The North Carolina State Lottery Commission gave the nod to the second set of rules for online sports betting in a meeting on December 6. Their approval marks a significant stride, with operator applications now due by December 27th. The dream of legal online sports betting in North Carolina is getting closer to a reality.
College Basketball is King in NC
While the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, have not given NFL or NBA fans much to cheer about, college basketball season is heating up, and March Madness will be here before you know it.
North Carolina breathes basketball, boasting a rich history from the North Carolina Tarheels and Duke Blue Devils. NC State, Wake Forest, and Davidson have also contribute to the state’s basketball frenzy throughout the years.
It’s no shocker that the Tar Heel State is prepping for North Carolina online sports betting. After much anticipation, the last obstacle has been overcome, setting the stage for a 2024 launch.
Expected North Carolina sportsbook operators on launch
Applications from operators have a suggested submission date of no later than Wednesday, Dec. 27. We should know more at that point, but we do know that the country’s top sportsbooks are looking to get involved.
- Caesars Sportsbook NC
- BetMGM Sportsbook NC
- DraftKings Sportsbook NC
- FanDuel Sportsbook NC
- Fanatics Sportsbook NC
Will NC Sports Betting Be Ready for the Madness?
While March Madness holds high hopes for the launch, the official start date remains undisclosed. Sterl Carpenter, Deputy Executive Director of Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting, remained tight-lipped but hinted at an announcement post-application deadline. However, insiders speculate eagerly, leaning towards a rollout in sync with March Madness.
What’s Next for North Carolina Sports Betting?
As the rulemaking process wraps up, attention shifts to operator selection and licensing. The following weeks are pivotal as the North Carolina Lottery reviews applications to determine who brings online sports betting to the Tar Heel State.
The basketball-crazy state of North Carolina is eagerly anticipating the chance to legally bet on their favorite teams.
Where to Place Your Bets Now
Until online sportsbooks go live, your options are limited to the retail casinos across the state:
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee)
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River (Murphy)
- Catawba Two Kings Casino (Kings Mountain)
More about North Carolina Sports Betting
- You must be physically located within North Carolina to use NC sportsbook apps.
- The existing casinos will continue to offer in-person betting.
- Winnings exceeding the federal threshold must be reported on your taxes.
- Online sportsbook operators will pay an 18% tax on their monthly revenue.
What to Expect When NC Online Sportsbooks Arrive
While the exact lineup of NC sportsbooks is still unknown, we can expect to see major players like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, Fanatics, and BetMGM to take off quickly.
North Carolina’s sports betting landscape is poised for an exciting transformation in 2024. Winners and Whiners will keep you updated on the latest news, review the best offshore sportsbooks, and provide tips on safe and secure betting practices.
The wait is almost over, and the Tar Heel State could be up and rolling in time for March Madness.
Disclaimer: Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) text HOPENY (467369). If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-8000426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/MD/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS), 888-789-777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or 1-88-532-3500 (VA).
