North Carolina Sports Betting

Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina, making it the 38th state to do so and the 30th to permit mobile gaming.

Gov. Roy Cooper signed it into law on June 14, 2023. Retail sports betting at tribal casinos came earlier, under a 2019 amendment to the state's tribal gaming compacts, but the full online product had to wait a little longer.

The state's sports gambling is regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. The NCSLC licenses operators, service providers and suppliers, and takes player complaints against licensed operators directly.

While only seven sportsbooks currently hold licenses, state law allows up to 12 operator licenses to be issued. Every operator must be tethered to a North Carolina professional team, league, golf course or motorsports venue to qualify.

The full list of operators and their associated sports teams, leagues or venues is:

• bet365 - Charlotte Hornets
• Fanatics - Carolina Hurricanes
• BetMGM - Charlotte Motor Speedway
• DraftKings - NASCAR
• FanDuel - Carolina Panthers and the PGA Tour
• Caesars - Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• theScore Bet - Quail Hollow Club

Two major changes have hit the NC operator lineup. ESPN BET rebranded as theScore Bet — same license, same company, different app. Underdog Sports surrendered its North Carolina sportsbook license and left the market.

North Carolina Sports Betting Key Takeaways

Here are some common facts to know about sports betting in North Carolina.

🤔 Is NC Sports Betting Legal?	Yes (retail + mobile launched are live)
🚀 NC Mobile Sports Betting Launch Date	March 11
📰  Latest NC Sports Betting News	The Lottery Commission accepted the third set of proposed sports betting rules
👍 Live NC Sportsbooks	Fanatics Sportsbook, BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, theScore Bet
✅ Last Verified	September 12, 2026

Can I bet on sports in North Carolina?

You must be at least 21 to place a sports wager in North Carolina, online or in person.

You do not need to be a resident of NC, but you must be physically inside the state's borders at the moment you place the bet. Apps confirm that with geolocation software before accepting the bet, and desktop users must install the operator's location software to verify it.

A visitor from Charleston or Atlanta can open an account and bet from a hotel in Charlotte; a North Carolina resident sitting in Danville, Virginia, cannot use their North Carolina account.

To bet on sports legally in NC, all you need is:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• The last four digits of your Social Security number
• Proof of age — a photo ID

If automated verification fails, operators typically ask for a photo of a government ID and sometimes a utility bill or bank statement matching the address on the account. This is routine and usually takes only a few minutes to resolve.

Can I bet on UNC, Duke and NC State, including player props?

Yes, you can. And North Carolina is unusual in this as one of the few US states permitting gambling on NCAA player props. 

NCSLC-approved wager types include player prop wagers. There is no in-state college carve-out and no college player prop ban. You can bet a UNC–Duke spread, a total at Cameron Indoor, and Cayden Boozer's assist line, all from the same slip.

What has changed for NC sports bettors in 2026?

There have been two major changes that North Carolina sports bettors need to be aware of, as they affect you directly, not the sportsbooks.

The North Carolina Department of Revenue now requires your sportsbook to hand over your name, address, tax ID and full wager history if you won $2,000 or more last year.

At the same time, North Carolina created a state deduction for gambling losses for the first time. It was enacted in July 2026 and applies retroactively to tax year 2025.

Who Regulates North Carolina Gambling?

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission regulates gambling in the state, and its responsibilities will include the regulation of sports betting. The commission is in charge of collecting license application fees, issuing operator licenses, and overseeing online sportsbook activities.

Details of the NC Sports Betting Bill

When looking at HB 347, the North Carolina sports betting bill, I have compiled important information for state bettors to know.

• 18% tax rate
• Up to 11 online sportsbooks will be permitted to operate
• Every online operator is required to partner with a pro sports team or sports venue
• Betting on all major sports markets is allowed
• Bettors must be 21+ to place wagers

How do I place my first bet in North Carolina?

Getting started in North Carolina can take only a few minutes. Having set up accounts in all 50 states, our well-traveled experts have the simplest set of steps to help you get going with any North Carolina betting site or app.

1. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or use the operator's website.
2. Register with your legal name, date of birth, residential address and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
3. Clear identity verification. Most accounts verify instantly. If yours does not, don't worry — expect to upload a photo of a driver's license or state ID, and occasionally a utility bill or bank statement showing the same address.
4. Use a bonus code. Choose a sports betting bonus and use one of our bonus codes to secure the offer (if applicable). You can check out some of Action Network's Best North Carolina Sportsbook Promos or by reading VegasInsider's take on the top North Carolina Betting Promos.
5. Geolocate. Apps check your physical position through your phone. Desktop sites will ask you to install their own software.
6. Deposit. Debit cards, online banking transfers, PayPal, Venmo and Apple Pay or Google Pay are widely supported.
7. Start betting. Check out the available bet types and get started by reading the New York Post's North Carolina Betting Promos recap.

What can't you bet on in North Carolina?

North Carolina state law prohibits a specific and fairly short list of markets. Everything else must appear in the Commission's sports wagering catalog to be offered. Prohibited:

• High school and youth sports.
• The occurrence of injuries.
• The occurrence of penalties.
• Disciplinary proceedings against a participant in a sporting event.
• The outcome of replay reviews.
• Political contests and elections.
• Award shows, including the Oscars and the Grammys.
• Anything not approved in the state wagering catalog.

Horse racing is authorized for wagering, but the NCSLC has not yet activated it. There is no licensed horse race betting in North Carolina at present. Online casino games are not legal in North Carolina; table games and slots exist only at the three tribal casinos.

Embarking on sports betting in North Carolina is now easier than ever with the availability of eight licensed sportsbooks. These reputable platforms feature a plethora of betting options, catering to both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike. The top North Carolina sportsbooks that launched are: bet365, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, and theScore Bet. To begin, users can effortlessly download any of these apps and swiftly create an account, gaining access to a world of sports wagering opportunities.

Here are the best North Carolina sports betting apps that are available for new users.

⭐ Fanatics North Carolina	Best for customer loyalty program
🥇 BetMGM North Carolina	Best for promotions catering to existing users
🤝 bet365 North Carolina	Best for live in-game wagering
💳 DraftKings North Carolina	Best for pool and contest betting
🔥 FanDuel North Carolina	Best for same game parlays
💸 Caesars North Carolina	Best for placing boosted bets

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook comes in clutch in a way no other operator in the US does, let alone NC. Their in-house rewards system, FanCash, builds up on wagers, including losing ones, and converts to bonus bets or Fanatics merchandise. If you're a big fan of any team, this can be a huge difference maker.

Hats, jerseys and more can all be in store alongside the sports betting. And as the Carolina Hurricanes' betting partner, you know they have NHL fans covered. Big sports fans should look no further than Fanatics. Prices can be a touch lower, but that is more than made up for with a shot at a Hurricanes jersey.

Fanatics Promo

1) Get Up To $1000 Matched in FanCash!

2) Bet $20, Get $350 in FanCash!

Fanatics Promo Code

ACTION26

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina Promo Code for more in-depth information on Fanatics in the Tar Heel State. You can also read another opinion on the Fanatics North Carolina Promo Code by reading the New York Post's review!

🤝 NC License Partner	Carolina Hurricanes
⭐️ Key Features	FanCash Rewards program Personalized Discover page Withdrawal tracker
💯 Average App Store Ratings	4.2/5
💰 Payout Speed	1-3 days

T&Cs

1) New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY. Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

2) New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY. Must toggle on this promotion in your bet slip and wager $20+ cash on any market (min. odds -500) within 7 days of account opening to receive $50 in FanCash each day for your first 7 days. Must opt in each day to claim FanCash. FanCash issued in connection with this Promotion expire 24 hours from issuance. Terms apply-see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

BetMGM Sportsbook

Consistently the best operator in the state for existing customers, and just having an account shows you why. There is a steady flow of odds boosts, parlay insurance and profit boosts for existing customers rather than a big front-loaded welcome offer.

Their only real drawback is pricing; you can often find better numbers elsewhere. But with their streak of promos offering all players, new and old, extra value, plus access to MGM Rewards, every wager offers something that other sportsbooks do not — either bonuses or rewards. BetMGM gives back to their players, and any fans of extra value, or those who like to travel to MGM destinations, should check them out.

BetMGM Promo

1) Get Up To $1,000 In No Sweat Tokens Over 10 Days Promotion!

OR

2) Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

1) TANGET

OR

2) AN1500

BetMGM Terms & Conditions

_{1) 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. New player offer for new players only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in NJ, MA, MI, NV, NY, ON, PA, PR, and WV.}

_{2) 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-470 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in MS, NY, NV, ON, PR, MI, NJ, PA, or WV. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.}

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our BetMGM North Carolina Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

🤝 NC License Partner	Charlotte Motor Speedway
⭐ Key Features	Same-game parlays Early cash out Sleek user interface
💯 Average App Store Ratings	4.5/5
💰Payout Speed	1-5 days

bet365 Sportsbook

bet365 is well known for having the best live betting product in North Carolina and the US. It carries the most in-play markets, the quickest re-pricing and the most live streaming.

We found it slightly lacking in pre-game markets and navigability. The app is denser and less intuitive than FanDuel's, packing in niche bet types and selections at the expense of the main markets we know and love, generally at a slightly worse price. For fans of in-game and live betting, this is still the place to be.

bet365 Bonus

1) Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

OR

2) Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!

bet365 Bonus Code

Click to claim the code TAN365 at signup!

Action Network Score

9/10. See our bet365 North Carolina Bonus Code for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up. You can also read another opinion on the bet365 North Carolina Bonus Code by reading the New York Post's review!

🤝 NC License Partner	Charlotte Hornets
⭐ Key Features	Live streaming Early payouts Diverse betting markets
💯 Average App Store Ratings	4.75/5
💰 Payout Speed	1-5 days

1) $10 min deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers Only. T&Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply. 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Place a qualifying bet of up to $1000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses. This code is used for marketing and tracking purposes only.

2) Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Must be 21+ and physically present where bet365 operates. Please gamble responsibly. New customers only. Claim via app. $10 min. Deposit required. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and expire 7 days after receipt. Bonus bet wager excluded from returns. Time limits, min. Odds, and T&Cs apply. This code is used for marketing and tracking purposes only. Void where prohibited. Not eligible in IL, TN, and WV.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings comes in with one of the widest sets of markets in North Carolina and the best same-game parlay builder. Prices are impressive too, often better than the competition — a benefit of their national scale.

The only drawback we found was that withdrawals run slower, at one to five days. It's the pick for anyone who wants to go deep, combining player props, game lines and other markets into parlays. Best suited to more experienced bettors, though it's not a bad place to start,  just the deep end.

DraftKings Promo

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets! 

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

DraftKings Promo Code

No code needed!

Action Network Score

9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

🤝 NC License Partner	NASCAR
⭐ Key Features	Flash Bets Progressive Parlays Draft Pool Contests
💯 Average App Store Ratings	4.8/5
💰 Payout Speed	1-5 days

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook offers one of the strongest all-around products in the state and the fastest payouts for North Carolinians. It combines sharp pricing on NFL and NBA sides, a clean and well-designed betting app, and withdrawals that usually land in one to two days.

It does have some weaknesses in market depth. This applies most on college basketball weeknights and secondary props, where its menu is noticeably thinner than DraftKings' or bet365's. It remains an easy entry point for new NC bettors: a simple, easy-to-use app that helps you get familiar with market odds and pricing.

FanDuel Bonus

Get $350 in Bonus Bets! 

FanDuel Promo Code

No promo code required!

Action Network Score

9.6/10. See our FanDuel North Carolina Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about FanDuel and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up. You can also read another opinion on the FanDuel North Carolina Promo Code by reading the New York Post's review!

🤝 NC License Partner	Carolina Panthers & PGA Tour
⭐ Key Features	Early cash outs Live betting Enticing bonuses for existing users
💯 Average App Store Ratings	4.75/5
🗲 Payout Speed	1-2 days

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). 

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook is the only operator running both online and retail in North Carolina, at Harrah's Cherokee and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River, and it too has a rewards system tied into hotels, dining and Caesars properties nationally.

Its odds boosts are frequent and often genuinely good value, making it a strong option for both the casual player and those who enjoy frequent trips to Caesars destinations, including those in NC. Nationally known and everywhere, Caesars is always a good option for sports bettors, with more than one string to its bow.

Caesars Sportsbook Bonus

Bet $1+, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION22DYW

T&C

Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS, ME, NC, PA: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER ( 1-800-426-2537 ) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA, Washington, DC: Call 1-800-MY-RESET. ©2026, Caesars Entertainment

Action Network Score

9.3/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

🤝 NC License Partner	Harrah's Retail Casinos, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
⭐ Key Features	NFL live streaming Generous welcome offer and existing promotions
💯 Average App Store Ratings	4.4/5
💰 Payout Speed	1+ day

theScore Bet Promo

theScore Bet fully transitioned from ESPN BET on December 1, 2025. The app underwent a complete redesign, offering a much better experience for players, especially as it integrates theScore's media and scores product — perfect for players who want to track games and bets in one place.

As the newest sportsbook in North Carolina it does have fewer markets and slightly less competitive pricing, but for anyone looking to house all their sports and gambling in one place, theScore Bet has you covered.

theScore Bet Promo

Bet Reset up to $1000!

theScore Bet Bonus Code 

TANBONUS 

Terms and Conditions

New users only, 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, NC, OH, TN, and VA in order to wager. Players must sign up using a specified Promotion code and then place an Eligible Wager on an Eligible Game during the Promotion Period. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Action Network Score

9.1/10 See our theScore Bet Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about theScore Bet and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

🤝 NC License Partner	Quail Hollow Club
⭐ Key Features	Live sport intergrations
💯 Average App Store Ratings	4.2/5
💰 Payout Speed	1+ day

North Carolina DFS & Social Sportsbook Platforms

Chalkboard North Carolina

Users can play Chalkboard Social Sports Picks in North Carolina, check out the welcome offer below to sign up for the exciting platform!

Chalkboard Bonus

Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $100 + Free Pick!

Chalkboard Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our Chalkboard promo code and review for more in-depth information about Chalkboard and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Chalkboard vs Other DFS Apps

PrizePicks North Carolina

Users can play PrizePicks in North Carolina, check out the welcome offer below to sign up for the exciting DFS platform!

PrizePicks Bonus

Play $5, Get $50 in Lineups - Instantly!

PrizePicks Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

9.4/10. See our PrizePicks promo code and review for more in-depth information about PrizePicks and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
PrizePicks vs Other DFS Apps

   Must be 21+ and present in North Carolina. Full T&C apply. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov

Which sportsbook is right for me in North Carolina?

Are prediction markets like Kalshi legal in North Carolina?

Yes, prediction markets like Kalshi, Polymarket and Novig are legal and available for use in North Carolina. In fact, the state went further than any other state in allowing them to operate within its borders.

 

Any prediction market registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) may operate lawfully within North Carolina, with federal regulatory authority over such platforms established by the Commodity Exchange Act.

From January 1, 2027, prediction market platforms will pay North Carolina 6% of their net trading fee revenues from North Carolina users. The statute is also very explicit in saying that the tax carries no licensing, registration or other regulatory obligation of any kind.

North Carolina is an outlier in this regard, as more than a dozen states have gone the other way and treated sports event contracts as unlicensed sports betting, producing a wave of litigation with mixed results.

For example, Kentucky taxed the platforms and drew a CFTC complaint; Illinois folded them into its sports wagering regime and was promptly sued.

What you should know about prediction markets in North Carolina

You are not covered by NCSLC protections.

Event contracts are not sports betting and are not covered by North Carolina's consumer protection laws. Kalshi and Polymarket are not on the Commission's licensee register, are not enrolled in the state Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, and cannot be complained about to the Commission.

The tax gap.

Sportsbooks are taxed at 23%, versus 6% for prediction markets. A licensed sportsbook pays nearly four times the state rate on its North Carolina business that a prediction market pays on broadly comparable activity.

Alternatives to Online Sports Betting in North Carolina

In addition to online sports betting in North Carolina, you can participate in the following alternatives:

Retail Sports Betting

Head to the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, or Two Kings Casino to get in on the action in person.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Like many other states, North Carolina currently has no laws that explicitly authorize or prohibit DFS contests.

So, consider getting your fix by trying out a DFS operator like Betr Picks. Betr Picks is a unique over/under platform that prompts users to select their favorite players from NC teams like the Carolina Panthers or the Charlotte Hornets. New users can use our Betr Picks promo code: ACTION!

Horse Betting

While there are currently no active horse racing operators in the state, horse betting is legal in North Carolina.

Lottery

The North Carolina Education Lottery allows bettors to participate in various in-person and online lottery games.

Banking With NC Sports Betting Sites

All of the above operators have plenty of banking options for deposits and withdraws.

Below are the options you can find across all the legal sportsbooks in North Carolina:

💳 Credit Card	Deposit ❌	Withdrawal ❌
🏦 ACH/Bank Transfer	Deposit ✅	Withdrawal ✅
💸 PayPal	Deposit ✅	Withdrawal ✅
🔵 Venmo	Deposit ✅	Withdrawal ✅
📱 Apple/Google Pay	Deposit ✅	Withdrawal ✅

Legal Retail Sportsbooks in NC

There are three retail sportsbooks in North Carolina, two of which are owned by Caesars. Check them out below 👇

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort - 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
• Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel - 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906
• Two Kings Casino - 538 Kings Mountain Blvd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

North Carolina Sports Betting Revenue

From July 2025 through June 2026, North Carolina bettors wagered $7.62 billion, up 14.9% year over year. That produced $794.8 million in gross wagering revenue for operators and an estimated $143.1 million in tax proceeds for the state, both up roughly 23% on the prior year. Since launch, operators have paid more than $300 million in state tax.

Where does the NC Sports Betting Revenue go?

Senate Bill 257 also changed the distribution formula. The fixed annual allocations carried over from the original law are:

• $2 million to the Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction education and treatment
• $1 million to North Carolina Amateur Sports
• $1 million to the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission

For 2026-27, UNC and NC State are each projected to receive $3 million. This matches the increased contributions that Appalachian State, East Carolina, NC A&T, NC Central, , UNC Charlotte, and other college programs will be getting. FBS schools will be not be left behind either, starting in 2027-28, qualifying schools could draw as much as $5.8 million a year in NC sports gambling revenue distributions.

Since North Carolina sports betting has launched, residents and visitors able to place their bets on one state team from each major sports league. When it comes to championships, NC's pro teams have struggled to win one since 2005-06, when the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. On the other hand, the Tar Heel State features some of the top college sports programs in the country including UNC and Duke men's basketball.

Pro Sports Teams

Bettors in North Carolina have four pro sports teams to choose from, all of which enter the 2026–27 cycle in a very different place than they were a year ago. Read on to learn more about each of the North Carolina pro sports teams.

NFL Betting North Carolina

NFL betting in North Carolina starts with the Carolina Panthers, as they are the state's only professional football team.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers finally turned the corner in 2025, going 8–9 but claiming the NFC South title on a three-way tiebreaker, their first division crown since the Super Bowl 50 season of 2015 and their first playoff appearance since 2017.

Head coach Dave Canales oversaw one of the largest single-season defensive improvements in the modern NFL, seeing Bryce Young posted career highs with 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns. Picks have gone well also as rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Carolina's season ended in a 34–31 wild card loss to the Rams at Bank of America Stadium, What they can do in 2026, we will have to wait and see.

Panthers Odds

A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football:

• How to Bet on Football Guide
• Expert NFL Picks
• Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data

NBA Betting North Carolina

The Charlotte Hornets are the focal point of NBA betting in North Carolina.

Charlotte Hornets 

Charlotte took a real step forward in 2025–26 under third-year head coach Charles Lee, finishing 44–38 after a 4–14 start. It still wasn't quite enough sadly as the Hornets landed ninth in the East and were eliminated in the play-in, extending the NBA's longest active playoff drought, 

Fans can look to the future as rookie Kon Knueppel (4th pick in 2025), came second in the NBA rookies MVP voting, behind Cooper Flag, with 273 three-pointer breaking the rookie record. The direction changed sharply in June 2026, when Charlotte traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota for Naz Reid and draft capital. Hopefully continuity, new talent and depth will see results at the Spectrum Center.

Hornets Odds

To learn more about NBA betting:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide

 NHL Betting North Carolina

Hockey fans in North Carolina can place their wagers on the one state NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Stanley Cup is elusive no longer in NC. Carolina went 53–22–7 to win the Metropolitan Division in 2025–26, then tore through the postseason at 16–3, sweeping both Ottawa and Philadelphia. They took down Montreal in five, and closing out the season dispatching Vegas 4–2 with a 3–0 shutout in Game 6. June 14, 2026, saw the franchise lift a second Stanley Cup and first since 2006. 

Thirty-seven-year-old captain Jordan Staal became the oldest player ever to win the Conn Smythe, waiver claim Brandon Bussi emerged as the starting goaltender, and Rod Brind'Amour's group returns to Lenovo Center in Raleigh as defending champions and the market favorite.

Hurricanes Odds

For more on NHL betting resources:

• How to Bet on Hockey Guide

MLS Betting North Carolina

While it has less of a following than the NFL or NHL in the U.S., the MLS will present players with various betting opportunities in North Carolina.

Charlotte FC

No longer one of the league's newcomers, Charlotte FC is now in its fifth MLS season and has become a steady playoff side under English head coach Dean Smith, who was hired in December 2023.

The club finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and seventh overall in 2025 before falling in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs, The attack has been bolstered around designated player Wilfried Zaha and playmaker Pep Biel. Charlotte FC plays home matches at Bank of America Stadium, where crowds regularly rank among the largest in the league.

As one of the newest teams in MLS, Charlotte FC has a lot of growing to do as the 28th team in the league. They are currently coached by Dean Smith and play their home games in Bank of America Stadium.

Soccer Odds

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the MLS:

• How to Bet on Soccer Guide

 MLB Betting in North Carolina

North Carolina doesn't have a professional baseball team, but there will still be a betting market available for baseball fans. Many bettors root for the Atlanta Braves. In the meantime, you can explore our guide on baseball betting.

College Sports Teams

North Carolina is home to some of the top sports programs in the country. Nationally recognized teams like UNC and Duke men's basketball will draw a lot of attention in the North Carolina sports betting market moving forward.

  Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils football program enters 2026 as the reigning ACC champion and, oddly, as an underdog. Manny Diaz's second season produced a 9–5 record, the program's first outright conference title in 63 years via a 27–20 overtime win over Virginia, and a 42–39 Sun Bowl victory over Arizona State.Diaz is 18–9 through his first 27 games in Durham, the third-best start by any Duke head coach, and will lean on running back Nate Sheppard and a veteran offensive line while a new quarterback room settles. Duke opens September 5 at home against Tulane at Wallace Wade Stadium, with a non-conference test against Illinois to follow.

As one of the most successful basketball programs in the country, the Duke Blue Devils have won the NCAA championship five times under Coach K's storied career. Last year's efforts with Jon Scheyer saw them come off a 35–3 season in which he won NABC National Coach of the Year, swept the ACC regular season and tournament, and earned the No. 1 overall NCAA seed. Yet tragedy stuck as they blew a 19-point Elite Eight lead to UConn on a buzzer-beating logo three.

Scheyer, now in his fifth season and signed through 2030–31, has already won more games than any Division I coach in his first four years, and reloaded through the portal with Wisconsin guard John Blackwell and Belmont's Drew Scharnowski. Blue Devils basketball is played at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Tar Heels football has had some frustrating seasons as year two of the Bill Belichick experiment continues. UNC is set to open the 2026 season on August 29 against TCU at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Belichick hired veteran play-caller Bobby Petrino to repair an offense that ranked 118th nationally in scoring and 129th in total offense, and signed the nation's 12th-ranked recruiting class. The Tar Heels play home games at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC.

The Tar Heels basketball made an unconventional choice to replace Hubert Smith, hiring former Denver Nuggets head coach and NBA champion Michael Malone — a break from the program's tradition of promoting from within the Carolina family. UNC's six national championships remain the second-most in the sport, the most recent in 2017, and home games are played at the Dean E. Smith Center.

NC State Wolfpack

The NC State Wolfpack, under Dave Doeren's tutelage, surged to close their season. Doeren and quarterback CJ Bailey have openly named an ACC championship and a College Football Playoff berth as the goal in 2026. Their schedule helps out here, as they avoid, Miami, SMU, Clemson and Pitt while including seven home games and just one preseason top-25 opponent. Doeren enters his 14th season at Carter-Finley Stadium still without an ACC title. The Pack open August 29 at Virginia

The NC State men's basketball team has churned through three head coaches in three years. Kevin Keatts was fired one season after the 2024 Final Four run, his replacement Will Wade went 20–14 and reached the First Four before leaving for LSU after a single year in Raleigh, and NC State has now turned to former player Justin Gainey. NC State plays its home games at Lenovo Center, renamed from PNC Arena, in Raleigh, NC

What responsible gambling tools are there in North Carolina?

North Carolina responsible gambling tools start with the state helpline, 877-718-5543, staffed and free for any and all who may need it.

You can also text "morethanagamenc" to 53342 or chat at morethanagamenc.com. Anyone who contacts the helpline is eligible for free third-party counseling, including family members affected by someone else's gambling rather than their own.

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission's rules require all licensed operators to make responsible gaming tools available in the app. They sit under a responsible gaming or account settings menu, are accessible at all times, and take under a minute to set up:

• Reality checks: A small pop-up on the screen letting you know how long you have been on the app or site. Helps keep players in touch with their surroundings.
• Deposit limits: Set these per day, week or month. Controls spending by limiting the amount you can deposit in a given period.
• Loss limits: Cap what you can lose over a period rather than what you can put in. No more can be spent after this point regardless of balance, promos or anything else.
• Time-outs: A short break of days or weeks that locks the account without the permanence of self-exclusion.

Set these when you open the account. The moment you most need a deposit limit is the moment you are least likely to set one.

North Carolina offers a number of resources for its residents and sports bettors to explore. There are several valuable national and state-level programs that NC sports bettors can turn to, though they are not as widespread as in states with legal gambling such as Ohio or Michigan.

Can I self-exclude from gambling in North Carolina?

Yes, anyone and everyone can self-exclude from gambling in NC should they wish to. The state runs a single Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program covering sports and horse wagering across every licensed operator at once.

Enrollment is easy and requires just the following steps:

1. You enroll through the Commission's online form at ncgaming.gov, or in person at a North Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center.
2. You will need a government-issued ID, or you will be asked identity verification questions.
3. You choose the length: one year, three years, five years, or lifetime.
4. It takes effect within three to four business days, once your name is distributed to licensed operators, who then block your accounts.
5. Balances and funds sitting in your accounts before the exclusion starts are refunded to you.
6. Operators must make reasonable efforts to stop sending you marketing while you are enrolled.

Your name comes off the list automatically at the end of the term. This is uncommon in the US; most states require you to ask to be removed even after the term is up. Early exit is available, but it must be requested by written petition to the Commission, and it is approved only in limited circumstances.

An operator may extend the self-exclusion nationwide, but there is no guarantee.

North Carolina enrollment in the self-exclusion program binds only North Carolina sportsbooks and operators. It is not a national exclusion, and it does not reach Virginia or Tennessee accounts unless the individual operator chooses to apply it.

If you bet in more than one state and wish to self-exclude, you need to enroll in each state's program separately. Enrollment is available regardless of where you live; residency is not a barrier in any US state.

How does North Carolina sports betting compare to Virginia, Tennessee and South Carolina?

Of all the nearby states, North Carolina is the one to be in. North Carolina has more markets available than its neighbors, thanks to fully permitted college betting, and it is the only Carolina with legal sports gambling right now.

If you're a big traveler or a regular border hopper, here are a few things to be aware of when betting across NC, TN, VA and SC.

Your North Carolina account does not travel.

Geolocation is what makes the wager legal, so a North Carolina app will refuse a bet placed in Virginia or Tennessee even though those states have legal betting.

You need a separate account with an operator licensed in the state you are standing in. Bets already placed in North Carolina settle normally wherever you are when the game finishes.

Leaving NC costs you betting markets.

Virginia bans wagering on any college game involving a Virginia school and bans college player props entirely. South Carolina has no sports gambling of any kind.

Tennessee allows college games but no player props. A North Carolina bettor who wants markets galore, including NCAA props, is better off staying home.

Tennessee has no state income tax on your winnings.

While North Carolina does impose state income tax, heading over to Tennessee will not save you money. That is a real difference — but taxes follow residency and where the income is earned, so crossing the border to bet won't change your bill.

Self-exclusion does not cross state lines.

Enrolling in North Carolina's program does not enroll you in Virginia's or Tennessee's. Do each one separately to protect yourself and your family fully.

Can I bet in North Carolina living in South Carolina?

Yes. You can bet in the north if you live in the south, you just have to be physically present in North Carolina. Where you live does not matter.

South Carolina has no legal sports betting of any kind. Its residents are the largest inbound betting audience North Carolina has, and the rules are straightforward:

• You do not need to be a North Carolina resident.

• You just need to be physically inside North Carolina when you place the bet.

That works cleanly for anyone in the Upstate. Charlotte sits roughly 20 minutes from the state line at Fort Mill or Rock Hill, and the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain is about 35 minutes from the line.

If you live in Greenville or Spartanburg, the North Carolina border is 30 to 45 minutes north. From Columbia it is closer to 90 minutes.

The good news is you can get ahead of the game. You can open your NC sports betting account and complete verification from South Carolina. Only the wager itself requires you to be on North Carolina soil.

South Carolinians should also know that North Carolina enrollment in self-exclusion is open to them; residency is not a requirement. CFTC-regulated prediction markets are accessible from South Carolina without crossing state lines.