NC Sports Betting Launch Just in Time for March Madness Governor Predicts

The Launch Timeline for Sports Betting in North Carolina

This question remains paramount for all parties concerned. Operators are eager to determine the start date for their marketing strategies and pre-registration efforts targeting new bettors. The public's demand for legal sports betting is unmistakable. 

Online sports betting in North Carolina is now a reality, thanks to Governor Roy Cooper, who signed HB 347 into law on June 14, 2023. He has expressed his desire to initiate sports betting before March Madness. Notably, the men's NCAA Basketball Tournament is scheduled to commence on March 19, with Selection Sunday coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

Exciting times are ahead, as the top North Carolina betting apps might start operating as early as March and definitely by June 14, 2024. Get ready for up to 12 sportsbooks to go online around then!

The bill initially allowed for up to 12 legal online sportsbooks and also gave the green light for eight in-person sportsbooks at professional sports venues across the state. But, there was a bit of a change in fall 2023. Each operator needs to have a written agreement with a professional sports organization in North Carolina. 

So, it's not just about betting but also about partnering up with local sports heroes!

Current Partnerships Between Operators and Sports Organizations

Six out of the seven applicants for sports betting operations have revealed their partnership details, which are:

• FanDuel: PGA Tour
• DraftKings: NASCAR
• BetMGM: Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Fanatics Betting and Gaming: Carolina Hurricanes
• PENN Sports Interactive (ESPN BET): Quail Hollow Club (PGA Tour course)
• Bet365: Charlotte Hornets

Which Sportsbooks will be Available in North Carolina?

Good news for sports betting fans in North Carolina! Seven operators threw their hats in the ring by the December 27, 2023 deadline. 

Here they are:

• BetMGM
• Bet365
• DraftKings
• ESPN BET
• FanDuel
• Fanatics
• Underdog Sports

Also joining the fray are Catawba Two Kings Casino and Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Cherokee. They're in the game, too, but need to team up with partners to run their sites. For instance, Caesars NC Sportsbook is all set to manage the site for Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Cherokee.

Who Runs NC Sports Betting, and Who Are The Main Participants?

In North Carolina, a few key figures and organizations shape the sports betting landscape, all working under the framework of the Sports Wagering and Horse Race Wagering law signed by Governor Roy Cooper. This law put the North Carolina Lottery Commission (NCLC) in the driver's seat, giving it the authority to create and enforce rules and regulations for sports and horse race wagering.

Governor Cooper, a central figure in this initiative, has significantly shaped the Commission itself. He appointed five of the Commission's nine members, which underscores his influence in the direction and governance of sports betting in the state.

Ripley Rand, the chair, is at the helm of the Commission. Rand's leadership and decisions are pivotal in guiding the Commission's policies and actions. Another notable figure is Sterl Carpenter, the Deputy Executive Director for Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting. Carpenter's expertise is valuable, given his experience in a similar role in Massachusetts, a state that successfully launched mobile and retail sports betting the previous year.

These individuals, along with the NCLC, are the key players coordinating the sports betting scene in North Carolina. Their roles involve ensuring that the sports betting environment is regulated, fair, and in compliance with the law, setting the stage for a well-managed and responsible sports wagering industry in the state.

When live, North Carolina Sportsbook Promos will be available immediately, allowing players to begin placing wagers with extra rewards.