BetMGM and DraftKings are the latest companies to reveal their market access partners for online NC sports betting.
On Friday, DraftKings announced a deal with NASCAR, while BetMGM signed on with Charlotte Motor Speedway. The partnerships are required by online NC sports betting law to secure a license.
The two companies were among the first seven applicants in North Carolina last month. Regulators have not announced a go-live date, but Gov. Roy Cooper is pushing for a launch in time for March Madness betting.
DraftKings grabs NASCAR for NC sports betting
The partnership with NASCAR gives DraftKings access to its 27th state. Along with the access deal, DraftKings is now the exclusive daily fantasy sports partner of NASCAR in the US and Canada, and will receive benefits within the NASCAR ecosystem nationwide.
“DraftKings and NASCAR have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a likeminded commitment to enhancing the fan experience,” DraftKings President Matt Kalish said in a release. “We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.”
Industry sources suggested NASCAR and the tracks were behind a September law change that requires the partnerships for market access.
BetMGM goes with North Carolina track
Along with NASCAR, there are two tracks in the Tar Heel State that grant a sportsbook access to the market. BetMGM saddled up with Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“BetMGM has established itself as a signature source for sports betting with partnerships in every major league sport and with venues across the country,” Greg Walter, Charlotte Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager, said in a release. “With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook.
“This partnership with BetMGM will bring sports fans new ways to enjoy their favorite events while expanding North Carolina’s tax base, supporting colleges and facilitating recruitment of major events for the future.”
BetMGM expects to be live in the first quarter this year.
Partnerships in NC sports betting
Prior to Friday’s announcements, four companies announced their partnerships for NC sports betting. Those four are:
- Bet365 with the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA
- ESPNBet with the Quail Hollow Club
- Fanatics with the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL
- FanDuel with the PGA Tour
Underdog is the lone sports betting applicant that has not announced its partner. Caesars has access in the state through its existing partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Remaining partners in North Carolina
There are five remaining professional sports organizations a sportsbook can partner with for market access. Those organizations are:
- Carolina Panthers of the NFL
- Charlotte FC of MLS
- NC Courage of the NWSL
- North Wilkesboro Speedway
- Sedgefield Country Club
Sports Business Journal previously reported Betway has a partnership with North Wilkesboro Speedway.
