- North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed an expanded sports betting bill into law in June 2023.
- House Bill 347 legalized mobile sports betting and permitted more retail sportsbooks to open throughout the state.
- Early reports suggested that the expanded network of sportsbooks would be open before the Super Bowl, though there remains uncertainty on when it will officially launch.
On June 14, 2023, North Carolina HB 347 was signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper. However, eager sports bettors are still waiting for when they can place their first bet at a regulated online betting site. With no official date announced, there is no clear launch for expanded retail sports betting and mobile wagering in North Carolina.
Currently, sports bettors in North Carolina can bet at one of three authorized tribal casinos. In 2019, the Tar Heel State legalized sports betting in a limited capacity, with wagering only permitted at tribal casinos throughout North Carolina. It took two years for the betting windows to finally open.
Legal North Carolina sportsbooks can be located at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, Catawba Two Kings Casino, and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Senate Bill 154 legalized retail sports betting at approved tribal casinos in North Carolina.
Under HB 347, retail sports betting can take place off the grounds of tribal casinos, including at professional sports arenas. Additionally, 12 mobile sports betting operators will be approved to offer online gambling platforms.
Launch Delayed As North Carolina Continues To Process Operator Applications
Many North Carolina sports bettors were anticipating legal sports betting to launch in time for Super Bowl 58. Meanwhile, the state is still sifting through multiple applications from sports betting operators.
There are reportedly seven private sports betting operators that have submitted applications for licenses in North Carolina. According to WCNC, the state has confirmed that DraftKings, Bet MGM, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and FanDuel are in consideration.
Due to compliance and background checks on gambling companies that have submitted applications, the launch date for online sports betting in North Carolina has been pushed back.
At this time, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission is working on compliance procedures for these operators. Wesley Harris, a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, emphasized that sports betting is coming:
“Just hang tight, it’s coming, and it’s better to do it right than push it through,” said Harris.
In addition to the private operators, tribal casinos are seeking online mobile betting licenses. The Catawba Two Kings Casino and Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Cherokee, who already offer brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, want to develop mobile sports betting platforms.
With the two tribal casinos applying for sports betting licenses, a total of nine applications have been received by the state. Considering the tribes’ close relationship with North Carolina, it’s likely they will be approved.
Additionally, five service providers and 20 betting suppliers have filed applications with the state. Per the deputy director of sports betting, Sterl Carpenter, this represents 44 percent of requested applications.
The criteria for passing the application process include several components. For instance, operators must disclose internal controls, the ability to submit daily reports, player account management platform review, geolocation testing, demonstration of app technology, and more.
Carpenter noted that only operators who receive a certificate of compliance will be able to accept bets.
March Madness New Target Date For Online Sports Betting
Gov. Cooper has confirmed that sports betting will not be available in North Carolina for the Super Bowl. With that target date passing soon, officials are eyeing another massive sports betting event.
College basketball betting on the NCAA Tournament is one of the biggest events in the United States. In 2023, roughly 31 million Americans placed bets on March Madness games at a sportsbook or with a bookmaker.
Gov. Cooper has stated that the plan is to launch North Carolina mobile sports betting before March Madness begins:
“The idea is to try to get it in place before March Madness,” he said at the Council of State meeting in Raleigh on Tuesday. “There’s a lot going on at the Lottery Commission to make sure that process goes the right way.”
Currently, North Carolina is focusing on launching their mobile sports betting network. The expansion of retail sports betting at in-person locations will be prioritized after online sports betting launches.
