Home Pop Culture North Carolina’s Gambling FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide After Legalization

North Carolina’s Gambling FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide After Legalization

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North Carolina Sports betting
North Carolina Sports betting 2024: Sports wagering rules finalized
North Carolina Sports betting
North Carolina Sports betting 2024: Sports wagering rules finalized. Pictured the N.C Hornets BasketBall team.

North Carolina Sports betting 2024: Sports wagering rules finalized. Anticipated effects, alliances and revenues. 

In the first half of 2024, regulated horse racing and sports wagering are expected to be legal in North Carolina, the ninth-largest state, due to legislation enacted into law by Governor Roy Cooper that significantly expands gambling opportunities.

The bill-signing ceremony was conducted at Spectrum Centre, the venue of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, by the Democratic governor. Several sportsbooks are expected to be permitted at or near professional sports venues per legislation passed into law by the Republican-controlled General Assembly last week.

According to the new law, betting could commence as early as January 8, 2024, and as late as mid-June 2024. This will generate new revenues for the state and, according to proponents, will strengthen in-state professional sports franchises and create new employment.

Let’s answer some of your FAQs on The Tar Heel state’s gambling scene. 

What is the status of online sports betting in NC? 

In June 2023, Governor Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law at a special ceremony, ushering in an exhilarating epoch for sports enthusiasts in North Carolina.

Nevertheless, patrons must patiently await the introduction of the initial mobile applications and promotional campaigns for North Carolina online sportsbooks, which could take several months. 

North Carolina betting promos are anticipated to become available in early 2024. The legislation in North Carolina regarding online sports wagering is scheduled to be enforced on January 8, 2024. Following this, regulators have a 12-month window to approve the launch of online sportsbooks.

Despite this timeline, individuals interested in betting can still explore North Carolina betting promo codes before the official launch of online sports wagering.

Which sportsbooks can we expect for the launch of North Carolina sports betting?

Sportsbook operators must have a “written designation agreement” with the proprietors of specific major league sports venues and professional sports teams. The NASCAR or PGA Tour before obtaining a license. 

Can the Commission approve “interactive sports wagering operators?” 

ESPN BET, via its parent company, PENN Entertainment, has established a collaborative partnership with Quail Hollow Club, the venue for the prestigious Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour. It is probable that ESPN BET will resume its sponsorship of the PGA Tour stop once its current agreement with Wells Fargo concludes. 

By partnering with the PGA Tour, FanDuel has gained access to the market. Bet365 and the Charlotte Hornets have agreed for Bet365 to serve as the official mobile sportsbook of the NBA team. 

DraftKings, Fanatics, and BetMGM, among others, are anticipated to follow suit.

Is legal sports gambling in North Carolina available right now? 

Currently, sports betting is exclusively permitted at three casinos in North Carolina, two of which are owned and operated by American Indian communities. In essence, the state’s sole authorized form of wagering is a lottery instituted in 2006.

Already permitting mobile sports wagering, neighboring states of Tennessee and Virginia entice North Carolina residents to wager across state lines. According to proponents of the law, the best method to control gambling that would otherwise occur clandestinely or through offshore accounts is to tax and regulate sports betting.

Who are the regulators of NC gambling? 

Since mobile and online sportsbooks are now permitted, sportsbooks will be regulated by the North Carolina Lottery Commission. This organization already supervises the North Carolina Education Lottery administration. A new committee has been recently authorized by the Lottery Commission to support the implementation of mobile sports wagering.

Presently operating three sportsbooks are subject to regulation by the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission. Retail establishments hosted by tribal casinos comprise all three.

What is the legal NC gambling age? 

The legal age to wager on sports in North Carolina is 21. This is true for both online and retail wagering. In order to place bets at a retail sportsbook, North Carolina sports enthusiasts may be required to present identification. Similarly, operators offering online sports wagering in North Carolina will implement measures to authenticate your age.

Will North Carolina gambling be taxed? 

As the legislation mandates, sports wagering will be subject to a tax of 18% of aggregate betting revenue, less distributed winnings. Legislative analysts project that within five years, this will generate an annual revenue of more than $100 million from sports wagering taxes, resulting in net revenues of $71 million for state treasuries.

A significant portion of the tax revenues from sports wagering would be allocated to problem-gambling programs, athletic programs at most universities in the North Carolina system, and local, regional, and state athletic initiatives.

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