The Tar Heel State took another important step in implementing rules and regulations for legal sports betting, which can go into effect as early as January 2024.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission’s sports betting committee unanimously voted to approve a second notice of rule-making during Tuesday’s meeting.
The committee, however, didn’t offer any firm updates as to when sports betting will begin in North Carolina. The earliest start date is Jan. 8, 2024, but the law states sports betting doesn’t have to be live until June 2024.
The latest set of rules amended new language and set in motion regulations in several areas, including operator licensing, advertising, and responsible gaming.
A public hearing and public window for comments took place last month, and the commission staff is still compiling recommendations for the sports betting committee. Those will be heard on Nov. 14 and considered for adoption in the first rules package.
With a second set of rules now approved, another opportunity to receive public feedback began Tuesday and will run through Nov. 27, with a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 20. Those recommendations are scheduled to be approved by the committee on Dec. 6.
Second-package details
Much of what was presented to the sports betting committee with the second rules notice was procedural in terms of licensing, applying for a license, and appeals to be denied, which is in line with what most legal sports betting states are doing now.
The use of “risk-free” or “free” wagering terms will be banned in North Carolina. Operators are also not allowed to advertise or be associated with colleges and universities in any way, according to the second rules notice. Marketing tools used on college or university radio, television, and other school platforms is prohibited.
Sportsbooks are not allowed to purchase or contract naming rights at any sports facilities they are associated with, including seating sections or lounges.
The rules package also determined that any in-person anonymous wager or payout greater than $10,000 must include identification from the player and documentation from the operator.
Operators must provide a problem gaming plan to the commission, including handling voluntary and involuntary exclusion programs and offering resources to players concerning problem gaming.
History of N.C. sports betting
Bill 347, which made online and retail sports betting legal in North Carolina, was finalized by the legislature on June 7 and signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper a week later.
The sports betting law allows for the state to give out 12 online operating licenses. Eight sports venues, including the Carolina Panthers’ Bank of American Stadium, the Charlotte Hornets’ Spectrum Center, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, can facilitate retail sportsbooks inside or adjacent to the venue.
Operators will pay a $1 million fee for being licensed for five years, and the state will charge an 18% tax on sportsbooks’ winnings that will go to various funds, including a gambling addiction program.
Currently, in-person sports betting is permitted at three tribal casinos located in the Tar Heel State.
