North Carolina Sportsbooks: Legal NC Sports Betting for March 2026

Last Updated: Feb 27, 2026
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Fact Checked By: Cody Kutzer

We've tested, reviewed, and ranked all seven licensed North Carolina sportsbooks to help you find the right fit for your betting style, including the latest sportsbook promos you can take advantage of today.

North Carolina Sports Betting March 2026: Quick Facts

In the first full calendar year of NC sports betting, the state handled over $7 billion in wagers and collected more than $132 million in tax revenue, placing it among the top markets in the country by volume. With 10 total sportsbooks currently available, there are plenty of ways to get in on the action.

✅ Is Sports Betting in NC Legal?Yes (Mobile, Online, Retail)
📱 Total NC Sportsbooks7 mobile, 3 retail
🪪 Legal Gambling Age21+
🎰 Online CasinosSweepstakes casinos only
✔️️ NC Gambling RegulatorNC State Lottery Commission
📞 NC Problem Gambling Helpline877-718-5543
📆 Last VerifiedMarch 11, 2026

*While there are currently 7 online betting apps, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission could approve up to 12 mobile sports betting licenses at full maturity.

Ranking the Best NC Sportsbooks

Our sports betting experts have hands-on tested all seven active NC sportsbooks. Here are the current rankings:

📱 NC Sportsbook RotoWire Rating
bet3659.7 / 10 ⭐️
BetMGM9.5 / 10 ⭐️
Fanatics Sportsbook9.4 / 10 ⭐️
Caesars Sportsbook9.3 / 10 ⭐️
theScore Bet9.1 / 10 ⭐️
DraftKings9.0 / 10 ⭐️
FanDuel9.0 / 10 ⭐️

Comparing The Best North Carolina Online Betting Sites

1. bet365 North Carolina 

When bet365 established itself in North Carolina, it brought a comprehensive range of sportsbook offerings. Catering to American sports fans, bet365 North Carolina covers major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, along with college sports and international events.

The platform offers user-friendly interfaces, competitive odds, and generous promotions, making for an engaging betting experience. bet365 North Carolina is a top choice for North Carolina bettors, known for its reliability, extensive market coverage, and commitment to responsible gambling practices.

The bet365 North Carolina bonus code ROTONC awards new users $150 in bonus bets after a $5 first bet or a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000.

2. BetMGM North Carolina  

One of the leaders in mobile sports betting, BetMGM North Carolina is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive betting options. This online sportsbook and sports betting app offers odds on all the major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as international sports such as soccer, tennis, and golf.

In addition to all of the popular sports betting markets and bet types, bettors can also enjoy a ton of ongoing bonuses, promos, and the BetMGM Rewards program.

The BetMGM NC bonus code ROTOSPORTS will award new customers in North Carolina a $1,500 first-bet offer.

3. Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina 

Fanatics Sportsbook has entered the North Carolina sports betting market. Leveraging its sports industry expertise, the Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina promo offers a diverse range of betting options on major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. With a focus on an engaging user experience and a large sports betting bonus, Fanatics Sportsbook NC provides traditional bets, live wagering, and innovative prop bets, all on a seamless platform designed for sports enthusiasts.

When you use the Fanatics Sportsbook NC promo to open an account, you can take advantage of our exclusive Bet $5, Get $400 in FanCash offer or get 10 bet match tokens to Bet $5 Get $200 FanCash Immediately. With the $400 offer, you'll get $100 in FanCash deposited to your account over four days, but be aware you have to opt-in each day to receive the rewards. 

For the bet match offer, you'd have to place a wager for 10 straight days to max out the value of the offer.

4. Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina

A sports betting giant, Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina offers bettors an intuitive interface, enticing promotions, fast payouts, and top-tier customer support, accessible from anywhere in the state. It's known for large bonuses, odds boosts and an excellent customer loyalty program.

The Caesars Sportsbook NC promo code ROTODYW deliver 10 100% profit boosts, win or lose, after an opening wager of $1 or more. 

5. theScore Bet North Carolina 

theScore Bet is now live in NC after taking over for the failed ESPN BET platform. 

It provides a wide range of betting options, from traditional pre-match bets to live in-game wagering and specialized prop bets, all with competitive odds. Existing users can feel confident in finding at least one ongoing promotion daily.

Using theScore Bet promo code ROTO will land you a bet reset worth up to $1,000 back in bonus bets. If you place a losing wager with the bet reset token, your bet amount will be matched and returned to you in five equal bonus bet credits.

6. DraftKings North Carolina  

DraftKings Sportsbook is another incredibly popular sportsbook and DraftKings North Carolina brings the same sports wagering experience to the Tar Heel State. DraftKings NC offers an incredible number of sports to bet on as well as a wide variety of bet types, lucrative bonuses and small minimum deposits. With years of experience in the daily fantasy sports industry, it's no wonder mobile sports wagering is so simple and smooth in the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

The DraftKings NC promo code rewards new customers with a Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + 100% NCAA Tournament Winner Boost welcome offer.

7. FanDuel North Carolina  

Boasting the largest market share in the United States for mobile sports betting is FanDuel. Because of that reach, FanDuel NC quickly emerged as one of the best North Carolina sportsbooks. FanDuel NC offers its users fun, unique promotions as well as a user-friendly interface on the sportsbook's site and app. 

FanDuel's daily fantasy sports site is legal in North Carolina, too, so the name recognition is already there for those looking to create a sports betting account with FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina.

The FanDuel NC promo code delivers a welcome offer of $300 in Bonus Bets Back Every Day for 10 Days to new customers.

 

How to Sign Up For Sportsbooks in NC

As long as you are at least 21 years old and physically located in the Tar Heel State, you can register for accounts at as many North Carolina sportsbooks as you would like. 

Each of these sportsbooks will have welcome bonuses that new users can claim by following the simple steps below:

  1. Click the "BET NOW" link to sign up for the North Carolina sportsbook you are interested in.
  2. Enter your personal identifying information, such as your name, email address, and physical address to create your new sports betting account.
  3. Enter the promo code or bonus code, if there is one required to redeem the welcome offer.
  4. Make a qualifying initial deposit to fund your new sportsbook account.
  5. Place your first bet on whichever of the North Carolina betting apps you've completed the sign-up process for.

Where Can I Bet On Sports In North Carolina?

You can bet from anywhere within North Carolina's state lines using any of the seven licensed mobile sportsbooks. Geolocation technology confirms your position each time you place a wager.

Online Sportsbooks in North Carolina

Online wagering dominates the state's handle, and all seven licensed apps work anywhere within state borders. Maintaining accounts at multiple sportsbooks is permitted and encouraged for line shopping and maximizing promotional value. The current licensed online operators are:

•       DraftKings

•       FanDuel

•       BetMGM

•       Caesars Sportsbook

•       bet365

•       Fanatics Sportsbook

•       theScore Bet

Retail Sportsbooks in North Carolina

Retail sports betting in North Carolina predates the online market. Governor Roy Cooper signed SB 154 in July 2019, allowing sports wagering at tribal casinos. The first legal in-person bet was placed in March 2021. Three retail sportsbooks are currently operational:

NC Retail SportsbookCity
Harrah's Cherokee Casino ResortCherokee, NC
Harrah's Cherokee Valley RiverMurphy, NC
Catawba Two Kings CasinoKings Mountain, NC

HB 347 also authorized up to eight additional retail sportsbook locations at professional sports venues across the state. Eligible venues include Bank of America Stadium (Panthers), Spectrum Center (Hornets), PNC Arena (Hurricanes), Charlotte Motor Speedway, and others.

What Sports Can You Bet on at NC Sportsbooks?

You'll find all major sports are available for wagering on NC betting sites. This includes both professional leagues and certain college events. Additionally, some sportsbooks in North Carolina have markets for international and niche sports, though the depth and variety will vary depending on the operator.

NFL Betting in North Carolina

The Carolina Panthers are the state's flagship professional franchise, and Panthers games drive significant wagering volume during the NFL season. All standard markets are available across every sportsbook — spreads, totals, moneylines, player props, team props, and futures including Super Bowl and divisional odds. The NFL consistently generates the highest single-event handles of any sport in North Carolina.

NBA Betting in North Carolina

The Charlotte Hornets provide a local rooting interest for NBA bettors. All seven sportsbooks carry complete game-level and player prop markets for every NBA matchup, and Hornets-specific promotions are common on platforms with Spectrum Center partnerships.

NHL Betting in North Carolina

The Carolina Hurricanes have built one of the more passionate fanbases in the Southeast, and their recent playoff success has pushed hockey betting interest higher than in most Southern markets. Full moneyline, puck line, total, and player prop markets are available for every NHL game. Governor Roy Cooper famously placed a Hurricanes futures bet to mark the launch of online sports betting in March 2024.

MLB Betting in North Carolina

North Carolina doesn't have a Major League Baseball team, but all seven sportsbooks offer comprehensive MLB coverage year-round. Game lines, run lines, totals, and player props are available for every matchup. 

College Sports Betting in North Carolina

College sports carry enormous weight in the Tar Heel State. Betting on in-state college teams — including UNC, Duke, App State, and others — is fully permitted. All standard game-level and team prop markets are available. One restriction to note: individual player prop bets on college athletes are prohibited under HB 347.

Bet Types Available On North Carolina Sportsbooks

You can bet on the most popular sports betting markets and bet types on the best North Carolina sportsbooks. Here is a list of the most common ones you'll find when you sign up and bet today on NC betting apps. 

🪙 Moneyline Bets: Wagering on which team will win the game outright.

🪙 Spread Bets: Betting on the margin of victory, where the favorite must win by a certain number of points or more.

🪙 Over/Under Totals: Predicting whether the total points scored in the game will be over or under a specified number.

🪙 Game Props: Bets on specific outcomes within the game, such as the first team to score.

🪙 Team Props: Wagers focused on team-specific achievements, like total team points.

🪙 Player Props: Betting on individual player performances, such as points scored or assists.

🪙 Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes like who will win the championship or MVP.

🪙 Live Betting: Wagering on events as they happen during the game.

🪙 Parlays: Combining multiple bets into one, where all selections must win for a payout.

Latest North Carolina Sports Betting Updates

🗓️ January 20, 2026: For all of 2025, North Carolina sportsbooks handled more than $7 billion in total wagers. This brought in more than $132 million in tax revenue for the state.

🗓️ January 9, 2026: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission officially releases its sports wagering revenue report for December 2025, confirming it as the fourth consecutive month with handle above $650 million.

🗓️ December 16, 2025: Underdog ceases accepting sports wagers in North Carolina, reducing the state's licensed online sportsbooks from eight to seven. Underdog settles all outstanding futures as wins by December 18.

🗓️ December 8, 2025: For November 2025, NC sports betting produced $16.7 million in tax revenue, the highest monthly total since April 2024, with handle setting a new all-time high and an 11.42% hold rate.

🗓️ November 13, 2025: The NCSLC's October 2025 revenue report reveals an all-time record $811.4 million in monthly handle, $78.1 million in gross wagering revenue, and $14.07 million in tax revenue.

🗓️ August 11, 2025: The July 2025 revenue report shows a summer dip with $370.4 million in handle and $22.7 million in gross revenue — the lowest monthly GWR since launch — reflecting the typical offseason lull.

🗓️ July 8, 2025: WRAL reports that North Carolina hit $6.6 billion in total wagers for FY2025 (July 2024–June 2025), well ahead of the legislature's original three-year projection. Tax collections for the fiscal year reached $116.5 million.

🗓️ June 1, 2025: The North Carolina House rejects the Senate's proposal to double the sports betting tax rate from 18% to 36%.

North Carolina Sports Betting Legislation

North Carolina's journey to legal sports betting unfolded in two distinct phases. The first came in July 2019, when Governor Roy Cooper signed SB 154, expanding tribal gaming compacts to permit in-person sports wagering at tribal casinos. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened the state's first retail sportsbook in March 2021 at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, operated by Caesars.

The broader breakthrough arrived with HB 347, filed by Representative Jason Saine on March 13, 2023. The House passed it on March 28 by a 66-45 vote. After moving between chambers and undergoing amendments, the bill cleared both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Cooper on June 14, 2023 at a ceremony inside Spectrum Center. 

The law authorized up to 12 online sportsbook licenses (8 tethered to venue partnerships, 4 standalone) and up to 8 additional retail locations at professional sports venues. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission was designated as the regulator.

Online sports betting in NC officially went live on March 11, 2024 with eight operators: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, ESPN BET (later rebranded to theScore Bet), and Underdog. Underdog departed the market in December 2025, leaving seven active operators today.

North Carolina Sports Betting Licenses

Each of the 12 potential online betting licenses requires a written partnership agreement with a qualifying North Carolina professional sports organization, venue, or tribal entity. Eleven organizations qualify: the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte FC, Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, PNC Arena, Quail Hollow Club, Sedgefield Country Club, WakeMed Soccer Park, and the Catawba Two Kings Casino. Tribal gaming enterprises (the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation) are treated as licensed operators and do not count toward the 12-operator cap.

Each online license costs $1 million for a five-year term, with an additional $1 million renewal fee. Service provider licenses cost $50,000 and supplier licenses cost $30,000. The 18% tax applies to gross wagering revenue as defined by state law, and operators cannot deduct promotional credits from their taxable revenue.

It remains to be seen if real-money North Carolina online casinos will be legalized in the future, but for now, gamblers can use free-to-play social and sweepstakes casino sites.

Illegal Sportsbooks in North Carolina

Although North Carolina has not taken the same aggressive cease-and-desist approach as some states the state's attorney general joined every other US state in signing a joint letter urging the U.S. Department of Justice to take stronger federal action against offshore sportsbooks. Every recommended NC sportsbook you see on this page is legal and has gone through an extensive licensing process.

The NCSLC continually monitors and regulates each betting site to ensure fair practices and that your information is protected. Offshore sportsbooks have no such protections or legal process. Your data and financial information can be sold and these operators can refuse your withdrawal requests, making it impossible for you to get your money back to your account.

Because of this, we strongly suggest staying away from illegal offshore sportsbooks and sticking with the ones you see on this page. 

 

 

Who Regulates Sports Betting in North Carolina?

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission (NCSLC) serves as the state's sports betting regulator. The commission was designated under HB 347 to license operators, set regulations, monitor compliance, and publish monthly revenue reports. The NCSLC's Sports Betting Committee established the initial rulemaking framework in late 2023, including the requirement that each sportsbook maintain a partnership with a North Carolina professional sports organization or tribal entity.

How to Contact the North Carolina State Lottery Commission

Address: 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604

Phone: (919) 301-3300

Email: ncgaming@lotterync.net

Website: ncgaming.gov

Problem Gambling: 877-718-5543 or morethanagame.nc.gov

 

Final Thoughts on North Carolina Sports Betting

Few states have made a faster impact on the U.S. sports betting map than North Carolina. From a standing start in March 2024, the Tar Heel State handled over $7 billion in wagers during its first full calendar year and generated more than $132 million in tax revenue — numbers that blew past the legislature's multi-year projections in a single season. The combination of passionate local fanbases (Panthers, Hurricanes, Hornets, and a deep bench of college programs) and a competitive field of licensed operators has produced a market that punches well above its weight nationally.

The regulatory framework is clean and bettor-friendly: statewide coverage with no county-level opt-outs, 21+ age requirement, college betting permitted (minus individual player props), and a digital-first design that puts mobile wagering at the center. The 18% tax rate is moderate by national standards, and the revenue it generates flows toward gambling addiction treatment, youth sports grants, collegiate athletic departments, and a major events fund. The 2025 push to double the tax rate to 36% failed in the House, but operators should expect continued legislative interest in rate adjustments.

Whether you're betting on a Panthers game from uptown Charlotte, placing a Hurricanes puck line from the Triangle, or building a Same Game Parlay for the next UNC-Duke showdown, North Carolina's seven licensed sportsbooks have the markets, the apps, and the promotions to deliver. Pick one (or several) from the list above and get started.

North Carolina Sports Betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

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Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Previously, sports betting in the Tar Heel State was limited to in-person sports betting at retail sportsbooks on land belonging to Native American tribes, but online sports betting is now legal. Mobile sports betting launched in North Carolina on March 11, 2024.

When did online sports betting launch in North Carolina?

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Online sports betting in North Carolina officially launched March 11, 2024. New users can sign up on the top North Carolina sports betting sites to grab bonus bets and welcome offers today. 

Which sportsbooks are legal in North Carolina?

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There are currently seven legal online sportsbooks in NC: BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, DraftKings Sportsbook, theScore Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook. You can also place bets in person at three retail betting locations across the state.

What is the legal betting age in North Carolina?

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To legally bet in NC, you must be at least 21 years old for both online and in-person wagering.

Who regulates sports betting in North Carolina?

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According to House Bill 347, the North Carolina Lottery Commission oversees online sports betting in North Carolina. The commission is responsible for regulating online sportsbooks and issuing sports betting licenses.

Is online sports betting legal in North Carolina?

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Yes, online sports betting is now legal in North Carolina. Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347, which officially legalized online sports betting on June 14, 2023. However, you were not able to place a bet in North Carolina until March 11, 2024, which was the official North Carolina sports betting launch day. 

Can I bet on college sports in North Carolina?

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Yes. Betting on in-state and out-of-state college teams is fully permitted, including UNC, Duke, NC State, and others. Individual player prop bets on college athletes are banned.

What is the sports betting tax rate in North Carolina?

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For bettors, North Carolina taxes gambling winnings at the state income tax rate of 4.5% plus applicable federal taxes. Operators pay 18% on gross wagering revenue, with no deductions for promotional spending.

Are there retail sportsbooks in North Carolina? 

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Yes, there are three tribal casino sportsbooks in North Carolina: Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. HB 347 also authorized up to eight venue-based retail locations, but none have opened yet.

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