DraftKings and BetMGM agree deals to enter North Carolina

Leading operators DraftKings and BetMGM are set to enter North Carolina’s regulated sports betting market after securing market access agreements with NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway respectively.

Pending licensure and regulatory approvals, DraftKings’ deal will see the operator become an authorized gaming operator and exclusive daily fantasy sports partner of NASCAR in the United States and Canada.

“DraftKings and NASCAR have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a like-minded commitment to enhancing the fan experience,” said Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America. “We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.”

NASCAR managing director of sports betting Joe Solosky said: “DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports. We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver NASCAR fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.”

Once live, North Carolina will mark the 27th state DraftKings Sportsbook operates in, following the company’s announced plans to enter Vermont later this week on 11 January.

Meanwhile, BetMGM also confirmed plans to enter North Carolina through an agreement with Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“We have been eagerly awaiting legal, safe, regulated online sports betting in North Carolina, a state with more than 10 million people and one of the most vibrant sports environments in the country,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “BetMGM’s partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway meets a great demand for entertainment from North Carolinians. Together we will deliver a premier and responsible gaming product that benefits many state agencies.”

Charlotte Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Greg Walter added: “BetMGM has established itself as a signature source for sports betting with partnerships in every major league sport and with venues across the country.

“With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook. This partnership with BetMGM will bring sports fans new ways to enjoy their favorite events while expanding North Carolina’s tax base, supporting colleges and facilitating recruitment of major events for the future.”

Subject to regulatory approval, BetMGM expects to offer online sports betting as soon as North Carolina’s regulated market commences.

North Carolina’s sports betting market is slated to open during the first quarter of this year, with seven operators initially applying for licences to go live on launch day - bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel and Underdog Sports.

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission (NCLC) has 90 days to process the licence applications.