NC Sports Betting: Best online betting sites in North Carolina

The legalization of sports betting in North Carolina has created a new opportunity for residents and visitors to the state. While some may be familiar with placing a sports bet, others may be new to the game. This guide introduces NC sports betting online, including information on where to bet and what types of bets are available.

Best online betting sites in NC 2024

NC Sports Betting: All sites are 100% legal & licensed by the state.

Bonus	Features	Visit
BetMGM Sportsbook Up to $1,000 in bonus bets	JOKERZINO Free live streams Early Cashout feature	Bet now BetMGM NC bonus code
Caesars Sportsbook Up to $1,250 bonus	JOKERZBETFULL Weekly promotions Free Sunday live streams	Bet now Caesars NC promo code
bet365 Sportsbook Bet $1 Get $200 in bonus	Click & Activate Great in-game promos Great for live betting	Bet now bet365 NC bonus
DraftKings Sportsbook Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets	JOKERZINO Same Game Parlay boosts Multiple in-game bonuses	Bet now DraftKings NC promo

Is NC online sports betting legal?

The recent Bill signed into NC State law makes NC online sports betting legal. This is the case for all forms of sports betting, including retail, mobile, and online. So mobile apps and other forms of online sports betting are legal and launched in March 2024!

⭐ Status of the NC sports betting market:	Jan 2024
⭐ Will North Carolina have an online market?	Yes, both retail and online sports betting
⭐ Expected launch date	Jan, 2024
⭐ What NC sports betting sites will go live?	FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings

Legal sports betting in North Carolina right now

While online sports betting has only recently been legalized, there were already tribal casinos operating legally within the state. As these were already in place, they were able to offer retail sports betting right away. These three casinos are:

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Catawba Tow Kings Casino
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino

These different casinos have already formed partnerships with betting operators established in other states. The Harrah’s Cherokee casinos are partnered with Caesars. Catawba operates by itself when it comes to sports betting.

All this was in place prior to the Bill being passed into law. Now, though, the NC Education Lottery is making moves to set up regulations. This will enable even more betting operators to get licenses and begin operating online within the state.

How old do you need to be to enjoy NC sports betting online?

Like everywhere else in the US, if you want to enjoy betting in any form in NC, you must be over 21. This is the case whether you bet online or in person at one of the retail betting sites.

The NC sports betting bill

Over the last few years, sports betting has become legal in a number of different states. As of July 2023, this is also true of North Carolina. House Bill 347 was the reason for legalization in the state.

This Bill, signed by Gov. Roy Cooper, now gives as many as 12 different betting sites the ability to offer online and mobile sports betting. Additionally, tribal casinos and professional sports teams can partner with online sports betting sites in NC.

Now when it is entirely in place, this Bill will tax operators 18%. They will not be able to deduct betting promos from this revenue either. Unlike other states, college sports betting and horse racing are also legalized.

Since the Bill has passed, mobile and online betting is completely legal. That said, it was launched in the state in March 2024.

Best NC sports betting sites

Several top contenders are ready and waiting to fill those 12 licensing spots. With many in the list of all NC sportsbooks already operating in other states, here are the top choices likely to join North Carolina:

DraftKings

The DraftKings NC promo code is famous for its app and all its features. DraftKings are very generous with their welcome bonuses to new players. You can also check out their promo offers for customers. Enjoy a great gaming experience!

Caesars

Already present in NC in retail form, Caesars is a strong contender for one of the first operators to go live online in 2024. It’s a great option for players as there are always a ton of different promotions in place, including a rewards program and welcome offer. And if you’re not sure who to bet on, Caesars Sportsbook NC promo code offers are available.

BetMGM

Bettors can take advantage of the many bonuses and promotions available through a BetMGM sportsbook NC bonus code. These bonuses provide bettors with additional funds to wager on their favorite games, increasing their chances of winning. Overall, BetMGM offers a great selection of betting games and options and generous bonuses that help players improve their chances of winning.

BetRivers

Some of the most popular games include football, basketball, and baseball. Bettors can also bet on other sports, such as hockey and soccer. In addition to betting on sporting events, players can also wager on political outcomes and entertainment outcomes. BetRivers NC Sportsbook promo code offers a variety of betting options for each game, making it easy for players to find the best bet for them.

FanDuel

Various betting games can be found and used with an offer, like a FanDuel NC promo code. Horse racing is one of their most popular options, with races happening daily worldwide. And finally, there are a variety of other sports that residents can wager on, such as golf, soccer, and tennis.

ESPN BET

PENN Entertainment has rebranded ESPN BET as an online sportsbook that leverages its industry-leading brand and multiplatform reach together with its significant operational knowledge in sports betting and offers the latest ESPN BET NC promo code for new customers.

bet365

A well-known international betting brand is bet365. Established in the year 2000, the organization has more than 7,000 workers and more than 90 million customers globally. Claim our bet365 NC bonus code and start betting!

Updates: sports betting in North Carolina

To ensure you’re armed with all the latest news, we carefully follow everything that’s happening with regard to North Carolina sports betting. Take a look below as we outline some of the most recent changes to online sports betting in NC.

July 28 — NC Lottery hired staff to aid with the launch of online sports betting in NC. The deputy director of gaming compliance is to be Sterl Carpenter, someone who has already overseen wagering operations in Massachusetts.
July 21 — A new bill has been drafted to expand online betting just a month following the legalization of NC online sports betting. This bill could mean that four new casinos could launch in North Carolina.
June 21 — Tipico announces it will apply for a mobile license in NC.
June 20 — NC Education Lottery has its first meeting since the Bill, HB 347, was signed into law.
June 14 — Bill, HB 347, is officially signed into law by Roy Cooper.
June 7 — HB 347 has final approval in the North Carolina House.
March 1 — Early signups can be done from licensed sportsbooks.

Promotions at NC sports betting sites

North Carolina sportsbook promos and bonuses are always a key attraction for players when choosing an online sports betting site. North Carolina sports betting sites offer some of the best bonuses and promotions in the industry, making it a great place to bet on your favorite teams.

The most popular bonuses NC sports betting sites offer include sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and bet credits. These bonuses can give players a head start on their bankrolls, allowing them to bet more money and increase their chances of winning.

Online NC sports gambling

Online and mobile betting has finally launched in North Carolina! It’s all been signed into the law and is legal. The license is awarded to the different NC sportsbook apps waiting to offer their services to NC players.

How many North Carolina betting sites are there?

Currently, the law only allows 12 operators to enter the NC betting market and offer services. On top of this, just three casinos offer retail sports betting. Extensions of the Bill in future years may allow additional ones to join the NC market.

North Carolina sports betting partnerships with sports teams

In many states, betting sites partner up with local sports teams to give a boost to both parties. And many NC betting sites will likely do the same here in NC. However, there are currently no partnerships between them.

Harrah’s casinos do sponsor the Carolina Panthers so that more partnerships may follow.

This is also likely to be the case simply because of the state’s opening up of the sports betting market. Some of the NC sports betting sites likely to join the NC market are already official partners with the NBA or NFL, which means it’s likely that the pro teams will become part of this. While college teams won’t become partners or be sponsored, the law does not forbid betting on them.

Do players have to be residents of North Carolina to bet online?

You don’t have to live in North Carolina to bet at NC online betting sites. However, you do need to be physically within the state in order to play online. You won’t be able to cheat this system, either.

This is because all online betting sites have geolocation in place. You will need to enable this in order to access the betting platform. If you don’t, you won’t be able to play.

Sports betting in NC: Timeline

It’s been a long time, but online sports betting is now legal in North Carolina. Here’s the process it took to get there:

August 31, 2005: NC is the last state to allow a lottery.
August 13, 2012: North Carolina permits table games, not just slots and video poker, at tribal casinos.
May 14, 2018: The PASPA is repealed, which means that each state is now able to legalize sports betting as they see fit.
July 26, 2019: Retail locations become legal thanks to the passing of SB 154, but this still means online sports betting and mobile apps are not.
March 18, 2021: North Carolina has two retail sports betting sites going live at the Harrah’s casinos. This means that players in NC can make sports bets in person. While online sports betting is still not legal, the process toward legalization has begun.
June 22, 2022: SB 688, the NC sports betting bill, gets defeated by just one vote even though it passed the Senate. As such, online sports betting is still not legal in North Carolina.
September 7, 2022: A third retail sports betting location goes live in the Catawba tribal casino.
March 13, 2023: A new bill to legalize NC sports betting is proposed.
March 30, 2023: HB 347 is voted in favor, which means that the Bill to legalize online sports betting moves to the Senate once more.
May 24, 2023: An amended version of HB 347 is voted on by the Committee of Commerce and Insurance. While it passed, it still needs to go through the Finance and Rules Committee.
May 26, 2023: After the amendments to the Bill, things move forward quickly, with the possibility of legalizing sports betting imminent.
May 30, 2023: The amended HB 347 bill is approved by the North Carolina Finance and Rules Committees.
May 31, 2023: The Bill to legalize online and mobile sports betting in North Carolina goes through a second reading in the Senate. However, a third reading and final vote is required before it can go to the NC House for agreement.
June 7, 2023: The Senate and the House give final approval on the Bill.
June 14, 2023: The Bill is signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper, which means that sports betting is fully legal in the state. While not yet launched, and with no official launch date given, the NC Education Lottery is mapping out and planning all the required regulations.
March 1, 2024: early signup for online sports betting started.

Where to sports bet in North Carolina

As mentioned, there are currently three tribal casinos that provide retail sports betting. The casinos are Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Catawba Two Kings Casino, and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. They are all owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Both of the Cherokee casinos have a partnership with Caesars regarding their sports betting offerings. Catawba, on the other hand, has its own sports betting options in place.

Comparing NC sports betting to other states

North Carolina has actually been rather slow to the table when it comes to legalizing online sports betting. Around 30 other states have already legalized online sports betting. Even with the three tribal casinos offering retail sports betting, they are far behind most other states.

However, with the legalization of online and mobile NC sports betting, North Carolina is joining the ranks of other states. The Bill itself is very similar to that of other states. Similar to many, it currently has a cap on the number of betting operators allowed (12).

But, the NC bill does stand out from many other states in the fact that college sports betting is also legalized. Many other states, such as New Jersey (one of the first states to legalize online sports betting), do not permit college betting.

How is NC sports betting regulated?

The North Carolina Lottery Commission will regulate all online NC sports betting operators that are legalized and licensed within the state. Currently, it already regulates the Education Lottery in NC.

In contrast, the three tribal casinos are regulated by the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission.

North Carolina betting licenses

Now that online and mobile NC sports betting has launched, only a maximum of 12 betting sites can get a license in the state. Most of these could be partnered with professional NC sports teams when launching their platforms.

Betting revenue for NC

It’s not clear how much revenue will be generated by NC sports betting. But, if we compare it with neighboring states such as Tennessee, it has a $7.3 billion ($120 million in tax revenue). Additionally, Virginia has made $8.1 billion with $72 million in tax.

There are estimates that NC’s sports betting revenue will be around $600 million for the first year.

How to choose the best NC sports betting sites

To help you out, we have listed some of the best NC sports betting sites available. However, when we do this, we take a series of factors into account to do this. These are the factors we use to rate NC sports betting sites, and you can use these too if you want to search for a betting site yourself.

Reviews

We take a look at the sites themselves but also look at reviews of these sports betting sites. Most of them already live in other states, so it’s possible to see what players think about the site. It’s a good idea to look at these reviews as you can get a good idea of the issues (or not) of a specific site.

Types of bets

Each one offers an array of different bet types. We make sure that there is a good variety when it comes to betting options. After all, you don’t want to join a site only to find that there are only one or two bet types.

It’s also important to check out how many bets they have per sport, as some will have more than others. Some NC sports betting operators will also have unique bets and features, making them stand out.

Odds

Online betting sites always offer different odds to each other. We always look to find the betting platforms with the most competitive odds across all bets. This is important if you want to get the best online value.

Bonuses and promotions

These days, all online betting operators have a range of different bonuses and promotions available. Typically, there is always a welcome bonus. The larger the offer and the smaller the wagering requirements, the better the bonus is.

It’s also essential to check that there are different bonuses on offer. You don’t want to sign up to a betting site only to find there’s one bonus. That’s why we look to see other promotions, such as insurance bonus bets, cashback, and refunds.

User experience

It’s all very well for an operator to offer a variety of features, but if it’s hard to navigate and find your way around, this isn’t going to be great. We ensure that betting sites from NC have a simple interface and one available on mobile platforms.

Most importantly, we ensure that anyone we recommend allows you to make a bet quickly and easily. It’s got to be hassle-free; otherwise, it’s a no from us.

Payment Methods

Often overlooked, a very important feature is the number and variety of banking options available for deposits and withdrawals. Not all sports betting sites have the same number of options. Make sure you find a site with options that suit your needs.

North Carolina betting sites have a number of different options for making a deposit, which include:

VISA/Mastercard/AMEX
Venmo
PayPal
Bank transfer

Customer service

Finally, even if an NC betting site operates well, you need to make sure that there is good customer support in place. Ideally, we want to see a sportsbook providing you with 24/7 support, preferably with a human-operated live chat. It’s even better if other contact options such as email, phone, and a strong FAQ exist.

Best sports to bet on in North Carolina

There are a whole range of different sports on offer regarding North Carolina sports betting.

Football

This is the most popular sport in the US and has many different events and betting options available. The Carolina Panthers are a popular team in the state, and there are going to be many different betting opportunities for this team during the main season and the Super Bowl.

Basketball

Another hugely popular sport, there are always games available thanks to the NBA. Fans will be able to bet on the Charlotte Hornets as well as some of the collegiate teams that play.

Hockey

Popular across multiple states, but it has particular popularity in North Carolina. The Carolina Hurricanes are available, and this team participates in the Stanley Cup. On top of that, there are a lot of international hockey events to bet on too.

Baseball

While there is no MLB team in North Carolina, baseball teams still participate in some lower leagues. Of course, this won’t stop NC players from enjoying betting on the World Series and choosing a team from a neighboring state to support.

College Sports

While there are a number of professional teams in North Carolina, there are also a large number of college teams. As collegiate sports are legal to bet on, NC players will have many college betting options available.

Motorsports

Many NASCAR teams have a home in North Carolina. There are also numerous tracks in the state as well. This makes motorsports a very popular option in the state, so North Carolina has many excellent betting options.

Joining more than one NC sports betting site

Once online sports betting in North Carolina is available, you will be inundated with options. While we have suggested you pick the best place to play, there’s actually nothing stopping you from signing up to more than one site at a time.

This is actually a great way to check exactly which of the sites you like the best. You can also check out which ones have the most competitive odds. And you can claim different bonuses and promotions.

Promotions for sports betting NC

Speaking of promotions, it’s likely that in the run-up to each sports betting site’s launch, there will be a number of different bonuses on offer. These will include bonus bets, insurance bonus bets, odds boosts, and welcome offers.

NC sports teams to bet on

As mentioned, there are a number of professional and collegiate sports teams in North Carolina for players to bet on. Here are some of the more popular teams.

Charlotte Hornets

This is the NBA team of NC. Michael Jordan is even a stakeholder.

Carolina Panthers

The state’s pro football team, they have their headquarters in Charlotte. They’re very popular for many in the state.

Carolina Hurricanes

For the NHL, this team is the one to pick for the state. There are a lot of betting opportunities when it comes to hockey when online betting.

Charlotte FC

Most North Carolina sports betting sites offer MLS (Major League Soccer) betting. On top of that, this team is newly up and coming making them an exciting prospect here.

North Carolina Tar Heels

This is one of the most popular college teams in the state when it comes to football. Not only that but as this is a college, this is also a basketball team.

Duke Blue Devils

Strong rivals for the Tar Heels, the Duke Blue Devils also have basketball, football and other sports available. When these two teams come together, it’s bound to be exciting.

North Carolina State

While there are a number of collegiate sports played by this team, the most important one here is basketball. They’re definitely worth taking a look at for college basketball.

NC online sports betting types

If you plan on sports betting online, understanding the different bet types is imperative. Let’s look at some of the top options.

Moneyline — choose who will win the game or match and bet on them.
Parlay — combine multiple bets and get big wins if all legs come to pass.
Totals — also known as over/unders, bet on a total number of goals or points and guess whether the final score will be above or below that number.
Point Spreads — betting operators level out the odds here, and you just bet on whether your favorite will be more than the spread or not.
Futures — bets placed on future events, such as who will win the Super Bowl.
Props — bets that are on specific events or players within the game. They have no bearing on the final outcome of the game.
Live Betting — bets that are placed on a game while it is underway. It’s also known as in-play betting.
Prohibited Bets — some events, like political elections, can’t be bet on.

Legal Gambling in North Carolina

If you want to gamble, there are other options in North Carolina, not just sports betting.

Casinos

There are three land-based casinos available. These are all owned and operated by the Cherokee.

Horse Racing

Racing is legal in North Carolina and can be found at all three tribal casinos. There are no legal online pari-mutuel sites, though, but there are no racetracks in the state.

Daily Fantasy sports

DFS is legal in the state and has been for a long time across a number of different platforms.

Charitable Bingo

There are numerous bingo halls in the state, but charities solely operate these. The prizes do not tend to be very large.

Lottery

One of the earliest legal forms of gambling in the state, there are regular big jackpots to be won, including the Powerball and Mega Millions.

Responsible NC sports gambling

Gambling can be a fun and entertaining pastime. Still, it’s important to remember that betting can also be addictive and damaging if not done responsibly, like any other form of entertainment.

Here are some sports betting tips responsibly:

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
Don’t gamble if you’re feeling stressed or angry.
Gamble in a safe and secure environment.
Don’t gamble if you’re trying to cover up financial problems.

If you think you have a problem with gambling, seek help from a professional.

NC online sports betting vs retail sports betting

Which is better with mobile and online betting available? Well, there are pros and cons to both. For instance, with retail betting, you can interact with others while placing your bets directly with someone, allowing you to have a drink or food while doing so.

However, betting online is so much more convenient. It’s possible to bet at any time of day and to shop around for the best odds and betting options.

Final Thoughts on NC Sports Betting

With NC legalizing sports betting online, there are now a number of exciting betting opportunities for players in the state. Make sure you check back with us, though, as things are always changing. We’ll make sure you have all the latest information.

North Carolina Sports Betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in NC?

Yes, NC sports gambling is legal in North Carolina. It is possible to enjoy retail sports betting at three casinos in the state. Once online sports betting is launched, as many as 12 online betting sites will be available.

How old must I be to bet in North Carolina?

Just like everywhere in the US, you must be 21 years or over to sign up and bet on North Carolina sports betting sites. You will be asked to provide ID during sign-up; if you can’t produce this, you won’t be able to play.

Can you play FanDuel in North Carolina?

Yes, you can play FanDuel in North Carolina. The state has not passed any laws that expressly prohibit playing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), so it is legal to play there.
Lawmakers have made some attempts to ban DFS in the state, but they have not been successful. So, if you’re a resident of North Carolina, you are free to join FanDuel and compete in contests against other players from around the country.

What do I need to create an online sports betting account in North Carolina?

Creating an online sports betting account in North Carolina is a simple process that only requires a few pieces of personal information. First, you must provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
You will also be asked to provide contact information, including an email address and phone number. Finally, you will need to choose a username and password for your account.

Do North Carolina casinos have sports betting?

There are no online casinos in North Carolina. The state has a ban that prohibits all types, including sports betting.
There are some exceptions to this rule. Horse racing and lotteries are legal in North Carolina, and players can participate in both activities online. However, there are no online casinos or betting sites that offer these games. So, if you’re looking for a place to bet on your favorite team, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

What is the tax rate on sports bets in NC?

Operators will have to pay 18% in tax on any earnings. This is similar to other states. Winners in North Carolina will be expected to pay a certain amount of income tax if they earn over a specified threshold in sports betting winnings.

Where can I bet on sports in North Carolina?

Currently, there are three casinos that offer retail sports betting in North Carolina. Once online sports betting is launched, as many as 12 different sportsbooks will be available to those players within NC.

Do I need to live in North Carolina to bet online?

No, you don’t need to be a resident of North Carolina to bet on NC online sports betting sites. However, you need to be within state borders to access NC sports betting sites. This is checked by geolocation software.