North Carolina Sports Betting: $7,900 in NC Betting Promos

Top 6 North Carolina betting sites

With a statewide North Carolina online sports betting launch now complete, excitement is at an all-time high. Local bettors can place legal wagers from anywhere in the state with the best online sportsbooks in the nation.

Here are our picks for the top six NC betting sites in North Carolina:

1. BetMGM North Carolina

$1,500 in Bonus Bets

Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

CVRBONUS1500

Claim $1,500

BetMGM has been synonymous with gambling for decades, and Tar Heel State bettors should soon discover why. NC bettors can now access the BetMGM online sportsbook from anywhere in the state and enjoy a slick mobile app, over a dozen banking options, and one of the industry's top loyalty programs — MGM Rewards. Additionally,  BetMGM debuted several game-changing features for the NFL season, which is great news for all Carolina Panthers fans. 

Refer to our BetMGM Sportsbook review for a full breakdown and claim BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS1500' to claim $1,500 in bonus bets. 

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.3/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Trusted banking options
• Sign-up bonus: $1,500 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 2 days

2. FanDuel North Carolina

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Claim $150

FanDuel North Carolina has officially arrived, and Tar Heel State bettors now have full access to one of the best overall sports betting site of 2024. FanDuel's stand-out features include excellent market coverage for a variety of leagues and best-in-class live streaming and wagering capabilities. FanDuel also provides the best user experience in 2024, allowing all NC sports bettors to access all of these great features seamlessly. 

Check out our FanDuel review for further analysis, and don't forget to use our exclusive FanDuel promo code offer.

• App Store rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Live streaming
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

3. bet365 North Carolina

Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets

Code: COVERS

Claim $1,000

Partner of the Charlotte Hornets, bet365 North Carolina is equipped with some of the best odds in the country, a huge assortment of player props, and a top-tier live streaming section that allows you to watch games unfold in real-time. bet365 should quickly become a fan favorite in the Tar Heel State, especially if you're a European football fan, as the operator is the official sports betting partner of the UEFA Champions League.

Refer to our bet365 review for an extensive analysis of the sports betting operator, and snag our special bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' to lock in up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.5/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Excellent market coverage
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,000 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

4. Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUS1000

Claim $1,000

After partnering with the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission, Caesars Sportsbook became the first sportsbook to accept legal online wagers on March 1, 2024. Now that the online sportsbook is fully live, bettors can enjoy its intuitive interface, enticing promos, and white-glove customer support from anywhere in North Carolina. Additionally, North Carolinians automatically gain access to Caesars Rewards — our best sportsbook rewards program in 2024 — upon signing up. 

Visit our Caesars Sportsbook review for more information, and use our Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUS1000' to land up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

• App Store rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)
• Best feature: White glove customer support
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

5. DraftKings North Carolina

Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Bonus

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min. $5 and get $150 in bonus bets.

Ends: Jan. 5, 2025

Available in Massachusetts

Claim $150

After inking a partnership deal with NASCAR, DraftKings has officially entered the fast lane in North Carolina. The daily fantasy sports (DFS) giant is now a household name in the sports betting world thanks to its mobile sportsbook, which sits atop our list of best U.S. sports betting apps in 2024.

Our DraftKings review offers an in-depth look at this fantastic online sportsbook. No DraftKings promo code is required to claim $150 in bonus bets and other sportsbook promos from DraftKings in NC.

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Best mobile app
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

6. Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina

$1,000 in No Sweat Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place a min. $1 daily first bet and, if the wager loses, get up to a $100 no sweat bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours.

Ends: Dec. 31, 2024

Claim $1,000

Fanatics Sportsbook has quickly become one of the top sportsbooks in the U.S. and promises to give NC bettors yet another fantastic betting app to add to their mobile devices in 2024. With smooth navigation, NFL live streaming, and an impressive FanCash rewards program that allows you to turn wagers into sports merchandise, Fanatics is a must-download in the Tar Heel State.

Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook review to learn more and claim up to $1,000 in bonuses in North Carolina. A Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is not required.

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.5/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Trusted banking options
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Best North Carolina sports betting offers and bonuses

With online sportsbooks now open for business in North Carolina, now is the time to build an early bankroll by taking advantage of generous welcome bonuses.

Here are the top North Carolina sports betting promos available:

BetMGM - $1,500 in Bonus Bets: New BetMGM North Carolina users can claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager falls flat. Simply create a new sportsbook account using BetMGM bonus code 'CVRBONUS1500', make a $10 deposit, and place an unsuccessful initial real money wager to receive the qualifying stake back in bonus bets.

FanDuel - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass: FanDuel is gifting new North Carolina users $150 in bonus bets when they create a new sportsbook account; make a $5 deposit, and place a winning $5 wager. No FanDuel promo code is required to claim this offer, which is valid until Dec. 22, 2024.

bet365 - $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or bet $5, get $150: Register using bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' and choose between a 'bet $5, get $150' and a '$1,000 First Bet Safety Net' offer. Both offers are available until Nov. 26, 2024, at 6:59 a.m. ET. 

Caesars Sportsbook - $1,000 First Bet on Caesars: Use Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERSBONUS1000' to secure up to $1,000 in bonus bets. Caesars will return your full stake if your first real money wager settles as a loss.

DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus: New DraftKings NC users won't need a DraftKings promo code to claim $150 in bonus bets instantly. If you make a minimum deposit of $5 and wager $5, you will receive eight (8) individual $25 bonus bets, win or lose. The bonus bets expire after seven days (168 hours), and this offer is valid until Jan. 5, 2025. You can also access a secondary '20% deposit match up to $1,000' welcome offer, which is valid until Oct. 31, 2024. 

Fanatics Sportsbook - $1,000 in No Sweat Bets: Fanatics promises one $100 bonus bet for each of your first 10 days of betting with the sportsbook if your daily $1 wager is unsuccessful. No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is needed to claim up to $1,000 in bonus bets in North Carolina.

Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.

Comparing top North Carolina sports betting sites

	Caesars Sportsbook	FanDuel	DraftKings	BetMGM
Welcome bonus	$1,000 First Bet on Caesars	Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass	Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + $1K Deposit Bonus	$1,500 in bonus bets
Promo code	COVERSBONUS1000	Not required	Not required	CVRBONUS1500
Payout time	Within 24 hours	Within 24 hours	Within 24 hours	2 days
Odds provider	Caesars	Flutter	SBTech	BetMGM
Live betting	Yes ?	Yes ?	Yes ?	Yes ?
Early cash out	Yes ?	Yes ?	Yes ?	Yes ?
Live streaming	Yes ?	Yes ?	Limited ?	Yes ?
Covers BetSmart Bonus Rating	? 5/5	? 4.9/5	? 4.6/5	? 4.8/5

North Carolina sports betting updates

It is now possible to lock in wagers from anywhere in the Tar Heel State.

Read on to learn about critical moments in North Carolina's legal sports gambling history:

Nov. 12, 2024: North Carolina’s sports betting operators produced their lowest win rate in October since online wagering went live in March. Revenue slipped 70% month-over-month in October.

Oct. 21, 2024: A North Carolina bettor turned a $50 bet into just over $33k by cashing out on their 14-leg spread parlay on Caesars.

Oct. 9, 2024: North Carolina's handle rises 55% in September thanks to football betting action. 

Oct. 2, 2024: FanDuel donates $1 million to support North Carolina HBCU students. 

Sept. 25, 2024: The North Carolina Lottery Commission approves a retail sports betting compliance proposal, allowing the state to integrate land-based sportsbooks into its legal market. 

Sept. 18, 2024: North Carolina approves proposals for Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Retail Sportsbook and esports.

Sept. 9, 2024: North Carolina produces lowest revenue since launch, reporting only $33.75 million in August. 

Aug. 29, 2024: North Carolina is set for a big sports betting boom this fall with the return of football. 

Aug. 12, 2024: North Carolina sports betting operators post an impressive 12% hold in July. 

July 11, 2024: North Carolina is "unlikely" to ban college player props after legislation fails to gain steam in 2024. 

July 8, 2024: North Carolina's handle and revenue plummet in June due to summer sports betting lull. 

June 7, 2024: North Carolina's online handle drops 19% in May largely due to it being the college sports offseason.

June 3, 2024: The Catawaba Two Kings Casino announces construction dates for a permanent gaming facility in North Carolina, as they will break ground on the $700 million gaming and hotel site on June 7, 2024. 

May 17, 2024: North Carolina operators produce $105 million in revenue in first month of online sports betting. 

May 10, 2024: Retail sports betting is not close to launching in North Carolina despite numerous big sporting events happening this summer. 

May 3, 2024: North Carolina files a bill to prohibit college player props following a campaign launched by NCAA present to curb player harassment. 

April 16, 2024: NC sportsbooks pull in $659.3 million over its first month of legal online sports betting.

March 27, 2024: North Carolina posts a $198 million handle in its first week of online sports betting, with projections showing nearly $600 million for the month of March.

March 23, 2024: The No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-3.5) punch their ticket to the Sweet 16 with an 85-69 win over the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans.

March 20, 2024: The NC State Wolfpack are among the popular March Madness underdog picks in 2024.

March 15, 2024: North Carolina regulators turn their attention to legal horse racing and retail sportsbooks.

March 14, 2024: North Carolina House representatives indicate there could be a push for legal online casinos in the future. 

March 13, 2024: According to GeoComply Solutions Inc., nearly 370,000 online sportsbook accounts were active within the first two days of legal North Carolina sports betting. Since the launch on March 11, the company has conducted more than 5.3 million geolocation checks in the state. 

March 13, 2024: NASCAR announces BetMGM as the title sponsor for the Xfinity race in Charlotte, NC on May 25.

March 11, 2024: DraftKings CCO Jeremy Elbaum celebrates its 'high priority' launch in North Carolina and looks forward to future markets.

March 11, 2024: Gov. Roy Cooper and former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen make ceremonial first bets in North Carolina.

March 11, 2024: North Carolina officially launches online sports betting at 12 p.m. ET. FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings are the first three North Carolina betting sites to go live.

March 11, 2024: With just a few hours to go before NC launches legal online wagering, bettors can explore a complete guide to North Carolina betting options and read our North Carolina online launch primer.

March 9, 2024: With legal online sports betting arriving in North Carolina in two days, the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels have the shortest conference title odds ahead of the 2024 ACC men's basketball tournament.

March 5, 2024: Covers' own Brad Senkiw outlines the best North Carolina sportsbook bonuses you can claim for the March 11 launch. 

March 4, 2024: North Carolina's launch of online sports betting is big for NASCAR, as Managing Director Joesph Solosky cites it could be a "top three" state for the sport in terms of betting handle.

March 4, 2024: FanDuel partners with the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. The partnership secures a retail sportsbook for FanDuel at the Bank of America stadium.

March 1, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook becomes the first sportsbook to launch legal mobile sports betting in North Carolina via its expanded partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Bettors must be physically located on tribal lands to use the platform. 

March 1, 2024: North Carolina opens sports betting pre-registration ahead of the state's March 11, 2024 online sports betting launch.

Feb. 29, 2024: North Carolina approves seven sports betting operator licenses the day before online sportsbooks go live with pre-launch welcome bonuses.

Feb. 29, 2024: Caesars tells Covers' Geoff Zochodne that retail bettors in North Carolina wager more on college sports on average compared to bettors in other states.

Feb. 28, 2024: Online sports betting operators expect North Carolina sportsbooks to provide a meaningful boost to their U.S. businesses.

Feb. 27, 2024: Pre-registration for online sports betting will begin in North Carolina on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Feb. 21, 2024: North Carolina is making strides in its online sports betting launch as two new suppliers were recently approved — making 16 overall — and received provisional licenses to work with operators.

Feb. 19, 2024: Eight sportsbook operators are aiming to launch in North Carolina on March 11, 2024: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Underdog. 

Feb. 12, 2024: North Carolina issues its first batch of sports betting licenses to suppliers that perform a variety of roles related to legal sports betting but not to actual sportsbook operators. 

Feb. 6, 2024: With an online sports betting launch just over a month away, North Carolina Super Bowl bettors will be limited to retail sportsbooks for the final time in 2024.

Jan. 30, 2024: Caesars partners with Eastern Band of Cherokee for North Carolina online sports betting access. 

Jan. 24, 2024: North Carolina meets the goal of a March Madness sports betting launch. Ripley Rand, NC Sports Betting Committee chair, stated, "Now it is up to the applicants to finish the job in order to go live on March 11."

Jan. 24, 2024: Legal online North Carolina sports betting will start on March 11, 2024, with up to 12 operators potentially being available on day one. 

Jan. 23, 2024: Underdog Sportsbook officially requests a sports betting license in North Carolina as it partners with McConnell Golf.

Jan. 10, 2024: The North Carolina Lottery Commission approved two essential procedures to push legal sports betting along — the use of internal control submission requirements and the process to obtain a certificate of compliance from the state.

Jan. 8, 2024: DraftKings partners with NASCAR, while BetMGM and Charlotte Motor Speedway strike a deal in North Carolina. The agreements will allow DraftKings and BetMGM to offer online sports betting in the Tar Heel State.

Jan. 4, 2024: While a specific date has yet to be chosen for the launch of North Carolina sports betting, a list of activities that operators must complete before going live has been presented.

Dec. 29, 2023: The North Carolina Lottery Commission releases the initial list of sportsbooks applying for an operator license when the state launches legal sports betting, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN BET, bet365, and more.

Dec. 15, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook announces a partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes, opening up access for the operator in North Carolina when the state launches legal sports betting. 

Dec. 13, 2023: The North Carolina Lottery Commission amends marketing affiliate ruling, allowing legal sports betting operators to work with these parties when online and in-person wagering launches in 2024.

Dec. 5, 2023: Penn announces a partnership with Quail Hollow Club for ESPN BET market access in North Carolina. Every operator must partner with a sports team, PGA course, or Arena as part of their application for a sports betting license. 

Dec. 1, 2023: North Carolina begins its sports betting operator licensing process and expects to receive "hundreds" of applications from interested parties.  

Nov. 29, 2023: North Carolina will not launch legal online sports betting in time for Super Bowl LVIII.

Nov. 20, 2023: Covers' Geoff Zochodne outlines what online sportsbooks will offer in North Carolina when legalization arrives in 2024. 

Nov. 17, 2023: bet365 becomes the official sportsbook of the Charlotte Hornets, marking the first North Carolina professional sports team to establish such a partnership. 

Nov. 14, 2023: North Carolina regulators announce that sports betting will not arrive on Jan. 8, 2024, when it becomes officially legal. 

Nov. 7, 2023: The NCLC's sports betting committee approves a second notice of rule-making.

Oct. 17, 2023: The N.C. State Lottery Commission begins the rulemaking process for mobile sports betting, including pick 'em style fantasy contests. 

Sept. 27, 2023: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission meets to discuss potential budget tweaks ahead of the legal sports betting launch. 

Sept. 20, 2023: A committee of the North Carolina State Lottery Commission votes to propose that the regulatory body approve a rulemaking process for mobile sports betting. 

Sept. 11, 2023: The NC State Lottery Commission hires Gaming Laboratories Inc. to help with the launch of sports betting operations and regulations. 

June 28, 2023: The North Carolina legislature has revived discussions regarding establishing a racing commission with the long-term goal of building horse tracks.

June 19, 2023: The NC State Lottery Commission announces they have begun planning to implement the new law, starting with a web page for public updates. 

June 14, 2023: Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law, paving the way for legal online sports betting to launch in the Tar Heel State between Jan. 8 and June 14, 2024.

June 7, 2023: The North Carolina House officially approves HB 347, voting 68-45 in favor of the legislation. With Gov. Roy Cooper's signature, North Carolina online sports betting will become a reality with a potential January 2024 launch.

June 6, 2023: The NC House concurs with the Senate's changes to HB 347 by a 67-42 vote. One more vote is needed before the bill heads to the governor's desk.

June 1, 2023: The North Carolina Senate passes online sports betting bill HB 347, clearing the way for the House to approve changes. 

May 30, 2023: The Senate Finance Committee discusses HB 347, which will move to the Senate Rules Committee if it gains approval. Pending their approval, it will move to a Senate vote. 

May 24, 2023: The North Carolina Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee passes HB 347 but adds several amendments to the North Carolina online sports betting bill. Amendments include boosting the tax rate from 14% to 18% and legalizing pari-mutuel horse race wagering. The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.

March 29, 2023: HB 347 passes on the House floor and will move on to the Senate. If approved, 10-12 online sportsbook operators could begin accepting legal wagers in North Carolina on Jan. 8, 2024.

March 28, 2023: North Carolina's journey to sports betting legalization moves one step closer as HB 347 receives a favorable report from the NC House of Representatives rules committee. It will now head to the full House, with a possible vote to come. 

March 21, 2023: House Bill 347 clears a legislative committee by a vote of 17-10 and now moves to the chamber's finance committee. A motion to remove wagering on college events from the bill is put forward.

March 13, 2023: Rep. Jason Saine files HB 347, a bill that would legalize online sports betting in North Carolina. Under the proposed legislation, 12 mobile sportsbooks would be permitted to operate in the state.

March 3, 2023: According to data from GeoComply, North Carolinians are ready for mobile sports betting options. The location detection software identified 1.75 million transactions from the Tar Heel State accessing legal sportsbooks in other regions during the 2022 NFL season.

Feb. 27, 2023: A bill supporting legalized mobile sports betting in North Carolina — allowing for 10-12 sportsbooks — is expected soon. The hope is for an early 2023 launch after an attempt at legalization failed by one vote last year. 

Jan. 12, 2023: The new year reignites hopes that legal sports betting will come to North Carolina in 2023. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger tells reporters that he thinks "the prospects are pretty good. We just have to see."

Sept. 6, 2022: A retail sportsbook opens at the temporary Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.

Aug. 8, 2022: Despite North Carolina failing to legalize online sports betting in 2022, backers continue to push for change. Notably, the Carolina Hurricanes and Charlotte Hornets voice their support for both online NC sports betting and retail wagering in or near their respective arenas.

June 24, 2022: Two Kings Casino plans to open before the start of the 2022 NFL season.

June 22, 2022: A late push to legalize North Carolina online sports betting in 2022 falls apart. After removing college sports betting and passing SB 38 by a vote of 51-50 on the House floor, lawmakers vote against SB 688 by the same margin.

June 21, 2022: The two sports betting bills — SB 688 and SB 38 — pass through the House Judiciary 1 Committee by a 6-3 vote. Several steps still remain before either bill can become law.

June 20, 2022: NC sports betting bills SB 688 and an amended SB 38 will be put to a vote in the House on Tuesday, June 21.

June 17, 2022: The Senate tweaks SB 688 to increase licensing fees and the proposed tax rate. Now, operators seeking licenses would need to pay $1 million, and the tax rate, while unspecified, is expected to be north of 10%.

June 15, 2022: North Carolina sports betting proponents expect the House to pass a mobile sports wagering bill by the June 30 deadline. Still, tweaks to SB 688 and/or HB 361 are inevitable. Tax rates and licensing fees are among the wrinkles to be ironed out before a bill is sent to Gov. Roy Cooper.

June 2, 2022: The North Carolina House has yet to discuss the online NC sports betting bill. There are 28 days remaining in the 2022 legislative session.

May 25, 2022: With about a month left in the 2022 legislative session, North Carolina lawmakers hold firm that legal sports betting will be made available statewide. Sen. Paul Lowe notes that he feels "confident" SB 688 will pass.

May 5, 2022: With North Carolina's 2022 legislative session set to begin on May 18, 2022, stakeholders believe that SB 688 will pass and widespread legal sports betting will arrive.

April 21, 2022: The state Senate has approved a bill to legalize sports wagering, which goes to the House for consideration in May.

Feb. 18, 2022: DraftKings, during its Q4 earnings call, names North Carolina as a potential market for its online sportsbook, pending legal online sports wagering comes into law.

Feb. 15, 2022: Charlotte's first legal retail sportsbook may find a home at Catawba Two Kings Casino.

Jan. 4, 2022: Movement towards a lottery-controlled market is in the cards for 2022, but potentially limited to 10-12 mobile licenses. 

Nov. 4, 2021: The House Commerce Committee approves SB 688 by a vote of 12-4, but the bill must pass through three more committees before it can be finalized. Rep. Jason Saine notes that it will likely be 2022 before more forward movement occurs.

Aug. 19, 2021: The North Carolina Senate passes SB 688 by a 26-19 vote, moving it on to the House.

July 2021: The Catawba tribe officially opens a pre-launch version of its Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.

May 21, 2021: The Eastern Band of Cherokee appeals the decision of Judge Boasberg, which gave the Catawba Nation the green light to begin work on its Two Kings Casino.

April 16, 2021: Judge James A. Boasberg rules in favor of the Catawba Nation’s quest to build a casino in Kings Mountain.

April 7, 2021: Sens. Jim Perry and Paul Lowe file SB 688, which would, among other things, make mobile sports betting legal in the Tar Heel State.

March 25, 2021: The Catawba Nation secures federal approval of its gaming compact with the state.

March 18, 2021: The two Harrah’s casinos officially open their sportsbooks and begin taking the state’s first legal sports bets.

Feb. 25, 2021: The amended gaming compact between the Eastern Band of Cherokee and the state is approved by the federal government.

January 2021: Gov. Cooper controversially enters into a tribal-state compact with the Catawba Nation to allow various forms of gambling, including North Carolina sports betting, at its proposed casino in Kings Mountain.

March 17, 2020: The Eastern Band of Cherokee files a federal lawsuit against the decision to approve the Catawba Nation’s request to build its Two Kings Casino.

March 12, 2020: The U.S. Department of the Interior approves the Catawba tribe’s application to build a casino in Kings Mountain.

Dec. 11, 2020: Gov. Roy Cooper and the Eastern Band of Cherokee submit an amended gaming compact required by the arrival of the new NC sports betting law to the Department of the Interior for review.

July 26, 2019: Gov. Roy Cooper officially signs S 154 into law, legalizing sports betting in North Carolina. The law authorizes sports wagering on tribal lands, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee becomes the only eligible tribe to offer the practice.

May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) repeals the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing individual states to create their own sports betting rules and regulations.

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes, North Carolina has legalized online and retail sports betting.

Legal North Carolina betting sites began accepting wagers on March 11, 2024 — one day before the 2024 ACC men's basketball tournament tipped off and six days before Selection Sunday and 'March Madness.' Gov. Roy Cooper signed North Carolina's online sports betting bill, HB 347, into law on June 14, 2023.

North Carolina has permitted legal retail sports betting since Gov. Cooper signed S 154 into law on July 26, 2019. However, the first legal wager wasn't placed until March 18, 2021, when the Eastern Band of Cherokee introduced North Carolina sportsbooks at two physical casinos. Catawba Two Kings Casino opened a third sportsbook on Sept. 6, 2022. 

Stay updated on North Carolina and other states' progress with our sports betting legal tracker.

North Carolina sports betting - November 2024 updates

Legal online North Carolina sports betting has officially arrived. NC bettors can now claim the top NC sports betting sign-up bonuses and place real money wagers with some of the top sportsbooks in the nation.

Refer to the table below for the latest updates:

What sportsbooks are legal in North Carolina?

Bettors can now register with eight North Carolina sportsbooks: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports. Catawba Two Kings Casino has also applied for a North Carolina online sports betting license.

Caesars Sportsbook went live on March 1, 2024 — in a limited capacity — while the remaining betting sites launched on March 11, 2024.

1. BetMGM - Best for banking
   
   
2. FanDuel - Top sportsbook
   
   
3. bet365 - Intuitive menus
   
   
4. Caesars - Best Rewards
   
   
5. Fanatics - NFL live streaming
   
   
6. DraftKings - Best app
   
   
7. ESPN BET - Lots of markets
   
   
8. Underdog - New sportsbook

Legal North Carolina sportsbooks

Seven online sportsbook operators joined Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina in accepting legal wagers on March 11, 2024.

NC sports bettors can now place legal bets online with the following NC sportsbooks:

North Carolina sports betting sites

Land-based North Carolina sportsbooks

With the addition of Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook, there are now three locations for retail sports betting in NC. The IGT-powered sportsbook joins Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy as regulated sports betting locations in the Tar Heel State. Keep tabs on each location below:

Latest North Carolina betting news

Why sign up for multiple NC sports betting sites?

We suggest that all North Carolina bettors sign up for multiple sports betting sites instead of just sticking with one. We've outlined the benefits of this betting strategy below:

Can compare betting odds across various sports betting sites so that you can always get the best value on your wager.

Secure numerous welcome bonuses.

Ensure you have access to the top sportsbook features in the industry, such as live betting, streaming, early cashouts, pre-built same-game parlays, ongoing promos, secure banking, reliable customer service, etc.

 Access comprehensive betting markets for local and overseas markets. 

Ability to enroll in multiple sportsbook loyalty programs, allowing you to earn great rewards like bonus bets, personalized service, free trips, discounted hotel stays, and more in 2024.

Who can bet on sports in North Carolina?

North Carolina residents and visitors who are 21 or older are eligible to bet on sports online or in person. Those who prefer to place physical wagers can go to one of two Harrah’s brick-and-mortar casinos or visit the temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.

Review these tips before placing your first sports bet in North Carolina.

Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2024

Nearby neighborly online sports betting options include Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. All three states offer fully regulated and legalized online sportsbooks.

So long as you are physically located within those jurisdictions, you are free to register and place a sports bet. Online bettors can download one of the authorized mobile sports betting apps and begin betting.

The pros and cons of NC sports betting

North Carolina's March 11, 2024, online sports betting launch ensured that the best March Madness betting promos were relevant and available online just in time for this past tournament. New NC bettors can now claim exclusive new-user bonuses from the top betting sites in the Tar Heel State.

North Carolina online sports betting is now live

Retail betting is available at three tribal casinos

College sports betting permitted

Late to legalize online wagering

In-person betting limited to three locations

18% tax on sports betting revenue exceeds constitutional limit

How to start betting in North Carolina

NC bettors now have access to a plethora of sports wagering options. Here's how to get started with legal online sports betting in North Carolina in 2024.

What you can't bet on in North Carolina

North Carolinians can wager online with eight North Carolina betting sites or at one of three tribal properties. All professional, college, and Olympic sports are feasible options.

NFL Draft

North Carolinians were legally able to bet on the 2024 NFL Draft. Still, there were a few stipulations, such as round-specific wagers must be placed before the round begins, and pick-specific wagers had to be placed before the previous two selections are announced. 

Politics

It is not legal to wager on politics with North Carolina sportsbooks. Political bets are off the table in all states with legal sports betting.

Entertainment award ceremonies

Betting on awards shows, including the Oscars, is not permitted in NC. 

Can you bet on the Olympics in North Carolina?

Yes, Summer and Winter Olympics betting is legal in North Carolina. Follow our guide for how to bet on the Summer Olympics. 

What about North Carolina college sports?

The Tar Heel State allows college sports betting, including wagering on in-state collegiate teams, at its tribal casinos. House Bill 347 allows for online college sports betting, meaning you can use the best March Madness betting sites to get the top March Madness odds for the hometown North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils during the upcoming tournament. 

What about esports?

Esports betting is permitted in North Carolina.

North Carolina sports betting handle

North Carolina is one of the newest U.S. states to legalize online sports betting, and the returns have been promising so far, generating $659 million in wagers in what wasn't even a full month of legalized betting in March 2024. Keep up with the latest North Carolina sports betting revenue and handle information below.  

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Popular sports to bet on in North Carolina:

North Carolina offers all of the most popular sports to bet on, including competitive betting lines for all major North American sports leagues, including:

 NFL

 MLB 

 NBA

 NHL

UFC

There are also betting opportunities on college basketball, college football, and esports as well.

You'll also find NC sportsbooks amongst the best F1 betting sites, best boxing sites, and UFC betting sites in 2024.

North Carolina NFL bettors will be happy to see its operators land on our lists of the best football betting apps, NFL prop bets, and the top Super Bowl betting sites.

Most popular NC teams to bet on

North Carolinians have a storied history of supporting each of their hometown professional sports teams playing in the three major North American leagues — Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Carolina Hurricanes. Even though locals ride and die with these teams, the true crown jewels of the North Carolina sports landscape are its collegiate programs, as the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils have battled on the court for decades. Whether you support Michael Jordan's alma mater or cheer on the school that Mike 'Coach K' Krzyzewski built, allegiances to these schools run deep in North Carolina. 

No matter who you are betting on, we strongly suggest eliminating any biases before betting, which should benefit your bankroll. Our how to bet guides provide actionable insights for new and intermediate bettors.

NCAAB

Duke Blue Devils

North Carolina Tar Heels

Get live NCAAB odds

NHL

Carolina Hurricanes

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Charlotte Hornets

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Carolina Panthers

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Atlanta Braves

Get live MLB odds

Best North Carolina sportsbook for markets

Verdict:   Bet Now

BetMGM is our top choice for online sports betting in North Carolina, offering a diverse and extensive range of markets. Known as the 'King of Sportsbooks,' BetMGM provides 27 different sports categories, including international leagues in soccer, hockey, baseball, and basketball. You can also find markets for special events like the Olympics and World Cup.

We've detailed all the betting markets available at BetMGM in 2024 here: 

Best North Carolina sportsbook for rewards

Verdict:  Bet Now

Caesars North Carolina has the best sportsbook rewards in 2024, awarding Caesars Rewards Reward Credits and Tier Credits to regular sportsbook users. You can exchange Reward Credits for bonus bets, dining, hotel stays, and more. Your Tier Status, determined by the number of Tier Credits you accumulate, grants you exclusive benefits like free hotel stays, room upgrades, air credits to Las Vegas, and other perks.

For every $100 wagered on straight bets, bettors earn a minimum of 10 Reward Credits and 10 Tier Credits through the Caesars Rewards program. 100 Reward Credits are equivalent to $1 in sportsbook bonus cash.

Best North Carolina sportsbook for experienced bettors

Verdict:   Bet Now

We suggest that seasoned sports bettors in North Carolina explore FanDuel, as this online sportsbook is tailored for high-rollers and frequent bettors.

To start, FanDuel North Carolina offers a strong lineup of ongoing bonuses, including daily bet boosts, retention deposit offers, one of the top referral bonuses in the industry, and rewards through the FanDuel Players Club, all designed to enhance your bankroll. In our view, FanDuel boasts the best user experience in the industry from years of fine-tuning. North Carolinians can easily navigate the platform to access promotions, a variety of betting markets, an intuitive 'Live Now' section, and excellent customer support for any issues. Additionally, FanDuel boasts one of the top mobile sports betting apps in the state, delivering the same outstanding features found on the desktop version.

For those who enjoy regular sports betting in North Carolina, we believe FanDuel is the best online sportsbook to consider in 2024.

Most anticipated North Carolina sportsbook

Verdict:   

We would love to see Hard Rock Bet enter the North Carolina sports betting landscape. The established operator — currently only in seven states — is aggressively expanding in the U.S. with a very competitive offering.

Customers can expect unique promotions, lucrative loyalty rewards, and an entertaining user experience. Stay tuned as we relay all the news of the latest additions to the NC online sportsbook roster.

How NC sports betting compares to other states

North Carolina is bordered by four states — Virginia to the north, South Carolina to the south, Georgia to the southwest, and Tennessee to the west. Virginia and Tennessee currently have legal sports betting, Georgia is slowly working towards it, while South Carolina is unlikely to offer online wagering any time soon.

North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee share many sports betting similarities, including a legal age of 21, mobile betting, remote registration, availability of retail sportsbooks, and the necessity to wager within state borders. All three states are large sports betting markets, falling in the top 15 in terms of population (NC at #8, VA at #12, and TN at #15). 

Where they begin to differ is in the tax rate on winnings, with Tennessee withholding the largest amount at 25% of all winnings. North Carolina winnings are subject to a 6% tax, as gambling can only occur at tribal casinos.

Sportsbook offers are generally uniform across NC, VA, and TN, though the number of operators varies (eight, 14, and 11, respectively.) None of the states offer wagering on politics or awards shows, while Virginia is the only state that does not allow betting on the NFL Draft. 

Other types of gambling

North Carolina is not one of the more gambling-friendly states. Beyond the few tribal casinos, the only other options for legal gaming are sweepstakes casinos, the state lottery, charitable gaming, and bingo.

Responsible gaming in North Carolina

With such a focused history of limiting gambling in the state, North Carolina has put significant resources into responsible gaming education and support programs for those impacted by gambling addiction. North Carolinians with gambling problems can leverage preventative measures with just a click or phone call.

The NC Education Lottery, for example, has a program called Play Smart, which centers around the education, encouragement, and empowerment of lottery players.

Visit the North Carolina Council on Problem Gaming

Who regulates North Carolina gambling?

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission and its staff are responsible for licensing and regulating sports betting and horse race wagers under the Sports Wagering and Pari-Mutuel Wagering law.

Should I use an offshore sportsbook?

We strongly recommend using a regulated sports betting site if you reside in North Carolina. That said, using an offshore sportsbook offers several advantages, including a wider selection of betting markets, competitive odds, and generous bonuses. These platforms often provide greater accessibility, accepting players from regions with restricted betting laws and offering a variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, which can enhance privacy and transaction speed.

However, there are significant drawbacks to consider. Offshore sportsbooks operate outside local regulations, posing legal risks and offering limited recourse in disputes. They may also lack security and trustworthiness, with the potential for scams, non-payment, and unreliable customer service. Additionally, financial protections are minimal, and using these platforms could disrupt tax compliance and lead to issues with financial institutions. 

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Each state became able to legalize and regulate sports betting following the strikedown of PASPA in 2018. These U.S. jurisdictions have joined North Carolina in legalizing online betting, retail wagering, or both:

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

North Carolina was the second state to introduce legal online sports betting in 2024. Here's a look back at recent online betting launches in the U.S.:

March 11, 2024: North Carolina sports betting sites go live in the Tar Heel State — just in time for March Madness.

Jan. 11, 2024: Legal Vermont sports betting arrives as three sportsbooks — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — begin accepting online wagers.

Dec. 5, 2023: After a two-year wait, Florida sports betting returns as Hard Rock Bet welcomes back Florida bettors.

Nov. 3, 2023: Maine sports betting becomes a reality. Online and retail sportsbooks go live in the Pine Tree State. 

Sept. 28, 2023: Legal Kentucky sports betting launches after retail operations go live on Sept. 7. 

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

Below, we track the other states moving toward legal sports betting that may potentially be getting close to generating their own markets: