Could North Carolina Soon be Surrounded by States With Online Sports Betting?

North Carolina could not overcome legislative hurdles to pass a mobile sports betting bill in 2022. The earliest that an NC sports betting launch could happen is 2024, and that is only if North Carolina passes sports betting legislation in 2023. And that is a big if. 

In the meantime, two of the four states bordering North Carolina have legal mobile sports betting Tennessee and Virginia. The other two bordering states, South Carolina and Georgia, have legislation on the table to potentially be discussed in their next legislative windows to allow for mobile sports betting.

South Carolina Sports Betting History

The first attempt at passing a sports betting bill in South Carolina came in 2019 when Senator Gerald McCoy sponsored three different bills. Representatives Lucas Atkinson and Todd Rutherford also filed HB3395 in 2021 to legalize retail sports betting, but the bill did not make it out of the House. 

Representatives Rutherford and William Herbkersman attempted again in 2022 with HB5277, but the bill failed to make it through a judiciary committee. South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster is staunchly against betting. That is one of the main reasons there has yet to be a bill that has gained much traction.

South Carolina Proposed Amendment Could Legalize Sports Betting

Sports betting is not currently legal in South Carolina, but that could soon change with a prominent lawmaker proposing a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting. South Carolina House Minority Leader Democratic Rep. J. Todd Rutherford proposed amendment HJR3095. 

It would bring sports betting to a statewide vote for South Carolina residents. The House Judiciary Committee is currently reviewing the bill. The next South Carolina legislative window starts Jan. 10 and is the earliest the bill could be voted on. 

With Gov. McMaster winning reelection, it makes the passing of a sports betting bill unlikely. If a sports betting bill came across McMasters desk, it almost undoubtedly would be vetoed. The House and Senate would have to pass a bill with both bodies voting two-thirds or higher not to need the Governor’s signature.

Lawmakers in Georgia Considering Sports Betting Bill

No legal sports betting can happen in Georgia, but legislation will likely be discussed again in January. Gov. Brian Kemp has remained neutral on the issue, but a bill would have to be passed before it came to his desk. With a legislative window in January, it will take bipartisan support for a bill to have a chance at passing.

How much money?: What amount of sports betting revenue is North Carolina missing out on?

Will North Carolina Online Sports Betting Pass in 2023?

With the 2022 failures of sports betting legislation, the next question is whether North Carolina sports betting legislation will pass in 2023. With legislative windows early in 2023 is almost guaranteed that, at a minimum, sports betting bills will be discussed.

In the July legislative window of 2022, sports betting narrowly failed. With new legislators in office in 2023, a few votes in the other direction could be enough for sports betting to pass. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has been very supportive of sports betting, meaning the Governor’s office will not be a roadblock to potential sports betting legislation.

The likelihood that sports betting legislation could pass seems high in 2023. What North Carolina bettors have to remember is that even after a bill is passed, it will take time to launch. Other states that have passed legislation typically named a regulatory body that sets up rules and regulations allowing sports betting providers to operate within. Hopefully, a bill will pass this upcoming year, and we will see North Carolina mobile sports betting by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

They want to bet: GeoComply analysis shows North Carolina residents crave legal sports betting

Where Can NC Bettors Go?

There are three in-person North Carolina sportsbooks where you can go to place sports bets. There is no legal mobile sports betting, but North Carolina residents can head to one of three Indian Casinos that have sportsbooks. When online sports betting is finally legalized, you will be able to find all the latest offers available on our dedicated NC online sportsbook promos page.

Two Kings Casino Sportsbook

A small strip mall location which is the newest sportsbook location in North Carolina is small, but plans for a new Two Kings Casino promise a much more luxurious location within a few years.

  • (704) 750-7777
  • 538 Kings Mountain Blvd. Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Caesars Sportsbook

The smaller of the two Harrah’s casinos in western North Carolina, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River has a nice and quaint sportsbook. A 32-foot betting screen, betting kiosks to place wagers, and a sports bar are some of the best features at Valley River.

  • (828) 422-7777
  • 777 Casino Parkway Murphy, NC 28906

Harrah’s Cherokee Caesars Sportsbook

Probably the biggest and best retail sportsbook, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Caesars Sportsbook has everything a sports bettor could want. With a 90-foot viewing screen, patrons can also enjoy betting from ticket windows, kiosks, and several different reservable party rooms, tables, and chairs for individuals.

  • (828) 497-7777
  • 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
About the Author

Caleb Tallman

Caleb Tallman is a Journalist working with NC Sharp and has been writing sports and sports gambling content since 2019. Caleb has also written for various other publications, mainly as a ghostwriter. With solid experience and a wealth of sports gambling knowledge, whether legal information or betting predictions, Caleb provides everything sports bettors could be looking for.