Yes — sports betting is fully legal in North Carolina for anyone 21 or older who is physically inside state lines. Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law on June 14, 2023, and online sportsbooks went live statewide on March 11, 2024, just ahead of the ACC men's basketball tournament.

How Did NC Sports Betting Become Legal?

North Carolina actually had legal sports betting before HB 347 — Senate Bill 154, passed in 2019, authorized retail wagering at tribal casinos, and the first in-person sportsbooks opened in 2021. HB 347 was the second step: it created a framework for statewide mobile and online betting, designating the North Carolina State Lottery Commission (NCSLC) as the governing regulator.

The NCSLC is authorized to issue up to 12 online licenses and publish monthly revenue reports. For background on the legislative history, WUNC News reported on the original licensing process ahead of launch.

Who Can Legally Bet on Sports in NC?

  • Minimum age: 21 — both online and at retail.
  • Residency: Not required. You simply must be physically located inside North Carolina when you place a wager.
  • In-state college teams: HB 347 explicitly permits wagering on UNC, NC State, Duke, and other in-state programs.
  • Online casino: Not legal. NC law covers sports wagering only — online slots and table games remain prohibited.

Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543.

Which Sportsbooks Are Licensed Right Now?

Eight operators launched on March 11, 2024. Underdog Sports Wagering exited the market in December 2025, leaving seven active licensed apps. Each operator had to meet a venue-tethering requirement — partnering with an in-state sports team, league, or venue — to receive its license.

Sportsbook Venue Partner Status
FanDuel Carolina Panthers / PGA Tour Active
DraftKings NASCAR Active
BetMGM Charlotte Motor Speedway Active
bet365 Charlotte Hornets Active
Caesars Sportsbook Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Active
Fanatics Sportsbook — Active
theScore Bet (formerly ESPN BET) — Active
Underdog Sports Wagering — Exited Dec 2025

For a full breakdown of each app's strengths, see our NC Sportsbook Rankings: Every Licensed App Rated. If you're choosing between the two market leaders, our FanDuel vs DraftKings in North Carolina: Full Comparison covers odds, bonuses, and app quality side by side.

What About Retail Sportsbooks?

Three retail locations are currently operating: Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River (both Caesars/Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), and Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain. HB 347 authorizes up to eight more retail locations at professional sports venues, but that rollout has been slower than the online launch.

Is the NC Sportsbook Market Performing?

By any measure, yes. Since the March 2024 launch through mid-2025, NC bettors wagered more than $8.8 billion, with nearly $7.9 billion paid back out. The state collected roughly $116.4 million in tax revenue in fiscal year July 2024–June 2025 — well ahead of projections. Operators pay an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue under current law.

One tax pitfall worth knowing: NC does not allow bettors to deduct gambling losses at the state level, even though federal rules permit it. All winnings are taxable at NC's 4.5% flat rate. A bill (HB 14) that would change this is pending but not yet enacted.

Ready to Pick an NC Sportsbook?

Now that you know the legal landscape, the next step is comparing what each licensed operator actually offers. Our Best NC Sportsbooks: Compare All 7 Licensed Apps page lays out current welcome bonuses, payment options, and app ratings in one place — everything you need to make an informed choice.