North Carolina Sports Betting is now live, with eight online sportsbooks available since its launch on March 11, 2024. As one of the newest states to offer online sports betting, there’s plenty to explore.
We provide step-by-step guidance on choosing the best NC sportsbooks, signing up, claiming promotions, and diving into a wide range of betting options. Whether you’re interested in different bet types, betting on local teams, or exploring more, we’ve got you covered.
Top NC Sportsbooks Online
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win* *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Use Bonus Code: NCSHARP Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets PLUS Get a $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Get $250
NC Sports Betting Overview
| Launch date: | March 11, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Betting age: | 21+ |
| Number of online sportsbooks | 8 |
| NC player props: | In-state teams and college player props legal |
| Number licenses allowed: | 13 total online operators (11 commercial & 2 tribal) |
| Last verified: | April 2025 |
Latest News Stories
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North Carolina Reports Highest Monthly Sports Betting Total: $589 Million in October
November 28, 2024Is sports betting legal in NC?
Yes. NC sports betting is legal, both online and in person. Bettors have eight online sportsbooks to choose from along with three retail sportsbooks at the state’s three tribal casinos.
The NC Lottery Commission, regulator of the industry, has started the ball rolling on retail sportsbooks at pro sports venues, which should have Carolina Hurricanes fans excited. PNC Arena is likely be the first retail stadium sportsbook in the state.
Until then, online sports betting is the easiest option for all NC sports bettors.
List of the best North Carolina sportsbooks
We tried all the available betting sites in North Carolina and analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. Below, we break down what we like, where they fall short, and the best NC sports betting promos currently available. Check out the table to compare offers and find the right sportsbook for you.
Online Sportsbook Recommended For: Welcome Offer Caesars North Carolina Player props & team props Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 10 Wagers FanDuel North Carolina Same game parlays & SGP+ Bet $5 Get $250 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins BetMGM North Carolina In-app live streaming Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your First Bet Doesn't Win
Bet365 North Carolina Live betting & international sports Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Fanatics North Carolina Strong rewards program Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets DraftKings North Carolina "No brainer" bets / promos & competitive odds Get up to $1,250 in Bonuses
Compare the Top NC Sports Betting Apps
Below we compare the best North Carolina sportsbook sites in terms of app features, layout, customer service, bonuses and more.
Caesars Sportsbook NC
Caesars got a headstart on its rivals in North Carolina with retail sportsbooks at Harrah’s Cherokee properties in the state. Now the brand is expanding its reach in NC with one of the best online welcome offers in the state.
We found the Caesars online sportsbook in NC to be beginner-friendly thanks to a clean layout that makes it easy to find particular sports and contests, check on your bonuses, and deposit or cash out. We also liked unique features like the Scoreboard and Game Tracker that allow you to follow your bets. The Quick Picks and Parlay Builder tools were also convenient and easy to use.
Another strength of Caesars Sportsbook is the selection of alternative lines and prop bets, one of the best we’ve found. They even have some fun game props like “number of dunks” you won’t find at most other sites.
Customer support could use some improvement, based on our experience. With live chat you start with a bot, but can ask for a human. In general, it took longer than expected to answer a simple question.
- Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
- 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Promo Code: SHARPERDYW
Use promo code SHARPERDYW after you download the app and register.
Must be 21+ and physically present in NC. Minimum qualifying bet: $5.
Each bonus bet expires 14 days after receipt. Bonus bet amount not returned for winning bets. Void where prohibited.
FanDuel Sportsbook NC
FanDuel has been in North Carolina for more than a decade as a daily fantasy sports operator. Now, DFS customers can use their same account for FanDuel Sportsbook in the Tar Heel state. FanDuel is the most popular online sports betting site in the country, and we can see why, starting with one of the best welcome offers on the market.
The FanDuel Sportsbook app has a great design, and we found it easy to find desired markets and navigate to promos and other features like Same Game Parlay (SGP) and SGP+. The SGP product is clearly better than most for many reasons. You can easily compile multiple game or prop bets and instantly see how your odds and potential payout change without clicking off of the betting screen. Once you place your parlay bet, FanDuel also has trackers for each parlay leg, so you can monitor how your picks are doing as the contest unfolds. We also liked FanDuel’s wide range of “Quick Deposit” options and quick and helpful live chat customer support.
It’s hard to find much to complain about when it comes to the FanDuel betting app. One thing that is clearly missing, however, is a loyalty program. You can’t earn points for your bets and cash them in like you can at other sportsbooks like DraftKings or Caesars. That said, FanDuel makes up for it with frequent promos including profit boosts, “no sweat” same game parlay bets, and occasional deposit match offers for loyal customers.
Get $250
- Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
- Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
- To Claim: Click Play Now
No FanDuel promo code needed. New customers only.
To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $10 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market that is live on platform.
21+ and present in NC. Bonuses are issued in non-withdrawable bonus bets.
Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or Visit morethanagame.nc.gov. 21+ NC Only
BetMGM Sportsbook NC
BetMGM Sportsbook NC is a top-tier online sports betting site with a large marketing budget. BetMGM is known to dole out frequent promos like odds boost tokens that can increase profits on winning bets, and their welcome offer is a great one for bettors just starting out. We like that bonus bets are split up into $50 increments, giving you multiple chances to cash in.
BetMGM allows NC sports bettors to stream NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and other sports games and contests right in the app. Not only is that extra sweet if you don’t have access to watch the game you’re betting on, but it also makes it a great option for those looking to do a lot of live betting.
The BetMGM app also has beginner-friendly features like pre-built parlays, special “Signature” props, and a “Build Parlay” feature that makes it easy to compile multiple bets into one same game parlay. Another feature we liked that we haven’t seen elsewhere is a calendar that shows you games coming up in the next couple of days. BetMGM’s menu of futures bets is also one of the biggest you’ll find online in North Carolina.
We would like to see a feature similar to FanDuel’s parlay tracker to make it easier to track SGPs on BetMGM. But overall, the app provides a solid betting experience and good value on promos. When it comes to customer support, we found BetMGM’s live chat to be less responsive than we’d like, but had better results with their phone support, which is available from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. ET.
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Use Bonus Code: NCSHARP
Use Bonus Code NCSHARP when you register.
Bonus Bets will expire 7 days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
Bet365 Sportsbook NC
The Bet365 Sportsbook NC app is another great option for new bettors. Bet365 partnered with the Charlotte Hornets to bring its global app to North Carolina, so Hornets fans will find some generous bet boosts and promos around their favorite NBA team. As a well-established international betting company, Bet365 offers more wagering options for international sports than any other app in the state.
Bet365 NC has an easy-to-navigate design that helps a lot when sorting through the 20-plus sports covered. Also within each sport you’ll find a wider range of leagues and market depth than you will at other apps.
We found Bet365 to be one of the best for live betting thanks to its deep menu of markets in addition to live streaming and real-time stats for games you have bets on. We liked the pre-set boosted parlays and super boosts, a nice feature for newer bettors looking for convenient betting options with decent value. Bet365 Sportsbook also performed well in our testing of customer support, responding quickly to our questions over live chat.
We ran into some hiccups when trying to put together a same game parlay at Bet365. Some of our selections could not be added on to other SGP picks, but there was no explanation as to why they couldn’t be combined. We weren’t quite satisfied with alt line options either, as things like NBA player prop totals are listed in large increments rather than singles. So if the over/under line for player points is 24.5, you can bet 25+ or 30+ points, but there is no option to push the line to 26+ or 27+ etc.
- Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
- OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
- 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
- T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
- Use Bonus Code: SHARPNC
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets: Place a $5 qualifying bet and $150 in Bonus Bets will be added to your Bonus Bets balance once your bet is settled.
First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000: Place your first cash bet up to $1,000, and if the bet loses, you will have your wager refunded in Bonus Bets.
Use Bet365 promo code SHARPNC when you sign up*.
Customers who claimed the early sign-up offer are still eligible for the launch offer.
Both offers require a minimum $10 deposit. Bonus Bets will expire 7 days after they are added to your Bonus Bets balance. You must claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account.
*The bonus code SHARPNC can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount in any way.
Fanatics Sportsbook NC
Fanatics Sportsbook was among the first group of NC sportsbooks to launch. Although not as big a name as some of the other sites, Fanatics has a lot to offer with its selection of betting opportunities and market depth.
The app has a user-friendly design that makes it easy to find the contests and wagers you’re looking for. You can sort through different leagues, browse a schedule of upcoming events, and also search directly for particular games. The live betting options are plentiful as well and in many cases rival what the other sites offer, and even exceed those sites with the many alternate lines on live betting. We like the scoreboard and “tracker” displays when following our live wagers as well.
As far as ongoing promos go, Fanatics offers Daily Rewards and Power Hours, often modest profit boosts you can add to certain wagers. The FanCash rewards program is nice as well, giving you FanCash back for every wager you make. You can redeem FanCash for bonus bets or spend it on officially licensed gear and clothing in the Fanatics Store.
Be aware that Fanatics Sportsbook is app-only, which means you cannot access it on a computer but only via a mobile device.
Receive a 300% Profit Boost Token to Use on a Wager of $50 Max
Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
To Claim: Click Play Now
- Deposit at least $5 in order to be eligible to receive the Bonus Bets
Valid 1 per new customer. Bonus Bets must be wagered 1x before any resulting cash winnings can be withdrawn and stake is not included in winnings.
DraftKings Sportsbook NC
DraftKings has a strong DFS presence in North Carolina and is also now a top sports betting app in just about every state with online sports betting. The site covers it all, offering extensive betting opportunities in two dozen sports and in all the major leagues and conferences. DraftKings is a top-tier book, especially when it comes to regular promos and welcome bonuses.
DraftKings has a solid welcome offer and some of the best regular bet boosts and promos, like “no brainer” bets. It also offers competitive odds, making it a go-to for us for line shopping before placing a bet.
We also found the DraftKings app fairly easy to navigate. The range of bets available when live betting is terrific as well, ranging from all the standard bet types plus lots of fun and unusual props. Deposit options are vast, and cashout is quick and easy.
DraftKings’ SGP product is not as smooth as one might hope. The betting options are vast and easy enough to add to the bet slip, but once there, we learned that some props were not able to be combined, with no explanation. The bet slip can also get confusing with both single straight bets and parlay bets showing up together. We also thought DraftKings’ customer service could be a bit faster.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
PLUS Get a $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit
PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Deposit $5, Get $50 Bonus Bet
- Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
- 20% Match up to $1,000 (25x playthrough)
Valid 1 per new customer. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x before any resulting cash winnings can be withdrawn and stake is not included in winnings.
Bonus Bets expire 7 days after being awarded.
Other North Carolina sportsbooks
In addition to the sites discussed above, there are two other sports betting apps available to North Carolina bettors:
- ESPN Bet: Featuring a full menu of betting options across all the major sports, ESPN Bet offers occasional promotions as well with ties to popular ESPN personalities.
- Underdog: The fantasy operator launched its first sportsbook in NC with a limited menu of markets and leagues. Like Fanatics, Underdog is only available via the app with no web-based version.
Types of Bets at NC Sportsbooks
All NC sportsbook apps will feature a range of pre-game, in-game, and futures markets. These are the most popular betting options to consider.
- Moneyline | Simply bet on the outcome of a game or event. For example, you could bet on the Hurricanes to win an NHL game, a UFC star to win a fight, or a tie in an MLS game featuring Charlotte FC.
- Point spread | This is the most common way to bet on football and basketball games. Sportsbooks will give the stronger team a handicap, which creates a spread. You can then predict who will cover it. For example, you might see odds of -110 on North Carolina -3.5 against Arkansas. If you think UNC will win by at least 4 points, back the Tar Heels to cover.
- Totals | This is a simple over/under bet. For example, you might be offered -110 on over 37.5 points and -110 on under 37.5 points in a game between the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Props | These special betting options focus on player stats, team stats, or potential in-game events. For example, you could bet over/under on the number of points an NBA player will score, the highest scoring period in a hockey game, or the first team to reach 10 points in an NFL game.
- Parlays | A parlay combines multiple picks to create a single wager with large cumulative odds. For example, you could back North Carolina, Duke, Notre Dame, and Alabama all to cover the spread. All four would need to cover for the bet to win. Some sportsbooks will let you pull out of a parlay before all the legs have hit, but at lesser odds.
- Same Game Parlays | Like parlay bets, same game parlays allow you to combine picks within in a single game for greater cumulative odds. These are among the most heavily advertised bets among most NC sportsbooks.
- Futures | These are long-term bets that run throughout a season or tournament. For example, you can bet on the Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup, the Panthers to reach the NFL playoffs, or a player to win the Heisman Trophy.
Betting on Local North Carolina Teams
You will be able to bet on thousands of teams from around the world at the best North Carolina online sportsbooks. Of course, sports fans in the Tar Heel State will likely be interested in backing their local heroes. These are the most popular teams to bet on at NC online sportsbooks.
- Carolina Panthers | You will be offered more than 200 pre-game NFL betting options on every Panthers game at the best online sportsbooks in North Carolina. Many of them will offer live NFL streaming, allowing you to watch Panthers games while considering your in-play betting options.
- UNC | College betting is fully legal at North Carolina online sportsbooks, so you can bet on every football and basketball game featuring the Tar Heels. UNC is the most successful men’s college basketball team of all time, and you will be offered a wealth of college basketball betting options when they take on their rivals during March Madness.
- Duke | The Blue Devils have a legendarily devoted fan base in North Carolina. State law permits wagering on in-state college teams, so you can bet on Duke football and Duke basketball all season. Whether you’re into college football betting or college basketball betting on Duke, NC sportsbooks offer a variety of options, including spreads, totals, props, and parlays.
- Carolina Hurricanes | The top North Carolina sports betting apps will offer hundreds of markets on each Canes game, bringing NHL betting to life with a variety of options. You can browse moneylines, puck lines, total goals lines, correct scores, player props, team props, game props, lines on each period, parlays, same game parlays, and futures. The best NC sportsbooks also offer live NHL streaming.
- Charlotte Hornets | BetMGM is a great option for betting on the Hornets, as it offers live NBA streaming. You can also browse a wide array of NBA betting options with the BetMGM app. Another good option would be Bet365, which has teamed up with the Hornets to gain market access in North Carolina.
- Charlotte FC | Pre-match and in-play betting on every Charlotte FC game will be available at North Carolina sportsbook apps. Options include moneylines, total goals, handicaps, Asian handicaps, correct scores, goalscorer props, both teams to score, total corners, total cards, and much more.
NC Sports Betting Regulations & Licensees
While North Carolina sports betting began with just eight operators, state law allows for up to 13 online sportsbooks. Here is how the 11 commercial licenses and two tribal licenses are distributed:
- Five licenses for the state’s pro sports teams, two for racetracks, two for PGA Tour courses (Quail Hollow and Sedgefield), one to the PGA itself, and one to NASCAR.
- Caesars Sportsbook partnered with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to launch in-person sports betting at two Cherokee casinos, and online.
- The Catawba Nation, which operates the state’s third casino, the Catawba Two Kings Casino, also has a North Carolina online sports betting license. However, it has not yet announced its sports betting partner.
Online sportsbook operators in NC must pay an 18% tax on revenue. The tax revenue from NC sports betting goes to support youth sports facilities, college athletic departments, public services, and responsible gambling initiatives.
State regulators require legal betting apps in NC to offer responsible gambling safeguards, including the option to set time, deposit, and betting limits. The state also has a voluntary self-exclusion program where NC residents can register online or in-person to exclude themselves from the betting apps for a period of one year, three years, five years, or a lifetime.
In-person sports betting is already available at three tribal casinos:
- Harrah’s Cherokee (Caesars) – Cherokee, NC
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River (Caesars) – Murphy, NC
- Catawba Two Kings Casino (Catawba Sportsbook) – Kings Mountain, NC
NC sports betting timeline and legalization
- March 11, 2024 – The first eight legal online sportsbooks launch in North Carolina.
- January 2024 – The North Carolina Lottery Commission announced that online sports betting would begin on March 11. The NC sports betting bill stipulated that the industry had to start by June 14 at the latest, but regulators decided to roll it out in time for 2024 March Madness.
- June 2023 – The Senate approved House Bill 347 and eight days later, Gov. Cooper signed it, legalizing online sports and horse betting in the state.
- May 2023 – The Senate Finance Committee cleared the North Carolina sports betting bill, sending it on for a full Senate vote.
- March 2023 – Rep. Jason Staine introduced HB 347, a bill that aimed to legalize online sports betting in North Carolina. The House approved the bill via a 64-45 vote on March 28.
- March 2021 – Caesars Sportsbook opened the state’s first in-person sports betting lounges at two tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River.
- June 2019 – The North Carolina General Assembly passed Senate Bill 154, which enabled wagering on sports and horse racing on tribal lands in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The bill had strong support, with the Senate voting 43-7 in favor and the House at 90-27 before Gov. Cooper signed it.
The Future of North Carolina Sports Betting
North Carolina has rapidly established itself as a leader in the legal sports betting landscape. With a strong presence of both professional and collegiate sports, there are abundant opportunities for every type of bettor.
Maximize your NC sports betting experience by exploring all available apps, taking advantage of promotions, and choosing the one that fits your style. Start placing bets on your favorite teams with ease. And remember to bet responsibly, using the tools provided to keep your experience enjoyable and safe.
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