North Carolina officially joined the regulated sports betting map in March 2024, opening the door to statewide online wagering and limited retail sportsbooks. After years of discussion and delays, bettors in the Tar Heel State can now legally place wagers on professional and college sports through licensed operators.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how sports betting works in North Carolina, who can bet, and which sportsbooks are available.
Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Online and retail sports betting is legal in North Carolina.
Lawmakers approved sports wagering in 2023, with online sportsbooks launching on March 11, 2024. The market is regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, which oversees licensing, compliance, and consumer protections.
Who can bet on sports in North Carolina?
To place a legal sports bet in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age: 21 years old
- Location: You must be physically located inside North Carolina
- Account verification: Identity and age verification are required during signup
Sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm that all online wagers are placed within state borders.
North Carolina sports betting rules explained
North Carolina’s sports betting framework is relatively bettor-friendly, with only a few notable restrictions.
What you can bet on
- Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, golf, tennis, motorsports, and more)
- College sports, including North Carolina-based teams
- In-game and live betting
- Futures and season-long markets
- Parlays, same-game parlays, and player props
What you cannot bet on
- High school sports
- Youth or amateur athletic events
- Certain novelty or non-sporting events
Unlike some states, college player prop bets are allowed in North Carolina, which adds flexibility for bettors focused on NCAA action.
North Carolina online sportsbooks
North Carolina permits up to 12 licensed online sportsbooks, many of which launched on Day 1. These operators are tied to professional sports venues, leagues, or organizations within the state.
Here are the major online sportsbooks currently operating in North Carolina:
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel entered North Carolina with a full-featured mobile app offering competitive odds, live betting, same-game parlays, and broad market coverage across pro and college sports.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings provides a deep betting menu, advanced stats integration, and one of the strongest in-play betting platforms available in the state.
BetMGM
Backed by MGM Resorts, BetMGM offers a polished app experience, a wide range of betting markets, and frequent odds boosts tied to major sporting events.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars combines national brand recognition with a straightforward betting interface and links to its Caesars Rewards ecosystem.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics brings a retail-style approach to sports betting, including FanCash rewards that can be used across the broader Fanatics platform.
bet365
Known globally for sharp odds and high limits, bet365 adds strong depth in niche markets and live betting options for North Carolina bettors.
Retail sports betting in North Carolina
In addition to online betting, North Carolina allows retail sportsbooks at approved locations, including:
- Professional sports venues
- NASCAR facilities
- Select entertainment complexes
Retail betting is more limited than online wagering, but it gives bettors the option to place wagers in person.
North Carolina sports betting taxes and regulation
For bettors, winnings are subject to federal and state taxes, depending on total annual earnings.
For operators:
- Online sportsbooks are taxed at 18% of adjusted gross wagering revenue
- Licensing and compliance are handled by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission
How to place a sports bet in North Carolina
Getting started is simple:
- Choose a licensed North Carolina sportsbook
- Create an account and verify your identity
- Deposit funds using an approved payment method
- Select your sport and market
- Enter your wager and confirm
Once your bet is placed, winnings can be withdrawn using the same or compatible payment method.
Responsible gaming in North Carolina
Sports betting is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a financial strategy. North Carolina sportsbooks are required to offer responsible gaming tools, including deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a gambling problem, help is available through North Carolina’s problem gambling resources.
Call 1-877-718-5543 or visit the NC Problem Gambling Program for confidential support.