the best options for promotions. Bettors can take advantage of a valuable welcome bonus and loyalty program, which rewards you for betting, dining, staying at and shopping with Caesars properties all around the country.
This is a great choice for bettors who want to get the most out of their sports betting to put towards travel and other premium experiences.
🎖️ Best For | Competitive Odds on All Sports |
🎰 NC Partner | Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise |
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1+ day |
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 9.0/10 Stars |
A well-known international brand, bet365 North Carolina is best for bettors who want to feel like the pros. It's easy-to-navigate with simple markets, making it an easy sportsbook to learn with as well as a no-frills environment for experieced bettors.
Plus, bet365 uses propriatary odds, so you'll get a unique price on tons of markets.
🎖️ Best For | Early Payouts for Most Sports |
🏀 NC Partner | Charlotte Hornets |
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-5 days |
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 9.4/10 Stars |
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.
🎖️ Best For | Fast Withdrawals |
🏒 NC Partner | Carolina Hurricanes |
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-3 days |
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 9.1/10 Stars |
Known for its parlay offerings and daily promos, ESPN BET NC is one of the best additions to the state's sports betting scene. The sportsbook is gaining popularity with North Carolina bettors and shows no signs of slowing down.
🎖️ Best For | NFL Betting |
⛳️ NC Partner | Quail Hollow Club |
⚡️ Payout Speed | 1-3 days |
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 9.3/10 Stars |
North Carolina represents Underdog Sport's first venture into traditional sports betting. Underdog Fantasy North Carolina enters the scene as primarily daily fantasy operator.
In the past, it's been known for its "Best Ball" contests, in which users draft a fantasy team for the season, and it automatically chooses starters and bench players by point totals.
🎖️ Best For | Mobile Betting |
⛳️ NC Partner | Sedgefield Country Club |
⚡️ Payment Methods |
|
📲 Key Features |
|
⭐️ User Ratings | 8.8/10 Stars |
North Carolina's sports betting law allows for up to 11 NC sportsbooks. One important highlight is the law legalizes betting on college sports. This will be important for North Carolina, as some other states do not allow college sports betting on in-state schools.
North Carolina already has three tribal casinos that host retail sportsbooks and traditional casino gaming. These casinos will continue to operate once online sports betting goes live. Commercial casinos, which will partner with online providers, will expand at some point in the future following online launch.
North Carolina still has a ways to go to legalize online casino gaming. Only five states currently have legal online casinos.
NC House Bill 347, sponsored by Rep. Jason Saine and signed by Governor Roy Cooper, legalized North Carolina sports betting apps and sites. The original language of the bill allowed for up to 12 sportsbooks.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission regulates sportsbooks. This body already oversees the operation of the North Carolina Education Lottery.
The three retail sportsbooks are regulated by the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission. All three are retail locations hosted by tribal casinos.
The total number of legal online sports betting licenses available in North Carolina is now 11. Seven of those have been awarded. Sportsbooks must be partnered with a pro team, golf course or motor raceway based in North Carolina.
Each operator license costs $1 million fee for five years, while provider licenses cost $50,000 each and supplier licenses cost $30,000.
In March, NC sportsbooks reported a handle of $659.3M, according to the North Carolina Lottery Commission. North Carolina's first-day handle was just under $24M and first-week handle was $198.1M. Operators grossed $42.7M within the first week.
Sports betting revenue will be put towards gambling addition treatment, youth sports facility upgrades, collegiate athletic departments, and travel expenses for student sports.
North Carolina will tax sportsbooks at 18% and prohibit them from deducting North Carolina sportsbook promos from revenue.
Check out our North Carolina gambling tax calculator if you want to find out how much you might eventually owe on a winning bet.
When online sportsbooks in North Carolina become available, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things our BetCarolina.com experts are monitoring when picking the best ones.
After online sports betting launches, you'll be able to use as many sportsbooks as you want. By trying out several operators, you can decide which 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.
All 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.
It will be worth it to sign up for multiple sites to take advantage of all of these welcome and ongoing offers.
There are plenty of different sports to place a wager on for 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.
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.
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 Coca-Cola 600, which takes place in Charlotte this year.
Hockey commands interest across the nation, especially in North Carolina with the Carolina Hurricanes. From the Stanley Cup Finals to international hockey, there will plenty of NHL betting opportunities.
North Carolina is home to some of the nation's most competitive college football teams, and we have betting guides for you to bet on each program this fall:
Fortunately, North Carolina allows betting on college basketball, too. So, once fall ends you can bet on your favorite hoops teams.
More: 2025 March Madness Odds
Basketball enjoys massive popularity in the U.S., and especially in North Carolina, which boasts one of the NBA's all-time greatest players in Michael Jordan.
Needless to say, bettors in North Carolina will have plenty of NBA sports betting opportunities, particularly with the Charlotte Hornets.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, the Carolina Panthers missed the playoffs after going 2-15 this season.
Once online sports betting goes live, bettors will be able to track the Panthers Super Bowl odds for 2024-25 in real time.
If you have a feel for how the upcoming season will go, you can bet on the Panthers win total 2024 right now.
📲 Bet on the Panthers vs Commanders odds this week!
North Carolina bettors should get a good opportunity to explore wagers on the Hurricanes when online sports betting begins in early 2024. The Hurricanes Stanley Cup Playoffs odds are the shortest in the league entering the playoffs.
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.
The NBA's Charlotte Hornets 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.
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels men's college basketball boasts one of the best programs in history. 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 basketball 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.
Similar to their in-state rivals', Duke basketball 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 eight bowl games since 2012, winning five.
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
There are a few additional options available to those looking to gamble legally 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.
The two Harrah's casinos have retail sportsbooks operated by Caesars. While it's not live yet, you can read our latest review for the Caesars Palace Online Casino North Carolina.
Then you can compare it to the anticipated MGM Casino Online North Carolina app.
Horse racing betting is legal online in North Carolina and in person at the three tribal casinos in the state. Online horse racing was legalized in 2023 and went into effect on March 11.
Betting on horse races was legalized in 2019, but there are no active racetracks in the state at this time.
Playing Daily Fantasy Sports is allowed in North Carolina, but they exist in a grey area. The state has neither legalized them nor outlawed them. So DFS is legal, but restrictions could come at any time.
In 2023, the NC Lottery Commission removed fantasy regulations from their sports betting guidelines.
North Carolina has several bingo halls. Only registered charitable organizations are allowed to operate them, and the prizes tend to be modest.
The North Carolina Lottery operates regular games including Powerball, Mega Millions and daily games.
Bettors will have many ways to bank with NC sportsbooks:
Method | Deposit | Withdrawal |
---|---|---|
💳 Credit Cards | Instant | N/A |
💳 Debit Cards | Instant | 1-3 days |
💳 Gift Cards/Rewards Cards | Instant | N/A |
💳 Play+ Card | Instant | 1-4 days |
📲 E-Wallets (Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill) | Instant | 1-3 days |
🏦 Online Banking (Wire Transfers, PayNearMe, Bank Transfers, eChecks) | Up to 1 day | 1-5 days |
📬 Check by Mail | N/A | 7-21 days |
🎰 Cash at Casino | Instant | Instant |
Not all of these payment methods are accepted at every North Carolina sportsbook. It's important to know which banking methods you can use when signing up for a new sportsbook. It's equally important to see if you can withdraw with the same depositing method.
We cover each sportsbook's banking method in detail at BetCarolina.com.
North Carolina sports 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 I will follow the latest developments and provide North Carolina news and updates on the upcoming online betting launch.
All legal sports betting operators encourage responsible gambling. Sports wagering should be fun, but can lead to a gambling addiction or problem. North Carolina online sports wagering sites will have a section about responsible gambling with advice and resources.
Links to agencies with experience will offer advice and support. In North Carolina, these bodies include the state’s Problem Gambling Program and the local National Council on Problem Gambling branch.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission approved a voluntary self-exclusion program, which allows individuals to exclude themselves from sports betting.
Author
Martin Booth is a Senior Writer and Product Reviewer for BetCarolina.com. An expert at picking out exactly what sets each app apart, Martin is our go-to source when it comes to informing our readers on what the top betting apps and sites have to offer in North Carolina.
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