The North Carolina Education Lottery laid out its plans to get online NC sports betting off the ground in early 2024.
The agency announced last week its roadmap for the launch of online North Carolina sports betting, which Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law this month. The law allows online sports betting to begin Jan. 8, 2024, with the latest possible date extending to June 14, 2024.
Lottery officials provided no firm timetable in last week’s announcement. The lottery previously told LSR it would work to launch in time for the initial January 8 date.
Lottery’s big task in perspective
The chair of the state’s lottery commission discussed the task at hand last week.
“This commission and the staff have been tasked with the enormous responsibility of licensing and regulating the newly enacted wagering activities while at the same time maintaining the quality work and highest standards of integrity with the lottery,” North Carolina State Lottery Commission Chair Ripley Rand said in the announcement.
“Many people want to know when North Carolina will begin permitting legal sports betting. The commission and staff take these responsibilities seriously and are committed to ensuring the job is done in a complete, professional, transparent, and timely manner. We will keep the public up to date about when these programs will launch.”
Lottery looking for NC sports betting lead
The agency said it is conducting a nationwide search for an “experienced senior leader in gaming and sports betting” to lead North Carolina’s sports betting and horse racing programs.
The lottery will also hire staff to develop and manage the sports betting industry.
A website also debuted to provide North Carolinians updates on the regulatory process. It contains a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to inform future bettors about the law.
Lottery responsibilities for sports betting
Following Cooper’s signature, the lottery commission checked the law for its responsibilities. Now, the agency will work to draft and adopt rules and regulations and prepare applications for licenses.
There are no dates yet for the application process. The lottery also does not have meetings set to discuss sports betting.
Commitment to responsible NC sports betting
A section on the new website outlines the commission’s dedication to responsible betting programs. It promises to:
- Establish and use a voluntary exclusion program
- Prohibit those in the exclusion program for sports betting from wagering on horse racing
- Set up age verification requirements
- Requires sports betting operator applicants to provide information about responsible gaming training offered to employees
- Require advertising to include resources for gambling addiction
- Require advertising and marketing does not target those under the age of 21
What NC commission has to work with
Lawmakers in North Carolina passed legislation that creates up to 12 online sports betting licenses. Eight professional sports organizations can also partner with operators to implement in-person sportsbooks.
The state will tax sports betting revenue at 18%, while it can collect 1% of total pari-mutuel horse racing bets. The revenue will go to a variety of causes on an annual basis, including:
- 13 state university athletic departments (up to $300,000)
- North Carolina Amateur Sports ($1 million)
- North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council ($1 million)
- North Carolina Problem Gaming Program ($2 million)
The remaining funds will be split between the North Carolina general fund, a new fund to attract major events to the state, and the 13 athletic departments. North Carolina already has three in-person sportsbooks at tribal casinos in the state, which legislators approved in 2020.
