While online sports betting launches today in North Carolina, some people still prefer heading to a retail sportsbook and handing their money to a teller.
There are three retail NC sports betting options providing visitors a range of experiences in and out of the sportsbook. They’re all quite a drive from most major metro areas, but they make for scenic road trips and excellent entertainment.
We take a look at where you can bet in person in North Carolina.
NC casinos paved way for retail sports betting
In 1994, North Carolina created its first gambling compact with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, paving the way for the construction of a land-based casino offering electronic games. Three years later, in 1997, the state witnessed the inauguration of its first permanent casino, the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee managed by Harrah’s Entertainment.
In 2015, the EBCI opened its second casino, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in Murphy.
The state’s third casino, the Catawba Two Kings Casino, a temporary facility operated by the Catawba Nation, opened in 2021, in Kings Mountain. A permanent facility is still in the works.
In 2019, a pivotal shift took place with the passage of a bill legalizing retail sports betting, enabling both the EBCI and the Catawba Nation to operate sportsbooks at their land-based casinos.
Retail sportsbook locations in North Carolina
Unless you’re in the far western parts of the state, you’ll need to gear up for a bit of a road trip to reach one of the state’s three retail sportsbooks. Or, you can always hire a bus junket to get you there.
Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee is a flagship destination for betting enthusiasts in the state. Boasting over 150,000 square feet of gaming space, it features a vast array of slot machines, table games and poker rooms.
Beyond gambling, Harrah’s Cherokee offers luxurious accommodations, upscale dining options, live entertainment and a relaxing spa.
Sports fans can enjoy placing a wager at the facility’s Caesars Sportsbook, replete with plenty of large screens to follow the action.
Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy is a newer addition to the state’s betting and gaming scene. Despite being smaller than its sister property, it offers a similar range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games and poker rooms. A World Series of Poker Room is in the works as well.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River also features a Caesars Sportsbook.
The casino’s intimate atmosphere and modern amenities make it a popular choice for visitors looking for a more laid-back gaming experience.
Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort
The Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain is the newest addition to the state’s casino landscape. In July 2021, the casino opened temporarily while the tribe planned a permanent location nearby.
Currently, the casino has 953 slot machines and 46 electronic table games.
The Catawba Nation opened the Two Kings Casino retail sportsbook in September 2022.
Visiting NC’s retail sportsbooks a great opportunity to do more than gamble
Overall, North Carolina’s three casinos offer a diverse range of experiences, from the opulent luxury of Harrah’s Cherokee to the modern charm of Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River and the up-and-coming excitement of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort.
Whether looking for an offbeat sports betting experience or a weekend getaway, the state’s three casinos give you a lot of options.
Image Credit: Karl B DeBlaker / AP Images
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