At the moment, NC online casinos are nonexistent for residents. The state has made several attempts in the past to legalize it. None has worked so far. What does this mean for residents of the state? Can you play in NC online casinos? NCGambler.com will highlight all you should know about NC online casinos.
Best online casinos in NC 2024
Online casinos are not available in North Carolina at the moment
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History of NC online casinos
NC has several land-based casinos and also provides racetrack sports. The state has agreed to make sports wagers legal. However, online casino gaming is still largely unregulated.
While states like New Jersey have legalized since 2018, NC still remained unregulated until recently. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act is one of the legislations responsible for the long wait.
States have had to battle the NCAA and other professional sports leagues to legalize it. The organizations were afraid to concede because they thought it would affect their profits. The state won the battle but did not include online casinos.
In 2012, Delaware became the first state to legalize online casinos. Sadly, NC did not join the train quickly enough. It only began to consider legalizing NC sports betting in 2019. The state proposed two bills with similar intentions. However, there were some delays in getting them passed into law.
Roy Cooper, the governor, reassured lawmakers that the state would legalize sports betting. He confirmed that it was already ongoing in the state but was largely unregulated. Additionally, the governor said the only way for the state to benefit from it was to legalize it.
Are online casinos legal in NC?
Presently, online casinos are not legal in NC. This means that any online casino operating in NC is illegal. However, residents of NC can play at online casino sites for US players. There is still a gray area about the law in the region since it is largely unregulated.
Will online casinos be legalized soon in NC?
Even though online casinos have not yet been legalized, the status will likely change soon. Lawmakers in the state have shown interest in the industry. The state legalized daily fantasy sports and horse betting sites. Lawmakers will surely turn their sights on online casinos soon.
NC is currently surrounded by states that have legalized online casinos. On the other hand, it has only regulated and legalized online wagering. These are a few signs to show that NC will follow suit soon.
Options for online gambling in North Carolina
Sports Betting
Sports betting is permitted in North Carolina but with restrictions. The state’s two casinos, run by the Cherokee Nation in the west and the Two Kings Casino, managed by the Catawba Tribe near Kings Mountain, now offer the only retail sportsbooks. Legislators are now debating legislation that would legalize NC sports betting online and in other retail outlets across North Carolina. Such legislation has been considered in the past and is likely to be considered again.
Online Casino
NC online casinos accepting real money are not currently permitted. However, residents of North Carolina may use social and sweepstakes casinos like Pulsz and Funzpoints to play a range of casino games online. In North Carolina, there are three indigenous casinos as well. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, and other casino classics are all available at Harrah’s Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.
DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports)
Similar to many other jurisdictions, North Carolina lacks a formal law approving daily fantasy sports, leaving no structure for their regulation or taxation. But, the state also does not have legislation that forbids the practice. Thus, North Carolinians are able to participate in competitions at DraftKings, FanDuel, and other websites.
Best online casinos in NC
Even though online casinos are not legal in NC, online casinos are set to be determined soon. Several casinos and bookies are ready to apply for online casino licenses in the state. Most of these big names already operate online casinos legally in states that permit it. These casinos will be among the first to enter the scene when the state legalizes NC online gambling.
Aside from the online casinos waiting to enter the scene, NC has some land-based casinos. The state also has some racinos, so breaking into online casinos will be easier. Some potential online casinos to look out for in NC include Caesars Casino, BetRivers, BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings. Find out more about these establishments below and what to expect when they launch.
Caesars Casino
This establishment offers a list of all sportsbooks and online casinos. It is licensed to operate an online casino in states like Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia. Caesar Casino is famous for its wide variety of games. It lists several genres as well to keep players entertained.
If you love online slots, then Caesars will be a good casino to try out when it is legalized in NC. The platform also has other types of games like roulette and blackjack games. It serves both high stake and low stake bettors.
BetRivers
This online casino and sportsbook is a big name in the industry. It is available in more than nine states, including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The sportsbook was licensed to operate in NC in January 2023.
BetRivers has more than 200 online games in its online casino. Some of its offerings include video poker, table games, and live dealer games. It also provides support for mobile devices. If casinos online in NC becomes legal, online casinos will definitely stand out.
BetMGM
As one of the most prominent names in the casino industry, BetMGM stands out. It provides online casinos and sports betting. Players interested in online poker can also find what they like here.
The brand has been in the business for some time and has expanded in different regions. Currently, it is available in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The platform is licensed to provide more gambling options in NC as well.
FanDuel
Known for daily fantasy sports, FanDuel is also a big name in the industry. It entered NC when the state legalized daily fantasy sports in 2017. This platform also has a license to enter the space in NC when it launches. It has a wide variety of games for different kinds of players. New players also enjoy an exciting welcome bonus. FanDuel has a casino app to tap into the mobile market. Its app works seamlessly and is easy to use. Undoubtedly, the platform will perform well in the NC casino industry.
DraftKings
This is another well-known brand in the industry. It is a FanDuel competitor and has a place in the DFS space. DraftKings provides an online casino as well as a sportsbook.
The platform is expected to expand into online casinos when the state approves. DraftKings is currently in several states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Like other casinos on the list, it offers a wide game selection.
Popular casino games in NC online casinos
Even if online games are not available for players in NC, there are a few games to look out for when it does. The games are online and accessible from your phone and laptop browsers. Some online casinos also have apps to make them easier to use. The main games include online slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, and other live dealer games.
Slots
Online slots are simple and fun, and this is why they are common. There are so many slots from different providers, so you have much to try. Since they are so easy to play, you can use your smartphone at your convenience.
Slots are also luck based, so you do not need to have special skills to play. The payouts are also attractive for most people. If you prefer mobile gaming, you will enjoy the colorful and simplistic appearance.
Blackjack
No doubt, blackjack is fun in a brick-and-mortar casino. However, it is even better online because you do not need to wait for a table to open up to join. You can play the game in the comfort of your home.
Online casinos also have several variants of blackjack to keep you interested. You can play with a live dealer or without one. There is a double blackjack, Spanish 21, or even a triple 7’s to choose from. It all depends on what you want to play.
Roulette
Naturally, roulette is easy to play. All you need is luck. Online casinos offer a variety of roulette games, including American, European, and French roulette. You can choose to play with a live dealer or not.
Online roulette provides the same thrill as a brick-and-mortar casino. If you pick a lucky number, you may just win big. Also, there may be some strategies to increase your chances of winning the game.
Video poker
The famous video poker is an online sensation because it is fun and easy. It has a higher ‘Return to Player’ than most games on many online casinos. The game gives you more control, unlike others on the list.
While it is controlled by pure luck, proper strategies can help you to reap better rewards. It is one game that NCans can look out for when the state approves online casinos.
Live dealer
Another game to look out for is live dealer games. It is perfect for players who do not want to visit the casino often. The game has a live dealer that you can communicate with while playing. Players can enjoy a more realistic gaming experience if they prefer it.
The live dealer games use digital chips and also live stream the match in high definition to enhance the experience. There are so many types of live dealer games, including roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, bingo, and more.
Responsible online gambling in North Carolina
The term “responsible gambling” has a specific meaning and significance in the gaming business, despite the misconception that it simply means to gamble responsibly and without incurring unnecessary risks.
Responsible Gambling (often referred to as simply “RG”) refers to various activities by gambling companies to make gaming a pleasurable experience and reduce the possibility of problem gambling. It does not solely relate to acting responsibly when playing.
In order to maintain their privilege to conduct legal online gambling in North Carolina, gaming companies are frequently required under the terms of their licenses to advocate for and implement Responsible Gambling.
Brick-and-mortar casinos in NC
Even if NC may be lacking in online casinos, it has a fair share of brick-and-mortar casinos. Presently, there are four casinos in the state. The state also has seven racinos for horse racing events.
FAQ NC Online Casino
Is online casinos legal in NC?
Only daily fantasy sports and horse race betting are legal in NC. There are no legal online casinos in NC.
What is the legal age for online casinos in NC?
The legal gambling age in NC is 21 years old. Some argue that this age can be reduced to 18 because the state does not regulate it. However, the age for gambling in brick-and-mortar casinos in NC is 21. Hence, the same can be applied to online casinos.
Will NC regulate online casinos in the future?
NC will likely regulate online casinos in the future. So far, the state has shown some interest in some types of online gambling. Presently, online sports betting will be legal first. Also, horse betting sites are common in the state. This shows that the lawmakers have no reservations about online casinos.
What games are available in NC casinos?
NC does not have online casinos yet. However, if it does, you can expect to play games like slots, poker, and table games. Some table games to expect in NC casino apps include roulette, craps, baccarat, and blackjack. There are also horse racing games in racinos where you can enjoy live horse racing. It also includes parimutuel wagering.
Is it safe to play at an NC online casino?
So far, the only online activity permitted in NC is horserace betting. The state does not permit any other kind of gambling. However, there is no law that stops residents from playing in other casinos with international backing.