NC sports betting - Alive and legal
On June 14, 2023, Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law. This legislation legalized online sports betting and permitted up to 12 licenses to be given. Currently, there are eight sportsbooks available, five of which I will rank on this page. It wasn't until March 11, 2024, that sportsbooks officially launched in the state, allowing residents to join any of the licensed sportsbooks.
Seeing as sports betting sites didn't arrive until recently, we can expect a few more licenses to be given out in the near future. With up to 12 licenses available, there are four spaces to be taken. As you can see, the North Carolina betting market is already alive and kicking.
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North Carolina sportsbooks
Let's take a moment to catch a glimpse at my top-rated sportsbooks for North Carolina residents:
| North Carolina Sportsbook | Best Feature |
| BetMGM | Live betting and parlays |
| Caesars | Rewarding loyalty program |
| DraftKings | Daily fantasy sports and free games |
| FanDuel | Competitive odds |
| bet365 | Impressive betting features |
Betting sites in North Carolina
Now that you have briefly met my top five sportsbooks, I will now walk you through what they have to offer:
BetMGM
- Coverage for more than 25 sports
- Features a parlay builder and cashout
- Multiple payment methods
- Mobile applications for Android and iOS
- Delayed responses via email
- Review of withdrawal requests can take up to 5 days
BetMGM is a major player in sports betting, especially in the US. Not only does BetMGM offer the most popular sports, but its live betting service is second to none. You can wager on both local and international sports and events, while following the action live at BetMGM. One of the best features available is the live game trackers, which allow you to stream events, including major NHL games. It's also home to some of the best parlay options, which is a huge attraction for sports fans. You will benefit from features like Parlay Boosts and One Game Parlay Insurance.
To welcome you to the site, there's a signup bonus of up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets available. If your first wager doesn't win, you will receive the full stake back in Bonus Bets. You can then try again using your Bonus Bets, effectively giving you another chance.
Caesars
- Generous welcome offers
- Wide range of markets
- Live chat support
- No esports available
Caesars Sportsbook has carved a name for itself, despite launching behind some of the bigger brands. It entered the NC sports betting market with its Caesars Rewards program, taking your wagering to a whole other level. As you settle bets on your favorite sports, you will pick up real-world perks, including discounted accommodations and events. To give you a taste of the rewards on offer here, you will receive a registration promo on your first bet. But unlike the other NC sportsbooks, your next 20 bets will get double winnings, thanks to 20x 100% Profit Boosts. One of its core features is the mobile app, where you can access the full range of sports, markets, and leagues.
While Caesars doesn't deliver too much on niche markets, there are plenty of parlay opportunities to explore, keeping it competitive with the likes of BetMGM. While it isn't as vast, you will enjoy plenty of same-game parlays that appeal to many sports fans.
DraftKings
- Great mobile apps
- Supports live streaming
- Withdrawal takes 1 to 3 days
- Subpar customer service
DraftKings works a little differently from the other sportsbooks in NC, as it offers daily fantasy sports and free games, too. To help get you started, there's an initial sports promo available that will credit you with $200 in Bonus Bets. You can use these Bonus Bets on a variety of sports, including soccer and basketball. Whether you are interested in the NFL, MLB, or NBA, DraftKings caters to all preferences.
A standout feature for me is the 'My Budget Builder', where you can set custom limits to keep your bets within budget. Speaking of funds, DraftKings is home to multiple secure banking options, including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Bank Transfers. Whether you prefer using credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or online banking, there's an option to suit you.
FanDuel
- Best in class usability
- Available in 25+ states
- Competitive odds and coverage
- Top tier brand rep
- No sportsbook VIP program
Just like DraftKings, FanDuel offers extensive daily fantasy sports options, alongside major sports and events for traditional betting. Some of the top sports available include soccer, tennis, basketball, and rugby, where you will benefit from highly competitive odds. So you can try out some of your favorite sports betting options, there's a signup promo of $150 in Bonus Bets if your initial $5 bet wins.
I saw straight away that the FanDuel website has been expertly designed, offering a smooth user experience throughout. The design makes it possible to browse the site with ease, while also being built with HTML5 technology so that it can be accessed on mobile. If you prefer, there's a dedicated app for iOS and Android, too.
bet365
- Fast, reliable mobile app performance
- Quick deposits and fast withdrawals
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- Unavailable in some US states
- Phone support hours not 24/7
As of 2024, bet365 has been one of the top sportsbooks available in North Carolina. Not only is it mobile-friendly, but there's a dedicated app available for on-the-go sports betting. Whether you are at home or on the move, you can wager on a diverse range of sports, including soccer, basketball, and hockey. The live betting experience is one of the best around, competing with BetMGM. The live streaming service alone provides access to over 1,000,000 events. If you want to try Bet365 for yourself, don't forget to pick up the signup bonus of $150 in Bonus Bets. But the great news is you will receive the Bonus Bets after wagering $5, regardless of whether you win or lose.
Answering common questions about North Carolina sportsbooks
Still have a few burning questions about the legality of online sports betting in NC? Whether you are a newbie or looking to brush up on a few things, this section is tailored to you.
📜 Are sportsbooks legal in North Carolina?
Yes, online sports betting in North Carolina is officially legal, as of 2024. Thanks to Gov. Roy Cooper signing HB 347 into law, sportsbooks are allowed to operate in the state. With eight sportsbooks already available, there is a lot to choose from.
⚖️ What betting sites are legal in North Carolina?
There are currently eight different sportsbooks available in NC. I have tested them all and have brought you a personalized list of my top five, including BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365.
🏆 What is the best sportsbook in North Carolina?
It's hard to say which sportsbook is the best one to use in North Carolina, as this largely comes down to personal preference. For example, if you are looking for tangible rewards, Caesars has its Caesars Rewards Program. BetMGM is known for its impressive live betting. As you can see, they all make their own stamp.
🏬 Are retail North Carolina sportsbooks available?
North Carolina has not permitted retail sportsbooks, so you are limited to online sports betting sites in the state. While the state is legally permitted to launch retail sportsbooks, this has yet to happen.
⚽ What sports are available to bet on in NC?
You can wager on a range of sports in North Carolina, including soccer, basketball, MMA, baseball, tennis, and so much more. You will also find both local and international leagues, alongside esports and other niche sports. Whatever you are interested in, there is something to suit every sports fan and bettor in NC.
🚫 What can't you bet on in NC?
North Carolina has a few restrictions, just like any other state with legalized sports betting. While you can wager on a good mix of sports, some events are restricted. For example, you can't wager on any high school sports. You also can't bet on non-sporting events, such as political elections and award shows. Negative outcomes are also strictly banned, such as wagering on injuries.
Pros and cons of North Carolina sportsbooks
Wagering on sports in North Carolina is finally permitted, thanks to the recent approval by Gov. Cooper. While the in-state sports betting is diverse, there are a few restrictions and low points to consider. Here's a list of the main pros and cons, so you can weigh them all up:
- 12 licenses are available
- Diverse sports and markets
- Generous sports promos
- Can't wager on non-sports
Conclusion: Check out our top North Carolina sportsbooks
North Carolina has recently launched in-state sportsbooks, with eight sports betting sites currently being approved. With up to 12 licenses available, the NC sports betting industry is thriving. Thanks to a good mix of sportsbooks available in the state, fans can wager on popular and niche sports and events. Whether you are interested in the NFL, NHL, or MLB, all of this is available. You can even wager on esports, which makes sure that everyone is covered.
The only downside here is that you can't wager on high school sports or non-sporting outcomes, such as politics. While this might be a little frustrating, the available sports and markets are impressive. If you are ready to get started at some of the top sportsbooks in the state, check out my recommended options on this page. If you like the sound of any, you can join today by following the promotional banners.
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North Carolina sportsbooks FAQs
Do I need to be a NC resident to join North Carolina sportsbooks?
No, you can be visiting from another state. Provided you are physically located in North Carolina when you access your account and place wagers, you are completely permitted to enjoy sports betting in NC.
Can I claim an NC sports bonus?
Yes, of course. You can claim a range of North Carolina sportsbook promos, including welcome offers, deposit match bonuses, bonus bets, profit boosts, and more.
️ How do I join an NC sportsbook?
All you need to do is find your favorite sportsbook on this page by checking out my rankings. You can then tap the promotional banners to start the registration process. Within minutes, your account will be up and running, so you can make the most of sports betting in NC.
What's the minimum deposit at sportsbooks in NC?
The minimum deposit limit will vary from site to site, but generally, you can expect a minimum limit of $5-$20. On average, most of my recommended sites have minimum deposit requirements of $10, which appeals to most budgets.