North Carolina has officially joined the ranks of states offering mobile and online sports wagering, with licensed operators beginning to accept bets on Monday. This development comes nine months after legislation was passed to authorize such activity statewide.
Several well-known interactive sports wagering operators, along with their affiliates, marked the occasion with special events to showcase the new gambling options in the state. North Carolina now becomes the 30th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to provide mobile sports betting, as reported by the American Gaming Association.
Registered customers located within the state's borders now have the opportunity to place bets on professional, college, or Olympic-style sports. DraftKings Chief Commercial Officer expressed excitement about entering the North Carolina market, citing the state's passion for college sports, NASCAR, and major sports leagues.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission, tasked with licensing operators and establishing rules under the 2023 law, announced the commencement of mobile and online wagering at noon on Monday. The timing coincided with the start of the popular Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball tournament.
Notable figures, including Governor Roy Cooper, participated in the inaugural bets. Governor Cooper, a fan of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, placed a wager on the team to win the Stanley Cup, with any winnings pledged to the team's charitable foundation.
The commission disclosed the initial eight licensees, including prominent names like DraftKings, BETMGM, and FanDuel Sportsbook. These operators swiftly began accepting deposits and setting up accounts for players aged 21 and above, leading to a flurry of advertising campaigns to attract customers.
Under the 2023 law, interactive wagering companies were required to form agreements with in-state professional teams or certain sports venues to secure licenses. The legislation also permits in-person betting at future sportsbooks near large sports or racing venues, with regulations to be enforced gradually.
Revenue generated from sports wagering will be taxed at 18% of gross betting revenue, with estimates suggesting potential annual revenues exceeding $100 million within five years. A portion of these funds will support athletic departments at UNC system schools, youth sporting events, and programs for gambling addiction education and treatment.
The introduction of mobile and online sports betting in North Carolina marks a significant milestone for the state's gambling landscape, offering new opportunities for both operators and consumers alike.
