On Wednesday, June 14, Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347, AKA the Sports Wagering Bill, into law making sports betting apps legal throughout NC. This bill will allow online and mobile game day betting for teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Carolina Panthers.
People can place bets on pro, college, electronic and amateur sports, and pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.
But not so fast — NC bettors have to wait until January 2024 at the earliest to be able to place wagers online. The bill’s regulations and licensing structures must be approved by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission by January 8, 2024. The commission also has until June 14, 2024 to allow sportsbook operators to begin business.
Up to 12 sports betting apps are permitted — plus, eight venues hosting professional sports teams have the option of adding brick-and-mortar on-site sportsbooks. Local in-person bookmakers are allowed at PNC Arena and WakeMed Soccer Park, home of the NC Courage and North Carolina FC.
Operators will pay an 18% tax on revenue to the state, with a portion of the money being used by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for problem gambling treatment. Additional funds will support youth sports programs.
