North Carolina Sports Betting Guide

North Carolina Sports Betting Guide

Table Of Contents:

The rise of sports betting has become clear since the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018. Dozens of states have already jumped on board this decision to legalize sports betting and legal sports betting in North Carolina is next up on the list.

Our article will give you everything you need to know regarding legal sports betting in North Carolina. This will include when North Carolina sports betting will officially launch, North Carolina betting options, and information about sports betting taxes in North Carolina. 

North Carolina Betting Overview

Is betting legal?Yes
Year betting became legal2024 (March 11)
Legal age to bet21+
Online sportsbooksYes (Up to 12 Online Sportsbooks)
Retail sportsbooksYes (3 Retail Sportsbooks)
Tax rate on winnings5.25%

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes, sports betting in North Carolina has been legal and live since March 11, 2024. Retail sports betting in North Carolina was first legalized in 2019. Online sports betting in North Carolina came to fruition when North Carolina sports betting bill HB 347 was introduced to the North Carolina General Assembly on March 13, 2023. Months later, Governor Roy Cooper signed this NC sports betting bill into law on June 14, 2023.

Where to bet on sports in North Carolina

With North Carolina online sports betting expected to launch in March, below we have included five of the best sportsbooks that are projected to be available once online sports betting in North Carolina goes live. Our review will give you reasons to join each of these sportsbooks and will also include the expected welcome bonus that will be available.

DraftKings logo

#1 DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is one of the sportsbooks available in North Carolina and is a great option because of their variety in sports and betting markets.

DraftKings welcome offer

The current DraftKings welcome offer will see you get $200 in bonus bets from just a $5 wager. If you sign up for DraftKings North Carolina, deposit $10 and then place a first wager of $5 or more, then you’ll receive $200 in bonus bets, regardless of whether your initial wager wins or loses! This great DraftKings North Carolina promo code can be claimed by using our link.

Why you should bet with DraftKings 

We would recommend DraftKings because they offer free betting pools that can earn you huge cash prizes just by making predictions on select games.

Fanduel logo

#2 FanDuel Sportsbook

Another sportsbook available in North Carolina is FanDuel. This is another great option because they offer a friend referral program, which allows you to earn bonus bets by inviting your friends to join.

FanDuel welcome offer

If you sign up for FanDuel right now, you can earn $200 in bonus bets if you make a first wager of at least $5. The best part is that initial bet doesn’t even have to win in order for you to get the $200 in bonus bets! You can sign up for FanDuel using this link without even needing a FanDuel North Carolina promo code.

Why you should bet with FanDuel 

We love FanDuel because they offer Daily Fantasy Sports. These are contests that work much like standard fantasy games, with the incentive of real cash prizes and without needing to make a season-long commitment.

#3 Caesars Sportsbook

A third sportsbook to consider is Caesars, which is a good option because of their Rewards Program. This program will allow you to earn credits by betting regularly and these can be redeemed for exclusive prizes, such as free hotel stays, casino free play and dining credit. 

Caesars welcome offer

The Caesars North Carolina promo code PICKSWISENCBG can secure new users $150 in bonus bets when you make a first wager of at least $5. Regardless of whether that bet is successful or not, you will secure $150 in bonus bets thanks to this awesome North Carolina Caesars promo code. Click this link to get started.

Why you should bet with Caesars 

I love betting with Caesars because of their odds boost page. These offer you enhanced odds on select markets and generally include heavy favorites or player props. 

Bet365 icon

#4 Bet365 Sportsbook

A fourth sportsbook involved with North Carolina online sports betting is Bet365. They are a great option because they have extensive live betting markets.

Bet365 welcome offer

If North Carolina residents sign up for Bet365 they can choose between two unique welcome offers. The first offer gives the ability to make $150 in bonus bets from a $5+ first wager, while the other offer gives first-bet insurance up to $1,000. No Bet365 North Carolina promo code is required for either of these offers — simply click this link to get started.

Why you should bet with Bet365 

Bet365 is recommended because of their existing customer promotions. These mainly included early cash out options and parlay boosts.

BetMGM logo

#5 BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM has been in the US sports betting world for many years, and their MGM brand name is iconic. Now, the super sportsbook is turning its attention to the launch in North Carolina, with tons of betting options available right from launch day.

BetMGM welcome offer

Now that sports betting is live in North Carolina,

BetMGM is offering new casino players a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 + an additional $25 on the house.

You can click here to register now, with no BetMGM North Carolina promo code required.

Why you should bet with BetMGM

As well as having one of the best sportsbook sign-up offers around, BetMGM is also renowned for its incredible app experience, which is one of the smoothest available. On top of that, they offer some of the best odds in the game, so you know you’re always getting a good bet when you use BetMGM Sportsbook.

How to sign up for a sports betting account in North Carolina

The guide below will explain the steps you will need to take in order to sign up for one of the various sportsbooks available in North Carolina. Online sports betting in North Carolina went live on March 11, 2024:

  1. Choose a sportsbook
  2. Go to the sportsbook’s homepage
  3. Click “Sign-Up”
  4. Enter your personal information
  5. Claim the welcome bonus available at that sportsbook
  6. Confirm your account  

How to bet on sports online in North Carolina?

The list of steps below will explain how betting in North Carolina is expected to work:

  1. Sign in to your sportsbook account
  2. Head to the deposit screen and deposit using your preferred method
  3. From the homepage, find the sport you want to bet
  4. Click the odds of the bet you want to make
  5. Go to your betslip
  6. Enter the amount of money you want to bet
  7. Confirm your bet
  8. Relax and enjoy your bet

Can you bet on sports in person in North Carolina?

Yes, while North Carolina online sports betting launched on March 11, retail sportsbooks have been available since 2019. These include Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, both of which use Caesars Sportsbook. The third retail location is Catawba Two Kings Casino.

North Carolina retail sportsbook locations

The following is the location for each retail sportsbook in North Carolina and the address for each option:

  • Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Caesars Sportsbook
    • 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719
  • Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River – Caesars Sportsbook
    • 777 Casino Parkway, Murphy, NC 28906
  • Catawba Two Kings Casino – Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook
    • 538 Kings Mountain Blvd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Timeline of North Carolina betting legislation: When did betting become legal?

2019: SB 154 passes through legislature, opening the door for retail sports betting. 

2021: Retail sports betting is launched in two Casinos in the state (Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort)

2022: Online sports betting bill SB 688 is introduced, creating the possibility of 10 to 12 online sportsbooks. However, this bill fails to pass. A third Casino offering sports betting is opened (Catawba Two Kings)

2023: After a long debate, a new online sports betting bill known as HB 347 passes and Governor Roy Cooper signs the bill into law in June. By the end of the year, seven sportsbooks apply for a license in the state.

2024: The launch date for legal online sports betting is set for March 11, 2024, with pre-registration opened on March 1, 2024.

Sports betting taxes in North Carolina

Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting in North Carolina?

Yes, all customers will be required to pay sports betting taxes in North Carolina.

How to report taxes when betting on sports in North Carolina

To report sports betting taxes in North Carolina, you will need to use Form D-400.

North Carolina sports betting tax rate

The rate for sports betting taxes in North Carolina is 5.25%. 

North Carolina sports teams to bet on

There are plenty of professional sports teams in the state of North Carolina, all of which are available to bet on since North Carolina online sports betting went live on March 11, 2024. Below we have further explained some of these teams:

Carolina Panthers betting

The Carolina Panthers are the state’s lone NFL team, making their home in Charlotte, North Carolina, and therefore making them a popular option to bet on. The Panthers have not been good over the past few seasons, but have some promising players, such as Bryce Young. While the Panthers were especially bad in 2023, they could very well improve through the NFL Draft and could be a valid betting option come next season. 

Carolina Hurricanes betting

The Carolina Hurricanes are the state’s only NHL team, playing their games out of Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes are consistently one of the better teams in the NHL, one of their notable players is Sebastian Aho. With the success they have had in recent seasons, the Hurricanes should be considered a worthwhile bet, whether it be a puck line or player props.

Charlotte Hornets betting

The Charlotte Hornets are the NBA team in the state, playing their games in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hornets have been poor over the last few years, but have a few solid players, such as Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Charlotte FC betting

Charlotte FC are relatively new to the soccer scene, but are the only MLS team in the state. However, they have improved since being given an expansion franchise and look to be a worthy bet in the upcoming season.

Is College Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina

Yes, betting on college sports is legal in North Carolina since online sports betting went live on March 11, 2024.

North Carolina College teams to bet on

Below we have explained some of the most popular college betting options in the state of North Carolina, all of which are legal to bet on in North Carolina.

North Carolina Tar Heels betting

In terms of college teams to bet on, the North Carolina Tar Heels are one of the most popular. The Tar Heels have recently had a decent college football team, but college basketball is their best sport and therefore they should regularly be considered for a bet.

NC State Wolfpack betting

Another college betting option in the NC State Wolfpack. The Wolfpack have had a few decent college football seasons over the past few years and are also solid at college basketball. The Wolfpack might not be a team to bet on regularly, but in the right situation, they can be. 

Wake Forest Demon Deacons betting

A third college betting option in North Carolina is the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Wake Forest has had a few decent college football seasons recently, though not so much in 2023. As for college basketball, they are above average and could potentially be an NCAA Tournament team. 

Duke Blue Devils betting

Along with North Carolina, the Duke Blue Devils are one of the most popular teams to bet on. Known for college basketball, Duke is often one of the best teams in the country and worth a bet in the majority of their games. 

FAQs

How old do you need to be to bet on sports in North Carolina?

To qualify for North Carolina sports betting, you will need to be at least 21 years old.

Yes, North Carolina will include both in-state and out of state College sports.

Betting in North Carolina does include many different fantasy sports sites, such as PrizePicks and Underdog.

The expected launch for online betting in North Carolina is March 11, 2024.

Andrew Wilsher

Managing Editor

Andrew Wilsher has 11 years of sports betting experience and has been the managing editor of Pickswise for 3 years. Born and raised in jolly old London, England, Andrew has an undying love for the NFL, soccer, NBA and horse racing. He is a big-time sports bettor who loves futures markets and is a long-suffering New York Jets fan.

Social accounts:

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