NC Sports Betting: Pre-Registrations Now Open at 7 Sportsbooks

Here are 7 sportsbooks that have pre-registration offers for North Carolina

Seven leading online sportsbooks are anticipated to roll out pre-launch offers, creating a buzz among eager bettors. These promotions, expected to be unveiled by renowned platforms, will likely include enticing incentives and bonuses, setting the stage for an exciting start to the sports betting journey in North Carolina.

BetMGM North Carolina Sportsbook

Another contender for the best sportsbook in NC. BetMGM North Carolina is active in over 20 states and offers a loyalty program called MGM Rewards. This program lets you earn points from betting, which you can then use for online bonuses or real-world perks.

Caesars North Carolina Sportsbook

The Caesars sportsbook has a strong presence in North Carolina with two physical legal sportsbooks. Anticipate the advent of live betting, NFL streams, and a rewards program for local casinos if online sports betting receives legal approval.

Bet365 North Carolina Sportsbook

Drawing on its distinguished history as one of the pioneers in the online sports betting realm, the Bet365 sportsbook is anticipated to be among the leading platforms offering pre-launch promotions in North Carolina. With a track record of providing expansive market options and innovative features, Bet365's legacy enhances the anticipation for compelling offers as sports betting takes off in the state.

Fanatics North Carolina Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook, gaining anticipation in North Carolina, is set to captivate bettors with its widespread accessibility and exciting features like live streaming and live betting on the dedicated North Carolina betting app. As a recently launched national sportsbook, Fanatics is poised to become a highly sought-after choice in the state's burgeoning sports betting landscape.

ESPN BET Sportsbook NC

ESPN BET is the latest PENN Entertainment brand that is now accessible across 17 states, and we eagerly anticipate exploring the brand's offerings and promotions tailored for users in North Carolina.

The Legislative Journey of North Carolina Sports Betting

• 📆 2019: North Carolina greenlit sports betting at tribal casinos via Senate Bill 154, sparking in-person betting at Cherokee's Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprises and Catawba Two Kings Casino by 2021.
• 📆 May 2021: Witness history as the inaugural retail sportsbook, Caesars NC Sportsbook, launched at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River.
• 📆 2022: Senate Bill 688 aimed for 10-12 North Carolina sportsbooks, facing opposition. High hopes in the House fell short with a close 50-51 vote in June, delaying online betting.
• 📆 2023: A turnaround with House Bill 347 signing into law, laying the groundwork for online sports betting. The launch is scheduled for the first half of 2024.
• 📆 January 2024: Concerns over underage mobile betting and gambling addiction addressed as North Carolina Lottery Commission outlines regulations in a detailed 256-page document.
• 📆 Present: March 11th marks the launch of live North Carolina sports betting, welcoming bettors to engage with various sportsbooks across the state.

Economic and Social Impacts

In North Carolina, sports betting license holders face an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue, surpassing the initially proposed 14% by the House. This contrasts with Virginia's 15% tax and Tennessee's unique model taxing operators based on the total amount bet.

Operators must secure written agreements with sports teams, venues, or leagues to launch. The entry fee encompasses a $1 million licensing fee, with an additional $1 million renewable fee after five years.

The state foresees substantial tax revenues, with projections ranging from $64.6 million in the inaugural year to an estimated $100.6 million in the fourth year post-legalization. A significant portion, $2 million, is allocated to gambling addiction education and treatment programs under the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

Addressing social impact, North Carolina Amateur Sports benefits from a $1 million grant to enhance youth sports opportunities. Additionally, $1 million supports North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission grants, and each of the 13 state universities receives $300,000 annually for their athletic departments. A reserve of up to $500,000 caters to NCLC expenses.

Remaining proceeds undergo a structured distribution: 50% contributes to the state's General Fund, 30% to the North Carolina Major Events, Games and Attractions Fund, and the remaining 20% is equally divided among the 13 universities to fortify their athletic departments further.

Sports Culture Impact

Governor Cooper advocated for the introduction of North Carolina sports betting ahead of the March Madness NCAA basketball tournament. With Selection Sunday on March 17 and the tournament kicking off on March 19, this ambitious timeline could spark a significant basketball boom in the state.

The legalization of sports betting is poised to profoundly impact college sports in North Carolina. Allocating $300,000 annually to each of the 13 state universities is expected to be a game-changer, providing crucial support to their athletic departments. Additionally, allocating 20% of remaining tax revenue equally to these universities aims to further fortify their athletic programs.

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, one of the beneficiaries, perceives this financial support as transformative for small-town athletics. Athletic Director Dick Christy highlights its significance in stabilizing operating budgets, structuring health and safety requirements, and positively influencing the local economy.

In a recent interview with WUNC North Carolina Public Radio, Christy shared insights into the potential impact of tax revenues on athletics in the state, expressing cautious optimism until the process is up and running.

North Carolina now joins the ranks of states embracing sports betting, with anticipation building for the launch of March Madness betting sites. This signifies a pivotal moment for sports enthusiasts, providing a legal and regulated avenue to engage with one of the most anticipated events in college basketball.

How North Carolina Bettors Will Be Able to Participate

Upon confirmation of operators' licenses, North Carolina sports betting enthusiasts can register on platforms like DraftKings North Carolina Sportsbook, BetMGM North Carolina Sportsbook, ESPN BET North Carolina Sportsbook, and FanDuel North Carolina Sportsbook. Anticipate a plethora of North Carolina sportsbook promotions.

Creating Sportsbook Accounts

To create a sportsbook account:

1. Click "sign up" on the website or app.
2. Make your initial deposit.
3. Choose a sport and select a market for your bet.
4. Enter your desired bet amount and submit your bet slip.

Legal Betting Age

• Residents of North Carolina, aged 21 and above, can wager on professional and college sports. 
• Can use a computer, mobile app, or by visiting an authorized retail location.

Events Allowed To Bet On

In North Carolina, a vast array of sports betting markets awaits enthusiasts, including:

• ⚽ Football 
• 🏀 Basketball 
• ⚾ Baseball 
• 🏌️‍♂️ Golf 
• 🏒 Hockey 
• ⚽ Soccer

And a multitude of others!

How Betting Odds Work For Beginners

American Odds Overview:

• Commonly used in the US, American odds are expressed as a triple-digit number with either a (-) or (+) sign, with A$100 as the reference point.

Negative (-) Odds:

• Denotes the amount needed to bet for a A$100 profit.
• For instance, a bet of A$200 at -200 odds yields a total of A$300 (including stake + profit).

Positive (+) Odds:

• Represents potential profit for a A$100 wager.
• For example, a bet of A$100 at +200 odds results in a total of A$300 (including stake + profit) upon winning.

Importance Of Responsible Gambling

• For novice bettors in North Carolina, it's crucial to prioritize responsible betting. 
• Wager only within affordable limits, and if the enjoyment diminishes, it's essential to pause and refrain from further betting.

Comparing North Carolina With Other Legalized Betting States

North Carolina's approach to sports betting, unlike states such as Vermont, is favorable for the local college sports scene, without restrictions on in-state college games. The existing familiarity with in-person sports betting in specific locations provides the state with a strategic advantage.

A significant positive for North Carolina is the potential revenue generation, marked by an 18% tax on license holders' gross gaming revenue, surpassing neighboring states. In comparison, Virginia imposes a 15% tax, and Tennessee taxes operators based on the betting handle. Notably, Michigan levies an 8.4% tax, while Ohio swiftly doubled its tax rate from 10% to 20% within six months of its January 2023 launch.

Considering this evolving trend, North Carolina may contemplate adjusting its rates within the initial year, further enhancing its revenue potential.

Technology and Security

As North Carolina gears up for sports betting, experts predict a tech-driven revolution within 3-5 years, notably through the incorporation of AI to elevate the customer experience. Leading sportsbooks like BetMGM, Caesars, and Bet365 prioritize the security of their mobile apps, implementing measures such as SSL encryption and robust firewalls.

FanDuel takes a proactive security stance by collaborating with HackerOne for a bug bounty program. In the realm of app security, users are encouraged to adopt strong password practices. The North Carolina Lottery Commission (NCLC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring operators' tech compliance through established rules, certifications, and independent testing.

This collective effort aims to establish a secure and technologically advanced foundation for sports betting in North Carolina as the launch date approaches.

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for North Carolina

North Carolina's venture into sports betting appears perfectly timed, especially if you're eyeing bets on the upcoming Super Bowl. The set tax rate suggests significant revenue for the Tar Heel state, surpassing many others. This windfall is poised to enhance local sports, funding college athletic departments, youth sports, and promoting responsible gambling.

The future holds promise for North Carolina in the sports betting realm. Mobile betting's introduction aligns well with the evolving landscape in the next three to five years, where AI, virtual reality, and immersive betting experiences might become industry norms. It's an exhilarating era for North Carolina sports betting enthusiasts, but responsible gambling practices must always prevail.

Additional Resources

The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) - provides and supports effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach and treatment services throughout North Carolina.

North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline - 877-718-5543

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - also provides a support gambling assistance program More Than a Game:

• Phone: 877-718-5543
• Text: Send phrase morethanagamenc to 53342
• Live chat: morthanagame.nc.gov

North Carolina Education Lottery’s Play Smart program - https://nclottery.com/playsmart-play-smarter

Support Services

• The National Problem Gambling Helpline -  1-800-GAMBLER. (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY)
• The National Problem Gambling Helpline -  (1-800-522-4700) - is available 24/7 and is 100% Confidential.
• The National Council on Problem Gambling - Offers text services at 800-522-4700 as well as chat services through their website https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/chat/
• Gamblers Anonymous - An organization that helps individuals recover from gambling problems. 24/7 gambling problem hotline at 855-222-5542.

DraftKings North Carolina Sportsbook

The DraftKings sportsbook has been offering DFS games in North Carolina for some time. With the legalization of sports betting in North Carolina, its widespread accessibility and added features such as live streaming and live betting on the dedicated North Carolina betting app are poised to make it a highly sought-after choice among enthusiasts.

FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina

The Fanduel sportsbook is already recognized in North Carolina for its Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) offerings, supported by Flutter Entertainment, this platform is accessible in 19 states. Offering an extensive range of bets across multiple sports, along with live betting, it stands as a prominent candidate for the title of the top North Carolina sportsbook.