Ultimate Guide: NC Sports Betting Launch & FAQs

For North Carolina’s sports enthusiasts and potential bettors, the key question remains: when can I start betting on sports in North Carolina?

According to HB347’s terms, the earliest start date for sports betting in North Carolina is January 8, 2024. However, it is crucial for North Carolinians to stay updated with the unfolding events leading up to and during 2024.

While January 8, 2024, might be the official start date, it may not be the actual launch date. If Governor Roy Cooper’s prediction is accurate, North Carolinians may be able to place legal online bets as early as January 24.

The sports betting bill in North Carolina, HB347, was passed 69-44 and signed into law by Governor Cooper on June 14, 2023.

The law permits eight retail sportsbooks, either located at a professional sports facility or within a 1.5-mile radius of such a venue. Potential locations for these sportsbooks could include the Spectrum Center or Bank of America Stadium, the home grounds of the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers, respectively.

Other approved locations include Charlotte Motor Speedway and Quail Hollow in Charlotte, PNC Arena in Raleigh, WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro.

Moreover, HB347 permits the launch of up to 12 online sportsbooks in North Carolina.

HB347 allows betting on professional and collegiate sports, offering generous betting options.

While a comprehensive list would be lengthy, here’s a sample of the wide variety available to North Carolina sports bettors:

• NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS
• Various international soccer leagues
• NASCAR, Formula 1, cycling
• MMA, boxing
• Lacrosse, rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf

Although this list is not exhaustive, it displays the vast array of betting opportunities available post the North Carolina sports betting launch.

Local teams may be a significant draw for future bettors in North Carolina.

There is currently no official list of sportsbooks that will be available when sports betting launches in North Carolina. However, we can make predictions based on previous state launches.

Considering that North Carolina’s market could accommodate up to 12 online sportsbooks, it seems plausible that FanDuel and DraftKings will expand into North Carolina.

Though FanDuel and DraftKings are familiar names in sports betting apps, they are just a glimpse into the potential offerings for North Carolina betting sites.

A few key dates need to be kept in mind by future bettors:

• January 8, 2023: The effective date of N.C.’s sports betting law
• January 24, 2023: Governor Roy Cooper’s projected earliest sports betting launch date
• June 14, 2024: Deadline for sports betting launch in N.C.