North Carolinians have been able to wager at in-person Caesars Sportsbooks for more than two years, but starting next month, they will also have an online NC sports betting option.
Caesars confirmed recently its online sportsbook will be live for online NC sports betting March 11, the day the North Carolina market goes live. The operator has two in-person sportsbooks open at Harrah’s-branded casinos in the state.
Caesars secured online and in-person North Carolina access through a partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or EBCI.
“Our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has spanned more than two decades,” Caesars Digital President Eric Hession said in a release. “Expanding this longstanding partnership allows us to build on the premier sports wagering experience enjoyed at our in-person sportsbooks by bringing a responsible way to enjoy sports at a deeper level to the hands of North Carolinians 21 and older across the state.”
Caesars grows NC sports betting footprint
The EBCI-owned Harrah’s locations opened the in-person Caesars Sportsbooks in 2021. An expanded tribal partnership gives Caesars NC sports betting access outside of the licenses connected to sports organizations in the state.
The two casino locations are the Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee and the Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy.
“We are excited for this new venture with Caesars Entertainment and the enhancements it provides to our Tribal enterprise,” EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks said. “We look forward to the continued opportunities that will benefit the future of our membership.”
NC sports betting timeline
Gov. Roy Cooper signed online sports betting into law in June 2023, giving North Carolina regulators a year to open the market.
Last month, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission announced the March 11 start date for online sports betting.
Sportsbook apps can begin accepting user sign-ups and deposits March 1.
North Carolina partnerships
Along with the EBCI, the Catawba Two Kings Casino also applied for a license through its tribal status.
Nine sportsbook operators have lined up partners for access in North Carolina. Those operators are:
- Bet365 with the Charlotte Hornets
- BetMGM with the Charlotte Motor Speedway
- DraftKings with NASCAR
- ESPN Bet with Quail Hollow Club
- Fanatics with the Carolina Hurricanes
- FanDuel with the PGA Tour
- Underdog with Sedgefield Country Club
There are four additional sports organizations available for a partnership, including the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
