North Carolina Sports Betting Promotions
With three retail sportsbooks currently operating within the state, North Carolina has taken a large step towards legalized sports. While online wagering is still anticipated to launch at the beginning of 2024, North Carolina does permit daily fantasy sports (DFS) competitions.
Most Popular Sports To Bet On In North Carolina
North Carolina has a variety of popular sports teams and large fanbases whose enjoyment of the sport is about to be enriched, encompassing both professional and collegiate leagues.
Local favorites include the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes in ice hockey and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
However, when it comes to basketball, the most popular teams in the state are, surprisingly, not the NFL. The NFL’s Carolina Panthers are expected to draw significant attention, given the league’s widespread popularity at sportsbooks. Based in Charlotte, the Panthers have achieved Super Bowl appearances multiple times throughout their history. The more anticipated and popular teams are the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils, boasting fervently loyal fanbases.
Residents of North Carolina can engage in betting activities not only on these teams but also on any other Division I college teams, both within and outside the state.
Potential North Carolina Sports Betting Apps
The new betting law permits up to 11 online sports betting apps in North Carolina. While the specific sports betting providers set to operate in the state remain unconfirmed, speculations can be made based on the previous activities in other states or their connections to North Carolina. The following are the most likely candidates to offer competitive sports betting promotions when North Carolina greenlights online wagering:
Caesars
Caesars operates two of North Carolina’s existing retail sportsbooks. With a strong reputation in Las Vegas and other legal betting states, Caesars is likely to be a reliable choice for North Carolina bettors.
DraftKings
Already established in North Carolina as a daily fantasy sports provider, DraftKings is already established and benefits from brand recognition. DraftKings is known for its rather proactive approach and their pattern of entering new states whenever they authorize sports betting. Established in nearly two dozen states, DraftKings Sportsbook has gained popularity for it’s regular promotions, and user-friendly interface.
FanDuel
Originally a daily fantasy sports operator, FanDuel has evolved into a premier brand in sports betting. With an industry-leading market share and mobile wagering available in 20 states, FanDuel is a strong contender to participate in North Carolina sports betting.
Bet365
Bet365 does not have the same established history in the U.S. as the other competitors, but it has been a popular preferred choice for international bettors. The online and mobile sportsbook, known for its user-friendly interface, offers a range of promotions and betting options. Accessible and popular as an online platform in neighboring Tennessee and Virginia, if its success in these states is any indication, Bet365 is likely to be among the first sportsbooks in North Carolina’s online wagering landscape.
ESPN Bet
Under its parent company PENN Entertainment, ESPN Bet has secured a deal with Quail Hollow Club and the PGA’s Wells Fargo Championship. This agreement provides ESPN with access to the future online market in the state.
Fanatics Sportsbook
A relatively new player in the industry, PointsBet has made a mark with creative promotions and a user-focused approach. Recently acquired by merchandising giant Fanatics, PointsBet is expected to undergo rebranding, transitioning to the Fanatics brand in Q1 of 2024, offering generous promos and a redesigned interface.
Recent Betting Developments In North Carolina
In 2021, North Carolina authorities approved the legalization of sports betting at existing tribal casinos despite the absence of casinos outside three tribal locations in remote areas of the state.
One of the prominent reasons may be that the legislature has recognized the impact of legalized sports betting in the neighboring state of Virginia, particularly when casinos with retail sportsbooks opened in towns near the North Carolina border.
On June 6, 2023, the North Carolina Senate actively passed the final version of House Bill 347, legalizing sports wagering.
The Regulatory Gambling Commission
The North Carolina Education Lottery will oversee online sports betting. While the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission currently manages retail sports betting within the state, the broader statewide sports betting market demands additional supervision.
Since North Carolina did not have a dedicated gambling commission till the bill passed, the latest sports betting legislation designates the NC Education Lottery as the regulatory authority.
Regulation By The North Carolina Lottery Commission
Initial indications suggest a maximum of 12 online sports betting operators will receive permission to launch, and eight retail sportsbooks will be allowed to operate in North Carolina.
A significant alteration stipulated that all potential sports betting operators must have a partnership with one of the state sports franchises, NASCAR tracks, or PGA Tour courses, to be eligible for applying for a sports betting license.
Currently, four sports betting operators have solidified partnerships for market access in North Carolina:
- FanDuel has partnered with the PGA Tour.
- Gaming and Fanatics Betting has formed a partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes.
- bet365 has partnered with the Charlotte Hornets.
- PENN Entertainment (ESPN BET) has announced a partnership with the Wells Fargo Championship and the Quail Hollow Club.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission has reported that a total of 14 operators have already submitted requests for a sports betting application.
Financial Implications:
Sports betting operators will face an 18 percent tax rate on their revenue, and the cost of licenses will be a substantial $1 million annually for the initial five years.
College Sports Inclusion:
For fans of the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels —North Carolina betting apps will actively have the green light to accept wagers on college sports, including the highly popular college basketball.
Eligible North Carolina Sportsbooks:
- bet365
- ESPN BET
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
Other Potential North Carolina Sportsbooks:
- BetMGM
- betr
- BetRivers
- Betway
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- Hard Rock
- Tipico
Neighboring States with Legal Online Sports Betting
While the people of NC currently lack the legal option to place online sports wagers, two of North Carolina’s neighbors have embraced legal sports betting. Additionally, many states within a day’s drive from North Carolina offer this option. Although South Carolina residents won’t be seeing sports betting anytime soon, they now have the alternative to cross the border into North Carolina for their sports wagering needs. Here are the latest updates on Virginia and Tennessee:
Virginia:
Virginia boasts a highly thriving and legal online sports betting scene. In the few years since the first sportsbooks emerged in January 2021, Virginia has become home to over a dozen sports betting apps. Moreover, retail sportsbooks are starting to open at various new casinos across the state.
Tennessee:
Tennessee launched online sports betting in November 2020, and it remains the sole legal method for placing wagers in the state. Currently, over a dozen sports betting apps are competing for market share in the State.
Legal Sports Betting Age In North Carolina:
In the state of North Carolina and everywhere in the USA, individuals must be at least 21 years old to engage in gambling activities such as sports betting.
This age requirement remains consistent for mobile betting and online casinos in North Carolina.
How To Place An Online Wager In North Carolina
Placing an online wage in North Carolina is about to become super simple and easy; you can follow these straightforward steps to place a bet using any of the best North Carolina sports betting apps:
Legal Sports Betting App
Begin by choosing one of the reputed North Carolina sports betting apps that provides the games and options you prefer. Consider factors such as the available promotions, user interface, customer support and the variety of betting options.
Register
After selecting one of the apps, you can create an account though the registration process. You will have to provide some necessary information, including personal details and account credentials, to create your account.
Take Advantage Of A Welcome Bonus
Before proceeding, explore and find welcome promotions or bonuses. There can be a plethora of different promotions available to you, offer links, promo codes, and even the default welcome bonus which unlocks special deals, such as bonus bets, deposit matches, and more.
Make A Deposit
After securing your welcome promotions and bonus, deposit some funds into your account. Online sports betting apps/websites usually offer a variety of secure and safe payment methods, and we can expect North Carolina to be no exception
Place A Bet:
With your account funded, your legal sports betting journey is about to begin. Navigate to the desired sports event or market of your choosing. Browse through the available betting options, select your preferred bet, enter your stake amount, and confirm your bet to finalize the process.
Last Updated on December 23, 2023
