North Carolina Facts, Stats, And Trending Topics

The North Carolina gambling scene is growing, a common theme for the Southern state.

With impressive mountainscapes, beautiful Atlantic Ocean coastlines and four seasons of weather, North Carolina has lots to offer. That’s part of why many flee to the Tar Heel state.

At NCSharp, our experts study the state and how gambling will intersect with this unique place. Throughout, we’re exploring well-known information and uncovering surprises along the way.

North Carolina instant facts

  • Established: 1789
  • Capital: Raleigh
  • Population: 10,439,388 (2020, ninth-largest)
  • Size: 53,819 square miles (28th)

What are folks eating and drinking in North Carolina?

The simple answer is barbecue, as North Carolina is known for its vinegar-based sauce carnivorous varieties, with pork as the most common meat. With the growing Charlotte and Triangle areas still developing traditions, perhaps more cuisine staples will emerge.

The state has a vibrant craft beer scene, particularly in the growing cities. Made By the Water and Catawba Brewing are among the popular regional microbrews.

North Carolina sports

North Carolina has four of the traditional US professional sports, as the Carolina Hurricanes play in the NHL, and Charlotte houses the NFL’s Panthers and NBA’s Hornets. Only Major League Baseball is missing, and there is momentum to bring the big leagues to the Tar Heel State. The state’s largest city also has Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame also is in Charlotte, and the state has a rich history with motorsports.

Traditionally, North Carolina is known as a college basketball mecca, as “Tobacco Road” features powerhouses Duke and North Carolina, along with Atlantic Coast Conference rivals North Carolina State and Wake Forest. Several small colleges and minor league pro teams also dot the sports-crazy state.

One of the ways sports fans keep up on their teams is by listening to some of the best sports podcasts in North Carolina.

North Carolina recreation

North Carolina is known as a golf hotspot, as Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted several major golf championships.

Disc golf is also big in the state. Outdoor recreation options in the Great Smoky Mountains on the state’s west side is plentiful.

Travel for North Carolina residents

North Carolina has a plethora of travel destinations, including Emerald Isle, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Outer Banks.

Locals also have the opportunity to easily travel across the world through airports like Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is a hub for American Airlines.

Politics in North Carolina

Times are always a-changin’, and North Carolina is no different.

Heading into 2024, North Carolina has stayed mostly steady, voting Republican in 11 of the last 12 presidential elections. The only exception was Barack Obama in 2008.

It’s a red state with emerging blue pockets, as young professionals in Charlotte and others embroiled in the collegiate culture of the Triangle area could make the state more of a toss-up in the future.

Even now, Gov. Roy Cooper is a Democrat, though both of North Carolina’s senators are Republicans.

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About the Author

Matt Schoch

A Michigan native, Matt Schoch has worked at newspapers in Michigan, Missouri and the Virgin Islands. Now the outreach content manager, Schoch has covered sailing on the Great Lakes, cricket in the Caribbean, high school and pro playoffs, and the Olympics in Rio. He's also the former host of the Locked On Pistons Podcast and producer of a documentary on Emoni Bates. A former blackjack dealer, Schoch has studied the industry from all sides.