North Carolina regulators indicated Tuesday that sports betting won’t begin on Jan. 8, 2024, the day it's legal.
During the North Carolina Lottery Commission’s virtual meeting to discuss more rule changes, the Sports Betting Committee members cited too much work has to be done in terms of approvals for legal sports betting to launch early in the new year.
During an outline of what must be accomplished for online sports betting and retail sportsbooks to open in the Tar Heel State, commissioner Cari Boyce said: “Thank you for clarifying this will not be all done by Jan. 8.”
No specific start date was indicated, but state law requires sports betting to be active by mid-June. Should the commission have everything in place somewhere between those dates, maybe sports betting launches in time for March Madness in a basketball-centric state.
No fantasy sports in Tar Heel State ... for now
The commission did hear the results Tuesday from the public window for comments pertaining to the first rules package that has already been presented and approved by the commission.
The committee voted unanimously to approve changes to that package, including the removal of “fantasy contests" from the rules, citing disagreements from the public as a reason.
The committee chose to leave out that controversial aspect that’s being battled in several U.S. jurisdictions so that sports betting can go live first without hindrance from fantasy opponents. A definition of fantasy contests will be decided at a later date.
Several amendments and public recommendations also led to changes in wording and procedures to the first rules package that was approved.
What’s next in N.C.?
The second rules package was approved by the committee last week. That is now going before the public, which has until Nov. 27 to comment. There will be a public hearing on Nov. 20.
Those recommendations will be heard by the committee on Dec. 6.
The sports betting committee approved a catalog that clarifies what sports can be offered by operators for wagering. It must still receive commission approval.
North Carolina passed a bill to legalize sports betting this past June, and it was quickly signed by Gov. Roy Cooper into law.
The sports betting law allows the state to give out 12 online operating licenses and have retail wagering at eight sports venues.
Currently, in-person sports betting is only permitted in the Tar Heel State at three tribal casinos.
