North Carolina Sports Betting: Legal North Carolina Sportsbooks Launch Updates June 2023

Retail sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Mobile sports betting apps and sites could launch in 2024, but mobile and online sports betting still need to be legalized.

In addition to retail betting at the NC sportsbooks located within land-based casinos, you can also play casino games like slots and blackjack. Charitable bingo is also legal, as are the North Carolina Education Lottery and Daily Fantasy Sports.

Can You Sports Bet in North Carolina?

While there's legal retail sports betting, legislators have yet to legalize online sports betting and mobile sportsbooks. The only way to bet on sports in North Carolina currently is at three retail sports betting facilities. These locations allow retail wagering on most major sporting events.

What North Carolina Sportsbooks are Legal?

Since legalized mobile sports betting and online sites are not yet available, the only sportsbooks are located at tribal casinos. The only places you can enjoy legal sports betting are:

• 🎰 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort - (Cherokee, North Carolina)
• 🎰 Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino - (Murphy, North Carolina)
• 🎰 Catawba Two Kings Casino - (Kings Mountain, North Carolina)

The Harrah’s Cherokee casinos, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and partnered with Caesars Sportsbook, are official sponsors of the Carolina Panthers.

What is the Legal Age to Bet?

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 and online.

When North Carolina sports betting sites and apps launch, there will be up to 12 different sportsbooks to choose from. Here are some of the best to expect.

Learn more about the best expected sportsbooks below.

BetMGM

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

Once MGM launches their sports betting app and online site, 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.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina will be another great option for bettors, especially because of their promotions. In other markets, new get a valuable welcome promotion, and can also stack up Reward Credits and Tier Credits for bonus bets, travel perks and more.

The popular brand already has two retail locations, and will be one of the first to expand with an app and online sports betting site once legalized.

FanDuel

Once they launch, FanDuel North Carolina will be hugely popular in-state bettors. With the most downloads and highest ratings among all 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 sports betting site.

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 online sports betting sites.

Mobile & Online Sports Betting in North Carolina

Mobile and online sports betting in North Carolina is NOT available yet. There was a strong push to legalize online and mobile sportsbooks in 2022, and further efforts have resulted in the bill going all the way to Governor Roy Cooper. If successful, sports betting apps may launch in late 2024.

When Will Online Sports Betting Be Legal?

The latest online sports betting bill HB 347 has passed through the North Carolina House and Senate and is said to have support from Governor Roy Cooper. However, even if online sportsbooks in North Carolina are legalized, it will take some time for the legal online sports betting market to launch. It will likely be 2024.

How Many NC Sportsbooks Will There Be?

The current sports betting bill will allow for 10 and 12 sports betting licenses. It's unsure if these licenses will be allocated to professional sports teams or other entities, but it's likely to be a mix of both.

For now, there are only three (3) retail locations for in-person wagering. Anyone looking to bet on sports in the state must visit one of the three retail sportsbooks.

Sportsbooks Partnered with NC Sports Teams

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

This will change when North Carolina legalizes mobile betting and online sportsbooks. For instance, some are official sportsbook partners of the NFL and NBA.

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

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

Three tribal casinos 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.

More than 30 other states have legalized online sports betting. North Carolina has just three retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos. However, there are hopes the state will legalize online sports betting and apps soon.

The latest sports betting bill is similar to other states, as it would allow for up to 12 NC sportsbooks. One important highlight is the law would legalize wagering on college sports, which is one thing that will stand out for North Carolina, as some other states do not allow wagers on in-state college sports teams.

Who Regulates North Carolina Gambling?

There's no official North Carolina regulating body yet. If mobile and online sportsbooks are legalized, it's expected 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 licenses for legal sports betting available in the North Carolina sports betting industry has yet to be finalized. However, the most recent mobile and online sports betting legislation submitted in the North Carolina House allowed for between 10-12 online betting North Carolina licenses.

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 sports betting.

NC Sports Betting Revenue 

Until the number of licenses for NC sports betting is finalized, it's hard to estimate how much the online sports betting market will generate. However, if sports betting legislation is passed for 12 mobile NC sportsbook licenses, 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 revenue at maturity. 

When online sportsbooks in North Carolina launch, 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 sports betting apps and sites.

Bet Types

Most North Carolina sports betting apps and sites will offer all the popular online sports betting options. 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 will depend 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 online sports betting wager 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.

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

Having several online sports betting accounts helps you access the most competitive odds and betting lines. And opening more than one account means you can use multiple NC sports betting bonuses.

North Carolina Sportsbook Promotions

Once North Carolina decides to legalize online sports betting, there will welcome bonuses and promotions for new users. All North Carolina sports betting will offer regular promos leading up to launch and thereafter.

These promotions include bonus bets, bet refunds, odds boosts, enhanced odds on same-game parlays, and special offers on major sporting events. You should expect – particularly in the early stages of the sports betting industry – a healthy selection of North Carolina sportsbook promos. 

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

Desktop or mobile apps are the most convenient, and continue to increase in popularity. While mobile apps and online sportsbooks can be enjoyed anywhere, though, retail locations will always be popular.

Let’s look at some of the most popular types of online 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 sports 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. If you believe the Charlotte Hornets could win the NBA Finals or the Duke Blue Devils could win the March Madness NCAA Tournament, you can wager on these months ahead.

• 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 online sports 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 online betting in North Carolina.

• 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.

There are plenty of different sports to place a wager on when using mobile or online sports betting operators.

• Football

  Football is the biggest sport across the USA with support and total money wagered. The Carolina Panthers ensure some popularity in North Carolina. Expect plenty of wagering opportunities at North Carolina sports betting sites, through the regular season and all the way to the Super Bowl.

• Basketball

  Basketball also enjoys massive popularity. Many hoops fans in North Carolina lend their devotion to the Charlotte Hornets, but this is a sport with interest across the season. When the chance comes to enjoy legal sports betting, North Carolina fans will have the chance to get involved right up to the NBA Finals.

• Hockey

  Hockey is a sport that now commands interest across the nation for bettors thanks to the NHL’s determined efforts to expand its reach. It drives a steady level of betting, and sports fans have the Carolina Hurricanes. The Stanley Cup Finals are a magnet for increased wagering 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

  Despite three pro teams, college sports sometimes commands the most attention in North Carolina. The North Carolina Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils and others will be popular to bet on. It'd be a surprise if North Carolina college sports betting isn't allowed.

• Motorsports

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

North Carolina bettors will be able to wager on all professional teams once online sports betting arrives. Here's some teams to expect:

• Carolina Panthers

  The Carolina Panthers have their stadium in Charlotte, and this team will surely be a popular option for bettors in the Tar Heel State.

• 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

  Assuming college sports wagering is allowed, the North Carolina Tar Heels may be the most popular team to bet on for college football, basketball and more.

• 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.

• 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.

There are few options available to those looking to gamble legally in North Carolina. However, there are some:

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 like DraftKings and FanDuel have already been building online 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

Across North Carolina, there are bingo halls. Only registered charitable organizations can operate, and the prizes tend to be modest. In other markets, bingo halls co-exist with a legal sportsbook located inside; it's unlikely they'll suffer when online wagering is made legal 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. With no online sports betting or gambling commission, the lottery may be responsible for the regulations with online sports wagering in North Carolina.

When the new sports betting bill is passed by North Carolina lawmakers, online sports bettors will have many ways to deposit with North Carolina sportsbook accounts. Caesars Sportsbook bettors will almost certainly be able to deposit cash at retail sportsbooks.

North Carolina Sports Betting: Final Thoughts

Once NC lawmakers regulate sports betting, it will be a great new market opportunity for the industry and state. Bettors will have up to 12 legal operators to choose from, and 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 launch of mobile and online sports betting.