Statewide Online Sports Betting Coming to North Carolina After Governor Cooper Signs Bill Into Law

  • Statewide online sports betting will officially be legal starting January 8, 2024
  • Up to a dozen online sportsbook licenses and eight retail licenses will be available
  • Retail sports betting was already available in the state at certain tribal casinos
North Carolina flag
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed a bill into law on Wednesday that will legalize online sports betting across the state. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law on Wednesday, legalizing statewide online sports betting as of January 8, 2024. The governor put pen to paper at the Spectrum Center, home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Both of the state’s chambers gave the all-clear to HB 347 earlier in June.

NCLC will need to confirm the sector’s framework and issue licenses

The North Carolina Lottery Commission (NCLC) will be in charge of issuing up to a dozen online sportsbook licenses. Eight sports facilities across the state will also be able to operate their own retail sportsbooks. Separate platforms will offer wagering on horse races. An exact launch date for the sector is unclear as the NCLC will need to confirm the sector’s framework and issue licenses.

North Carolina is the ninth most populous US state; the only ones bigger than that have online sports betting are Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Revenue that the state generates from sports betting will go towards a variety of uses, including schools, the NC Department of Health, and North Carolina Amateur Sports. Retail sports betting was already available, but only at certain tribal casinos.   

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