North Carolina permits both online and retail sports betting within its borders. While online sports betting has been legalized in North Carolina, enthusiasts must exercise patience until at least January, 2024, when the new legislation stipulates that apps will be launched.
The recently enacted online sports betting legislation allows for the participation of up to 12 sportsbooks in North Carolina’s market. Although the specific operators are yet to be announced, we can speculate based on their past engagements in other states and their associations with North Carolina.
Top Betting Offers & Sportsbook Promos in North Carolina
| Sportsbook Name | Welcome Bonus | North Carolina partner |
| Caesars Sportsbook | TBC | Harrah’s Cherokee |
Main North Carolina Sportsbooks (Expected)
The following candidates are considered the most probable to initiate enticing sports betting promotions once mobile wagering is authorized in North Carolina:
- Caesars Sportsbook, an established player in North Carolina’s sports betting scene, operates two of the state’s existing retail sportsbooks.
- BetMGM, although lacking a physical presence, may have built some brand recognition among North Carolina residents and visitors. Being available as an online sportsbook in neighboring Tennessee and Virginia, BetMGM is likely to be the preferred sportsbook for a portion of individuals in the Tar Heel State.
- DraftKings, a renowned daily fantasy sports provider, has already made its presence felt in North Carolina. Known for its strong brand recognition, DraftKings is often at the forefront of entering new sports betting markets. In fact, there are very few states where DraftKings is not part of the sports betting landscape.
- FanDuel, a close competitor to DraftKings in the DFS realm, is also a strong contender to join North Carolina’s sports betting market. With a track record of moving in sync with its DFS rival, FanDuel is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by online sports betting. It has already established itself as a major DFS provider in the state and is usually among the first to enter new online sports betting markets.
North Carolina Welcome Offers Expected
Based on the offers provided by these sportsbooks in other states, we can expect similar promotions in North Carolina once they launch. Some examples of welcome offers include:
- Deposit Match Bonuses: Sportsbooks may match a new user’s initial deposit up to a certain amount (e.g., a 100% match bonus up to $500).
- Risk-Free Bets: A risk-free bet allows new users to place their first bet without the fear of losing their initial stake. If the bet loses, the sportsbook will refund the amount as a free bet or bonus cash, up to a specified limit.
- Free Bet Credits: Upon making their first deposit, new users may receive free bet credits that they can use to place bets on the platform, with winnings typically returned as cash.
- No-Deposit Bonuses: Some sportsbooks may offer a small bonus simply for signing up, without requiring a deposit. This allows new users to try out the platform and potentially win some money without risking their own funds.
In focus:
Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars is due to launch in North Carolina and should be the state’s first legal online sportsbook. Caesars NC offers a good welcome bonus that includes $1,250 in free bets if you make the right deposits and wagers. Plus, you can opt in to the Caesars Rewards program and earn points to use at properties around the US.
Claim a North Carolina Sportsbook Bonus
Online Sports Betting in North Carolina
On March 13, 2023, Rep. Jason Saine introduced bill HB 347 in the North Carolina General Assembly, which underwent several revisions and approvals before being signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper on June 14, 2023.
The finalized legislation permits a maximum of 12 legal sportsbooks in the state, out of which eight will be physical sportsbooks situated at professional sports venues. To obtain a license, operators are required to pay a $1 million fee for a five-year period and comply with an 18% tax on their revenue. Additionally, the Senate lawmakers decided to disallow operators from subtracting promotional credits from their sports betting earnings.
By forming partnerships with the eight designated sports betting venues in North Carolina, various providers will gain an advantage in securing licenses. These venues encompass NFL stadiums, NBA and NHL arenas, PGA host courses, and NASCAR circuits.
Caesars Sportsbook is in prime position to launch North Carolina’s first mobile sports betting apps. Caesars already runs the retail sportsbook at two Harrah’s properties in the state. In fact, Caesars has the monopoly on retail sports betting in NC since 2022.
NC Sports Betting Regulation History
A straight sports betting bill – SB 688 – passed the North Carolina Senate in 2021. It has failed to make it through two readings in the House, however. The bill would allow for up to 10 mobile sportsbook licenses in North Carolina. Lawmakers in North Carolina feel confident that the bill will be signed by Gov. Roy Cooper before the Fall. A compact was signed between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and North Carolina in 2020 to allow for expanded sports betting. The Cherokee Gaming Commission now runs legal sports betting at its two Harrah’s locations in Cherokee and Murphy.
Under the new compact, certain agreements must be put in place. These include age verification for all gamblers (21 or over) plus geolocation. Sportsbooks must be able to prove that they are taking bets only on tribal casino property.
North Carolina Fast Facts:
- Legal Sports Betting Y/N: Y
- Year Legalized: 2021
- Retail Sportsbooks?: Y
- Online Sportsbooks?: Y
- Mobile Sportsbooks Y/N: N
- College Sports Betting Y/N: Y
North Carolina Sports
Under current NC rules, you can place sports bets at two Harrah’s casinos (Valley River and Cherokee). Straight moneyline bets and parlays are permitted, as are point spread wagers and teasers. Same-game parlays are also allowed under tribal compact rules. You can also bet on college sports in NC without restrictions.
We expect the first mobile and online sportsbooks to launch in January 2024 in North Carolina and offer a wide range of betting. Choose from a dozen or so sports including e-Sports and bet on correct scores, in-play or futures.
North Carolina residents can enjoy a diverse range of sports betting markets that cover a variety of popular sports. Football enthusiasts can bet on both professional football (NFL) and college football games, including the exciting matchups in the highly competitive college football scene. Basketball fans can engage in betting on the National Basketball Association (NBA) as well as college basketball games, including the thrilling March Madness tournament and other notable college basketball events.
Hockey fans have the opportunity to place bets on the fast-paced action of the National Hockey League (NHL), while baseball lovers can enjoy betting on Major League Baseball (MLB) games throughout the baseball season. Soccer, being a globally popular sport, provides an array of betting options for North Carolina residents, including domestic leagues, international tournaments, and matches from various leagues worldwide.
The rising phenomenon of e-sports presents a unique betting market for competitive video gaming enthusiasts. Additionally, combat sports fans can partake in betting on Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, adding to the excitement of these thrilling sports. Tennis lovers can place bets on the outcomes of professional tennis matches, ranging from Grand Slam tournaments to other prestigious tennis events.
Golf, with its prestigious tournaments such as the Masters and PGA Tour events, offers an engaging betting experience for fans who can wager on various aspects of the game. Cycling enthusiasts can also find betting opportunities in major cycling events like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Motorsports fans have the chance to bet on adrenaline-fueled races, including NASCAR events and other thrilling motorsports competitions.
NC Sports Betting Markets
Within these sports markets, North Carolina bettors have access to a wide range of popular betting options. They can participate in moneyline betting, where they wager on the outright winner of a game or match. Point spread betting allows them to place bets on the margin of victory, with a handicap assigned to the favored team. Totals betting, also known as over/under betting, involves predicting the combined score or total points/goals scored in a game.
For those seeking long-term betting excitement, futures betting allows them to place wagers on outcomes such as championship winners or season-long achievements. In-play betting provides the opportunity to engage in live betting while a game or match is in progress, adding an extra level of excitement. Additionally, player props enable bettors to place bets on individual player performances or specific statistical achievements, while game props offer wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game, such as the first team to score or the number of touchdowns.
Retail Sportsbooks to Visit in North Carolina
Retail sportsbooks are now live at two tribal casinos in North Carolina. Both are powered by Caesars:
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Cherokee (Cherokee Tribal Gaming Association)
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, Murphy (Cherokee Tribal Gaming Association)
Both NC sportsbooks offer complete viewing zones where you can watch games with friends. Look out too for special additions such as 90-ft HD TVs, betting kiosks and VIP areas.
North Carolina Sports Betting Deposit Options
Deposit options at North Carolina sportsbooks will be simple and should cater for gamblers of all stake levels. You may even be able to deposit and withdraw at a licensed sportsbook or casino in NC.
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Bank transfer
- PayPal
- ACH/e-Check
- Wire transfer
- Prepaid card
- Mobile bill payment
- Personal check by mail
- In-person deposit
North Carolina Sports Betting FAQ
Yes! The North Carolina Senate approved sports betting in 2021 but it’s still to become full law. Sportsbooks would be available online and on mobile to North Carolinians aged 21 or over.
Yes. There are two brick ‘n mortar sportsbooks in North Carolina run by the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Association. Both sportsbooks are powered by Caesars.
Caesars online sportsbook is yet to launch in North Carolina. We expect a Caesars mobile sports betting app to launch by 2023.