North Carolina Sports Betting Apps: Legal Sportsbooks Launching Soon

Online sports betting has passed in North Carolina, meaning North Carolina sports betting apps are coming soon.

Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 on Wednesday, June 14, legalizing North Carolina sports betting. However, it will be several months before it actually launches in the state. Soon, North Carolina will be home to up to 11 of the best betting sites. TheLines will be rating the top North Carolina sports betting apps once they are available to download.

Also, once NC online sports betting launches, new users can take advantage of the best sportsbook promo codes and offers on the market. This North Carolina sports betting guide will give you all the information you need to know about wagering in the Tar Heel state.

North Carolina Sports Betting & Sportsbook Apps Update

North Carolina legalized online sports betting in 2023 with the passing of  HB 347. This provided the pathway for legal sports betting apps to launch sometime in early 2024.

North Carolina Info	What We Know
North Carolina Sports Betting	Legal, not launched
Launch Date	Potentially Early 2024
Sports Betting Apps	Up to 12 (non-tribal)
DFS	Yes
Horse Racing	Yes (but no horse betting apps yet)
College Sports Wagering	Yes (at tribal casinos for now)
Legal Betting Age	21+

North Carolina Sports Betting Timeline

Below are some key moments in North Carolina’s sports betting timeline:

• Sometime in 2024: North Carolina sports betting apps will launch.
• September 28, 2023: The North Carolina Lottery Commission forms the North Carolina Sports Betting Committee to oversee the launch of mobile betting.
• September 25, 2023: Kentucky lawmakers update the total potential sportsbooks from 12 to 11 with passed budget.
• September 19, 2023: A state budget proposal would change sports betting regulations and allow pro teams a say in who gets a license. This would alter the 12 mobile sportsbooks maximum currently set in the law.
• August 30, 2023: The North Carolina Lottery posts a job listing for a Director of Licensing. The position will aid in the regulatory process.
• August 11, 2023: The North Carolina Lottery Commission hires Gaming Laboratories International to assist with regulations and sportsbook testing.
• June 14, 2023: Gov. Roy Cooper signs North Carolina online sports betting bill into law.
• June 7, 2023: Thanks to a 68-45 House vote on HB 347, North Carolina online sports betting moves one signature away from becoming legal.
• June 1, 2023: North Carolina Senate votes 37-11 to approve mobile sports betting.
• May 19, 2023: Carolina Hurricanes fans didn’t care for the end result, but the Hurricanes and Florida Panthers needed four overtime periods to decide Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Finals. The game-winning goal came with just 12.7 seconds remaining in the fourth OT. In terms of all-time longest games in NHL history, this one now holds the No. 6 spot.
• April 27, 2023: With the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select QB Bryce Young out of the University of Alabama.
• March 13, 2023: North Carolina mobile sports betting bill is filed in the General Assembly. Besides allowing collegiate and pro sports wagering, up to 14 mobile sportsbook licenses would be permitted, including two tribal licenses.

Preview of North Carolina Sports Betting Apps

Plenty of behind-the-scenes work is left to do before operators like DraftKings Sportsbook NC or BetMGM NC apps become a reality. It’s so early in the NC sports betting game that companies have yet to announce if they plan to apply for one of the available licenses. For now, we can only speculate what the market may or may not look like.

Rumored North Carolina Sports Betting Apps

With the possibility of up to 11 non-tribal skins launching in NC, there are a number of different ways this could play out.

Caesars Sportsbook is a logical and obvious choice for one of the first new sports betting sites to launch since the brand is offering retail sports wagering via the two Harrah’s Cherokee casinos. FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM are a few other big names constantly expanding into new markets. Based on availability in other markets, the list of North Carolina sports betting apps will likely include the following:

• bet365
• BetMGM
• Betway
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• Fanatics
• BetRivers
• Barstool
• WynnBet

Future of PointsBet is still unknown

You might’ve noticed we omitted PointsBet above. The brand is live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia, and several other markets. On paper, expanding into NC makes a lot of sense. However, the wild card is we don’t know what the future holds for the brand here in the States. In May, Fanatics announced a deal to purchase PointsBet’s US assets. This means the PointsBet name could disappear before NC sports betting even arrives, or it could exist for a short time and switch over to Fanatics. The details are still unknown.

North Carolina Sports Betting Apps

No matter which North Carolina sports betting app you end up going with, most of them will include similar features. At the same time, you might ask, “What makes Caesars different from DraftKings?” We have broken down some of the app’s most popular features below to help you answer that question.

Caesars Sportsbook: Those who enjoy staying at Caesars Entertainment properties locally in North Carolina or further away in Atlantic City and Nevada will have the added perk of building Caesars Rewards tier credits when you bet on the Hornets or Tar Heels. Once you build enough credits and comp dollars, they will be available to use for hotel rooms and restaurants across the country. Bettors also will enjoy the profit boosts and same game parlays (SGP).

DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings is one of those brands with an established customer base from its daily fantasy sports product. While the DFS and sportsbook platforms are separate, many other states offer a shared wallet between the two products. This means your funds can be used to set an MLB fantasy lineup and bet on a three-team moneyline parlay. Early MLB payouts for a 2-run lead, superstar super boosts, and odds surges are a few popular promos that are available to bettors in other markets. The added bonus is the Dynasty Rewards you earn can be redeemed in the Dynasty Rewards store.

FanDuel Sportsbook: The FanDuel Sportsbook app is a name that is hard to miss. Like with DK, the brand made the natural crossover from DFS. Since entering the mobile sports betting space, FanDuel has established itself as a market leader in just about every state. FanDuel Sportsbook customers enjoy a variety of different promos, including quick bets, no-sweat first bets, and dinger Tuesdays (during MLB season).

BetMGM Sportsbook: BetMGM Sportsbook, a partnership between MGM Resorts and Entain, is a popular sports betting app billed as “the King of Sportsbooks.” Pro sports fans might be attracted to the app as a result of Jalen Rose, Kevin Garnett, and Connor McDavid serving as celebrity brand ambassadors. A few promos NC bettors might enjoy are signature bets, Lion’s boosts, and same-game parlays.

Who Can Bet On North Carolina Sports?

Legal Age: Bettors aged 21+ will be permitted to place sports wagers when sports betting apps launch in the state.	Mobile Betting Apps: NC sports betting legislation allows for up to 11 sports betting operators to partner with one of the eight pro sports venues to launch a sports betting app. There are also tribal licenses up for grabs.	Remote Registration: Sports bettors will be able to register for a North Carolina online sports betting account remotely when wagering goes live.
Within State Lines: In order to legally wager on a North Carolina sports betting app, bettors will need to be within state lines. Apps use geolocation services to determine a bettor’s location.	Retail Sportsbooks: Besides the three currently open at NC tribal casinos, up to eight retail sportsbooks can open at North Carolina pro sports facilities.	Taxable Winnings: Gambling winnings are taxed at 5.25% in North Carolina. Winnings of over $5,000 will be subject to a federal tax rate of 25%.

North Carolina Sports Betting Licenses

Eight professional sports venues within NC state lines are eligible to apply for a North Carolina sports betting license, including a retail sportsbook. Each license holder can partner with an online sports betting operator. TheLines will update the table below as partnerships are announced.

Venue	City
Bank of America Stadium	Charlotte
PNC Arena	Raleigh
Spectrum Center	Charlotte
WakeMed Soccer Park	Cary
Charlotte Motor Speedway	Concord
North Wilkesboro Speedway	North Wilkesboro
Quail Hollow Country Club	Charlotte
Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro

How to Download North Carolina Sports Betting Apps

1. Select the sportsbook app you want to download

Once North Carolina online sports betting goes live, the apps will be available for download in the Apple App or Google Play store. You can also click the links on this page to go directly to the sportsbook and register.

The App Store is where iOS users will find the North Carolina sports betting apps available for download. Click on “get” then “open.” Android users will need to visit the Google Play store. Once you find your desired sportsbook app, tap “install.”

2. Register for an account

Once you have downloaded a North Carolina sports betting app you would like to use, the sign-up process can begin. It should only take a few minutes. New customers will need to provide the following information:

• Name
• Email address
• Home address
• DOB
• Gender
• Last four digits of SSN
• Create a password

3. Set up two-factor authentication

You can expect there to be a two-factor authentication during the log-in process. The sportsbook platforms use this extra layer of protection to protect a player’s account and reduce the risk of fraud. Once you log in, customers will be asked to provide a unique six-digit code provided via an authenticator app or text message. In some cases, there will be an option to “remember this device for 30 days.”

4. Claim your new user offer and enter promo code

TheLines’ sportsbook promo page provides the best sign-up offers available to new North Carolina users. If this is your first time dabbling with online sports betting, sportsbook promos typically include bonus bets or bet credits. These offers are geared toward new users making that first deposit, so be sure to read over the available offer details when signing up. Sportsbooks might have a playthrough requirement before the site credits or bonus funds can be withdrawn.

5. Deposit funds

No matter which sports betting apps launch in North Carolina, they will all offer numerous quick and easy deposit methods. Popular options include:

• Credit/debit card
• ACH
• PayPal
• Gift card
• Venmo
• ApplePay
• Cash at the cage

In most cases, bettors will see the funds almost immediately in their wallet after depositing. Keep in mind, sportsbooks usually have a $10 minimum deposit requirement. If you decide to use a credit card, check with the bank associated with the card to see if the transaction would considered a cash advance. This way you can avoid getting hit with any fees prior to the transaction.

If you decide to go with ACH, which is like a direct deposit into your bank account, the cash might not be available until the next day. PayPal and Venmo are other safe methods if you’re looking to deposit money quickly.

6. Place a wager

Using the North Carolina sports betting app you just downloaded, it’s time to place the first bet. With so many different types of bets available, the process might seem overwhelming at first. Moneyline (pick the winner straight up), point spread (team must win or lose by a certain number of points) and futures (the Duke Blue Devils to win the NCAA Tournament) are a few of the many options. You can wager as little as $5 to $10.

7. Withdraw winning funds

Like at the retail sportsbooks, you have the option to withdraw funds once the winning ticket is settled. Customers can withdraw the funds using many of the deposit options mentioned above, making the process quick and painless. Operators like DraftKings Sportsbook will list approximately how long before the funds will appear on your bank or credit card statement. For example, if you decide to go with a debit card, the turnaround time is usually less than 24 hours. A check by mail, or the other hand, might take up to two weeks. There are often minimum amounts required to make a withdrawal.

What can you bet on in North Carolina? 

The North Carolina Lottery Commission is expected to share a list of approved and unapproved sports betting events. For now we can only speculate what online sports betting on North Carolina will look like. TheLines will update the table below once the details are available.

Event	Yes/No
NFL betting	Yes
NBA betting	Yes
MLB betting	Yes
NHL betting	Yes
NCAA basketball	Yes
NCAA football	Yes
NASCAR racing	Yes
PGA Tour	Yes
MMA	Yes
Political Elections	No
Academy Awards	No
Emmy Awards	No
High School Sports	No

College sports are allowed.

Popular Sports Teams In North Carolina

North Carolina is home to three major professional sports teams – the Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and Charlotte Hornets. It’s highly unlikely North Carolina sports betting apps will launch in time for the NFL regular season, but Super Bowl odds could come into play. The Panthers odds of winning it range from +5000 to +7500 prior to NFL training camps opening.

Other bettors might prefer checking out NBA odds, especially if the 2023-24 season becomes the one in which the Hornets make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs five straight seasons. North Carolina is home to 10 minor league baseball teams, but sportsbooks do not offer odds on those teams.

North Carolina College Sports Teams

March Madness betting will likely be a very big deal in the Tar Heel State. The championship history of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament explains why. Duke (five), North Carolina (six), and NC State (two) have all won multiple titles.

Outside of basketball, all three schools, along with Wake Forest, are coming off seasons in which they played in college football bowl games. Since college football betting will be permitted in NC, it’s likely to be a big market for the state.

Geolocation and the importance of betting in NC

Once North Carolina sports betting apps debut, sportsbook operators like Caesars or BetMGM will conduct player location checks to make sure the bets are being placed within North Carolina state lines versus a neighboring state. GeoComply will most likely be the company that provides the geolocation technology. Signing up for an account or depositing funds can be done from outside of NC.

Since South Carolina does not offer legal sports betting legislation, a bettor from the Palmetto State could complete the first two steps from home. However, if that person wants to make a wager on the college football game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and North Carolina Tar Heels, it will require a trip into NC.

NC rules and regulations

Unlike other states approaching the online sports betting finish line, in-person wagering on sporting events has been legal in North Carolina for a few years. However, the tribal casinos are not located in any major NC cities. North Carolina sports betting apps will make it possible to legally bet on pro and collegiate sporting events from anywhere in the state. You will need to be age 21 or older to place a mobile sports bet. With the Spectrum Center in Charlotte being one of the venues eligible for a NC sports betting license, the sportsbook there will be permitted to take bets on the teams playing in the 2024 first and second round NCAA Tournament games there. This will include placing mobile bets from the seats while games are taking place.

Details regarding partnerships, the licensing process, and what brands are coming to North Carolina will become clearer in the near future.

Responsible Gambling in North Carolina

Like in Virginia and Tennessee, Responsible Gambling (RG) is something the North Carolina Lottery Commission and operators will take extremely seriously. Bettors will have access to a number of national and local responsible gambling tools that include:

• Access to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) website.
• The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network is available 24/7. The toll-free helpline is 800-522-4700.
• Gamblers Anonymous -a national self-help organization with a 12-step program centered around helping individuals address problem gambling.
• State resources such as the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) available via the NCDHHS.gov website (NC Department of Health and Human Services).
• Available services including effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach, and treatment services throughout NC.  

Gamblers will notice sportsbook apps will include the RG and NCLC logos. The main reasons for this is to let customers know the app is approved and being monitored by state regulators. You will not find either logo if betting with an Illegal offshore operator.

North Carolina sportsbook apps + RG tools

Users also will notice brands like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars also make sure players are gambling responsibly. Here are examples of what some sportsbooks are currently offering in other states:

Sportsbook App	Permanent/Temporary self-exclude	Minimum/Maximum Deposit Limits	Minimum/Maximum Betting Limits	Cool-Off Period	Reality Check/Time Limits
DraftKings Sportsbook	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Caesars Sportsbook	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
FanDuel Sportsbook	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
BetMGM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

North Carolina + Sports Betting FAQs