Disclaimer: For those outside of North Carolina, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
About Sports Betting in North Carolina
North Carolina may have been a little late to the nationwide sports betting party, but, boy, did it pick the right time to join.
Launching mobile wagering a day before the ACC men's basketball tournament and six days before Selection Sunday, the Tar Heel State clocked $659 in sports betting handle in that inaugural month of March 2024 -- a monthly record that still stood a year later and is sure to be shattered in March 2025.
Yet while North Carolina may still be a college basketball state, its bettors have shown a fondness for football as well, wagering upwards of $575 million during pigskin season.
$1 million initial license fee for operators, as well as a $1 million renewal fee every five years.
Official league data mandate for in-play betting on U.S. sporting events.
Tax revenue funds athletic departments for state colleges, state tourism, gambling addiction education and treatment, youth sports and recreation grants, and the general fund.
21+ age minimum for betting.
Online sportsbooks must partner with an in-state pro sports team or venue to be licensed.
Legalization Timeline
Retail sports betting legalized
July 26, 2019
The state legislature and governor agree to legalize in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in North Carolina.
Tribal casinos begin accepting sports wagers
March 18, 2021
Two tribal casinos in North Carolina, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, begin taking retail sports bets.
Governor signs bill legalizing online sports betting
June 14, 2023
Governor Roy Cooper signs legislation that allows online sportsbook platforms to partner with pro sports franchises and venues to begin offering mobile wagering.
Online betting launches right before March Madness
March 11, 2024
Online wagering launches one day before the ACC men's basketball tournament and six days before the NCAA tournament's Selection Sunday.
Record betting handle reported right after mobile launch
March, 2024
North Carolina sportsbooks accepted $659.3 million in sports bets during the state's first month of online wagering, a record that still stood nearly a year later.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Tribal casinos have been accepting in-person wagers since March 2021, and online wagering through commercial sites launched three years later.
Who can bet on sports in North Carolina?
Persons of at least 21 years of age can place wagers in North Carolina provided they are physically present in the state.
Who regulates sports betting in North Carolina?
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission regulates commercial gaming in the state.
What can I bet on in North Carolina?
The state lottery has approved one of the most comprehensive lists of sporting events for wagering, including: Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, biathlon, bowling, boxing, cornhole, cricket, cycling, darts, Ultimate Frisbee, esports, field hockey, floorball, football, futsal, Gaelic Games, golf, handball, ice hockey, jai alai, lacrosse, MMA/UFC, motorsports, netball, Olympics (Winter and Summer), pesapallo, pool, mini-golf, rodeo, rowing, rugby, sailing, skateboarding, snooker, beach soccer, softball, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball, water polo, wrestling, and winter sports.
What can't I bet on in North Carolina?
Wagers on negative outcomes, like the occurrence of injuries or penalties, are not allowed in North Carolina. Same goes for betting on the outcomes of replay reviews and disciplinary proceedings involving athletes. There's also no betting on entertainment award shows in North Carolina.
Is DFS legal in North Carolina?
While daily fantasy sports exist in a gray legal area in North Carolina, some prominent operators still offer contests in the state. One major DFS operator, Underdog, picked North Carolina as the first state in which to launch its sportsbook product.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in North Carolina?
While it's legal to bet on horse racing in North Carolina, both in-person at tribal casinos and online via licensed advance-deposit wagering platforms, it was not yet possible to do so as of February 2025. That's because North Carolina "continues to work on a parimutuel horse wagering program that will be beneficial to the state," according to a spokesperson. When that day comes, ADWs like FanDuel Racing can be expected to quickly enter the fray.
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