As expected, Caesars has its “in” with online North Carolina sports betting.
The sportsbook operator’s parent company Caesars Entertainment, Inc. announced an expanded partnership Tuesday with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to bring its mobile platform to the Tar Heel State for the March 11 launch.
Pending approval by the North Carolina Lottery Commission, Caesars gains access to the new market via a license with the tribe’s gaming group, guaranteeing the sportsbook a seat among a table filled with other major competitors.
Caesars was one of the initial nine operators to apply for a sports betting license, joining FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, ESPN BET, BetMGM, Underdog Sports, and Catawba Two Kings.
“We’re thankful to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and its Sports Betting Committee for making this possible and we look forward to the launch of mobile sports betting in the Tar Heel State,” Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital, said.
Unique relationship
While several operators linked up with sports teams, leagues, or venues in the Tar Heel State to obtain access, Caesars already had a unique relationship formed in North Carolina.
The hotel and gaming company operates two Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian casinos in western North Carolina. That includes running two of the Tar Heel State’s three tribal retail sportsbooks. Two Kings Catawba near Charlotte is the other brick-and-mortar operation.
“Our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee said. “Expanding this longstanding partnership allows us to build on the premier sports wagering experience enjoyed at our in-person sportsbooks by bringing a responsible way to enjoy sports at a deeper level to the hands of North Carolinians 21 and older across the state.”
The expanded partnership also gets Caesars exclusive rights to on-site mobile sports betting at the two casino properties on those tribal lands.
While eight sports venues in the Tar Heel State can by law operate retail sportsbooks, none will go live on March 11. That is reserved for online wagering, which means Caesars will control two in-person sportsbooks during March Madness.
Coming soon
Caesars is already operating its mobile sportsbook in 26 U.S. jurisdictions and Ontario, Canada, which should help the veteran operator pass North Carolina regulations.
Customers in the Tar Heel State can begin registering and creating accounts with mobile sportsbooks on March 1, and the first day of sports wagering is one day before the beginning of the ACC men’s basketball tournament.
Having sports betting up and running for March Madness was a goal for state regulators, and North Carolina, one of the top 10 most populous states in the U.S., presents the potential for a thriving market given its connection to both college teams and professional franchises in the NFL, NBA, and NHL, as well as NASCAR and the PGA Tour.
