The North Carolina legal gaming website ncgaming.gov is now accepting applications for sports betting licensees in three categories. Prospective North Carolina sports betting operators, service providers, and suppliers can all submit an application online now.
Last month, the North Carolina Lottery Commission announced that a 60-day window for application vetting would be in place for license applications. The review and approval process would begin when an application was submitted.
According to the state’s website, “After submitting a request, interested parties will get a unique ‘live’ link by email. Applications can be started for an interactive sports wagering operator license, a service provider license, and a sports wagering supplier license.”
The newly formed NC Sports Betting Committee will review the applicants and perform the vetting. The same body is now formulating the regulations and a sports wagering catalog, which will list the sports that will be permitted for online sports betting in North Carolina.
Ripley Rand, chair of the NCLC, recently indicated that the state would not launch online sports betting before the 2024 Super Bowl on Feb 11. Under North Carolina law, the state has until June 14, 2024, to launch the new market.
Three types of sports betting licenses in North Carolina
Applicants must use ncgaming.gov to apply in one of three categories:
- Interactive sports wagering operators
Sportsbook operators, like BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, etc. that will operate mobile sports betting apps and online sportsbooks.- The licensing fee is $1 million.
- Service providers
These licensees typically have strategic partnerships with the sports wagering operators. For example, a technology company with a sports betting platform, or a company that has a geolocation and authentication system.- The licensing fee is $50,000.
- Sports wagering suppliers
Usually, this company supplies a needed asset for sports betting operators, such as live in-game statistics or reporting services.- The licensing fee is $30,000.
What’s next for North Carolina sports betting?
The regulatory process, led by the NC Sports Betting Committee, is creating the rules and guiding the application process for sports betting in the state. It has also created a list of accepted wager types and a sports wagering catalog.
The state will accept applications until Dec. 27, 2023.
At present, Bet365 has partnered with the Charlotte Hornets and ESPN Bet has partnered with Quail Hollow Club, making them the first two operators to announce their intention to launch in North Carolina.
By law the market must launch no later than June 14, 2024. Given the timelines we know of, it’s not likely that North Carolina will launch a sports betting market until March, perhaps in time for March Madness 2024.
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