North Carolina Sports Betting

North Carolina Sports Betting Background

North Carolina narrowly failed to pass a promising online sports betting bill in 2022, but 2023 has brought change: HB 347 has been signed into law by Governor Cooper on June 14, 2023, officially legalizing sports betting in the Tar Heel State. This decision comes after swift action from the House and Senate to get HB 347 into the hands of the governor to sign.

As it stands in the bill, the North Carolina Lottery Commission would award twelve licenses for operators to take online sports bets for any adult in North Carolina. The tax rate will be 18%, changed up from 14% in the original bill. 

We'll keep you up to date when more information is released regarding sports betting in North Carolina.

Looking back, 2022's attempt at an online sports betting bill (SB 688) would have allowed as many as 12 operators to offer mobile sports betting in the state and operators would be taxed at 8% gross gaming revenue, which would be one of the lowest rates in the country. Operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM — the nation’s three largest operators by market share — would have likely highlighted the interested applicants. All three also operate sportsbooks in neighboring Virginia and Tennessee.

Betting is allowed at a couple of select retail sportsbooks, but the possible expansion beyond casinos was met with a diverse array of criticism from lawmakers, who discussed addiction, corruption and constitutionality.

Before the bill was shut down, lawmakers overwhelmingly supported banning betting on college sports. An amendment to ban online betting on all college sporting events passed 62-39. If passed, North Carolina would’ve been a governor’s signature away from becoming the first state to institute a ban on college athletics. Rep. John Autry referenced a few point-shaving scandals that allegedly occurred under legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano in the 1980’s and 1990’s during his tenure at North Carolina State.

Despite Gov. Roy Cooper publicly reiterating his support for legalizing online sports betting, it remains to be seen when North Carolina bettors will be able to enjoy legal betting. However, as we've seen, one major hurdle for sports betting in NC has already been cleared by H 347: it made it past the initial round of House scrutiny. 

For now, Caesars operates the state’s two lone retail sportsbooks at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Cherokee Valley River. If the bill had passed, Caesars would have also been allotted an online sports betting license as a tribal betting partner. The Catawba Indian Nation, which recently opened the state’s third casino, could have applied for a tribal mobile sports betting license, though it doesn’t yet have a retail sportsbook operator partner.

North Carolina's Legalization Timeline

June 2023

HB 347 has been signed into law by Governor Cooper, officially legalizing sports betting in North Carolina! Sports betting is expected to launch between Jan. 8 - June 14, 2024.

HB 347 has been approved by the state's House and Senate. The bill is now being passed onto the desk of Governor Cooper, who will likely sign it into law and subsequently launch online sports betting in North Carolina. He is expected to sign it this month. 

March 2023

H 347 gets House approval and moves on to Senate committee. The bill is largely identical to SB 688, with a 14% tax rate and 12 mobile licenses available.

June 2022

SB 688 fails to pass by one vote, ending North Carolina's chance to be a legal online sports betting state. The House of Representatives voted 51-50 against the bill. SB 38 was tied to the fate of SB 688 and also failed to pass.

Both the House Finance and House Rules Committees approved two bills (SB 688, SB 38). SB 38 was gutted and replaced Tuesday to up the tax rate in SB 688 from 8% to 14% and to make a few other changes. SB 688 passed the Senate last year and just needs a House vote, while SB 38 needs House and Senate approval before it can be sent to Cooper.

November 2021

SB 688 passes a House committee. The full House will now take up the bill during their next legislative session in May 2022.

August 2021

The NC Senate votes 26-19 to pass the online sports betting bill (SB 688), which will allow as many as 12 operators to offer mobile sports betting in the state.

Pro Sports Teams

When online sports betting launches in the Tar Heel State, residents and visitors will be able to place their bets on one state team from each major sports league. When it comes to championships, NC's pro teams have struggled to win one since 2005-06, when the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup.

NFL Betting North Carolina

Carolina Panthers

After a back-and-forth relationship with star quarterback Cam Newton the last few years, the Panthers' last winning season was in 2017 (11-5). If the team and Newton are able to repair their relationship once again, maybe this could be a step towards a winning season in 2022-23. They are coached by Matt Rhule and play their home games at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

Panthers Odds

A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football:

• How to Bet on Football Guide
• Expert NFL Picks
• Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data

NBA Betting North Carolina

Charlotte Hornets 

Since changing their name from the Bobcats to the Hornets in the 2014-15 season, Charlotte has made the playoffs only once. The team was not able to make a deep playoff run during Michael Jordan's tenure as owner, who bought the franchise in 2010. Jordan sold his majority stake in the team for $3 billion dollars on June 16th, 2023. He will still have a minority stake in the franchise and expects to be involved with the Hornets organization as well. 

Things are looking up, however, since the Hornets drafted LaMelo Ball in 2020 and are building a young core around their #3 draft pick. The Hornets are coached by Steve Clifford and play their home games at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.

Hornets Odds

To learn more about NBA betting:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide

 NHL Betting North Carolina

Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have had seven straight winning seasons (including 2021-22) and finished first in their division for the second consecutive time. The only other time they've won at least 52+ games was during the 2005-06 season; when the Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup. Based off of their roster and talent, the 'Canes can compete with any team as they chase their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Hurricanes Odds

For more on NHL betting resources:

• How to Bet on Hockey Guide

MLS Betting North Carolina

Charlotte FC

As the newest team in MLS, Charlotte FC has a lot of growing to do as the 28th team in the league. A promising sign was that their first game of the 2022 MLS season drew in a record number of almost 75,000 fans. They are currently coached by Miguel Ángel Ramírez and play their home games in Bank of America Stadium (where the Panthers play as well).

Soccer Odds

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the MLS:

• How to Bet on Soccer Guide

College Sports Teams

North Carolina is home to some of the top sports programs in the country. National brands like UNC and Duke men's basketball draw a lot of betting attention.

 Appalachian State Mountaineers Football | Basketball

After finishing first (7-1) in the Eastern Sun Belt Conference last season, Mountaineers football continues to stay steady at the top with consistent winning seasons. In 2005, the Mountaineers football became the only state team to win at least one national championship, which totaled to three consecutive championships between 2005-07. Expect the Mountaineers to have a great odds to win the national championship each season. They are coached by Shawn Clark and their home is Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, NC. 

Mountaineers basketball finished second (12-6) in the Eastern Sun Belt Conference during the 2021 season. After an unexpected Final Four appearance in 2021 and three straight winning seasons, it's a great sign moving forward when the Mountaineers had a previous eight-year streak of losing records. Dustin Kearns is the head coach and App State's home court is Holmes Convocation Center in Boone, NC.

 Charlotte 49ers Football | Basketball 

The Charlotte 49ers football program is only entering their eight season in school history, having a winning record in one season during their seven completed seasons. Will Healy, who is their second head coach in team history, will have every opportunity to take this young team to the next level. The 49ers play their home games at the Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

49ers basketball has been up and down for quite some time, as their last appearance in the NCAA Tournament was back in 2004-05 when they lost in the first round. Head Coach Ron Sanchez is entering his fourth season at the helm after a 17-win season, which hasn't been done since 2013-14. When at home, 49ers basketball is played at the Dale F. Halton Arena in Charlotte, NC.

  Duke Blue Devils Football | Basketball

Blue Devils football has been overshadowed by their school's basketball team, since their history has been up and down with winning and losing seasons. Their last winning season came in 2018, when they finished 8-5 and won the Independence Bowl. Home games are played at the Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, NC and they are coached by David Cutcliffe. 

As one of the most successful NCAA basketball programs in the country, the Duke Blue Devils have won the NCAA championship five times under Coach K's storied career. In total, Duke has had three losing seasons under Coach K (the final one in 1994-95). Now that Coach K has retired, the Blue Devils have hired Jon Scheyer, who served as Coach K's assistant coach since 2013. Blue Devils basketball is played at the Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC.

 East Carolina Pirates Football | Basketball

Pirates football is headed in the right direction after finishing 7-5 in 2021, which is their first winning season since 2014. The Pirates are coached by Mike Houston and play their home games at the Dowdy-Ficklen Arena in Greenville, NC. 

East Carolina basketball has been inconsistent throughout the course of their history, with their last NCAA Tournament appearance coming in 1992-93. Head Coach Mike Schwartz is looking to change the narrative as he enters into his first season as the Pirates' coach. Home court Pirates basketball is played at the Williams Arena in Greenville, NC. 

 North Carolina Tar Heels Football | Basketball

Tar Heels football hasn't been as successful as their school's basketball team, but it does look like the program is headed in the right direction. Since last coaching the Tar Heels in 1997, Head Coach Mack Brown returned to coach the team in 2019. Coach Brown has led the team to two winning seasons out of the last three years. The Tar Heels play their home games at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, NC. 

Most commonly known as the basketball program that groomed Michael Jordan, the Tar Heels have won six NCAA Tournament championships in their school history. After notable and successful stints from Dean Smith and Roy Williams, the Tar Heels managed to make an appearance in the National Final against the Kansas Jayhawks. Although they ultimately lost by three (72-69), it's important to note that it was Hubert Davis' first season as the Tar Heels basketball head coach, which is a very impressive feat. Tar Heels basketball last made their National Final appearance in 2017, when they beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs by six. Tar Heels home basketball is played at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

 NC State Wolfpack Football | Basketball

Under Head Coach David Doeren, the Wolfpack have had seven (out of nine) winning seasons. Throughout this span, they've won the Sun, Independence, and St. Petersburg Bowls. NC State's trajectory seems to be headed in the right direction as they attempt to win their first National Championship in school history. NC State plays their home games Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.

NC State Wolfpack basketball hasn't had much success since winning their two NCAA Championships in 1974 and 1983. The team often qualifies for the NCAA Tournament but Kevin Keatts needs to replicate his first three seasons as the team's head coach if NC State wants another shot at the NCAA Championship. NC State's home games are played at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC.

 Wake Forest Demon Deacons Football | Basketball

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons football recently won the 2021 Gator Bowl after amassing an 11-3 record, their best since 2006. Head Coach Dave Clawson has lead the Deacons to four bowl victories in his eight seasons with the team. Local Wake Forest football is played at the BB&T Field in Winston-Salem, NC.

 Wake Forest's basketball team has struggled with consistency since their surprising Final Four appearance in 2017. This past season, however, Head Coach Steve Forbes led the Demon Deacons to a 25-10 record, which is a positive sign for the future of Wake Forest basketball. Deacons home court basketball is played at the Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC. 

NCAA Division I Basketball Only

 Campbell Fighting Camels Basketball

Since qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history in 1992, the Campbell Fighting Camels have struggled to remain atop the standings of the Big South Conference. Head Coach Kevin McGeehan has coached the Camels for nine seasons so far and has led them to five seasons with a winning record, all coming within the last six years. The Camels play their home games at the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center in Buies Creek, NC.

 Davidson Wildcats Basketball

Although the Davidson Wildcats finished the 2021-22 season with a 27-8 record and lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, they've won their most games since Stephen Curry's final year at the school (2008-09). Long-tenured coach Bob McKillop has consistently led Davidson to finish with winning records, which is a trend that is expected to continue. The Wildcats host their opponents in the John M. Belk Arena in Davidson, NC.

 Elon Phoenix Basketball

The Elon Phoenix is among the younger D1 college basketball programs in the country, as their inaugural season was twenty-three years ago in 1999. Elon University has competed in three NAIA Tournaments, one CIT Tournament, and one NCAA D2 Tournament in their school history. Billy Taylor is their fifth head coach in school history as he attempts to lead the Phoenix to qualify for the first ever D1 NCAA Tournament. The Phoenix play their home games at the Schar Center in Elon, NC.

 Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs Basketball

In 2019, the Runnin' Bulldogs won their first Big South Tournament and qualified for their first NCAA Tournament since becoming a D1 school in 2002. They finished 18-13 (11-5 conf.) in the 2021-22 season, which is a promising sign that the school may return to the tournament soon under Head Coach Tim Craft. Gardner-Webb plays their home games in Boiling Springs, NC at the Paul Porter Arena.

 North Carolina A&T Aggies Basketball

The Aggies just finished their first season as a member of the Big South, finishing 12-20 (6-10 conf.) After being a part of the MEAC for almost fifty years, the Aggies are up for a great challenge as they try to settle into their new conference. Willie Jones will be entering his third full season as the Aggies' head coach. The Aggies host their home games in Greensboro, NC at the Corbett Sports Center.

 North Carolina Central Eagles Basketball

The Central Eagles have competed in D1 since 2010, having joined the MEAC the following year. In twelve years, the Eagles have competed in the NCAA Tournament four times, producing a winning record nine times during Head Coach LeVelle Moton's thirteen-year tenure. Fans and visitor can catch local games at the McDougald-McLendon Arena in Durham, NC.

 High Point Panthers Basketball

As another member of the Big South, the High Point Panthers began their D1 journey in 1999. The Panthers have yet to make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament as they have struggled to maintain consistency in the Big South. The program recently hired Head Coach G.G. Smith, who took over the last six games last season when former coach Tubby Smith contracted COVID again and decided to retire. Local games can be found at the Qubein Arena in High Point, NC.

Western Carolina Catamounts Basketball

Western Carolina has competed in the Southern Conference for almost half a century. With only one March Madness appearance (1996), the Catamounts have a lot of work to do to qualify again. Head Coach Justin Gray is entering his second season as he continues his young college basketball coaching career. The Catamounts host their home games in Cullowhee, NC at the Ramsey Center.

Other Events

Annual Hoop for Dreams Basketball Tournament

The Annual Hoop for Dreams is held on July 16th at the Freedom Courts Sports Complex in Fayetteville, NC. Youth teams have the chance to showcase their talents while competing for trophies, cash prizes. All donations are for the high school scholarship program.

Beaufort River Swim

The 16th annual Beaufort River Swim is held on June 3rd-4th and offers contestants a combination of 8k-5k sport events, such as a 1M swim, 3.2 mile swim, and a 5K  run split into time slots on both days. 

Ben Oaks Memorial Golf Tournament

The 5th annual Ben Oaks Memorial Golf Tournament is held on June 4th at the Lochmere Golf Club in Cary, NC and features a four-person scramble and lunch. Participants are given the opportunity to get a hole-in-one if they donate a specific amount. A silent auction will also be held.

NoDa 5K

The 9th annual NoDa 5K will be held at the NoDa Brewing Company where contestants will race through the North End of Raleigh, NC.

Sunrise 5K/1 Mile Beach Race Series

The 10th annual 5K/1 Mile Beach Race Series will be held on June 2nd and 9th at Epstein's Beach and Jennette's Pier. The locations and sponsors are subject to change every year.