North Carolina Sports Betting: Preliminary Rules Established for Mobile Wagering

The newly established sports betting committee of the North Carolina Lottery Commission convened for its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, focusing on crucial rule proposals for the state's mobile sports wagering market.

During the meeting, the committee deliberated over a range of proposed rules, encompassing sports wagering definitions, general technical descriptions and various aspects of the state's licensing application process. These preliminary rules are not expected to face significant resistance from operators or other industry stakeholders.

Sterl Carpenter, the lottery's deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports betting, emphasized to Sports Handle that the rules discussed were just an initial component of the comprehensive set of rules that the staff will present to the commission.

The Outlook for DFS and Fantasy Pick 'Em

The proposed rules primarily covered the basics, but the committee also addressed the realm of fantasy sports. Notably, the proposed rules indicate North Carolina's readiness to follow other states in addressing pick'em-style fantasy sports contests that resemble parlay wagers.

The proposed rules prohibit fantasy sports contests that are "based on proposition wagering or contests that involve, result in, or have the effect of mimicking proposition wagering or other forms of sports wagering." This move aligns North Carolina with states like Michigan and New York, which have adjusted rules to restrict fantasy operators from conducting pick'em-style games.

More to Follow for North Caroline Guidelines

Written public comments on these rules will be accepted until Nov. 1. Additionally, a public comment session is scheduled for Oct. 27, where registered participants can share their input.

After the public comment period concludes, the rules will undergo final approval. Furthermore, more detailed regulations regarding license applications are expected to be released in the coming month.

One significant revelation from Tuesday's meeting was the confirmation by Sterl Carpenter that the commission is making steady progress toward meeting the legislature's mid-June deadline for the statewide launch of mobile sportsbooks. Carpenter noted the importance of adhering to the statutory deadline, indicating that North Carolina is on track to do so.

Given the substantial interest in college basketball in North Carolina, launching after the NCAA basketball tournament in March could result in the state missing out on valuable tax revenue.