Starting at noon on Monday, March 11, 2024, North Carolina made history by allowing online sports betting for the first time. Governor Roy Cooper sees this legalization as a significant boost to the state’s economy and sports industry growth.
House Bill 347, signed in June 2023, empowers the North Carolina State Lottery Commission to regulate sports wagering, issuing licenses, and collecting fees. Two options exist for placing bets: in-person at designated places or online via registered accounts, with operators ensuring age verification (minimum age 21).
Sports wagers, covering professional and college sports, electronic sports, and approved events, are now open. Noteworthy operators include FanDuel, BETMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Underdog Sports, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Beyond economic benefits, the legislation allocates funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction education and treatment programs. Governor Cooper urges responsible betting, providing assistance at morethanagame.nc.gov, 1-877-718-5543, or by texting “morethanagamenc” to 53342.
