North Carolina lawmakers have officially filed HB 347, a mobile sports betting bill, in the House. This bill would allow for up to 12 regulated online operators to launch in the Tar Heel State. N.C. attempted to regulate sports betting with a similar bill in 2022. That measure fell short by just one vote. This time around, lawmakers are optimistic about this measure passing.
North Carolina Sports Betting Push Commences In 2023 Legislative Session
The bill’s main sponsor is Rep. Jason Saine. Saine has been a proponent of sports betting, attempting to pass legislation in previous years. While the past efforts have failed, the continued attempts show a strong desire for mobile betting in North Carolina.
This measure would see each sports betting license cost $1 million for five years. Local tribes would be able to offer mobile sports betting. The mobile apps offered by tribal operators would not count towards the 12 approved licenses per the measure.
“Any federally recognized tribe, or business entity owned or controlled by the tribe, that is deemed an interactive sports wagering operator under this Article shall include authorization for any technology and sports wagering brand partners of the tribe or the business entity owned or controlled by the tribe, subject to compliance with the terms of this Article by the technology and sports wagering brand partners. A tribal gaming enterprise deemed an interactive sports wagering operator under this section shall not count toward the total number of authorized interactive sports wagering operators in this State in accordance with G.S. 18C-904.”
HB 347
The measure would also allow local sports teams to offer retail sportsbooks in stadiums. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers would gain betting licenses to offer odds. Sports betting would be regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.
The commission would tax sports betting at 14% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR). In addition, $2 million would be granted annually to the Department of Health and Human Services for problem gambling efforts. Parks and Recreation would gain $1 million annually, with funds to be divided into $10,000 for each county.
College Betting Approved Under HB 347
This measure would allow for collegiate betting on local teams. This inclusion led to previous pushback by lawmakers. Many markets across the nation have restricted or outright bans on collegiate betting. Some allow for exceptions during college football Bowl Games or college basketball March Madness betting. This measure would allow for college betting with no restrictions involving local teams.
This inclusion of college betting could be a major pushback once the bill is ultimately put to a vote. N.C. is home to the University of North Carolina and holds a strong local fanbase. Bettors would surely embrace odds on UNC throughout the college basketball season. Locals will have to wait and see if this measure will pass with this inclusion of college betting.
