Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?
Online Sports Betting North Carolina: The Road to Legalization
Sports betting in North Carolina began with retail-only tribal sportsbooks in 2021. But momentum for online access picked up fast. In June 2023, lawmakers passed House Bill 347, which authorized both online and in-person betting.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission was tasked with regulating the industry. By March 2024, the first online sports betting apps went live, just in time for the NCAA tournament.
Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!
Is Sports Betting Legal Online in North Carolina?
Yes. Sports betting legal online is available statewide for anyone 21 or older. Bettors don’t need to visit a casino or sportsbook in person to register. You can sign up, deposit, and place bets fully online.
The only rule: you must be physically located in North Carolina. Geolocation software checks your device before allowing a wager. Residency is not required, so visitors can join the action too.
Online Sports Betting Apps in North Carolina
North Carolina launched with eight sportsbook apps, giving bettors plenty of choice. The licensed operators include:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- ESPN BET
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- Underdog Sports
Example: A fan in Charlotte can open DraftKings, deposit $50, and place a parlay on the Panthers covering the spread, Bryce Young throwing over 1.5 touchdowns, and the total going over. That wager is legal, live, and easy to track from the app.
With multiple operators competing, promos and odds boosts are common, making it one of the most competitive online sports betting USA markets.
Online Sports Betting How To in North Carolina
Getting started with online sports betting North Carolina is quick:
- Pick a licensed sportsbook app.
- Download the app or sign up on the website.
- Verify you’re 21+ with a valid ID.
- Deposit funds using debit, PayPal, or online banking.
- Browse betting markets like NFL betting, NBA spreads, or NCAA hoops.
- Place your wager and track results live.
Because everything is remote, it only takes minutes to get started.
What You Can Bet On in North Carolina
North Carolina offers one of the broadest betting menus in the country. Bettors can wager on:
- NFL betting, NBA moneylines, MLB totals, NHL props.
- College sports, including North Carolina and Duke basketball.
- Soccer, golf, tennis, and Olympic events.
- Futures, parlays, live betting, and player props.
Unlike some states, North Carolina allows betting on in-state college teams. That means you can legally wager on UNC vs. Duke during March Madness, making it one of the more flexible sports gambling legal states.
North Carolina Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States
North Carolina stands out as a new but strong player in the online sports betting legal market. Compared to nearby states:
- Virginia: Fully mobile since 2021, with more operators.
- South Carolina: Still has no legalized sports betting.
- Tennessee: Online-only model, no retail sportsbooks.
North Carolina strikes a balance, offering both online sports betting apps and in-person venues. Its inclusion of college betting makes it more accessible than states with stricter rules.
Online Sports Betting Example: March Madness in NC
Imagine it’s March, and Duke is facing UNC in the ACC tournament. A bettor in Raleigh opens FanDuel, places $25 on Duke +4.5, adds the over on total points, and parlays it with Armando Bacot to record a double-double.
That same-game parlay is live in seconds and perfectly legal, showing how online sports betting North Carolina makes big events even more exciting.
Taxes and Market Revenue
North Carolina set its tax rate at 18% of sportsbook revenue. Operators also paid $1 million in licensing fees, renewable every five years.
The market has already been huge. In the first 10 months after launch, bettors wagered more than $5.4 billion, generating over $120 million in tax revenue for the state. With NFL betting, NBA playoffs, and college sports all fueling demand, North Carolina is quickly becoming a powerhouse.
Responsible Gambling in North Carolina
The North Carolina Lottery Commission oversees the industry, ensuring strong consumer protections. Bettors have access to tools like self-exclusion, deposit limits, and timeout features. Tax revenue also funds responsible gaming initiatives across the state.
The Future of Online Sports Betting North Carolina
With a successful launch, North Carolina’s future looks bright. More operators may join, and features like micro-betting and same-game parlays are expected to grow.
Given its mix of pro teams, passionate college fans, and competitive apps, North Carolina is set to remain a leader among new sports gambling legal states.
Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting North Carolina
Online sports betting North Carolina is legal, fast, and growing. Bettors can sign up remotely, choose from eight sportsbook apps, and wager on everything from NFL betting to March Madness.
With wide market access, strong regulation, and billions in wagers already placed, North Carolina is one of the most exciting new states for online betting.
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