North Carolina goes live with mobile sports betting

North Carolina became the latest US state to launch a regulated mobile sports betting market as eight operators went live on Monday (March 11).

The Tar Heel State becomes the 30th US state with mobile sports betting and follows Governor Roy Cooper signing House Bill 347 into law in June 2023.

To mark the occasion, Governor Cooper placed a bet yesterday on the Carolina Hurricanes to win the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup trophy.

“The legalization of sports betting will provide a significant boost to North Carolina’s economy and will allow our thriving sports industry to continue to grow,” said Governor Cooper. “For the first bet in North Carolina, I’m taking the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup. The winnings will be donated to the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation which helps children’s charities.”

Eight companies have so far been issued licenses to operate online sportsbooks in North Carolina - FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, bet365, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Underdog Sports and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

ESPN BET

The launch of ESPN BET in North Carolina marks the first new state launch under PENN Entertainment’s partnership with ESPN, and follows a market access deal with golf club Quail Hollow Club, where it will also serve as the exclusive official betting operator of the PGA TOUR's Wells Fargo Championship in May.

“Together, we’re excited to engage with sports fans across the state and deliver an exceptional sports wagering experience,” said PENN Entertainment CEO and president Jay Snowden. “We commend the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and all of the stakeholders involved in establishing this new legal sports betting market.”

ESPN BET and ESPN Fantasy vice president Mike Morrison commented: “Launching ESPN BET for North Carolina fans is a pivotal moment. This marks a significant stride forward, building on the momentum from our inaugural launch in November.

“Now, fans have the chance to align themselves with a sportsbook backed by the trusted ESPN brand, offering an unparalleled experience in the world of sports betting.”

Caesars Sportsbook

The full launch of Caesars Sportsbook builds on the long-standing partnership between Caesars and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The operator began accepting mobile sports wagers at the start of the month on Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Lands, and at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, which was made possible under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

“North Carolina is filled with sports fans who’ve shown us how passionate they are about their teams,” said Caesars Digital president Eric Hession. “The expanded launch of our Caesars Sportsbook mobile app serves as an opportunity for fans to get a little closer to the sports they love, and we look forward to providing a best-in-class mobile sports wagering experience to more North Carolinians that pays homage to the sports excellence that is engrained in the state’s history.”

BetMGM

BetMGM has gone live through a partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway, with the operator also an official sports betting operator partner of North Carolina-based Richard Childress Racing.

“The passion of North Carolina’s sports fandom runs deep, making it one of BetMGM’s most electrifying new markets,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “We look forward to delivering a best-in-class product elevating game days and race-viewing experiences for fans from Charlotte to Greensboro and Asheville to Wilmington.”

DraftKings

DraftKings’ launch follows a partnership with NASCAR earlier this year, and marks its 27th state launch in North America (including Ontario, Canada).

“With the NCAA Tournament right around the corner and the NASCAR season in full throttle, we are thrilled to be launching our top-rated sportsbook app in North Carolina,” said DraftKings North America president Matt Kalish. “The Tar Heel State is home to a passionate fanbase and some of the most iconic college basketball programs of all time, making this an exciting time to introduce legalized online sports betting.

“We’re proud to be working alongside NASCAR as our market access partner and look forward to enhancing the fan experience across North Carolina with a fun, safe and seamless sports betting product.”

bet365

bet365 partnered the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets to launch its mobile offering in North Carolina, marking its 10th US state launch.

“Buzzing with iconic venues, inspirational performances and incomparable legends, North Carolina sports epitomizes the Never Ordinary spirit,” said a bet365 spokesperson. “With College Basketball Bracketology Season around the corner, it’s the perfect time for sports fans in the Tar Heel State to join the bet365 experience, which features market leading offerings like amazing Bet Boosts, the fastest In-Game product, and Same Game Parlays.”

Underdog Sports

The launch of Underdog Sportsbook marks the first sports betting product from fantasy sports operator Underdog, and follows a partnership with McConnell Golf.

“Underdog Sportsbook is built for today’s American sports fan,” said Underdog founder and co-CEO Jeremy Levine. “We’ve spent the last three years building our own technology platform, so that we can offer a new and modern sports betting experience.”

North Carolina marks the sixteenth state launch for the Fanatics Sportsbook, which has gone live in partnership with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, while FanDuel has partnered the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, marking the 22nd state launch for its mobile sportsbook.