North Carolina Sportsbook: A Comprehensive Guide to the Growing Sports Betting Market

Sports betting has rapidly expanded across the United States in recent years, and North Carolina is no exception. With a rich sports north carolina sportsbook culture and a growing appetite for legal wagering, North Carolina’s sportsbook industry is on the rise. In this article, we’ll explore the history, legal landscape, and future of sports betting in North Carolina, while also providing information on the best sportsbooks available in the state.

The History of Sports Betting in North Carolina

North Carolina’s journey to legalized sports betting has been a gradual process. Like many other states, North Carolina was once bound by federal restrictions on sports wagering. Before 2018, the federal government had a law called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which prohibited most states from legalizing sports betting.

However, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (2018) struck down PASPA, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting if they so choose. Following this decision, North Carolina lawmakers began to seriously consider the legalization of sports betting.

In 2019, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill that legalized sports betting, but only for in-person betting at tribal casinos. This limited approach meant that North Carolina residents could wager on sports, but only at the Cherokee Casino in the western part of the state.

It wasn’t until 2021, when state lawmakers introduced legislation to expand sports betting beyond the tribal casinos, that North Carolina made a significant step toward embracing the growing sports betting industry. In July 2021, North Carolina’s lawmakers approved online sports betting to become a reality, making it one of the latest states to join the online sportsbook revolution.

The Legal Landscape: What You Need to Know

North Carolina’s sportsbook laws are relatively straightforward, but they do come with specific restrictions and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the most important aspects:

• In-Person Betting: As mentioned earlier, in-person sports betting was legalized in 2019, but it’s limited to the two casinos operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy are the only places where North Carolinians can legally wager in person on sports.
  
• Online Betting: Online sports betting was legalized in 2021, and in 2023, the state started allowing online sportsbooks to operate. This marked a significant shift in how North Carolina residents could bet on sports. Now, players can place wagers from the comfort of their homes or anywhere within the state via licensed and regulated online sportsbooks.
  
• Betting Options: North Carolina allows a wide variety of sports to be bet on, including the big leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as college sports. However, college sports betting in North Carolina is subject to certain restrictions, such as no wagering on in-state teams like the University of North Carolina or NC State University. This rule is in line with the state’s cultural sensitivity toward local college athletics.
  
• Age Requirement: The legal age for placing sports bets in North Carolina is 21 years old, which is the standard across most U.S. states where sports betting is legal.
  

Best Sportsbooks in North Carolina

As online sports betting is still relatively new in North Carolina, it’s essential to know which sportsbooks are licensed and reliable. Several well-established operators have made their way to the state, offering competitive odds and a variety of features for North Carolina residents.

Here are some of the top sportsbooks in North Carolina:

1. DraftKings Sportsbook:
   
   • One of the largest and most well-known names in the sports betting industry, DraftKings offers a comprehensive sports betting experience. With a user-friendly app, competitive odds, and daily fantasy sports options, DraftKings is a favorite among sports bettors across the U.S., and it has quickly gained popularity in North Carolina.
     
2. FanDuel Sportsbook:
   
   • Another major player in the sports betting world, FanDuel is known for its smooth interface and wide range of betting markets. From traditional sports betting to more niche options like golf and esports, FanDuel has earned its reputation as one of the best sportsbooks available to North Carolina residents.
     
3. Caesars Sportsbook:
   
   • With its long history in the gaming industry, Caesars has expanded into the sports betting market and quickly gained a strong following. The Caesars Sportsbook app is easy to navigate, and it offers competitive odds and bonuses to North Carolina bettors. Caesars also features unique loyalty programs and promotions.
     
4. BetMGM Sportsbook:
   
   • BetMGM, part of the world-renowned MGM Resorts, has quickly become a favorite among sports bettors in North Carolina. Known for its exceptional customer service, live betting options, and large selection of sports and markets, BetMGM offers a premium sports betting experience.
     
5. PointsBet Sportsbook:
   
   • PointsBet is an innovative sportsbook known for its “PointsBetting” system, where bettors can win or lose more based on the margin of victory. With a user-friendly app and competitive odds, PointsBet offers a unique twist on the traditional sports betting model.
     

The Future of Sports Betting in North Carolina

As North Carolina’s sports betting industry continues to develop, there are several key factors to consider for the future:

1. Expansion of Betting Options: As the industry matures, it’s likely that more sports, betting markets, and in-play betting options will be added. With continued growth in online sportsbooks, North Carolina will see more diversity in the types of bets available.
   
2. Legalization of Mobile Sportsbooks in More Areas: Although online sports betting is now legal, North Carolina’s current regulations are limited to residents who are physically within the state. There could be further expansions in mobile betting, especially with advancements in technology.
   
3. Increased Tax Revenue: With sports betting generating significant tax revenue, the state may consider expanding its betting options to include even more types of gaming, such as online casino games. The taxes collected from sports betting could also help fund essential state projects, including education and infrastructure.
   
4. Potential for More Casinos: If sports betting continues to prove successful, there may be discussions about opening additional casinos or sports betting lounges across the state, offering residents more options to bet legally and responsibly.
   

Responsible Sports Betting in North Carolina

As with any form of gambling, it’s essential to practice responsible betting. North Carolina offers resources for individuals who may struggle with gambling addiction, including self-exclusion programs and helplines. Legal sportsbooks in the state also promote responsible gambling by setting limits and providing users with tools to manage their spending.

Conclusion

North Carolina’s sportsbook industry is in a period of exciting growth. With both in-person and online sports betting now available, the state has positioned itself as a competitive market for sports wagering in the Southeast U.S. As more residents embrace the thrill of sports betting, North Carolina can expect to see further developments, including new betting opportunities, additional operators, and more competitive odds. Whether you’re a casual bettor or a seasoned pro, North Carolina’s expanding sportsbook market is sure to offer plenty of opportunities for sports fans to get in on the action.