North Carolina
Is Gambling Legal in North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to legalized gambling. North Carolina sports betting is legal both online and at retail sportsbooks. Casino gambling is only available at limited venues and not online. Sports betting at a retail sportsbook isn’t easy either, as there are only a few options in the state.
What Types of Gambling Are Legal in North Carolina?
Casinos
Casino gambling at a physical casino is legal in North Carolina. But there aren’t a lot of options for those in the state. Currently, there are only three casinos in North Carolina. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation operate two.
| *Last Updated: 07/15/24 | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Catawba Two Kings Casino | Located in Kings Mountain | This resort offers electronic table games and slots in an expanding gaming facility that also features an on-site sportsbook. |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort | Located in Cherokee | This casino offers over 160 table games and 3,000 slots on a 150,000-square-foot floor and is also home to a Caesars Sportsbook. |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel | Located in Murphy | This venue offers over 60 table games and 1,300 slots on a gaming floor that is over 75,000 square feet. It also has a Caesars Sportsbook. |
Is Online Gambling Allowed in North Carolina?
Betting on sports and buying lottery tickets online are legal in North Carolina, but online casino gambling is not permitted. There had been some talk of including online casino gambling when sports betting became legal in the state. However, state legislators want to see how sports betting works before including casino gambling in online offers.
Online sports betting in the state is relatively new, having become legal in March 2024. As the numbers for North Carolina sports betting show how lucrative it is for the state, online casino gambling may get another shot.
Can You Bet on Sports in North Carolina?
In a state that loves its college basketball, North Carolina does not restrict bettors from being able to wager on in-state teams like other states. One of the few restrictions in the state for sports betting is no wagering on high school events, though that is common among U.S. states.
| Sportsbook | description |
|---|---|
| Bet365 Sportsbook | Partnered with the Charlotte Hornets, bet365 added North Carolina as its 11th state in March 2024, offering multiple markets and betting options for all major sports. |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | A popular sports betting app that offers in-play betting, daily fantasy sports, and multiple promotions. |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Partnering with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Caesars was the first online sportsbook in North Carolina to offer multiple betting options on all major sports. |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | DraftKings is one of the most popular online sportsbooks in the country and offers in-play betting, daily fantasy sports, and daily promotions. |
| ESPN BET | New to the scene, ESPN BET became available nationwide in November 2023. It added North Carolina as its 17th state when sports betting became legal in the Tar Heel State. |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Taking over the operations of PointsBet, Fanatics Sportsbook is fast becoming a significant sportsbook across the country. It offers both in-game and regular betting on most major sporting events. |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | One of the principal online sportsbooks, FanDuel suits both beginning and veteran sports bettors. It offers a user-friendly app and a wide range of bets and odds. |
| Underdog Sportsbook | Established in 2020, Underdog Sportsbook focuses on daily fantasy, allowing for easy betting on the individual performances of players across a multitude of sports. It also offers regular sports betting. |
Below is a list of the main North Carolina Retail Sportsbooks for your benefit:
| *Last Updated: 07/10/24 | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook at Catawba Two Kings Casino | Located at the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain | This sportsbook offers 30 betting kiosks that are open 24/7 for sports betting as well as agent/teller services. |
| Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort | Located in Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee | This sportsbook has ticket windows and self-serve kiosks. It features HD and 4K TVs, a panoramic view of the 90-foot game wall, and three private Fan Caves. |
| Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel | Located in the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy | This sportsbook features a 32-foot high-definition screen, plush reclining chairs, betting kiosks, staffed windows, and a fully stocked bar. |
How Does the North Carolina Lottery Work?
Since 2005, North Carolina has offered residents a wide range of lottery games, including scratch-offs, draw games, and more. Many are available through online access. North Carolina also participates in multi-state lottery contests like Mega Millions and Powerball, which allows residents to participate in games with larger jackpots.
Established by North Carolina State Lottery Act §18C-101, et seq. North Carolina Lottery: https://nclottery.com
Is Horse Racing Legal in North Carolina?
Racing in North Carolina usually means car racing, so there aren’t a lot of horse racing tracks in the state. There is the ability to bet online on races throughout the country and the world, but the state has just one horse racing track.
- Pinehurst Harness Track (Pinehurst, NC)
Is Charitable Gambling Allowed in North Carolina?
North Carolina has permitted registered, eligible charitable organizations to offer raffles and bingo since 1993. A charitable bingo license can be granted to non-profit philanthropic, religious, civic, patriotic, veterans, fraternal, or property owners’ associations. This also includes volunteer fire departments and rescue squads.
In May 2019, the Game Night Bill became law, allowing casino-style games at fundraising events for charities, employers, and trade associations of 25 or more employees or members.
What Are the Age Requirements for Gambling in North Carolina?
The legal age for casino or North Carolina sports betting is 21. However, lottery tickets can be purchased at 18.
Who Regulates Gambling in North Carolina?
Under the Sports Wagering and Pari-Mutuel Wagering law, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating North Carolina sports betting and wagers on horse racing.
How Is Gambling Taxed in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a tax rate of 14% for an interactive sports wagering operator for doing business in the state.
- North Carolina State Lottery Commission: https://ncgaming.gov
- North Carolina Department of Revenue: https://www.ncdor.gov
- North Carolina General Assembly: https://www.ncleg.gov
Are There Resources for Problem Gambling in North Carolina?
North Carolina has help and information for problem gamblers, with the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP) leading the way. The NCPGP provides and supports effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach, and treatment services throughout North Carolina.
The NCPGP is funded by the North Carolina Education Lottery and supported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The state administrator and prevention coordinator have offices in the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services.
- North Carolina Problem Gambling Program: Call 1-877-718-5543, text morethanagamenc to 53342, or visit https://morethanagame.nc.gov.
What Is the Future Outlook for Gambling in North Carolina?
The future is bright for North Carolina sports betting, with the initial numbers for the state coming in over the next few months. More online sportsbooks may become available in the state, which could, in turn, lead to more physical sportsbooks as well.
As the success of online sports betting becomes more apparent in North Carolina, online casino gambling could also become a possibility.
