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Online sports betting in North Carolina has never been easier, thanks to the range of online sportsbooks available to residents. State-regulated online sports betting has finally launched, but you will find some of the best bonuses and sports betting options at offshore sites.
Keep reading for key information on the history and legality of sports betting in North Carolina, and where you can find the best sports betting sites. Check out the top offshore sportsbooks for North Carolinians, learn about how to bet safely and securely, and discover which popular NC sports you can wager on.
North Carolina Betting Availability – Quick Overview
Retail Sports Betting Not Available
Online Sports Betting Available
Online Horse Racing Available
Online Poker Available
Online Casinos Available
Retail Casinos Not Available
DFS Available
Tribal Casinos Available
Lottery Available
Gambling Age 21+
Top Betting Sites Available In North Carolina
Best Overall Sportsbook For North Carolina Players: BetUS
Best North Carolina Mobile Betting Experience: Bovada
Top Sportsbooks For NC Live Betting: Everygame
Top Betting Site For NC Sports Teams: BetNow
Great Welcome Bonus For NC Bettors: MyBookie
Great Free Play Cash Deals For NC Residents: WagerWeb
1
BetUS – Best Overall Sportsbook For North Carolina Players
Our Rating
5.0/5 stars.
BetUS offers North Carolinians a comprehensive sports betting experience with a wide range of betting markets, including being able to bet on Triple A baseball, and the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. With competitive odds and a user-friendly interface, BetUS is the go-to choice for many NC betting enthusiasts.
BetUS has a vibrant betting community, with a robust online forum and social media presence. The site allows Tar Heel State residents to discuss picks, share betting tips, and engage with fellow sports bettors. This is important if you’re betting on the Hornets every other night of the week and need the low-down fast.
What’s more, BetUS employs betting experts to give video tips all year around, so you can get advice on your wagers — new videos are added daily on BetUS TV. The sportsbook offers an extensive list of betting markets, including popular North Carolina college teams such as the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels, and provides competitive odds for a well-rounded experience.
2
Bovada – Best North Carolina Mobile Betting Experience
Our Rating
4.9/5 stars.
Bovada stands out in North Carolina for its exceptional mobile betting platform, making it easy for residents to bet on their favorite teams from anywhere within the state. Players don’t need to download an app and will enjoy the sleek, easy to navigate mobile site for a smooth betting experience. Everything that you’ll find on the desktop version, you’ll find on mobile.
On mobile, the site features a “Trending Events” list in the center of the screen, making it easy to get to the biggest games quickly. Meanwhile, all live betting is housed at the bottom of the screen for easy access. Bovada encourages players to use the mobile sportsbook in portrait mode, not landscape, for the best user experience possible.
Bovada also offers live betting on sports you might not be familiar with, such as European soccer, rugby, and Australian Rules Football. Its main focus is on providing great odds for the sports North Carolinians care most about: NASCAR, college basketball with Duke and North Carolina, the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
3
Everygame – Top Sportsbooks For NC Live Betting
Our Rating
4.7/5 stars.
Everygame is an ideal choice for North Carolina sports betting fans who enjoy live betting on events like NASCAR at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The sportsbook offers an impressive live betting interface that features multiple games at once, and core bet lines to wager on. This gives gamblers the freedom to quickly place wagers in real-time on multiple sports at once. With competitive odds and a vast array of sports markets, Everygame caters to the diverse interests of North Carolina sports fans.
Bettors have the choice of 11 different payment types, which is above the average for the industry. Deposits and withdrawals are easy to process and there’s a live chat operator on hand to help you through anything you need. Make deposits with credit cards, or give crypto deposits a try, so you can start live betting right away.
4
BetNow – Top Betting Site For NC Sports Teams
Our Rating
4.3/5 stars.
North Carolina residents who want to support their local sports teams can get what they’re looking for at BetNow. The sportsbook offers a wide range of betting markets, focusing on popular teams like the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels. Of course, there are also extensive odds on the Panthers, Hornets, Hurricanes, and Checkers.
With some of the most competitive odds on the market, live betting options, and a user-friendly platform, BetNow provides an exceptional experience for bettors who love North Carolina sports. Its odds have been seen on ESPN, FOX, Forbes, and Sports Illustrated, proving that BetNow is a trusted player in America’s sports betting scene.
5
MyBookie – Great Customer Bonuses For Bettors
Our Rating
4.2/5 stars.
MyBookie is a top choice for North Carolina bettors looking for attractive bonuses. The sportsbook offers a strong sign-up bonus, which is a 50% deposit match bonus, up to $1,000. The minimum deposit is $50 and there is a 10x rollover, so it’s perfect if you hit a winning streak. This bonus can be used to bet on popular teams and sports like the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets or the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
MyBookie really stands out when you look at the current player bonuses. The industry-leading 25% sports reload and 8% horse betting rebate for existing players means you’re likely to be coming back to MyBookie plenty of times in the week. MyBookie also has a great referral bonus. Your account is credited with the same amount your friend deposits, up to $200. Referrals are unlimited and its easy to share your invite link via social media or text.
6
WagerWeb – Great Free Play Cash Deals For NC Residents
Our Rating
4/5 stars.
WagerWeb stands out among North Carolina sportsbooks for its generous free play cash deals, giving residents extra value for their bets. Right now, you can access a 30% Cash Reload Bonus with deposits between $75 and $300, and get 30% free play funds (12x rollover). After that, nail a 20% cash bonus with 10x rollover requirement, and a 10% cash bonus with 6x rollover. The beauty of the 10% deal is you can deposit as little as $50, making it affordable for all budgets.
The sportsbook offers a variety of betting markets, including those popular in the Tar Heel State like basketball and football. Check out the NFL prop bets — specifically the Panthers’ rushing and receiving yards — for a deeper, richer betting experience. With a user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and excellent customer support, WagerWeb is a top choice for North Carolina sports gamblers looking to get the most out of their wagering experience.
How We Choose The Best Online Sportsbooks For North Carolina
Choosing a new online sportsbook isn’t always easy. There are lots of variables to consider, and every player has their betting preferences. Our reviewers take their time to look into every corner of a sportsbook. We investigate its safety and security, check out the odds, and analyze the payment options before making recommendations.
Below are the core criteria we set for our reviewers. By using these points as a guide, we’re able to make better assessments each time, and provide an accurate list of the best sports betting sites for North Carolina players.
Availability In North Carolina
Each recommended online sports betting site must be available in NC. We test this availability by ensuring the sportsbooks operate fully from within the state, from Tapoco to Wilmington, and Asheville to Mt. Airy.
Safety & Security
Safety and security are essential when sharing personal and financial information online. Reputable sportsbooks available in North Carolina use encryption technologies and secure protocols to protect users’ data, ensuring a trustworthy environment for placing bets and maintaining confidence in the platform. We make sure a site has all of its licenses up-to-date.
Payment Options
We prefer online sports betting sites with diverse payment options to allow bettors to choose their preferred method, and accept payment fees that are within their limits. A variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, such as debit and credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, ensure convenient transactions for smooth and user-friendly betting.
North Carolina Sports Coverage
Extensive coverage of North Carolina sports events is essential. We make sure that our recommended sportsbooks all feature NC events and teams.
Competitive Odds
Competitive odds maximize potential returns and provide increased value for bettors. We compare odds across different sportsbooks to help you make informed decisions to get the best prices on your favorite sports to bet on.
Customer Support
Sportsbooks must provide great customer support for players. Efficient communication channels, like live chat or email, and knowledgeable support teams are key for a seamless betting experience and user satisfaction. We test this service by actually reaching out to customer support and seeing how quickly they respond, how accurate their support is, and whether or not it was a friendly experience.
Mobile Compatibility
The split of North Carolinians using iOS phones to Android is almost even down the middle. Compatibility across multiple platforms is vital for mobile betting, and sportsbooks available in NC must be compatible on more than just one type of phone — ideally, Apple and Android.
Bonuses
Nailing a welcome bonus to supercharge your account can make the difference between profit and loss in your opening sports bets. We look out for sportsbook bonuses that are actually useful for North Carolinians, such as bet boosts on NC sports teams, and welcome deals with low wagering requirements.
Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?
Yes. As of January 8th, 2024, sports betting at in-state sportsbooks online and in person is legal. On March 11, regulated sites were permitted. The current state of legal sports betting in North Carolina is in a phase of transition. The passing of HB 347 means that state-regulated betting is likely to grow exponentially in the upcoming years.
What’s legal:
Retail sports betting: This is active as of January 2024. You can currently place in-person wagers at three locations: two Caesars sportsbooks within Harrah’s Cherokee casinos and the temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino.
Online sports betting: This is legal and, as of March 2024, operational. The launch is just in time for March Madness.
House Bill 347 is known as the “Sports Wagering Bill” and passed a House vote (by 64-45) before being signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper. The law came into effect on January 8, 2024 and legalizes betting on both professional and college sports across the state.
We expect to see state-regulated sports betting grow in 2025. If you’re looking to wager before then, offshore sites like those featured here are the way to go.
A fresh attempt to push through in-state sports betting in NC emerges, with Senate Bill 688 flying through three committees in less than 24 hours. However, representatives down-voted and dropped the bill narrowly by a 51-50 count on a second reading of the vote.
A third tribal casino, Catawba Two Kings Casino, opens in Kings Mountain, and launches its own sportsbook.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signs NC S 154 into law, which legalizes in-person sports betting at two tribal casinos operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. However, the bill does not permit sports betting either online or in-person at any other property.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize and regulate sports betting. This decision paves the way for states like North Carolina to explore legalizing sports betting within their borders, but the state is not quick to act.
The North Carolina Supreme Court outlaws dog racing.
The North Carolina General Assembly approves the opening of a dog racing track in Carteret County. Races are held nightly in the summer months.
Pari-mutuel betting on horse racing is legalized across many American states, but not in North Carolina. As a result, NC fails to develop a horse racing industry.
Gambling, including horse racing betting, faces opposition from religious groups and lawmakers in North Carolina. This leads to the introduction of various laws and restrictions on gambling activities throughout the state.
The future of sports betting in North Carolina has changed dramatically. As of March 2024, there have been reports of major online operators, including FanDuel, Bet365, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, UnderDog Sports, ESPN Bet, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians launching in the state. More applications are expected to follow.
While new physical sportsbooks may emerge in major cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, the online market is expected to see the most growth. This surge in sports betting interest could eventually push annual revenue, further adding to the excitement surrounding North Carolina’s beloved teams like the Carolina Panthers, and the North Carolina Tar Heels.
How NC Sports Betting Compares To Other States
North Carolina’s sports betting landscape has become one of the most advanced among its neighbors with the legalisation of sports betting in January 2024. While Virginia and Tennesse have embraced online betting, NC is one of the only states in the area to provide betting options for online and in-person wagers. Here’s some more info on the betting landscapes of North Carolina’s neighbors:
Virginia sports betting was legislated in April 2020, with the first online sportsbooks launching in January 2021. Virginia does not have any retail casinos or sportsbooks, so the state’s sports betting market is entirely online.
Tennessee follows the same approach as Virginia, as it has legalized online sports betting without any in-person sportsbooks. The first online sportsbooks launched in November 2020, and the Tennessee sports betting market has since grown, offering residents a variety of options for online sports betting.
South Carolina sports betting remains illegal in the state, with no retail or online sports betting options available. The state had not made any significant moves towards legalization until 2023, when movement began on HB 3749, which would allow up to 8 “digital sports betting” in the state.
Sports betting in Georgia is illegal, and there are no in-state retail or online sports betting options available. The state has seen some discussions and proposals to legalize sports betting, but no concrete steps have been taken to change the current situation.
North Carolina Sports Teams To Bet On
North Carolinians are luckier than most when it comes to sports teams in their state. Not only is the Tar Heel State home to elite college teams that produce the next generation of talented stars, but it has the pro teams to showcase these stars as well. While there isn’t an MLB team in the state, there’s a pro representative for all other major leagues.
North Carolina has one pro football team, two pro basketball teams and two pro hockey teams. The most popular sports to bet on in NC focus on the state’s professional teams. But college basketball and NCAA sports are also popular. We’ve crunched the numbers and explored search trends to find you the top sports to bet on in North Carolina right now:
Football
Pro football betting is so popular in NC that our research has found the NFL overshadows all other sports in certain parts of the state. If you’re betting on sports in Greenville or Williamson, then you’re probably exclusively wagering at NFL betting sites. The same goes for residents in Wilmington, Southport, and New Bern.
Basketball
Charlotte has the Hornets playing at the Spectrum Center, so it’s no wonder NBA online betting is big business in this city. Betting on Duke, North Carolina and Wake Forest are also popular at college basketball betting sites. Basketball betting is also big in Elizabeth City, Fayetteville, and Greensboro.
Baseball
Having no MLB team representing the state isn’t exactly good news for baseball betting enthusiasts, but there is one pocket of North Carolina that loves to visit MLB betting sites. According to Google Trends, around 10% of all sports betting search activity in Winston-Salem and Greensboro is focused on baseball. MyBookie offers odds on every college baseball game in the season. However, there is a big MLB fanbase here, as the closest MLB team to the city is the Atlanta Braves.
Soccer
Online soccer betting is growing in popularity across the US, and North Carolina is no different. Bettors have access to tons of soccer bets from around the world, including the big European leagues and the MLS. Charlotte FC played its first season in 2022 and is a popular team in the state. BetUS has MLS odds throughout the season, and has developed a loyal following of soccer betting fans recently, thanks to its extensive soccer guides on BetUS TV.
Popular Betting Events In North Carolina
NCAA Basketball
The Duke-North Carolina hoops rivalry is one of the biggest in all of sports. Bet on that, along with games including Wake Forest and NC State, all the way up to March Madness.
Even though sportsbooks are regulated in North Carolina, bettors can join out-of-state sites to place wagers on sports. These are the factors you should check off your list when looking to bet online as a North Carolina resident:
First, check out our reviews of sportsbooks available to North Carolina residents, and make your choice. You might want a sportsbook that has great odds, or one that delivers lucrative bonuses for current players.
Head over to your chosen sportsbook and sign up for an account by providing the required personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth.
Complete the identity verification process, which typically involves uploading a copy of your government-issued ID and proof of address. This should only take a few minutes.
Choose your preferred payment method and deposit funds into your sportsbook account. Again, this should only take a few minutes as the best sports betting sites North Carolina residents can access all process deposits instantly.
Now it’s time to browse through the available NC sports events, betting markets, and odds to find a wager that interests you. You might know exactly what you want to bet on, or you might want to take your time and do some research.
Select your bet type and click on the odds, enter the amount you wish to bet, and confirm it by clicking the ‘Place Bet’ button. You’ll be able to check your bet in your profile.
Keep track of your bets by regularly checking the ‘My Bets’ or ‘Bet History’ section of your sportsbook account, and sit back to enjoy the action on TV or online.
If your bet is successful, follow the sportsbook’s withdrawal process to cash out your winnings. Some withdrawals will take a few days and may carry a fee.
North Carolina Sports Betting Apps
Our recommended sportsbooks for players in North Carolina do not have online betting apps. Instead, they have optimized their websites to run on mobile and tablet browsers, just as smoothly as if you were playing on desktop. This means that everything is available on your mobile, without any fuss.
Bovada’s mobile betting app is fantastic and completely optimized for both iOS and Android. There is no need to download an app, so you can access it through your browser. There is a “Trending Events” section in the middle of the screen, so you never miss out on the biggest games, and you can find live betting right at the bottom of your screen. You can bet on any sport you can think of, but you’ll be ecstatic with all the college basketball and NBA you can bet on.
Mobile site is extremely easy to navigate
No need to download an app
Odds on all sports, politics and entertainment
Retail Betting In North Carolina
Retail sports betting is limited in North Carolina, as you can currently only bet in-person at one of three tribal casinos. These casinos were given permission to operate sportsbooks when Gov. Roy Cooper signed NC S 154 into law in July 2019. The legalization of sports betting in January 2024, will likely see more and more retail locations open in the upcoming years.
Here are the three retail sports betting options currently available in North Carolina:
Catawba operates its own sportsbook and is located just 35 miles from downtown Charlotte.
Other Types Of Gambling In North Carolina
North Carolinians want betting options, and many look for other types of gambling activity, even if it’s not available in the state. Here are some options for players right now:
Horse Racing
Horse racing falls under the same HB 347 bill, along with sports betting, so regulated horse betting is available in North Carolina. You can still enjoy horse racing at offshore racebooks in NC.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DFS was legalized in North Carolina in 2018. Leading operators like FanDuel and DraftKings offer DFS in the state. This allows residents to participate in various fantasy sports contests and compete for cash prizes.
Poker
Live poker is available at the two tribal casinos operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, as well as the Catawba Two Kings Casino. These casinos offer a variety of poker games and tournaments for players. Poker in NC is also available online via out-of-state sites. Home poker games are allowed in the state, as long as no one profits from the game aside from their winnings, and no rake is taken.
Online Casinos
There are no state-regulated online casinos available to residents in North Carolina. The only option for players is to turn to an offshore casino for North Carolina residents. These casinos are not regulated by the state, but have licences based in other jurisdictions.
Responsible Gambling In North Carolina
We only recommend online sportsbooks that take player safety seriously. North Carolina has plenty of resources to help. Here are a few organizations you can contact if you need advice or assistance with problem gambling:
North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP): This state-run program provides support, treatment, and education services related to problem gambling. They offer a helpline (1-877-718-5543) and a list of resources, including treatment providers, on their website.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program that offers support and fellowship to individuals struggling with gambling addiction. GA meetings are held throughout North Carolina, providing a supportive environment for those seeking help.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): The NCPG offers a national helpline (1-800-522-4700) and a live chat service for individuals seeking help with gambling-related issues. They also provide a directory of certified gambling counselors, including those available in North Carolina.
Duke Personal Assistance Service: Duke University offers a personal assistance service for students and North Carolina residents dealing with problem gambling.
North Carolina’s sports betting future is bright with the legalization of online sports betting and state regulated online bookies. Think mobile apps, in-play thrills, and personalized bets delivered right to your pocket just in time for March Madness.
Trusted offshore sites, like BovadaandBetUS, are available for NC residents. Bovada boasts rock-solid betting lines and a vibrant community and BetUS covers an impressive range of sports, even minor league gems like the Charlotte Checkers. These sites offer generous sign-up bonuses, so you can hit the ground running.
Get ready, North Carolina, the sports betting game is about to change!
About the Author
Kyle Eve
Editor in Chief
Kyle Eve is Editor-in-Chief of The Sports Geek. Since joining the team in 2012, Kyle, has covered some of the biggest sporting events in the world. From the Super Bowl and World Series to March Madness, the NBA Finals, Kentucky Derby, and many more, Kyle has provided reliable analysis for millions of readers.
After dedicating himself to hockey and football in high school, Kyle placed his first sports bet on his 18th birthday. Since then, he has spent his entire adult life devoting himself to becoming the best sports bettor and casino gambler possible. Kyle is from Windsor, ON, Canada
