North Carolina Stadium Sportsbooks A Potential Market Booster

The new sports betting market in North Carolina will bring many changes to the local sports scene. In addition to North Carolina sports betting apps, HB 347 allows local teams to host in-stadium sportsbooks. This clause grants betting licenses to the Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Charlotte Football Club.

Other markets like Arizona and Ohio have seen success with local in-stadium sportsbooks. How will the Tar Heel State fair?

Local Teams Embrace NC Sports Betting

North Carolina sports teams showed their support when Gov. Roy Cooper signed sports betting into law. Not only is sports betting expected to increase fan engagement, but the promise of a sportsbook inside their venues is appealing.

“We are extremely grateful for all of the hard work by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to get this bill to the finish line,” said Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the Hurricanes. “We will now have the opportunity to build a world-class sports-wagering facility to expand the entertainment options around PNC Arena. Our plans will also include a restaurant and bar available to fans every day, helping to spur additional development in and around the arena district.”

Retail sportsbooks in the state are currently limited to tribal casinos. Once the market is live, locals can wager at any of the major stadiums. This will see a sportsbook at Bank of America Stadium, Spectrum Center, and PNC Arena.

Fans who attend live games can wager on the events as they are going on. Additionally, sportsbooks will be accessible to fans whether there is a game happening or not. Looking at other prominent markets that host stadium sportsbooks, it is a recipe for success. Sports fans embrace sports betting, and there is no better place to find these fans than at local games.

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How North Carolina Sports Betting Will Benefit From In Stadium Sportsbooks

When both Arizona and Ohio launched sports betting, stadium sportsbooks also launched. The markets have become some of the biggest betting states, featuring some of the best betting sites.

During the first month of activity, Arizona sportsbooks debuted with $291.2 million in handle. Sportsbooks launched in September 2021. This handle placed Arizona in the top five in the nation. The Grand Canyon State outperformed several markets that had been live for months and even years.

The same effect was seen when Ohio launched. When the Buckeye State launched sports betting in January 2023, Ohio sportsbooks combined for $1.1 billion in wagers. This shot Ohio to the top three in the US.

In both instances, most of the wagers came from online sportsbooks. However, retail sportsbooks, specifically in-stadium operators, saw massive success. In Ohio, $23 million of the first month’s handle was placed at retail locations.

Strong local sports teams and fan engagement poise North Carolina for success at its new retail locations when they open.