Best North Carolina Sportsbooks | Guide to NC Sports Betting 2025

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North Carolina sports betting has been live since March 11, 2024. The best legal North Carolina sportsbooks include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and ESPN BET.

Offers from Trusted North Carolina Sportsbooks

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  1. Brand Ambassadors such as Jamie Foxx
    Lion’s Boost for Daily Odds
    Cash Out Option for Early Wins
    Promo Code
    Tooltip
    GDCBONUSBRP1500
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip
    11
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip
    Yes
    Cash Out
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    Yes
    New Customer Only
    Yes
    BetMGM is a leading sportsbook in the US, offering a wide range of betting markets and a highly rewarding M Rewards program.
  2. 2
    Bet365 Sports
    Established 2001
    More Details
  3. 3
    Caesars Sports
    Established 2013
    More Details
  4. 4
    Fanatics Sport
    Established 2022
    More Details
    Valid Today:
    Play Now
    Bet Builder: Yes
  5. Valid Today:
    Play Now
    Bet Builder: Yes
  6. 6
    FanDuel Sports
    Established 2009
    More Details

Best Overall North Carolina Sportsbook: FanDuel

Launch DateMarch 11, 2024
Bonus CodeNo Code Required
NC PartnerPGA Tour
Retail LocationNone

FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina is already well-known in the state due to its Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) offerings. Backed by Flutter Entertainment, it's available in many states and provides various sports and live betting bets. It is one of the contenders to be the best North Carolina sportsbook.

FanDuel is even in partnership with HackerOne, which runs a bug bounty program to monitor potential issues and ensure customers' data is secure.

North Carolina Sportsbook with Best Rewards: BetMGM

Launch DateMarch 11, 2024
Bonus CodeGDCBONUSBRP1500
NC PartnerCharlotte Motor Speedway
Retail LocationNone

Another challenger for the title of best sportsbook in NC, BetMGM Sportsbook is active in over 20 states and offers a loyalty program called MGM Rewards. BetMGM North Carolina's program lets you earn points from betting, which you can use for online bonuses or real-world perks.

BetMGM uses SSL encryption to secure data in transit, and the company's app also has a secure backend and authentication.

Best North Carolina Sportsbook for Retail Betting: Caesars

Launch DateMarch 11, 2024
Bonus CodeGAMBLING1000
NC PartnerTribal Casino Gaming Enterprise
Retail LocationsHarrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River

Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina already has a strong presence in the state, with two physical and legal sportsbooks. Now that online North Carolina sports betting is legal, you can expect live betting, NFL streams, and a rewards program that can be put to use at local casinos. 

The Caesars app's servers are protected by firewalls, and controls are in place in case of data breaches.

Best New North Carolina Sportsbook: ESPN BET

Launch DateMarch 11, 2024
Bonus CodeGAMBLING
NC PartnerQuail Hollow Club
Retail LocationNone

ESPN BET Sportsbook is the new brand from PENN Entertainment and is now available in 17 states. We love ESPN BET North Carolina's promos and odds menus for new users.

Best North Carolina Sportsbook for Live Betting: DraftKings

Launch DateMarch 11, 2024
Bonus CodeNo Code Required
NC PartnerNASCAR
Retail LocationNone

DraftKings North Carolina has been offering DFS games for some time. Now that North Carolina sports betting is legalized, it's a popular choice due to its extensive reach and additional features like live streaming and live betting.

More North Carolina Sportsbooks

NC SportsbookWelcome OfferPartner
bet365 North CarolinaGAMBLINGCharlotte Hornets
Fanatics Sportsbook North CarolinaNo Code NeededCarolina Hurricanes
Underdog SportsN/ASedgefield Country Club

How we Rate & Review North Carolina Sportsbooks

Examining betting offerings by state is a key part of how we rate sportsbooks on Gambling.com.

Our first and foremost criterion is a license to operate from the North Carolina Lottery Commission. Without that, we cannot and will not recommend a North Carolina sportsbook to our users.

Luckily, our top North Carolina mobile sportsbooks are well-versed in running secure betting apps.

Creating a strong password is often a good place to start for anyone concerned about security measures in North Carolina sportsbooks.

North Carolina bettors should familiarize themselves with various available promotions and banking options, as well.

How to Sign Up for North Carolina Sportsbooks

For each Sportsbook, simply follow these easy and straightforward steps:

  1. Click "sign up" on the website or app.
  2. Make your first deposit.
  3. Choose a sport and select a market to bet on.
  4. Enter how much you wish to bet and submit your bet slip.

You must be 21 or older to bet in North Carolina. To place a bet in North Carolina, you must show a photo ID as proof of age. This is part of North Carolina sports betting regulations to prevent underage gambling. 

You must be physically located within the Tar Heel State. Geolocation technology will enforce this to check your location. A strong WiFi connection is advised, especially near state borders. 

Most U.S. states follow similar restrictions.

North Carolina Sports Betting at a Glance

Is NC Sports Betting Legal?Yes - online & retail
Launch DateMarch 11, 2024
No. of NC Sportsbooks8
Legal Betting Age21+
Sports Betting BillHB 347
Total Licenses12
Sports Betting Revenue$35,717,877 (Dec. 2024)
Regulatory BodyNorth Carolina Lottery Commission
NC Population10.44M (2020)

North Carolina Sports Betting Laws & Legislation

North Carolina has become a key player in online sports betting. Previously, it was limited to sports betting at two tribal casinos, including the Cherokee Valley River Casino. The state expanded its reach in 2023 when Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347, and now, online sports betting is available for Tar Heel State residents.

The North Carolina Lottery Commission oversees online sports betting, allowing up to 12 online operators. Eight sports facilities can also open retail betting lounges. Mobile licenses will cost $1 million yearly for five years, with an 18% tax on sports betting revenue. Betting on pro, college, and Olympic sports is permitted.

Bettors must be in North Carolina to place bets, verified by geolocation software. 

North Carolina Sports Betting Taxes

Like all states in the United States, the IRS taxes North Carolina sports betting winnings. You must declare all winnings to the IRS and complete a W-2G form if you win over $600. Sportsbooks can hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. You can deduct the losses from your winnings when completing your tax forms.

Just shy of the one-year mark, North Carolina has generated over $583M in revenue and over $105M in taxes, significantly more than the North Carolina General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division's forecast of $64.6M. This research predicted that the state would generate up to $100.6 million in Year 4.

Of the funds generated by the state from legal sports betting, $2 million will be invested into the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for gambling addiction education and treatment programs.

North Carolina amateur sports will receive a $1 million grant to fund a program to increase youth sports opportunities.

What's more, $1 million will be given to North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission grants, and the state will pump $300,000 each into 13 state universities every year to support their athletic departments. Up to $500,000 will also be put aside for NCLC expenses.

After that, 50% of any remaining proceeds will go to the state's General Fund, 30% to the North Carolina Major Events, Games and Attractions Fund, and 20% will be distributed equally to the 13 universities above to support their athletic departments increasingly.

North Carolina Sports Betting Timeline: How We Got Here

  • March 11, 2024: North Carolina online sports betting launches with eight operators.
  • June 14, 2023: Gov. Cooper's signature then officially legalized sports betting in North Carolina. 
  • June 7, 2023: After Senate amendments, the House approved HB 347 again. 
  • March 30, 2023: The North Carolina State House passes Bill 347, sending it to the Senate for amendments and approvals.
  • Sept. 7, 2022: The Catawba Two Kings casino adds a retail sportsbook.
  • June 22, 2022: The state House voted 50-51 against Senate Bill 688, which would have allowed 10 to 12 online NC sportsbooks to launch.
  • March 18, 2021: North Carolina introduces sports betting in 2021 at two Harrah's tribal casinos. 
  • July 26, 2019: Retail North Carolina sportsbooks at tribal casinos become legal. Senate Bill 154 passed the Senate with a 43-7 vote, the House followed with a 90-27 vote, and Cooper signed it into law.

Over the years, some lawmakers in the state have been less than enthusiastic about introducing legal sports betting and mobile betting on North Carolina sportsbooks. However, those favoring the bill want to increase the state's tourism, jobs, and revenue.

Comparing North Carolina Sports Betting to Other States

In comparison to other legal sports betting states, North Carolina differs in three key ways:

  1. Tax rate
  2. Partnerships with in-state teams, venues, or leagues
  3. Betting on college sports

One positive for North Carolina compared to other states is the amount of revenue it looks set to generate. Each North Carolina sports betting license holder's gross gaming revenue will be taxed at 18% after the Senate raised the rate from the House's 14% suggestion.

According to North Carolina law, this is "the total of amounts received by an interactive sports wagering operator from sports wagers as authorized under this Article, less the amounts paid as winnings before any deductions for expenses, fees, or taxes."

However, the tax rate in neighboring Virginia is 15%, while in neighboring Tennessee, the state taxes operators based on the total amount bet. Furthermore, Michigan taxes its online sports betting operators at 8.4%, and Ohio, which launched sports betting in January 2023, doubled its tax rate within six months.

To launch North Carolina sportsbooks, operators must also have a written agreement with a sports team, venue, or league. Eight sportsbooks currently have their licenses and are operating without significant issues.

Unlike in other states, such as Vermont, North Carolina sports betting doesn't have restrictions on games featuring in-state colleges.

While North Carolina could one day regret not implementing stricter college betting regulations like some of the other states, some North Carolina punters may be more familiar with sports betting regulations than residents of other states who have welcomed such betting for the first time. That's because in-person sports betting is already allowed at certain locations.

Where Can I Bet on Sports in North Carolina?: Retail [State] Sportsbook Locations

Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort: You can find Harrah's Cherokee Casino resort in Cherokee with a sportsbook featuring a 90-foot game wall, bar service, and both kiosks and windows to place bets.

There are also three private Fan Caves for hire if you want to experience VIP betting with a group of friends. 

Caesars at Harrah's Cherokee Valley River: Harrah's Cherokee Valley River is located in Murphy, the Westernmost seat in NC.

You can place bets at five self-service kiosks or one of four ticket windows, and a large TV wall with reclining seating allows you to enjoy all the action. 

Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook: The Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook opened in the fall of 2022 and is located in Kings Mountain. All-day betting kiosks and wall-to-wall TVs ensure you don't miss a minute of the key games.

Popular Sports & Teams to Bet on in North Carolina

The sports betting scene in North Carolina is like a friendly neighborhood game—growing and full of excitement, especially among those who love a good basketball rivalry like the famous Duke versus UNC matchup. Thanks to the recent approval of the law and the launch of sports betting, the state, traditionally conservative when it comes to gambling, warmly welcomed the idea. For North Carolina fans, it's all about capturing the fun and potential perks of betting on sports, turning game-watching into a more social and engaging activity.

North Carolina boasts three major league sports teams and 19 NCAA Division I schools, giving sports fans plenty of teams to cheer.

Football

The NFL's Carolina Panthers compete in the NFC South and play home games at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Panthers joined the NFL in 1995 and have made two Super Bowls, losing to the New England Patriots in Denver Broncos.

Basketball

The Hornets joined the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1988. Successes have been fleeting, and the Hornets have never won a title in franchise history. The once-Michael Jordan-owned team plays games in the 19,000-seat Spectrum Center.

red glowing basketball

Hockey

The Hurricanes are the most successful major league franchise in the Carolinas, having won the 2006 Stanley Cup. They play games at the PNC Arena in Raleigh and compete in the Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division.

College Sports

  • Prominent College Football Teams: Appalachian State Mountaineers, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
  • Prominent College Basketball Teams: UNC Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils, NC State Wolfpack, 

The Tar Heels represent the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and are among the top 10 most successful US college sports programs. They are renowned for their basketball program, which has won the National Championship six times, and they boast the one and only Michael Jordan as an alumni.

The Blue Devils compete on behalf of Duke University, and like the Tar Heels, they are famous for their basketball program. The Blue Devils have won the NCAA title on five occasions under the leadership of the legendary “Coach K” (Mike Krzyzewski).

Currently, there are very few sports betting restrictions for North Carolina sportsbooks. You can place college sports bets on in-state teams, including player props and bets, which is prohibited in many other states like New Jersey. However, you can't bet on high school sports or eSports.

Responsible Gambling in North Carolina

First-time North Carolina bettors should also remember that it is essential to practice responsible betting. Punters should only bet what they can afford to lose, and if they are wagering and the fun stops, they should stop betting.

You can get help for gambling addiction and other problem gambling issues by contacting state-specific charity organizations like the North Carolina National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous. The NCPGP provides and supports effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach, and treatment services throughout North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) also supports the gambling assistance program More Than a Game:

  • Phone: 877-718-5543
  • Text: Send phrase morethanagamenc to 53342
  • Live chat: morthanagame.nc.gov

The Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission also works with land-based sportsbooks to ensure staff members are trained to identify signs of problem gambling and take appropriate action.

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