Online Sports Betting in North Carolina

Sports betting is legal and live in North Carolina; however, residents can currently only bet at  retail sportsbooks at the state’s tribal casinos.

The North Carolina legislature is currently working to pass a bill that would legalize online sports betting and allow for up to 12 online sportsbooks. If this bill passes, residents can expect to see online sports betting launch in the near future.

Here’s everything you need to know about online sports betting in North Carolina, including when it might launch, who will be able to bet, and how you can bet on sports online responsibly.

Details About Sports Betting in North Carolina

• Retail sports betting is legal in North Carolina, and residents can place bets at the state’s two retail sportsbooks. However, online and mobile sports betting are not yet available in the state.
• Both of North Carolina’s tribal casinos are located in west North Carolina, away from the state’s major cities, meaning most residents do not have convenient access to sports betting options.
• The North Carolina legislature is currently working to pass a bill (SB 688) that would legalize online sports betting, and lawmakers are confident they can pass it before the end of the 2022 session.
• SB 688 has already passed through the Senate and the House Commerce Committee. It has now moved to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration, and there are several steps left before the bill can become law.
• A third tribal casino, Catawba Two Kings, is planning to open the state’s third retail sportsbook, though it has yet to launch.

Recent Sports Betting News in North Carolina

North Carolina’s sports betting industry is fairly small compared to other states with legal sports betting. This is largely from the lack of mobile betting options and limited availability of retail sportsbooks. However, this may change in the near future as lawmakers attempt to pass online sports betting legislation. Here are the most recent developments in the North Carolina sports betting industry:

• June 10, 2022: The North Carolina legislature has only 20 days left to pass online sports betting legislation before the end of the 2022 session. Lawmakers remain optimistic the legislation will pass.
• May 16, 2022: The bill that would legalize sports betting passes through the Senate and has support from House leadership.
• April 25, 2022: According to Spectrum News, a poll shows that 36% of registered voters in North Carolina are in support of legalizing online sports betting, while 39% are against it and 25% are undecided.
• April 18, 2022: A survey conducted by WRAL News finds that 52% of respondents from North Carolina support legal online sports betting.
• April 8, 2022: SB 688, the bill that would legalize online sports betting, would tax online betting revenue at 8%. This would generate a substantial amount of revenue for the state. The 2022 legislative session starts May 18, and lawmakers will work to pass this legislation by June 30.

Online Sports Betting Apps Available in North Carolina

There are currently no online sports betting apps available in North Carolina. Residents who want to bet on sports will have to visit one of the state’s two retail sportsbooks located at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. A third retail sportsbook will launch in the near future at the Catawba Two Kings Casino.

While there aren’t any online sportsbooks live in North Carolina, this could change soon as lawmakers continue their efforts to pass legislation that would legalize and regulate online sports betting in the state. If SB 688 passes, the bill would allow for 10 to 12 online sportsbooks in North Carolina.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Legal in North Carolina?

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps offer an alternative to traditional sports betting apps. DFS apps let users utilize their sports knowledge to create fantasy teams and compete with other users for cash and other prizes. While some states ban these apps under their gambling laws, others view them as games of skill and allow residents to enter these contests.

In North Carolina, it’s legal for residents 18 or older to enter and participate in DFS contests. Although the state has yet to pass legislation that regulates these apps, it has not passed legislation that prohibits them, either. As such, major platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel are able to operate in the state.

How to Place Responsible Sports Bets in North Carolina

Retail sports betting is already live in North Carolina, and with online sports betting potentially launching in the state in the near future, residents should prepare by learning how to practice responsible sports betting.

While sports betting is a great source of entertainment, it’s important to keep in mind that problem gambling can impact anyone.

To reduce your chances of developing a problematic gambling habit, keep these responsible betting practices in mind:

• Never bet while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• Set and stick to a strict betting budget to avoid overspending
• Don’t chase losses
• Take breaks from sports betting or quit altogether if it’s starting to impact your personal life or career
• Remember that gambling is entertainment, not a legitimate way to earn income
• Only bet using legal and licensed sportsbooks

Gambling addiction can have a serious impact on your mental health, personal life, relationships, finances, and career. If you believe you may be addicted to gambling, you should contact the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 for assistance.

North Carolina Sports Betting FAQs

Editor’s Note: Information accurate as of June 2022.