Latest Sports Betting News: Vermont Launches; Is North Carolina Next?

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Written By Giovanni Shorter | Last Updated
Sports Betting News

The welcoming of betting sites in Vermont highlights this week’s sports betting news. Meanwhile, Georgia lawmakers are looking to follow suit as a new sports betting bill has been introduced. In North Carolina, nine operators have applied for sports betting licenses. Let’s break down the recent sports betting news in these markets.

Vermont Sportsbooks Live Starting Today

Today kicks off the launch of online sportsbooks in Vermont, where popular operators in DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have begun accepting locals. Vermont is an online-only betting market that has its mobile apps accessible statewide. With the launch, Vermont becomes the final New England market to launch sports betting.

“As a Boston-based company, we are thrilled for the opportunity to further expand in the New England region and provide Vermont with access to safe and legal sports betting,” said Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America. “This is an exciting time of year with the NFL Playoffs about to kick off, and Vermonters will now have the opportunity to engage with their favorite sports on our industry-leading DraftKings Sportsbook app.”

Bettors can begin accepting odds in Vermont starting today. There are also several sportsbook promos on offer as well for the top-rated sportsbooks. Vermont residents can finally partake in the wonderful world of sports betting.

Georgia Senator Presents Sports Betting Legislation

Despite failing at every turn in the past, a Georgia Senator is attempting to pass legislation to launch sports betting. Sen. Bill Cowsert presented SB 172, which would bring sportsbooks to the Peach State. The measure allows both online sports betting and retail sports betting.

SB 172 lays out the entire sports betting market. Adjusted gross revenue from player props, parlays, and live bets, will be taxed at a 25% rate. All other wagering types will be taxed at 20%. Online betting licenses would require a $100,000 application fee and a $1 million annual fee. Retail would see a $10,000 application fee and a $100,000 annual fee.

Collegiate sports betting would be allowed under this measure, and the Georgia Lottery would regulate the market. While the measure does sound solid, Georgia has failed to pass similar legislation in the past.

Just last year, in 2023, Georgia lawmakers voted against SR 140; another bill presented by Sen. Cowsert. The measure failed to gain the required two-thirds majority at the time. Could this measure have a better shot at success than past legislation?

North Carolina Sportsbooks Shaping Up

The North Carolina sports betting market is inching toward its eventual launch. While no launch date is set, the current target confirmed by Gov. Roy Cooper is before the March Madness tournament starts. Operators have curated partnerships with local NC entities and have begun applying for licenses. In total, nine operators have applied for licenses in North Carolina.

North Carolina Applicants And Partnerships

bet365 – Charlotte Hornets
BetMGM – Charlotte Motor Speedway
Catawba Two Kings Casino (Retail)
DraftKings – NASCAR
ESPN BET – Quail Hollow Club
Fanatics Sportsbook – Carolina Hurricanes
FanDuel – PGA Tour
Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Cherokee (Retail)
Underdog Fantasy

North Carolina will be a full-service sports betting market once the state launches this year. There is a lot of excitement from lawmakers, operators, and residents in anticipation. The NC Lottery Commission will be reviewing applicants with the likelihood of confirmed operators being announced in February. North Carolina sports betting is closer than ever to becoming a reality for locals.

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