North Carolina Sports Betting: Up to $6,000 on NC Betting Sites

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Best NC sports betting apps for 2024

Online North Carolina sports betting launched in March. The top NC sportsbooks and links to create an account are below. You must be 21 or older to bet in North Carolina.

1

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings

On Next 10 Wagers

Top Features

• Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
• 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
• Use Promo Code: LSRDYW

Caesars Sportsbook Review

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2

Bet $5
Get $300

In Bonus Bets

Top Features

• Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
• Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
• Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
• To Claim: Click Play Now

FanDuel Sportsbook Review

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3

Up to $1,500

In Bonus Bets

Top Features

• Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
• *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
• Use Bonus Code: PLAYLSR

BetMGM Sportsbook Review

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4

Up to $1,000

In Bonus Bets

Top Features

• Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed*
• OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
• 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
• T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
• Use Bonus Code: LSRVA

Bet365 Sportsbook Review

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5

Up to $1,000

In No Sweat Bets

Top Features

• Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
• Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
• 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
• To Claim: Click Play Now

Fanatics Sportsbook Review

PLAY NOW

6

Up to $1,250 Bonus

New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.

Top Features

• Bet & Get up to $200 in Bonus Bets
• PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
• PLUS $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit
• PLUS King of the End Zone Promo
• Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

DraftKings Sportsbook Review

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Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina sports betting is legal online and at three retail locations. Online sports betting sites launched statewide in March.

For bettors looking to place wagers in person, there are two Caesars sportsbooks at tribal casinos on the west side of the state: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. A third tribal venue, the Catawba Two Kings Casino, is open in Kings Mountain, west of Charlotte.

What’s happening in North Carolina sports betting right now

• Dec. 20, 2024 — Most oddsmakers have removed the Carolina Panthers from odds boards, meaning they will now look ahead to next year.
• Nov. 28, 2024 — North Carolina sportsbooks set a new monthly record with $589 million in October bets, topping the previous monthly high of $569 million.
• Nov. 5, 2024 — Now that the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils have started new seasons, see LSR’s rundown of the best college basketball betting sites.
• Oct. 9, 2024 — Ahead of the Carolina Panthers’ Week 6 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, check out LSR’s list of the best NFL betting sites.
• Sept. 26, 2024 — NC sports betting handle was $367.4 million in August, up 8.1% from July.
• Aug. 13, 2024 — NC sports betting handle was $337.6 million in July, down 17% from June.
• Aug. 8, 2024 — According to stats provided by the PGA Tour, North Carolina has accounted for 8% of nationwide golf betting handle since online sports betting launched in the state in March.
• July 29, 2024 — The amount that NC colleges will receive from sports betting proceeds in year one is higher than expected, WUNC reports.

NC sports betting snapshot

LSR industry expert Eric Ramsey believes NC sports betting could exceed expectations. Below, we outline some key NC sports betting information in a snapshot of the industry.

Comparing top North Carolina sports betting sites

NC sports betting rules allow for up to 11 online sportsbooks, and picking one can be tricky. Choosing the best sportsbook for you may come down to personal preference, the best sportsbook promos, and many other factors.

Below, we compare many of the top NC sportsbooks and the North Carolina sports betting promos for new users:

1. Caesars North Carolina

Caesars Sportsbook is already available at two retail locations in North Carolina — Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Hotel and Casino — and it applied for a sportsbook service provider license rather than an operator license. Caesars is live statewide through its partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which did apply for an online sports betting license.

The Caesars Sportsbook app is a top option for bettors nationwide, headlined by one of the best rewards programs on the market: Caesars Rewards. The Caesars app may not be as flashy as some competitors, but its menu of sports betting options, easy navigation, and ongoing promotions make it as solid an option as you will find.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Solid app with a great rewards program
• Best feature: Caesars Rewards
• Welcome bonus: Bet $1, double your winnings on next 10 wagers. Use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code LSRDYW.

2. FanDuel North Carolina

Already a nationwide staple in the sports betting space, FanDuel Sportsbook entered the North Carolina market through a deal with the PGA Tour and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.

The FanDuel app has some of the best odds among legal sportsbooks and boasts a user-friendly experience for new and veteran bettors. For those new bettors, the FanDuel promo code offers a solid bonus, potentially up to $300 in bonus bets. The same-game parlay feature is particularly popular among FanDuel users, and the app is known for quick and easy payouts. The FanDuel app’s interface is a little plain compared to a few other options, but this app has everything most bettors could want.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Top app for all users
• Best feature: Competitive odds
• Welcome bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets guaranteed. No code is necessary; click to claim.

3. BetMGM North Carolina

BetMGM is partnered with the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

The BetMGM Sportsbook app has as deep a menu of available betting markets as you will find. Plus, some interesting features have also drawn top ratings from consumers. The edit my bet function is particularly popular among users, allowing bettors to add or subtract legs to a bet they have already placed. The app can be clunky to navigate, but it is still among the top options for bettors.

• App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.2 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Solid app with a variety of betting options
• Best feature: Edit my bet
• Welcome bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win. Use the BetMGM bonus code PLAYLSR.

4. Bet365 North Carolina

Bet365 was the first sportsbook to strike a deal with an NC sports organization, reaching an agreement with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets in November 2023. 

The bet365 app is user-friendly, and reviews often mention high-quality customer service and quick payouts. The app can be buggy at times but is generally easy to navigate and regularly offers new bonuses to new and existing users. The personalized display feature is a favorite among users, and daily bet boosts provide chances for value bets. UK’s bet365 continues to expand in the US sports betting market, offering a solid welcome bonus with the bet365 bonus code after lagging behind some of its American competitors in the pre-NC era.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Easy-to-use app with good customer service
• Best feature: Personalized display
• Welcome bonus: First bet safety net up to $1,000 OR bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets guaranteed. Use code LSRVA.

5. Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina

The Fanatics Sportsbook app has expanded rapidly since launching its beta version in May 2023. The retail giant’s sportsbook entered the North Carolina market through a deal with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.

The sportsbook is still working through some bugs with app usage and the betting experience, but users note that customer service is quick to respond. There are also plenty of interesting features, such as a “Discover” page curated to your tastes and FanCash, funds you earn as you bet that you can redeem for bonus bets or discounts on merchandise at Fanatics.com.

• App store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.5 (Android)
• Key takeaway: New app with interesting features
• Best feature: FanCash
• Fanatics Sportsbook promo: Bet and get up to $1,000 in no-sweat bets. No code necessary; click to claim.

6. DraftKings North Carolina

A top option for bettors, DraftKings Sportsbook gained access to the North Carolina sports betting market through a deal with NASCAR.

The DraftKings app is sleek and more aesthetically pleasing than some competitors, but innovative features like betting pools make it stand out. Pools allow bettors to compete against their friends in small tournament-like contests.

Live betting is also a calling-card feature of the DraftKings app, as are the promos and bonuses for new users. The DraftKings promo code offers a chance at up to $1,250. Promo offerings for existing users could be better. 

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Stylish app with innovative features
• Best feature: Live betting
• Welcome bonus: Up to $1,250 in bonuses plus the King of the End Zone promo. No code necessary; click to claim.

How to bet on sports in North Carolina

Once you select which NC sportsbook you want to try, getting started on the app is straightforward. The steps will be similar no matter which app you choose, and it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Here’s what to do:

1. Download and install the app on your mobile device.
2. Register for an account using a promo code if needed.
3. Make a deposit into your account.
4. Place your first wager.

Types of NC sportsbook bonuses and promos

When choosing a North Carolina sports betting app, it can be helpful to know what types of bonuses and promotions are available and how they work. Below are a few popular terms and what each one means. 

• Deposit bonus: The sportsbook matches your deposit up to a certain amount in site credits. This usually applies to your first deposit. You can then use those site credits to place wagers. You cannot withdraw the credits as cash until you satisfy a playthrough requirement. These requirements differ from book to book. 
• First bet offer: After you have placed your first bet at a new sportsbook, you will receive a site credit (up to a certain amount) if your bet doesn’t win. If the bet wins, you collect your winnings as normal. 
• Odds boost: Odds boosts inflate a line in the bettor’s favor to create a more attractive bet. Some sportsbooks will pick a few new bets every day to boost. 
• Loyalty program: These programs allow users to collect bonus funds or credits that they can redeem for things like bonus bets, retail purchases, gift cards, merchandise, or other perks.

List of all North Carolina sports betting apps

NC sports betting rules allow for up to 11 online sportsbooks in the state — one for each professional sports organization located there. Tribes in the state are not included in the limit of 11 and can enter the online market separately. Below is a list of North Carolina sports betting apps and their status in the state:

The biggest name missing from this list is BetRivers Sportsbook, which operates in several states on the East Coast but has limited expansion in recent years.

Land-based North Carolina sportsbooks

Additionally, three in-person sportsbooks are available for North Carolina bettors. Two sportsbooks are operated by Caesars and owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Catawba Nation owns and operates the third.

North Carolina sports betting law

Rep. Jason Saine filed sports betting bill HB 347 in the North Carolina General Assembly on March 13, 2023, and Gov. Roy Cooper signed it into law on June 14 after it bounced back and forth between the Senate and House to receive approval for changes. Here are some of the main features of the new-look North Carolina sports betting industry (previously, betting was only legal at tribal casinos in the state):

• The initial bill authorized up to 12 online sportsbooks, as well as eight in-person sportsbooks at professional sports venues in the state. However, those rules underwent changes in the fall of 2023 and now require each book to have a written agreement with a professional sports organization, sports venue, or tribe in the state. Eleven sports organizations and venues qualify to offer a written agreement:
  • Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
  • Quail Hollow Club
  • PGA Tour
  • Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • Charlotte FC (MLS)
  • NASCAR
  • NC Courage (NWSL)
  • Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
  • Carolina Panthers (NFL)
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Sedgefield Country Club
• Each license carries a $1 million fee for five years and an 18% tax.
• Lawmakers in the Senate also decided to prohibit operators from deducting promotional credits from sports betting revenue.
• Bettors in North Carolina must be 21 or older.
• Bettors can bet on in-state college teams with no stipulations on individual prop bets.
• The law stipulated that the state launch online wagering before June 8, 2024, which it did.

What you can bet on in North Carolina

North Carolina is not an overly restrictive state regarding sports betting. According to HB 347, bettors can wager on professional, college, and amateur sports, and horse races, though online horse racing betting has not launched in the state. Betting offerings include in-state college teams like the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils. Esports is also on the menu.  

The North Carolina betting catalog also includes many other professional sports that are less popular in North America, such as darts, lacrosse, sailing, Australian rules football, cricket, and softball. 

NC sports betting restrictions

North Carolina bettors should be able to wager on pretty much any pro sports league across the globe, but they cannot bet on high school sports. The state also prohibits betting on politics and awards shows like the Oscars.

Other legal betting options in North Carolina

There are plenty of legal sports betting options in North Carolina, whether you want to wager in person or on your mobile device. However, you may also encounter other sports betting sites that may be operating illegally in the state. 

Offshore sites like BetOnline, BetUS, and MyBookie are not licensed in the United States and operate outside US and state laws. These sites carry a variety of legal and logistical concerns that make using them dangerous for your money. For instance, if any of these sportsbooks were to decide not to pay out your winnings, you would have no legal recourse.

Here, we highlight legal, regulated sports betting apps like the ones reviewed above. 

There are also other legal gambling options available in North Carolina.

North Carolina and daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports competitions are legal in North Carolina. Regulators attempted to ban DFS pick’em contests in the state as part of their sports betting legislation, but backlash from stakeholders caused them to kick the issue down the road and remove the ban. 

That means, for now, contests from DFS providers like PrizePicks, Underdog, DraftKings, and FanDuel are available in North Carolina. However, Underdog stopped offering its DFS pick’em product in North Carolina in February 2024, during the lead-up to legal sports betting.

Competitors could follow suit down the road, and products like a Sleeper Sportsbook could become a reality in NC.

Horse betting in North Carolina

Pari-mutuel horse betting is legal in North Carolina. However, there are no casinos or operators offering horse betting at the moment.

North Carolina casinos

North Carolina’s three casinos offer a standard selection of casino games in addition to their sportsbooks. Electronic and live poker games, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots are all available at both Harrah’s casinos, while the temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino has electronic table games and slots. 

Social and sweepstakes casinos are also available in North Carolina. These sites are similar to standard online casinos but do not allow users to play with real money. Instead, these sweepstakes or social casino sites use virtual currencies or tokens to play games like online slots or table games. In some cases, winnings are eligible to redeem for cash prizes.

In 2023, NC Senate President Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore attempted to expand casino gambling in the state by introducing a bill that would have brought three casinos to the state, inAnson, Nash, and Rockingham counties. A fourth casino would have been operated by the Lumbee Tribe. The bill was ultimately opposed by many on both sides of the aisle.

North Carolina lottery 

The NC Education Lottery has several games available to residents both online and at retail locations. Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, keno, and scratchers are just a few of the available options.

Popular sports to bet on in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to some popular sports teams, both professional and college.

As the NFL is typically the most popular league at sportsbooks, Carolina Panthers odds will likely be among the most popular betting options in the state. The Panthers play in Charlotte and have made it to the Super Bowl a couple of times in their history.

The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets are local favorites. The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in 2006, while the Hornets continue to struggle for success.

But the Hornets are not the most popular basketball team in the state, as college basketball is king in North Carolina. The University of North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have passionate fanbases that have experienced plenty of March Madness success, including several titles. 

North Carolina won the men’s DI championship in 2017, 2009, 2005, 1993, 1982, and 1957. Duke won in 2015, 2010, 2001, 1992, and 1991.

Aside from those two popular college teams, North Carolina is home to two other ACC teams, the NC State Wolfpack and Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

People in North Carolina can bet on those teams and any other Division I college teams that are located in and out of state.

North Carolina sports betting fact sheet

• Online sports betting launched in North Carolina in March.
• Eleven professional sports organizations and venues in the state can partner with online sportsbooks for the books to fulfill their licensing requirement. 
• The legal betting age in North Carolina is 21.
• Online casino gambling is not legal in the state. 
• NC sports bettors can legally wager on in-state college teams.
• The tax rate on sports betting in the state is 18%.
• You do not have to be a resident of North Carolina to bet in the state, but you must be located within state lines at the time of the wager.
• DFS contests are available in North Carolina.
• Bettors cannot wager on political events or awards shows like the Emmys or Oscars.
• North Carolina online sportsbooks could take $7 billion in bets by the second year of legal sports betting, according to LSR projections. That could generate at least $600 million in sports betting revenue for the state. 

North Carolina sports betting timeline

2024: On Jan. 24, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission announces the launch date for legal online sports betting. The launch takes place one day before the start of the ACC men’s basketball tournament and one week before the start of March Madness.

In February, Caesars announces an expanded partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The agreement grants the sportsbook access to the market.

Underdog announced that it was no longer offering its pick’em product in North Carolina ahead of the launch of legal betting.

According to state officials, North Carolina bettors wagered $11.6 million during the first 12 hours of legal online sports betting in the state.

Underdog announces that its fantasy player vs. player game, Champions, is now available in North Carolina.

North Carolina Rep. Marcia Morey filed a bill that would ban prop betting on college players.

Geocomply recorded nearly 5.4 million location checks in the first two days of legal online betting in North Carolina. The company disclosed that there were nearly 370,000 active accounts by noon on March 13.

2023: After a long back-and-forth between the House and Senate, sports betting bill HB 347 passes, and Gov. Roy Cooper signs it into law on June 14, 2023.

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission approved a second set of sports betting rules in December as the industry continued to inch toward a launch date.

Seven online sports betting companies applied for licenses in the state and began partnering with pro sports organizations in North Carolina. These were the initial seven: Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports.

2022: An online sports betting bill, SB 688, begins making its way through committee hearings in February. The Senate bill creates the possibility of 10 to 12 online sportsbooks. It passes the Senate convincingly but runs into strong opposition over its language and provisions in the House. After some debate and foot-dragging in the lower chamber, the bill fails to become law, and North Carolinians must wait at least another year for mobile sports wagering.

The Catawba Two Kings Casino opens a sportsbook in September. The casino sits on the North Carolina-South Carolina border about 40 minutes west of Charlotte.

2021: Legal sports betting begins at two casinos in the state, while a Senate bill aims to legalize online sports betting in the state. The bill is eligible to pick back up in the House when the 2022 session begins.

2019: It takes nearly five months from introduction to signature, but SB 154 passes fairly easily through the Legislature. The Senate supports the bill 43-7, and the House passes it on to Gov. Roy Cooper on a 90-27 vote.

NC responsible gambling

There are many resources in place for North Carolina bettors who suffer from problem gambling. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission website provides services related to education, prevention, treatment, and recovery from problem gambling.

Visit the commission’s website or call 877-718-5543, 24 hours a day.

North Carolina sports betting FAQ