Meredith Poll: North Carolina Voters Familiar With Prediction Markets Back Ban

Meredith College released its Summer 2026 Meredith Poll on July 28 and it asked registered voters what they make of legal mobile sports betting and of prediction markets. 

The poll surveyed 1,022 registered voters between July 1 and July 8, 2026, and reports a credibility interval of plus or minus 3%. It was sponsored by Addiction Professionals of North Carolina. Among the topics covered were satisfaction with North Carolina sports betting oversight, familiarity with newer wagering products, and concern about who is placing bets.

Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

How Voters Rate the Current Rules

Voters were asked how satisfied they are with the regulation and oversight of mobile sports betting now that it is legal in the state. A combined 51% said they were satisfied, made up of 20% very satisfied and 31% somewhat satisfied. Another 11% said they were dissatisfied with the regulation and oversight. The largest single share, 38%, said they did not know. The question focused on regulation and oversight of NC betting apps, rather than asking whether mobile sports betting should be legal.

Where Prediction Markets Fit In

On familiarity with prediction markets, 15% of voters called themselves very familiar, 38% said somewhat familiar and 47% said they were unfamiliar. The ban question went only to the 543 respondents who reported at least some familiarity. Before asking it, the poll told those voters that prediction markets currently have no regulations and are not subject to state taxes. Of that group, 67% said they would support legislation banning prediction markets in North Carolina, 24% were unsupportive and 8% did not know.

$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win

Bonus Code: BETCAROLINA

Visit Site

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR), Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and Expire in 7 Days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Concerns About Who Is Betting

The poll also asked about concerns involving specific groups. On illegal betting by people under 21, 58% were concerned and 32% were not. For adults aged 21 to 30, it was 47% concerned against 43% not concerned. Half of voters, 50%, were concerned about the effect on college athletes, while 36% reported little or no concern. On advertising, 43% said they were concerned about how much they see and 41% said they were not. Three quarters, 75%, backed dedicating sports betting tax revenue to research and treatment programs.

Meredith Poll director David McLennan said, "Concerns were substantially greater when questions focused on underage gambling, young adults, or college athletes than when respondents evaluated sports betting in general."