North Carolina Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
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Online sports betting is legal in North Carolina, offering a wide of gambling opportunities for sports bettors in the state. In this article, we’ll explore the current legal landscape of sports betting in North Carolina and provide insights on the best online sportsbooks available to you.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover the sports betting laws and regulations in North Carolina.
- Explore the best online sportsbooks in North Carolina.
- Find out the latest news about sports betting in North Carolina.
Top North Carolina Sports Betting Sites and Apps
North Carolina currently has 8 licensed sportsbooks for bettors to choose from, specifically the following:
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- ESPN bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Underdog Sportsbook
We’ve taken a closer look at all of them to make your life easier and listed our top 5 below based on several factors, such as competitive odds, markets, unique features, as well as welcome bonuses.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Legislation was passed in June 2023, and the state officially launched both retail and online sportsbooks in March 2024, just missing the Super Bowl. Bettors must be 21 or older, with identity verification required during registration.
Currently, 8 sportsbooks have licenses to operate in the state, with potential for more in the future, considering the state’s sports betting laws allow for up to 11 sportsbooks.
Quick Facts About North Carolina’s Sports Betting Laws
| Legal Online Sports Betting Launch Date | June 14, 2023 |
| State Regulator | North Carolina State Lottery Commission |
| Legal Age | 21+ |
| Number of Licensed Bookmakers | 8 |
| Retail Betting | ✅ |
| Horse Racing | ✅ (retail only) |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
| eSport Betting | ✅ |
| College Sports Betting | ✅ |
| Taxes | 4.5% tax on winnings |
Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in North Carolina
There’s no shortage of high-quality sports teams in North Carolina, with a former Stanley Cup champion joined in NC by NFL and NBA stalwarts.
Here’s a look at the most popular North Carolina sports teams for fans and bettors alike:
- Carolina Panthers: A member of the NFL since 1995, the Carolina Panthers have twice won the NFC Conference Championship (2003 and 2015). They play their home games at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
- Charlotte Hornets: The Charlotte Hornets play in the NBA’s Southeast Division, with home games taking place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. They were once part-owned by the legendary Michael Jordan.
- Carolina Hurricanes: The Carolina Hurricanes are the Tar Heel State’s premier ice hockey team. They won the Stanley Cup at the end of the 2005/06 season.
- Charlotte FC: Soccer fans in North Carolina can get their fix at the Bank of America Stadium, which Charlotte FC shares with the Panthers. They played their inaugural season in Major League Soccer in 2022.
- Haas F1: Not many states can lay claim to having their Formula One team! Haas F1 is headquartered in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and is regarded as Ferrari’s unofficial satellite team.
As well as playing host to a number of professional sports teams, North Carolina also welcomes an array of unmissable sporting events to state soil:
- NASCAR: As many as 15 NASCAR racing teams have set up home in North Carolina, while the Charlotte Motor Speedway track has hosted two NASCAR Cup Series races every year since 1960.
- PGA TOUR: Two NC golf courses, Quail Hollow and Sedgefield Country Club, host the Wells Fargo Championship and Wyndham Championship respectively. The 2024 US Open was played at the Pinehurst Resort.
College Sports
North Carolina also has a rich history of success in college sports:
- University of North Carolina: The North Carolina Tar Heels have won 50 national championships, including seven in basketball and a staggering 21 in women’s soccer.
- Duke University: At the time of writing, Duke’s Blue Devils have 17 national championships to their name, with basketball, golf, and lacrosse, in particular, sports in which the college has shown great distinction.
- North Carolina State: The Wolfpack, as their teams are known, have won five national championships: two in men’s basketball, and three in women’s cross-country running.
From Stephen Curry to Mia Hamm, North Carolina has produced many masters of their craft over the years. However, it’s Michael Jordan, who was raised in Wilmington, who is perhaps NC’s greatest sporting son.
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
As if to prove how many sports fans in North Carolina love their local teams, you only need to look at the attendance figures for their games.
Fun fact: In 2023, the Panthers’ average attendance was a massive 71,635, while the Hornets and the Hurricanes averaged 16,449 and 19,526, respectively.
As you can imagine, these three teams also prove hugely popular with bettors in NC and beyond, as do the state’s college sports teams.
Are There More Gambling Options in North Carolina?
We know that retail and online sports betting are live and legal in North Carolina, but what about other gambling options in the state?
- Horse Racing: When HB 347 was passed into law in 2023, it included a section dedicated to horse racing – so, yes, bettors in North Carolina can legally wager on the sport. This includes parimutuel wagering. One famous horse racing landmark in North Carolina is the Pinehurst Harness Track, which has hosted the Spring Matinee Harness Races for nearly 75 years.
- Fantasy Sports: North Carolina doesn’t have specific laws prohibiting fantasy sports, placing it in a grey area. This allows popular DFS operators like DraftKings Fantasy and FanDuel to operate freely, offering additional excitement for sports enthusiasts.
- Retail Sportsbooks: Sports betting enthusiasts can place their bets at North Carolina’s three retail locations, featuring sportsbooks at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.
- Land–Based Casinos: Although online casinos are prohibited in North Carolina, bettors can play their favorite games at the state’s three tribal casinos:
- Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Hotel & Casino
- Poker: While online poker is prohibited, you can play poker in person at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Tips and Strategies for North Carolina Bettors
While there’s no guaranteed formula for always winning at sports betting, there are tips and strategies that you can apply to enhance your overall betting success:
Do Your Research
Identifying value bets starts with thorough research. While it’s tempting to rely on gut instinct, successful betting decisions should be supported by credible statistics and data analysis. Delving into the figures helps uncover worthy favorites and potential underdogs.
Understand Sports Betting Odds
A common mistake among new bettors is misunderstanding the value of odds. Recognizing when odds are favorable ensures that you’re placing bets with the best potential returns.
Manage Your Bankroll
Effective bankroll management is crucial for sustainable betting. This involves placing bets that represent 2% to 5% of your total bankroll and avoiding pitfalls like chasing losses. Proper staking helps maintain financial health while enjoying sports betting.
North Carolina Sports Betting Taxes
It’s important to remember that taxes on your sports betting activity in North Carolina must be filed properly. Planning ahead can simplify this process.
- Tax Rates: The state imposes an 18% tax on sports betting, and winnings are also subject to a 6% state tax.
- Filing Requirements: Bettors must file their sports betting returns. Winnings over $600 require the completion of a W-2G form, which is sent to the IRS. Even if winnings are below this threshold, they must still be reported using the W-2G form.
- Revenue Sharing: Gambling in North Carolina is limited to tribal casinos, with revenue-sharing payments made to the state in exchange for this exclusive right.
For more information on managing your sports betting taxes, refer to our comprehensive guide.
Ready to Place Your Bets in North Carolina?
Congratulations! You’re now equipped with essential knowledge about sports betting in North Carolina and are now ready to explore the live and legal options available. Register for an online account with a sportsbook that aligns with your betting preferences.
Now that you’re aware of NC sports betting laws, why not learn more about sports betting regulations across different states? This should help you weigh your options and make an informed decision, especially if you are looking to travel within the country.
