New NC Lottery Job Openings Highlight Progress Of The State’s Betting Market

North Carolina is slowly working towards the eventual launch of online sportsbooks. Ahead of the launch, the North Carolina Lottery has posted a job listing for a Director of Licensing. This position will aid in the regulatory process, including finalizing regulations and license requirements for North Carolina sports betting apps.

Job Posting Gives Glimpse Of NC Progress

There is no set launch date for mobile sportsbooks in North Carolina. However, this job posting indicates that regulators are progressing toward a launch. Sports betting can go live in North Carolina as early as Jan. 8, 2024, with many expecting a launch ahead of the March Madness Tournament.

The posting for the Director of Licensing job reads as follows:

“The North Carolina Education Lottery has become the state’s regulator of sports betting operations. We’re looking for an experienced senior leader to develop, implement, and manage a licensing framework and program for sports betting and any future gaming approved by the General Assembly or Commission. This role will be responsible for leading the agency’s licensing efforts. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience managing a licensing program known for adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.”

Since the position requires the director to develop the licensing framework, it is safe to assume that no current framework is set. The job listing closes on Sept. 15 which indicates that developing the framework likely won’t begin until October at the earliest. This is a process that could take months to complete.

What Other Steps Are Needed For North Carolina’s Launch

North Carolina is still a ways away from launching its market. Public comment will be hosted for final regulations before they are set in stone. There have been times when regulations have been reworked following public comments, further delaying the launch.

The approved regulatory framework will allow sportsbook operators to apply for licenses, but those licenses need to be reviewed before operators are given a launch date.

There will also be several applicants looking to launch in North Carolina. DraftKings, BetMGM, and Fanatics have confirmed their interest in entering the market. DraftKings and BetMGM have even included NC in their future revenue plans. There will be a lot of applications to review before making final decisions.

For many, the goal will be to get the market launched before Super Bowl betting begins. Launching after the Big Game leaves a lot of money on the table for the state.