With the launch of online sports betting in the Tar Heel State less than three weeks away, the North Carolina Lottery Commission unanimously approved a series of items presented by the agency’s sports betting committee on Wednesday.
In addition, the NCLC put the wheels in motion to release a state-mandated report on the implementation of the North Carolina online sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering law passed last June.
Commissioners finishing up final details pre-launch
Earlier this week, the NCLC’s sports betting committee provided an update on the licensing process for sports betting operators. The NCLC expects eight operators to open for business in the state on March 11.
During Wednesday’s full session, commissioners reviewed the voluntary self-exclusion program and the agency’s complaint and wager dispute process.
Citizens can register for the self-exclusion program online and in person. The wager and dispute process involves submitting a form online at NCgaming.gov, the state’s legal gaming website. Commissioners also approved regulations for tribal-owned sports betting entities that want to conduct business outside of tribal land.
Modification of rules that prohibit commissioners, agency staff and their immediate families from playing lottery games was also on the agenda. The amended rules will now include sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering.
Commissioners and staffers will receive a list of venues in the U.S. where they cannot engage in betting activity.
Legislative report due March 1
North Carolina’s sports betting legislation requires that the NCLC submit a study on the implementation of the sports betting and parimutuel wagering law to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee. Staffers have been working on the report for the past several months. It is due on March 1. The outline of the report presented at Wednesday’s meeting is below.
Commissioners are optimistic for a successful launch
At the conclusion of Wednesday’s meeting, NCLC chair Ripley Rand expressed confidence in the progress made so far.
“We are continuing to make significant strides towards putting all the different pieces together and being prepared for the successful launch of sports and pari-mutuel wagering on March 11, which is not that far off.”
While the launch of NC online sportsbooks is three weeks away, NC sports bettors can begin downloading apps, funding accounts and perusing NC sportsbook promos beginning March 1 at noon.
Image Credit: Associated Press