Hearing Could Result in New Restrictions to North Carolina Sports Betting Rules

The second set of proposed North Carolina sports betting rules, released earlier this month, could prohibit licensed operators from partnering with affiliate marketers.

A North Carolina State Lottery Commission hearing took place Monday to accept comments from interested stakeholders on the regulations recommended by the commission’s Sports Betting Committee. Two of the commenters focused on Rule 1I-004 (g), which states: “No Operator may enter into an agreement with a third party to conduct advertising, marketing, or branding on behalf of, or to the benefit of, such Operator when compensation for such services is dependent on, or related to, the volume of Players, Wagers placed or the outcome of Wagers.”

‘Risk-Free’ Bets Also Targeted

The second set of proposed rules also includes restrictions on so-called “free” or “risk-free” promotions offered by sportsbooks. It’s a move other states have taken over the past year.

Under the proposed rule, North Carolina sports betting app operators could only use the term “free” if the player does not have to risk their own money or have other conditions attached to their deposit. Similarly, sportsbooks could not use “risk-free” if a bettor must lose or risk their funds before receiving the bonus bet.

Other proposed rules within the 256-page document include prohibiting sportsbooks advising bettors to place any “specific wager.” However, the regulation does not restrict the typical advertising of wagers.

North Carolina also wants to bar sports betting operators from acquiring naming rights for any arena, golf course, racetrack or stadium. That also would include sections of those facilities, like suites or concourses. In September, state lawmakers amended the sports betting law to require operators applying for licenses to secure a partnership with one of the state’s major pro sports franchises or venues. Just last week Bet365 made such a deal with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

The state will continue to accept comments on the second set of draft rules through next Monday.

North Carolina Sports Betting Catalog Approved

The Lottery Commission formally approved the catalog last Thursday that includes the sports available for wagering once licensed operators receive permission to start accepting bets next year. It features 45 sports, ranging from Australian Rules Football to winter athletics like skiing and figure skating. It also contains more traditional fare, such as baseball, basketball and U.S. football.

The complete catalog can be downloaded at NCGaming.gov.

Approved bets include point spreads, totals, moneylines and parlays. Proposition betting on an athlete’s statistics also will be allowed, as will in-game wagering on teams or individual athletes. The commission will not approve bets on injuries, penalties or replays.

The catalog can be amended anytime, and the commission will accept petitions for new wagering markets. Anyone not approved as an operator seeking to propose a new market must have their submission sponsored by a licensed sportsbook.