Online NC sports betting accounts are available for pre-registration starting today, setting up for the market’s March 11 launch.
Eight online North Carolina sports betting apps went live for signups at noon Friday as they prepare for their launch March 11.
Users in North Carolina can register and deposit funds into their accounts, although legal wagering does not open for another 10 days.
How to sign up for NC sports betting
Users can download and access NC sportsbook apps on Apple and Android smartphones.
The apps will ask for ID information, including name, address and social security number to verify identity before opening an account.
A user must be 21 years old or older in North Carolina. The operator will require a photo of a government-issued ID.
Funding accounts for NC sportsbooks
Account holders can then add funds using various methods, including bank accounts, debit cards, and PayPal.
While funds can be placed in the accounts, bettors cannot wager until March 11.
What is pre-registration for North Carolina sports betting?
Similar to some other US sports betting markets, North Carolina regulators are allowing a pre-registration period before the rollout of online sports betting.
Users can create accounts during this time and receive pre-launch bonus offers from eligible sportsbooks. Bettors, however, must wait until the official launch to place legal wagers on NC sports betting apps.
Which sportsbooks are in North Carolina?
North Carolina regulators issued eight licenses Thursday to sportsbooks launching March 11.
The licensed operators are:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
- Underdog
Regulators also issued a service provider license to Caesars, which will be the online sportsbook for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. While the EBCI operate casinos, including in-person Caesars sportsbooks, North Carolina does not have online casinos.
Launch date timely for NC sports betting
The March 11 debut for sports betting is well before the June 14 date required in the NC sports betting legislation. It is also in time for March Madness betting in the basketball-hungry state.
The date is also the day before the ACC Men’s Basketball Championship begins. ACC basketball powerhouses Duke and UNC call the Tar Heel State home.
NCAA Tournament week begins March 17 with Selection Sunday.
Path to launch in North Carolina
Gov. Roy Cooper signed sports betting into law in June 2023. Legislators amended the law in September to require partnerships between sportsbooks and professional sports organizations to gain access to the state.
Regulators then got to work on rules for the industry. In January, the NC Lottery announced the March 11 start date.
LSR projects NC sports betting to handle up to $7 billion in first-year wagers.
