Top North Carolina Sports Betting Sites: Best Sportsbooks in North Carolina for 2024

Written by: Oliver Thompson, Senior Editor Fact-checked by: Emily Davies, Head of Content Last Updated: August 21, 2024, 1:40 PM ET

Legal online sports betting in North Carolina features well-known sportsbooks such as FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings. Bettors in the Tar Heel State can take advantage of the top promotions for new users from leading U.S. online betting platforms in 2024.

Our North Carolina sports betting guide provides comprehensive information, including the best bonuses, eligibility criteria, and more.

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$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

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20% Deposit Match up to $1,000

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place daily first bet of min. $5 and get up to a $100 bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours.

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First Bet Offer up to $1500

Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Deposit $50 play with $100

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Caesars Sportsbook
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
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Fanatics Sportsbook
20% Deposit Match up to $1,000
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place daily first bet of min. $5 and get up to a $100 bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours.
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BetMGM Sportsbook
First Bet Offer up to $1500
Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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FanDuel Sportsbook
Deposit $50 play with $100
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North Carolina Sports Betting Updates

Sports betting is now accessible throughout North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the state's gambling history. Here are some key events:

  • Aug. 29, 2024: North Carolina anticipates a surge in sports betting activity with the arrival of football season.
  • Aug. 12, 2024: Sports betting operators in North Carolina report a notable 12% hold for July.
  • July 11, 2024: A proposed ban on college player props is deemed "unlikely" after failing to gain traction in 2024.
  • July 8, 2024: June sees a drop in North Carolina’s sports betting handle and revenue due to the off-season lull.
  • June 7, 2024: Catawba Two Kings Casino announces construction for a permanent $700 million gaming and hotel facility in North Carolina, with groundbreaking set for June 7.
  • May 17, 2024: North Carolina's online sports betting operators generate $105 million in revenue in their first month.
  • May 10, 2024: Retail sports betting remains distant despite several major sporting events.
  • May 3, 2024: A bill is filed to ban college player props, in response to NCAA concerns about player harassment.
  • April 16, 2024: North Carolina sportsbooks accumulate $659.3 million in their first month of online sports betting.
  • March 27, 2024: In the first week of online sports betting, North Carolina posts a $198 million handle, with March projections nearing $600 million.
  • March 23, 2024: The Tar Heels secure a spot in the Sweet 16 with a win over Michigan State.
  • March 20, 2024: NC State is a popular underdog pick in March Madness.
  • March 15, 2024: North Carolina regulators shift focus to legal horse racing and retail sportsbooks.
  • March 14, 2024: There are indications that North Carolina may consider legal online casinos in the future.
  • March 13, 2024: Nearly 370,000 online sportsbook accounts are active within the first two days of legal sports betting, with over 5.3 million geolocation checks conducted.
  • March 13, 2024: NASCAR announces BetMGM as the title sponsor for the Charlotte Xfinity race on May 25.
  • March 11, 2024: North Carolina officially launches online sports betting. FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings are the first to go live.
  • March 11, 2024: Gov. Roy Cooper and Greg Olsen place ceremonial first bets in North Carolina.
  • March 11, 2024: As online sports betting goes live, bettors can explore a comprehensive guide to North Carolina betting options.
  • March 9, 2024: With online sports betting launching soon, Duke and North Carolina have the shortest odds for the ACC men's basketball tournament.
  • March 5, 2024: Covers’ Brad Senkiw highlights the best sportsbook bonuses for North Carolina's launch.
  • March 4, 2024: FanDuel partners with the Carolina Panthers, securing a retail sportsbook at Bank of America Stadium.
  • March 1, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook launches legal mobile sports betting in North Carolina, with access limited to tribal lands.
  • March 1, 2024: North Carolina begins pre-registration for online sports betting ahead of the March 11 launch.
  • Feb. 29, 2024: North Carolina approves seven sports betting operator licenses just before the online launch.
  • Feb. 29, 2024: Caesars notes that North Carolina bettors wager more on college sports than those in other states.
  • Feb. 28, 2024: Online sports betting operators anticipate a significant boost from North Carolina’s market.
  • Feb. 27, 2024: Pre-registration for online sports betting starts in North Carolina.
  • Feb. 21, 2024: North Carolina advances in its online sports betting preparations with two new suppliers receiving provisional licenses.
  • Feb. 19, 2024: Eight sportsbook operators, including bet365, BetMGM, and FanDuel, plan to launch in North Carolina on March 11.
  • Feb. 12, 2024: North Carolina issues its first sports betting licenses to suppliers.
  • Feb. 6, 2024: North Carolina’s Super Bowl bettors will have to use retail sportsbooks for the final time this year.
  • Jan. 30, 2024: Caesars partners with the Eastern Band of Cherokee for North Carolina online sports betting access.
  • Jan. 24, 2024: North Carolina aims for a March Madness sports betting launch with up to 12 operators.
  • Jan. 23, 2024: Underdog Sportsbook requests a license and partners with McConnell Golf for North Carolina entry.
  • Jan. 10, 2024: The North Carolina Lottery Commission approves procedures to advance legal sports betting.
  • Jan. 8, 2024: DraftKings and BetMGM secure agreements with NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway for North Carolina.
  • Jan. 4, 2024: Preparations for North Carolina sports betting continue with activities required before the official launch.
  • Dec. 29, 2023: North Carolina Lottery Commission releases the initial list of sportsbook applicants for the state’s legal sports betting.
  • Dec. 15, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook partners with the Carolina Hurricanes for North Carolina access.
  • Dec. 13, 2023: The North Carolina Lottery Commission revises rules to allow affiliate marketing for sports betting.
  • Dec. 5, 2023: Penn partners with Quail Hollow Club for ESPN BET access in North Carolina.
  • Dec. 1, 2023: North Carolina begins its sports betting operator licensing process, expecting numerous applications.
  • Nov. 29, 2023: North Carolina won’t have legal online sports betting in time for Super Bowl LVIII.
  • Nov. 20, 2023: Covers’ Geoff Zochodne discusses what online sportsbooks will offer in North Carolina in 2024.
  • Nov. 17, 2023: bet365 becomes the official sportsbook of the Charlotte Hornets, the first professional sports team in North Carolina to partner with a sportsbook.
  • Nov. 14, 2023: North Carolina regulators confirm that sports betting won’t begin on Jan. 8, 2024.
  • Nov. 7, 2023: The N.C. State Lottery Commission’s sports betting committee approves a second rule-making notice.
  • Oct. 17, 2023: The N.C. State Lottery Commission starts the rulemaking process for mobile sports betting and fantasy contests.
  • Sept. 27, 2023: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission discusses potential budget adjustments for the sports betting launch.
  • Sept. 20, 2023: A committee votes to propose rulemaking for mobile sports betting.
  • Sept. 11, 2023: The NC State Lottery Commission hires Gaming Laboratories Inc. for sports betting operations and regulations.
  • June 28, 2023: The legislature revisits the idea of a racing commission and horse tracks.
  • June 19, 2023: The NC State Lottery Commission begins planning for the new sports betting law with public updates.
  • June 14, 2023: Gov. Roy Cooper signs HB 347, legalizing online sports betting in North Carolina between Jan. 8 and June 14, 2024.
  • June 7, 2023: The North Carolina House approves HB 347, paving the way for online sports betting with a potential January 2024 launch.
  • June 6, 2023: The NC House agrees to Senate changes to HB 347, sending the bill to the governor.
  • June 1, 2023: The Senate passes HB 347, moving it to the House for further consideration.
  • May 30, 2023: The Senate Finance Committee discusses HB 347, with amendments to licensing fees and tax rates.
  • May 24, 2023: The Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee passes HB 347 with amendments, including higher tax rates and legalized horse race wagering.
  • March 29, 2023: HB 347 passes the House and moves to the Senate, potentially allowing 10-12 online sportsbooks to operate from Jan. 8, 2024.
  • March 28, 2023: HB 347 receives a favorable report from the NC House Rules Committee, advancing to a full House vote.
  • March 21, 2023: HB 347 clears a legislative committee and moves to the finance committee with a motion to remove college event wagering.
  • March 13, 2023: Rep. Jason Saine introduces HB 347 to legalize online sports betting, allowing up to 12 mobile sportsbooks.
  • March 3, 2023: GeoComply data shows significant interest in mobile sports betting in North Carolina with 1.75 million transactions accessing sportsbooks in other regions during the 2022 NFL season.
  • Feb. 27, 2023: A bill for mobile sports betting in North Carolina, allowing

Sports Betting Legality in North Carolina

Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina.

  • Online Sports Betting: Legal online sports betting launched on March 11, 2024. This followed the signing of HB 347 by Governor Roy Cooper on June 14, 2023.

  • Retail Sports Betting: Retail sports betting has been legal since July 26, 2019, when Governor Cooper signed S 154 into law. The first legal bet was placed on March 18, 2021, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos. Catawba Two Kings Casino opened its sportsbook on September 6, 2022.

Who is eligible to bet on sports in North Carolina?

Residents and visitors of North Carolina who are 21 years or older can place sports bets both online and in person. There are physical sportsbooks available at Harrah’s casinos and the temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino, while online betting is also widely accessible.

Here's what you need to know before making your first sports bet in North Carolina.

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Minimum Age

You must be at least 21 years old to legally place a sports bet in North Carolina.

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Mobile Betting

North Carolina offers statewide legal mobile sports betting. You can place bets using various sports betting apps available in the state.

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Remote Registration

Remote registration is available, allowing you to sign up and start betting online without needing to visit a physical sportsbook in person.

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In-State Betting

Online sportsbooks in North Carolina use geolocation technology to confirm your location. You do not need to be a resident, but you must be physically present within the state to place bets online.

Retail Sportsbooks Icon

Retail Sportsbooks

Retail sports betting is available at three locations in North Carolina: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and the temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.

Taxable Winnings Icon

Taxable Winnings

Winnings from sports betting in North Carolina are subject to a state tax rate of 6% on gambling revenue.

The pros and cons of North Carolina sports betting

North Carolina's March 11, 2024, online sports betting launch has brought a range of new opportunities for bettors. With new-user bonuses available from top betting sites in the state, it's an exciting time for sports enthusiasts.

However, there are some notable limitations to be aware of when betting in North Carolina. While online sports betting has been introduced, in-person betting is restricted to three locations, and the tax rate on sports betting revenue is relatively high.

  • checkNorth Carolina online sports betting is live now
  • checkRetail betting is available at three tribal casinos
  • checkCollege sports betting permitted
  • crossLate to legalize online wagering
  • crossIn-person betting limited to three locations
  • cross18% tax on sports betting revenue exceeds constitutional limit

How to start betting in North Carolina

With the recent launch of online sports betting in North Carolina, getting started with sports wagering has never been easier. You can choose to place bets online through various sportsbooks or visit one of the physical locations in the state.

1

Select a sportsbook

Prominent names like FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings are available in North Carolina. Research each sportsbook’s features, reviews, and bonuses to determine which one best fits your betting needs.

2

Register online

North Carolina sports bettors can sign up and place bets online from anywhere in the state. You will need to provide personal information and complete identity verification checks during the registration process.

3

Claim a bonus

New bettors in North Carolina can take advantage of various sportsbook promotions. These often include 'bet and get' offers and second-chance bets to enhance your betting experience.

4

Deposit funds

Before placing any bets, you will need to deposit funds into your account. Popular methods for deposits and withdrawals include credit cards, debit cards, ACH transfers, pre-paid cards, and digital payment options like PayPal.

5

Choose your bet types

North Carolina bettors can choose from various bet types such as moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, parlays, teasers, futures, and live bets. Explore these options to find what suits your betting style.

6

Start betting

It's advisable to compare odds and betting lines across different sportsbooks before placing your bets. North Carolina sports betting sites may offer different odds and betting opportunities, so doing some research can be beneficial.

7

Withdraw funds

When it comes time to withdraw your winnings, review the sportsbook’s terms and conditions, as well as third-party reviews, to understand their response times and any potential fees associated with withdrawals.

Odds explained

North Carolina sportsbooks display American odds by default. Favorites are indicated with a minus sign (-), showing the amount you need to bet to win $100. For example, -190 means you need to wager $190 to win $100.

Underdogs are shown with a plus sign (+), representing the amount you would win from a $100 bet. For example, +110 means a $100 bet would yield $110 in profit if the underdog wins.

Use an odds converter to switch between American, fractional, and decimal odds formats for your convenience.

What you can't bet on in North Carolina

North Carolina offers a range of sports betting options, including professional, college, and Olympic sports. However, there are certain types of bets that are not allowed under state regulations.

Below are the notable exceptions to sports betting in North Carolina:

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NFL Draft

While you can bet on the NFL Draft in North Carolina, specific rules apply. Round-specific wagers must be placed before the round begins, and pick-specific wagers need to be made before the previous two picks are announced.

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Politics

Betting on political events is not permitted in North Carolina. This restriction applies to all states with legal sports betting.

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Entertainment award ceremonies

Betting on entertainment awards shows, such as the Oscars, is not allowed in North Carolina.

Other types of gambling

North Carolina is not known for its extensive gambling options. Aside from a few tribal casinos, the state offers limited legal gaming alternatives.

Here’s a look at the various types of gambling available in North Carolina:

🎰Casino

North Carolina has three tribal casinos. Two are operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and The Catawba Tribe has a temporary version of the Two Kings Casino. These locations offer traditional table games and slot machines.

Real money online casino games are not yet legal in North Carolina.

🃏Poker

Poker is only legal in North Carolina at tribal casinos. The state considers poker a game of chance, and thus it is illegal in other locations.

🏇Horse racing

North Carolina does not have active horse racing tracks. However, tribal casinos allow off-track wagering on horse racing. Discussions about establishing a racing commission have been revived due to positive momentum in sports betting.

🏆Daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports are legal in North Carolina and operate in a grey area of the law. Popular operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, and Monkey Knife Fight. There are no state laws explicitly prohibiting DFS activities.