North Carolina sports betting has been legal and live since 2024. The Tar Heel State has evolved into a fantastic market for online wagering. Bettors have their choice of eight sports betting apps, including top shops like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars.
North Carolina Recent News
Betting has quickly become big business in the state, with the future looking incredibly bright. Below, we have a comprehensive guide to North Carolina sports betting, including the best places to play, common offers, details on how to get started, and much more.
| Top North Carolina Regulated Sportsbooks | | Available States |
|---|---|---|
Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | AZ CO IN IA KY LA NJ NC OH PA VA |
Image  | $1500 First Bet Offer | AZ CO DC IN IA IL KS KY LA MA MD MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV WY |
Image  | Up to $250 Matched First Bet | AZ CO DC IL IN IA KS KY LA MA MD ME MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV |
Image  | AZ CO CT DC IL IN IA KS KY LA MA ME MD MI NH NC NJ NY OH OR PA TN VA VT WV | |
Image  | Not | AZ CO IL IN IA KS LA KY MA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA TN VA WV |
Image  | Not | AZ CO CT DC IA IL IN KS KY OH MA MD MI NC NJ NY PA TN VA VT WV |
Image  | Bet $5 Get If Your Bet Wins $100 in Bonus Bets | AZ CO CT DC IL KS KY LA IN IA MA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA TN VA VT WV WY |
Image  | AL, AK, AR, CA, DC, GA, IL, IN, KS, ME, MN, MS, NE, NM, NC, ND, NY, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WY | |
North Carolina Sportsbooks
#1
Terms and Conditions
New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $100 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
#2
Terms and Conditions
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US)
877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR)
21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
#3
Terms and Conditions
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. See assets.underdogfantasy.com/
#4
#5
Terms and Conditions
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/
#6
#7
#8
#9
Terms and Conditions
NEW TO DRAFTKINGS CUSTOMERS. After registration, play a $5+ entry in Pick6 to receive $60 in Bonus Picks. Max 1 redemption per customer. Bonus Picks will expire after 14 days if unused. Promo Period: 1/26/2026 –2/8/2026. Eligibility: Must be 18+ years of age or older (19+ in NE, AL) (21+ in AZ, MA, VA).
#10
Terms and Conditions
Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/
#11
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
North Carolina Promotions & Bonuses
Terms and Conditions
New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $100 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
Terms and Conditions
Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
It’s a great time to be a sports bettor in North Carolina as there’s an abundance of sportsbooks and promos to consider. Sign-up offers are available for new players, while existing users can grab new sportsbook promos. Typical types of offers include:
- Welcome Bonus: Claim sign-up offers like deposit matches and no sweat bets.
- Odds Boosts: The chance for bigger returns on winning wagers.
- Bonus Bets: Use these credits and place bets without laying out the cash.
- Loyalty Programs: Get various perks as you rack up reward points.
To maximize value out of bonuses and promos, keep the below checklist in mind:
- Know the Terms: Understand the terms and limits before claiming an offer.
- Compare: Take the time to shop options before settling on an offer.
- Grab Promo Codes: Bonus codes from trusted sources provide access to great deals.
- Plan it Out: Establish a gameplan to make the best use of your bonuses.
For more information on North Carolina sports betting promos - visit our NC page.
Is Sports Betting Legal In North Carolina?
In 2019, state law permitted retail sportsbooks on tribal lands, with the first opening in 2021. Online and mobile betting wasn’t given an official green light until 2023, with the full launch happening in 2024. The North Carolina sports betting market is fully regulated for both sportsbooks and consumers.
Find a list of the best legal betting sites in the US here!
- Legal Framework: Online sports betting was signed into law in 2023, with the launch happening the following year. Sportsbooks are subject to strict requirements to do business in the state.
- Regulatory Body: The North Carolina Education Lottery covers and upholds regulations, as there is no state gambling commission. The Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission also provides oversight of retail betting.
- Key Restrictions & Limitations: You must be 21 or older and located in the state to wager with North Carolina sportsbooks. There are currently no wagering restrictions on college sports or in-state teams.
Terms and Conditions
New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $100 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
top north carolina sportsbooks
The Odds Shark team is fully on top of the North Carolina sports betting market. We’ve gone through all of the options and whittled down the list to the most trusted and reputable sportsbooks that you can play with today. Our reviews are thorough, unbiased, and updated regularly, making it simple for you to quickly scout the best options.
Are Online Casinos Legal in North Carolina?
Online casinos are not legal in North Carolina. The state’s gambling laws only allow for land-based tribal casinos, with no provisions for legal, regulated online casino gaming. While there has been chatter about changes, there is currently no legislative momentum.
The state’s regulatory focus remains on the current state of affairs, including the relatively new sports betting industry. Lawmakers have shown little appetite for further gambling expansion, and recent efforts to legalize commercial casinos have met with significant resistance.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in North Carolina?
Sweepstakes casinos are accessible in North Carolina. These platforms operate under federal sweepstakes law and allow players to participate in casino-style games by using virtual currencies. There is no purchase necessary to play, but there are chances to win real prizes.
These platforms also offer an alternate method of entry, which keeps them in compliance with existing sweepstakes laws. There has been no significant enforcement action taken against these sites by the state, and many of the leading brands are available to play.
Learn More About Sweepstakes Sites
history of sports betting legislation in north carolina
When the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA in 2018, the floodgates were open for sports betting. The ruling placed the matter into the hands of individual states to figure out for themselves. Here’s how the process has played out in North Carolina.
July 2019: SB 154 is signed into law, permitting retail sports betting on tribal lands. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened the first sportsbooks in 2021, followed by The Catawba Indian Nation in 2022.
June 2023: After several rounds in the legislature, Gov. Roy Cooper signs HB 347 into law, authorizing online sports betting to begin in early 2024.
March 2024: Legal online sports betting officially launches in the Tar Heel State, with Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel the first books to go live.
how to start betting in north carolina
You can start betting in North Carolina quickly and easily. Registration can be handled from your smartphone or desktop in a matter of minutes. If you’re 21 or older, physically located in the state, and ready to go, just follow the below steps to hit the ground running.
choose a book
Review the top legal and regulated sportsbooks here on this page. Choose your welcome offer and click the links to begin registering. You’ll simply follow the prompts from that point.
account registration
Follow the onscreen instructions and enter the requested information. You’ll verify your age and location, accept the sportsbook terms, verify that everything is correct, and proceed to create your account.
deposit funds
You need funds to play with and also to activate the offer. Head to the cashier section on the website or app. Choose your preferred banking method and follow the instructions to deposit.
Check out the best online betting deposit methods.
place your bet
Review the current lines and decide what you want to bet on. Click the odds for your selection to add it to the betting slip. You’ll add in your stake, apply any promos, and click to place the wager.
withdraw
Winnings on successful wagers are credited to your account as soon as it settles. If you want to withdraw, head back to the cashier section. Choose your method and amount, then process the transaction.
North Carolina Sports Betting Partnerships
Interest levels are sky high in North Carolina across a wide range of sports. From the pro teams to the stellar collegiate programs, there’s a passionate fanbase to be found. You can bet on all of the top sports in many ways, including moneyline, spreads, totals, props, SGPs, and futures.
The Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Charlotte Hornets all capture plenty of attention. The same holds true for numerous college squads, including Duke, North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest. Other popular attractions include the PGA Tour and Nascar.
A couple of the top books have deals in place with local teams:
comparison with other states
The North Carolina sports betting market is among the youngest in the nation, but early returns indicate a smashing success. The market has been a big draw for top sportsbooks, and customers have responded in droves. The state is neighbored by several other legal markets, including Virginia and Tennessee.
Market size and wagering handle
- North Carolina is ahead of its two neighbors in terms of population, but Dec. 2024 handle data places it as the second of the three.
- North Carolina: $626.6 million
- Virginia: $734.3 million
- Tennessee: $569.8 million
Tax rates and market impact
- NC tax rate is 18% for sportsbooks. It’s 15% in VA, while Tennessee takes a percentage of the total handle. For Dec. 2024, that translated into:
- North Carolina: $6.4 million
- Virginia: $6.5 million
- Tennessee: $10.5 million
Overall implications
- Tennessee online sports betting went live in 2020, with Virginia launching in 2021. North Carolina debuted in 2024 and has some ground to make up, but population trends suggest they’ll take the lead among the three markets over the long run.
future of sports betting in north carolina
The sports betting market in North Carolina is relatively new but also maturing rapidly. As the evolution continues, there’s always the possibility of some notable changes. Here are a few possibilities worth monitoring in the coming months and years.
- Legislative changes: As a relatively newer market, there shouldn’t be substantive changes right away. Moving forward and using other markets as an example, future discussions could center on things like specific bet types and tax rates.
- Wagering changes: Betting on in-state collegiate teams are allowed, as are college player props. Those have been hot button issues in other markets, so there’s the chance of some resistance popping up down the road.
- Sportsbook expansion: Sports betting law allows up to 11 online sportsbooks. Nine of the slots are taken for now. We could see the debut of new entrants, but powerhouse books at the top of the charts make it tough for others to break through.
- Emerging trends: The online and mobile worlds continue to change rapidly, and we’re not just talking about sports betting websites and apps. We could see further advancement in a few more areas before too long.
- Increase in Speed: Improvements to payout speed are on the wishlist for many bettors, and books are starting to hear the call. Meanwhile, the live betting experience continues to improve, with further leaps expected in the future.
- Technological advancements: AI, machine learning, and virtual reality could help sportsbooks push the needle even further. Improving predictive and data models from DraftKings - thanks to AI - are likely just the start.
- Other improvements: As viewing habits evolve, the convenience of live streaming continues to be a big deal. More availability and continued improvements from top books appear to be a given.
Responsible gambling in north carolina
Sports betting should be a form of entertainment, but that’s not always the case for all players.
Problem gambling exists and impacts some either directly or indirectly. Thankfully, there are resources to lean on if you or someone you know is dealing with the issue.
- North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline - 1-877-718-5543
- North Carolina Problem Gambling Program
- More Than A Game website
Responsible gambling tenets such as always playing within your limits are good principles to adhere to. Additionally, keep your play with the legal and regulated options in the state, which can be found on the North Carolina State Lottery Commission website.
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