North Carolina successfully launched online sports betting, creating an industry buzz in 2024.
Eight online sportsbooks went operational in time for March Madness in the basketball-centric state and profits immediately began rolling in for operators and North Carolina's government.
Through November, Tar Heel State sports betting generated $548 million in revenue from more than $4.8 billion wagered, filling North Carolina coffers with nearly $100 million in tax revenue.
North Carolina Sports Betting: 2024 Highlights
Jan. 24: North Carolina announces a March 11 launch date and up to 12 online sports betting operators.
Feb. 27: Online sports betting operators expect North Carolina sportsbooks to provide a meaningful boost to their U.S. businesses.
March 11: North Carolina officially launches online sports betting.
March 14: North Carolina House representatives indicate there could be a push for legal online casinos in the future.
April 16: NC sportsbooks pull in $659.3 million in wagers over its first month of legal online sports betting.
June 3: The Catawaba Two Kings Casino breaks ground for a permanent, $700 million gaming facility in North Carolina.
July 11: North Carolina doesn’t ban college player props after legislation fails to gain steam in 2024.
Sept. 25: The North Carolina Lottery Commission approves a compliance proposal, allowing the state to integrate retail sportsbooks.
Oct. 2: FanDuel donates $1 million to support North Carolina HBCU students.
Oct. 21: A North Carolina bettor turned a $50 bet into just over $33k by cashing out on their 14-leg spread parlay at Caesars.
North Carolina Sports Betting: Where Things Stand
FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, ESPN BET, and bet365 quickly partnered with North Carolina sports teams and venues before going live on March 11. Underdog Sports also launched its first traditional sportsbook in any U.S. market.
Books offer a full catalog of sports, including college player props. State legislators turned down an opportunity to follow the NCAA’s request to ban individual stat wagers on college players during the summer. The Tar Heel State currently only offers retail sports betting at three tribal casinos.
North Carolina Sports Betting: What's Next?
North Carolina has several gaming items lined up for 2025. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission is in the process of approving rules for pari-mutuel wagering. Horse racing bets could begin in the first half of next year.
Retail sports betting in North Carolina should also get off the ground. Those timelines are based on operators working with facilities to meet state requirements. With a couple of PGA Tour stops, several NASCAR races, multiple pro-team venues, and college sports events throughout the state, it’s likely in-person betting goes live at some point in 2025.
North Carolina legislators could also gauge interest in bringing online casinos to residents. Allowing commercial casinos in the state, however, doesn’t appear to be on the front burner.
North Carolina Sports Betting: Notes and Quotes
Getting into the Tar Heel State in 2024 was huge for major sports betting operators, as it's the United States' ninth-most populous state. DraftKings' chief commercial officer Jeremy Elbaum told Covers in March that North Carolina offered a rare blend of college sports enthusiasts, three major pro teams, and big-time racing with NASCAR that books covet.
“That made it a high priority for myself, the team, and obviously working with the state itself,” Elbaum said. “It’s unique here in the sense of how big it is and how well-rounded it is.”
