North Carolina Sports Betting: $7,050+ in NC Sportsbook Promos

North Carolina sports betting - September 2025 updates

Legal online North Carolina sports betting allows bettors to claim the top NC sports betting sign-up bonuses and place real money wagers with some of the top sportsbooks in the nation.

Refer to the table below for the latest updates:

Top 6 North Carolina betting sites

With a statewide North Carolina online sports betting launch now complete, excitement is at an all-time high. Local bettors can place legal wagers from anywhere in the state with the best online sportsbooks in the nation.

Here are our picks for the top six NC betting sites in North Carolina:

1. BetMGM North Carolina

BetMGM has been synonymous with gambling for decades, and, now, NC bettors can access the BetMGM online sportsbook from anywhere in the state and enjoy a slick mobile app, over a dozen banking options, and one of the industry's top loyalty programs — MGM Rewards. 

Refer to our BetMGM Sportsbook review for a full breakdown and claim BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS1550
' to claim $1,550 in bonus bets. 

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.3/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Trusted banking options
• Sign-up bonus: $1,500 First Bet Offer + Exclusive $50 Bonus Bet
• Payout speed: 2 days

2. bet365 North Carolina

Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets

Code: COVERS

Claim $1,000

Partner of the Charlotte Hornets, bet365 North Carolina is equipped with some of the best odds in the country, a huge assortment of player props, and a top-tier live streaming section that allows you to watch games unfold in real-time. bet365 should quickly become a fan favorite in the Tar Heel State, especially if you're a European football fan, as the operator is the official sports betting partner of the UEFA Champions League.

Refer to our bet365 review for an extensive analysis of the sports betting operator, and snag our special bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' to lock in up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.5/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Excellent market coverage
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,000 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

3. Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina

 

Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash

Ends: Oct. 12, 2025

Claim $2,000

Fanatics Sportsbook has quickly become one of the top sportsbooks in the U.S. and promises to give NC bettors yet another fantastic betting app to add to their mobile devices in 2025. With smooth navigation, live streaming, and an impressive FanCash rewards program that allows you to turn wagers into sports merchandise, Fanatics is a must-download in the Tar Heel State.

Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook review to learn more and claim up to $2,000 in bonuses in North Carolina. A Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is not required.

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS), 4.7/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Trusted banking options
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

4. FanDuel North Carolina

Bet $5, Win $300

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place your first $5 bet and receive $300 if your bet wins.

Available in North Carolina

Claim $300

FanDuel North Carolina has officially arrived, and Tar Heel State bettors now have full access to one of the best overall sports betting site of 2025. FanDuel's stand-out features include excellent market coverage for a variety of leagues and best-in-class live streaming and wagering capabilities. FanDuel also provides the best user experience in 2025, allowing all NC sports bettors to access all of these great features seamlessly. 

Check out our FanDuel review for further analysis, and don't forget to use our exclusive FanDuel promo code offer.

• App Store rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Live streaming
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Win $300
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

5. Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina

Bet $1, Double Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets

New customers only. Must register using eligible promo code. Place a wager of at least $1 and you'll get 20x 100% profit boosts, up to $2,500 each, win or lose. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms.

COVERS20X

Claim Now

After partnering with the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission, Caesars Sportsbook became the first sportsbook to accept legal online wagers in the Tar Heel State. Bettors can enjoy its intuitive interface, enticing daily promos, and white-glove customer support from anywhere in North Carolina. Additionally, North Carolinians automatically gain access to Caesars Rewards — our best sportsbook rewards program in 2025 — upon signing up. 

Visit our Caesars Sportsbook review for more information, and use our Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERS20X' to land 20x 100% profit boosts, each worth up to $2,500.

• App Store rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)
• Best feature: White glove customer support
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $1, Double Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

6. DraftKings North Carolina

Bet $5, Get $200 + $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get 1 promo code to redeem discounted NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in seven days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV base plan (not included in this offer) required to watch NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Subscription autorenews yearly at then-current price (currently $378 for YouTube TV subscribers, or $480 for YouTube subscribers); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, embargoes and eligibility requirements apply. No refunds. Digital only games excluded. Commercial use excluded. Addt’l terms: https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticke t/draftkings/. Offer ends Sept. 29, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Available in Massachusetts

Claim $200

After inking a partnership deal with NASCAR, the former daily fantasy sports (DFS) giant is now a household name in the North Carolina sports betting world thanks to its mobile sportsbook, which is one of best U.S. sports betting apps in 2025.

Our DraftKings review offers an in-depth look at this fantastic online sportsbook. No DraftKings promo code is required to claim $200 in bonus bets and other sportsbook promos from DraftKings in NC.

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)
• Best feature: Best mobile app
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 + $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket + $1K Deposit Match Bonus
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

DraftKings responsible gaming  

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get 1 promo code to redeem discounted NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in seven days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV base plan (not included in this offer) required to watch NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Subscription autorenews yearly at then-current price (currently $378 for YouTube TV subscribers, or $480 for YouTube subscribers); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, embargoes and eligibility requirements apply. No refunds. Digital only games excluded. Commercial use excluded. Addt’l terms:  https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/draftkings/. Offer ends Sept. 29, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Covers Expert Analysis

"I encourage all prospective North Carolina bettors to not only read about the top North Carolina betting sites above, but also read our in-depth operator reviews, which are linked in each section, for a comprehensive look at each of these great online sportsbooks before signing up."

Michael Duchesne, Managing Editor

Comparing top North Carolina sports betting sites

	Caesars Sportsbook	FanDuel	DraftKings	BetMGM
Welcome bonus	Bet $1, Double Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets	Bet $5, Win $300	Bet $5, Get $200 + $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket	$1,500 in bonus bets
Promo code	COVERS20X	Not required	Not required	COVERS1550
Payout time	Within 24 hours	Within 24 hours	Within 24 hours	2 days
Odds provider	Caesars	Flutter	SBTech	BetMGM
Top feature	Customer service	User experience	Grading winners	Range of sports
Early cash out	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅
Live streaming	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Limited ✅	Yes ✅
Covers BetSmart Bonus Rating	⭐ 5/5	⭐ 4.9/5	⭐ 4.6/5	⭐ 4.8/5

Best North Carolina sports betting offers and bonuses

Covers Expert Analysis

"I strongly suggest thoroughly reading the terms and conditions attached to any of the North Carolina sports betting site welcome offers listed below before claiming and to only claim ones you believe that you can maximize."

Joshua Howe, Content Manager

Here are the top North Carolina sports betting promos available:

BetMGM - $1,500 First Bet Offer + Exclusive $50 Bonus Bet: New BetMGM North Carolina users can claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager falls flat. Simply create a new sportsbook account using BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS1550', make a $10 deposit, and place an unsuccessful initial real money wager to receive the qualifying stake back in bonus bets. You will also receive an exclusive $50 bonus bet, regardless of your wager's outcome. Bonus bets expire after seven days. The offer expires on Sept. 15, 2025.

bet365 - $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or Bet $5, Get $300 Win or Lose: Register using bet365 bonus code 'COVERS' and choose between a 'bet $5, get $300 ' and a '$1,000 First Bet Safety Net' offer. Both offers must be claimed via the bet365 Sportsbook app and are available until Aug. 21, 2025 at 6:59 a.m. ET. 

Fanatics Sportsbook - Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash: No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required to claim its latest welcome offer. Fanatics Primary Offer: Simply deposit and wager at least $10 on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in FanCash. You can do this every day for five days to receive the maximum bonus amount.

There is also a secondary offer of up to $100 back in FanCash if your first wager during eligible football game days loses. This offer applies to the initial 26 NFL and NCAAF football game days of the season, allowing you to claim up to $2,600 in FanCash. This promotion is available until Oct. 12, 2025. 

FanDuel - Bet $5, Win $300: FanDuel is gifting new North Carolina users $300 in bonus bets when they create a new sportsbook account; make a $5 deposit, and place a winning $5 wager. No FanDuel promo code is required to claim this offer, which expires Oct. 23, 2025.

Caesars Sportsbook - Bet $1, Double Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets: Use Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'COVERS20X' to secure 20x 100% profit boosts, each worth up to $2,500. Simply make a minimum deposit of $10 and place a minimum wager of $1 to qualify. This offer is good for 14 days from issuance and expires at 11:59 a.m. ET on Nov. 4, 2025.

DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $200 + $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket: New DraftKings NC users won't need a DraftKings promo code to claim $200 in bonus bets instantly. If you make a minimum deposit of $5 and wager $5, you will receive $200 in bonus bets. Once your wager settles, you should get the bonus bets instantly, as well as $200 off an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription on YouTube and YouTube TV. $200 issued as non-withdrawaable bonus bets that expire in seven days. The bonus bets expire after seven days, and this offer is valid until Sept. 29, 2025. You can also access a secondary '20% deposit match up to $1,000' welcome offer.

Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.

North Carolina sports betting updates

It is now possible to lock in wagers from anywhere in the Tar Heel State.

Read on to learn about critical moments in North Carolina's legal sports gambling history:

Aug. 26, 2025: Georgia lawmakers heard on Monday that North Carolina's legalization of online sports betting brought significant tax revenue, with no political backlash or election losses for lawmakers who backed it.

Aug. 8, 2025: North Carolina sportsbooks produce record-low revenue in July, with year-over-year revenue falling by 46.2%.

Aug. 4, 2025: FanDuel donates $200K to fight food scarcity in North Carolina. 

July 29, 2025: Carolina Hurricanes' CEO Brian Fork doesn’t believe in-person betting windows will “materialize” in the Tar Heel State. 

July 23, 2025: Catawba Two Kings Casino will feature in-stadium promotions and sponsor Carolina Panthers fan experiences under a multi-year agreement.

July 21, 2025: A professional sports bettor placed 30 wagers involving then Charlotte Hornet Terry Rozier, all of which won, ahead of a 2023 NBA game, with "unders" props being selected.

July 8, 2025: North Carolina's $433.2 million sports betting handle increased 8.8% compared to June 2024. 

July 2, 2025: Charlotte’s WZGV-AM drops ESPN branding for InsideTheGame.bet, becoming the first local radio station dedicated exclusively to sports betting, featuring nonstop VSiN programming and real-time gambling analysis.

June 19, 2025: A year after breaking ground on a $1 billion project, Two Kings, a North Carolina casino resort, is getting closer to opening its first phase with it expected to be fully completed in 2027.

June 9, 2025: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission reported that eight online operators generated $562.2 million in wagers, down 7% from May 2024’s $525.5 million, though revenue spiked 3.3%, rising year-over-year from $63.1 million to $65.2 million.

May 20, 2025: The North Carolina House of Representatives isn’t going along with a proposed sports betting tax hike on operators.

May 12, 2025: Despite North Carolina operators generating $576.2 million in wagers in April, that was down 11.2% from the same month in 2024. 

April 17, 2025: North Carolina's budget to double the sports betting tax rate passes the state's Senate.

April 15, 2025: North Carolina lawmakers are looking to double the tax rate on the state’s eight online sports betting operators. 

April 9, 2025: North Carolina lawmakers have introduced House Bill 828 (HB 828) to prohibit prop bets on amateur and collegiate athletics in the Tar Heel State.

April 7, 2025: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission reported bettors wagered $685 million during March Madness, the state's highest ever. The new record handle surpassed March 2024's $659.3 million, a 3.9% increase compared to North Carolina’s first month of online sports betting. 

March 10, 2025: North Carolina's January betting handle drops 16% month-over-month, only generating $543.3 million in the state's first year with Super Bowl wagering. 

March 5, 2025: The North Carolina House committee is advancing a bill, allowing gamblers to deduct losses made on wagers from their state income taxes.

Feb. 11, 2025: North Carolina operators snag $74 million in sports betting revenue in January. 

Feb. 5, 2025: After just missing legalization last year, North Carolina customers can now place their wagers for Super Bowl 59.

Jan. 31, 2025: NBA player Terry Rozier is under federal investigation in an illegal betting probe for potential playing time manipulation while with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.

Jan. 17, 2025: North Carolina's revenue plummets in December, earning its second-lowest monthly sports betting revenue and worst hold since launching in March. 

Dec. 19, 2024: North Carolina's progress toward a pari-mutuel wagering launch has stalled. The legislative session runs from January through July, so it could take until the second half of 2025 before horse racing betting gets underway.

Dec. 9, 2024: North Carolina sportsbooks see a 60% revenue increase in November, providing a nice bounce back from October's number. 

Nov. 12, 2024: North Carolina’s sports betting operators produced their lowest win rate in October since online wagering went live in March. Revenue slipped 70% month-over-month in October.

Oct. 21, 2024: A North Carolina bettor turned a $50 bet into just over $33k by cashing out on their 14-leg spread parlay on Caesars.

Oct. 9, 2024: North Carolina's handle rises 55% in September thanks to football betting action. 

Oct. 2, 2024: FanDuel donates $1 million to support North Carolina HBCU students. 

Sept. 25, 2024: The North Carolina Lottery Commission approves a retail sports betting compliance proposal, allowing the state to integrate land-based sportsbooks into its legal market. 

Sept. 18, 2024: North Carolina approves proposals for Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Retail Sportsbook and esports.

Sept. 9, 2024: North Carolina produces lowest revenue since launch, reporting only $33.75 million in August. 

Aug. 29, 2024: North Carolina is set for a big sports betting boom this fall with the return of football. 

Aug. 12, 2024: North Carolina sports betting operators post an impressive 12% hold in July. 

July 11, 2024: North Carolina is "unlikely" to ban college player props after legislation fails to gain steam in 2024. 

July 8, 2024: North Carolina's handle and revenue plummet in June due to summer sports betting lull. 

June 7, 2024: North Carolina's online handle drops 19% in May largely due to it being the college sports offseason.

June 3, 2024: The Catawaba Two Kings Casino announces construction dates for a permanent gaming facility in North Carolina, as they will break ground on the $700 million gaming and hotel site on June 7, 2024. 

May 17, 2024: North Carolina operators produce $105 million in revenue in first month of online sports betting. 

May 10, 2024: Retail sports betting is not close to launching in North Carolina despite numerous big sporting events happening this summer. 

May 3, 2024: North Carolina files a bill to prohibit college player props following a campaign launched by NCAA present to curb player harassment. 

April 16, 2024: NC sportsbooks pull in $659.3 million over its first month of legal online sports betting.

March 27, 2024: North Carolina posts a $198 million handle in its first week of online sports betting, with projections showing nearly $600 million for the month of March.

March 23, 2024: The No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-3.5) punch their ticket to the Sweet 16 with an 85-69 win over the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans.

March 20, 2024: The NC State Wolfpack are among the popular March Madness underdog picks in 2024.

March 15, 2024: North Carolina regulators turn their attention to legal horse racing and retail sportsbooks.

March 14, 2024: North Carolina House representatives indicate there could be a push for legal online casinos in the future. 

March 13, 2024: According to GeoComply Solutions Inc., nearly 370,000 online sportsbook accounts were active within the first two days of legal North Carolina sports betting. Since the launch on March 11, the company has conducted more than 5.3 million geolocation checks in the state. 

March 13, 2024: NASCAR announces BetMGM as the title sponsor for the Xfinity race in Charlotte, NC on May 25.

March 11, 2024: DraftKings CCO Jeremy Elbaum celebrates its 'high priority' launch in North Carolina and looks forward to future markets.

March 11, 2024: Gov. Roy Cooper and former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen make ceremonial first bets in North Carolina.

March 11, 2024: North Carolina officially launches online sports betting at 12 p.m. ET. FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings are the first three North Carolina betting sites to go live.

March 11, 2024: With just a few hours to go before NC launches legal online wagering, bettors can explore a complete guide to North Carolina betting options and read our North Carolina online launch primer.

March 9, 2024: With legal online sports betting arriving in North Carolina in two days, the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels have the shortest conference title odds ahead of the 2024 ACC men's basketball tournament.

March 5, 2024: Covers' own Brad Senkiw outlines the best North Carolina sportsbook bonuses you can claim for the March 11 launch. 

March 4, 2024: North Carolina's launch of online sports betting is big for NASCAR, as Managing Director Joesph Solosky cites it could be a "top three" state for the sport in terms of betting handle.

March 4, 2024: FanDuel partners with the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. The partnership secures a retail sportsbook for FanDuel at the Bank of America stadium.

March 1, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook becomes the first sportsbook to launch legal mobile sports betting in North Carolina via its expanded partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Bettors must be physically located on tribal lands to use the platform. 

March 1, 2024: North Carolina opens sports betting pre-registration ahead of the state's March 11, 2024 online sports betting launch.

Feb. 29, 2024: North Carolina approves seven sports betting operator licenses the day before online sportsbooks go live with pre-launch welcome bonuses.

Feb. 29, 2024: Caesars tells Covers' Geoff Zochodne that retail bettors in North Carolina wager more on college sports on average compared to bettors in other states.

Feb. 28, 2024: Online sports betting operators expect North Carolina sportsbooks to provide a meaningful boost to their U.S. businesses.

Feb. 27, 2024: Pre-registration for online sports betting will begin in North Carolina on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Feb. 21, 2024: North Carolina is making strides in its online sports betting launch as two new suppliers were recently approved — making 16 overall — and received provisional licenses to work with operators.

Feb. 19, 2024: Eight sportsbook operators are aiming to launch in North Carolina on March 11, 2024: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Underdog. 

Feb. 12, 2024: North Carolina issues its first batch of sports betting licenses to suppliers that perform a variety of roles related to legal sports betting but not to actual sportsbook operators. 

Feb. 6, 2024: With an online sports betting launch just over a month away, North Carolina Super Bowl bettors will be limited to retail sportsbooks for the final time in 2024.

Jan. 30, 2024: Caesars partners with Eastern Band of Cherokee for North Carolina online sports betting access. 

Jan. 24, 2024: North Carolina meets the goal of a March Madness sports betting launch. Ripley Rand, NC Sports Betting Committee chair, stated, "Now it is up to the applicants to finish the job in order to go live on March 11."

Jan. 24, 2024: Legal online North Carolina sports betting will start on March 11, 2024, with up to 12 operators potentially being available on day one. 

Jan. 23, 2024: Underdog Sportsbook officially requests a sports betting license in North Carolina as it partners with McConnell Golf.

Jan. 10, 2024: The North Carolina Lottery Commission approved two essential procedures to push legal sports betting along — the use of internal control submission requirements and the process to obtain a certificate of compliance from the state.

Jan. 8, 2024: DraftKings partners with NASCAR, while BetMGM and Charlotte Motor Speedway strike a deal in North Carolina. The agreements will allow DraftKings and BetMGM to offer online sports betting in the Tar Heel State.

Jan. 4, 2024: While a specific date has yet to be chosen for the launch of North Carolina sports betting, a list of activities that operators must complete before going live has been presented.

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Covers Expert Analysis

"Yes, North Carolina has legalized online and retail sports betting. You can register and wager with any of the top eight online sportsbooks available in the Tar Heel State today."

Joshua Howe, Content Manager

Legal North Carolina betting sites began accepting wagers on March 11, 2024 after Gov. Roy Cooper signed North Carolina's online sports betting bill, HB 347, into law on June 14, 2023.

North Carolina has permitted legal retail sports betting since Gov. Cooper signed S 154 into law in 2019. However, the first legal wager wasn't placed until 2021, when the Eastern Band of Cherokee introduced North Carolina sportsbooks at two physical casinos. Catawba Two Kings Casino opened a third sportsbook in 2022. 

Stay updated on North Carolina and other states' progress with our sports betting legal tracker.

What sportsbooks are legal in North Carolina?

Bettors can now register with eight North Carolina sportsbooks:

1. BetMGM - Great range of sports

2. FanDuel - Best user experience

3. Fanatics Sportsbook - Flexible FanCash rewards

4. bet365 - Best pricing

5. Caesars - White glove customer service

6. DraftKings - Best for grading winners

7. ESPN BET - Loads of markets

8. Underdog Sports - Vulture protection

The pros and cons of North Carolina sports betting

North Carolina's March 11, 2024, online sports betting launch ensured that the best March Madness betting promos were relevant and available online just in time for this past tournament. New NC bettors can now claim exclusive new-user bonuses from the top betting sites in the Tar Heel State.

North Carolina online sports betting is now live

Retail betting is available at three tribal casinos

College sports betting permitted

Late to legalize online wagering

In-person betting limited to three locations

18% tax on sports betting revenue exceeds constitutional limit

List of all legal sportsbooks in North Carolina

NC sports bettors can now place legal bets online with the following NC sportsbooks:

Online North Carolina sports betting sites

Land-based North Carolina sportsbooks

With the addition of Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook, there are now three locations for retail sports betting in NC. The IGT-powered sportsbook joins Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy as regulated sports betting locations in the Tar Heel State. Keep tabs on each location below:

Latest North Carolina betting news

Why sign up for multiple NC sports betting sites?

We suggest that all North Carolina bettors sign up for multiple sports betting sites instead of just sticking with one. We've outlined the benefits of this betting strategy below:

Can compare betting odds across various sports betting sites so that you can always get the best value on your wager.

Secure numerous welcome bonuses.

Ensure you have access to the top sportsbook features in the industry, such as live betting, streaming, early cashouts, pre-built same-game parlays, ongoing promos, secure banking, reliable customer service, etc.

 Access comprehensive betting markets for local and overseas markets. 

Ability to enroll in multiple sportsbook loyalty programs, allowing you to earn great rewards like bonus bets, personalized service, free trips, discounted hotel stays, and more in 2025.

Who can bet on sports in North Carolina?

North Carolina residents and visitors who are 21 or older are eligible to bet on sports online or in person. Those who prefer to place physical wagers can go to one of two Harrah’s brick-and-mortar casinos or visit the temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.

Review these tips before placing your first sports bet in North Carolina.

Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2025

Nearby neighborly online sports betting options include Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. All three states offer fully regulated and legalized online sportsbooks.

So long as you are physically located within those jurisdictions, you are free to register and place a sports bet. Online bettors can download one of the authorized mobile sports betting apps and begin betting.

The pros and cons of NC sports betting

North Carolina's March 11, 2024, online sports betting launch ensured that the best March Madness betting promos were relevant and available online just in time for this past tournament. New NC bettors can now claim exclusive new-user bonuses from the top betting sites in the Tar Heel State.

North Carolina online sports betting is now live

Retail betting is available at three tribal casinos

College sports betting permitted

Late to legalize online wagering

In-person betting limited to three locations

18% tax on sports betting revenue exceeds constitutional limit

How to start betting in North Carolina

NC bettors now have access to a plethora of sports wagering options. Here's how to get started with legal online sports betting in North Carolina in 2025.

Covers Expert Analysis

"Besides easy-to-claim welcome bonuses, available banking options are the first thing I look at when determining what betting sites to register with. I recommend signing up only with online sportsbooks that offer a variety of methods for both deposits and withdrawals, ensuring the fastest and most seamless process possible."

Joshua Howe, Content Manager

What you can't bet on in North Carolina

North Carolinians can wager online with eight North Carolina betting sites or at one of three tribal properties. All professional, college, and Olympic sports are feasible options.

NFL Draft

North Carolinians were legally able to bet on the NFL Draft. Still, there were a few stipulations, such as round-specific wagers must be placed before the round begins, and pick-specific wagers had to be placed before the previous two selections are announced. Check out our guide for how to bet on the NFL Draft in 2025. 

Politics

It is not legal to wager on politics with North Carolina sportsbooks. Political bets are off the table in all states with legal sports betting.

Entertainment award ceremonies

Betting on awards shows, including the Oscars, is not permitted in NC. 

Can you bet on the Olympics in North Carolina?

Yes, Summer and Winter Olympics betting is legal in North Carolina. Follow our guide for how to bet on the Summer Olympics. 

What about North Carolina college sports?

The Tar Heel State allows college sports betting, including wagering on in-state collegiate teams, at its tribal casinos. House Bill 347 allows for online college sports betting, meaning you can use the best March Madness betting sites to get the top March Madness odds for the hometown North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils during the upcoming tournament. 

What about esports?

Esports betting sites are permitted in North Carolina.

North Carolina sports betting handle

North Carolina is one of the newest U.S. states to legalize online sports betting, and the returns have been promising so far, generating $659 million in wagers in what wasn't even a full month of legalized betting in March 2024. The yearly total eclipsed $5.42 billion in 2024. Then in January 2025, North Carolina saw a record $811.6 million handle. Keep up with the latest North Carolina sports betting revenue and handle information below.  

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Popular sports to bet on in North Carolina:

North Carolina offers all of the most popular sports to bet on, including competitive betting lines for all major North American sports leagues, including:

 NFL

 MLB 

 NBA

 NHL

UFC

There are also betting opportunities on college basketball, college football, and esports as well.

You'll also find NC sportsbooks amongst the best F1 betting sites, best boxing sites, and UFC betting sites in 2025.

North Carolina NFL bettors will be happy to see its operators land on our lists of the best football betting apps, NFL prop bets, and the top Super Bowl betting sites.

Most popular NC teams to bet on

North Carolinians have a storied history of supporting each of their hometown professional sports teams playing in the three major North American leagues — Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Carolina Hurricanes. Even though locals ride and die with these teams, the true crown jewels of the North Carolina sports landscape are its collegiate programs, as the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils have battled on the court for decades. Whether you support Michael Jordan's alma mater or cheer on the school that Mike 'Coach K' Krzyzewski built, allegiances to these schools run deep in North Carolina. 

No matter who you are betting on, we strongly suggest eliminating any biases before betting, which should benefit your bankroll. Our how to bet guides provide actionable insights for new and intermediate bettors.

NCAAB

Duke Blue Devils

North Carolina Tar Heels

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NHL

Carolina Hurricanes

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NBA

Charlotte Hornets

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NFL

Carolina Panthers

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MLB

Atlanta Braves

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Betting insight into local North Carolina sports teams

Due to the summer slowdown in the sports calendar, the only local North Carolina team in action is the Atlanta Braves. Ronald Acuna Jr. and the rest of the Braves are having a down year in 2025, sitting in fourth place in the National League East after the All-Star break — the Atlanta Braves' odds to win the World Series currently stand at +15,000. 

North Carolina's future bettors have a few options this offseason, as the Panthers, Hornets, and Hurricanes are all aligned to have interesting seasons in 2025/2026. 

The Carolina Panthers are looking to bounce back after a dismal NFL season that saw them go 5-12. Another year of experience for third-year quarterback Bryce Young, a first-round rookie wide receiver, and playing in the NFC South are all reasons for optimism next season, where the Carolina Panthers have +400 odds to win their division, and +12,500 odds to win the Super Bowl.  

LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets are looking for a bounce-back, too, as the NBA franchise has struggled to escape the lottery for the past several years. After winning the franchise's first trophy via the 2025 NBA Summer League championship, the Hornets look to keep the momentum going. Charlotte has +25,000 odds to win the Southeast division currently. 

Lastly, the Carolina Hurricanes look to build off their Eastern Conference Finals appearance last season. The Hurricanes have +375 odds to win the Eastern Conference, and +750 odds to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2006. 

Best North Carolina sportsbook for markets

Verdict:   Bet Now

BetMGM is our top choice for online sports betting in North Carolina, offering a diverse and extensive range of markets. Known as the 'King of Sportsbooks,' BetMGM provides 27 different sports categories, including international leagues in soccer, hockey, baseball, and basketball. You can also find markets for special events like the Olympics and World Cup.

We've detailed all the betting markets available at BetMGM in 2025 here: 

Best North Carolina sportsbook for rewards

Verdict:  Bet Now

Caesars North Carolina has the best sportsbook rewards in 2025, awarding Caesars Rewards Reward Credits and Tier Credits to regular sportsbook users. You can exchange Reward Credits for bonus bets, dining, hotel stays, and more. Your Tier Status, determined by the number of Tier Credits you accumulate, grants you exclusive benefits like free hotel stays, room upgrades, air credits to Las Vegas, and other perks.

For every $100 wagered on straight bets, bettors earn a minimum of 10 Reward Credits and 10 Tier Credits through the Caesars Rewards program. 100 Reward Credits are equivalent to $1 in sportsbook bonus cash.

Best North Carolina sportsbook for experienced bettors

Verdict:   Bet Now

We suggest that seasoned sports bettors in North Carolina explore FanDuel, as this online sportsbook is tailored for high-rollers and frequent bettors.

To start, FanDuel North Carolina offers a strong lineup of ongoing bonuses, including daily bet boosts, retention deposit offers, one of the top referral bonuses in the industry, and rewards through the FanDuel Players Club, all designed to enhance your bankroll. In our view, FanDuel boasts the best user experience in the industry from years of fine-tuning. North Carolinians can easily navigate the platform to access promotions, a variety of betting markets, an intuitive 'Live Now' section, and excellent customer support for any issues. Additionally, FanDuel boasts one of the top mobile sports betting apps in the state, delivering the same outstanding features found on the desktop version.

For those who enjoy regular sports betting in North Carolina, we believe FanDuel is the best online sportsbook to consider in 2025.

Most anticipated North Carolina sportsbook

Verdict:   

We would love to see Hard Rock Bet enter the North Carolina sports betting landscape. The established operator — currently only in seven states — is aggressively expanding in the U.S. with a very competitive offering.

Customers can expect unique promotions, lucrative loyalty rewards, and an entertaining user experience. Stay tuned as we relay all the news of the latest additions to the NC online sportsbook roster.

How NC sports betting compares to other states

North Carolina is bordered by four states — Virginia to the north, South Carolina to the south, Georgia to the southwest, and Tennessee to the west. Virginia and Tennessee currently have legal sports betting, Georgia is slowly working towards it, while South Carolina is unlikely to offer online wagering any time soon.

North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee share many sports betting similarities, including a legal age of 21, mobile betting, remote registration, availability of retail sportsbooks, and the necessity to wager within state borders. All three states are large sports betting markets, falling in the top 15 in terms of population (NC at #8, VA at #12, and TN at #15). 

Where they begin to differ is in the tax rate on winnings, with Tennessee withholding the largest amount at 25% of all winnings. North Carolina winnings are subject to a 6% tax, as gambling can only occur at tribal casinos.

Sportsbook offers are generally uniform across NC, VA, and TN, though the number of operators varies (eight, 14, and 11, respectively.) None of the states offer wagering on politics or awards shows, while Virginia is the only state that does not allow betting on the NFL Draft. 

North Carolina sports betting market outlook

The future outlook for North Carolina's sports betting industry appears quite positive, as the Tar Heel State has performed well during its first few years since establishing a legal online market. 

North Carolina, with a population of roughly 11 million people, generated a $5.42 billion handle from sports betting in 2024, resulting in over $580 million in revenue for the state. Given that the inaugural year only accounted for not even 10 full months of data, we believe that North Carolina is on its way to becoming one of the United States' most valuable sports betting markets in the future. 

While business is good for the state, the eight available operators might not be able to say the same for much longer after the North Carolina Senate approved a new budget plan, outlined in SB 257, to double the sports betting tax. North Carolina sports betting sites' monthly tax rate will increase from 18% to 36% starting October 1, 2025.

While increasing tax rates is not exclusive to North Carolina, we strongly believe it could play a factor in attracting new online sportsbooks, as some operators may view the new bill's high fees as a deterrent to set up shop in the state. 

Upcoming NC sports betting proposals to watch

Since it is still a relatively new market, we expect that North Carolina's sports betting industry could change in various ways in the future. For example, the Tar Heel State opened with only eight available online sports betting licenses, which is still the case today. We predict that North Carolina could open its digital doors to additional top operators in the future, such as Hard Rock Bet or BetRivers, if the opportunity became available. 

Additionally, the same could happen to its retail betting market, which only has three locations in 2025. Two Kings, as a North Carolina casino resort, is getting closer to opening its first phase, which would likely usher in a potential fourth location when the retail casino opens in 2027.

One change that has come into effect is that a large section of local lawmakers want to increase North Carolina's tax rate for sports betting operators. The Senate released its budget earlier this year, which outlines doubling the rate from 18% to 36%. But the North Carolina House of Representatives disagrees with the proposal, leaving the two sides to come to an agreement in the coming months.  

Other legal betting options

North Carolina is not one of the more gambling-friendly states. Beyond the few tribal casinos, the only other options for legal gaming are sweepstakes casinos, the state lottery, charitable gaming, and bingo.

Responsible gaming in North Carolina

Should I use an offshore sportsbook?

We strongly recommend using a regulated sports betting site if you reside in North Carolina. That said, using an offshore sportsbook offers several advantages, including a wider selection of betting markets, competitive odds, and generous bonuses. These platforms often provide greater accessibility, accepting players from regions with restricted betting laws and offering a variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, which can enhance privacy and transaction speed.

However, there are significant drawbacks to consider. Offshore sportsbooks operate outside local regulations, posing legal risks and offering limited recourse in disputes. They may also lack security and trustworthiness, with the potential for scams, non-payment, and unreliable customer service. Additionally, financial protections are minimal, and using these platforms could disrupt tax compliance and lead to issues with financial institutions. 

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Each state became able to legalize and regulate sports betting following the strikedown of PASPA in 2018. These U.S. jurisdictions have joined North Carolina in legalizing online betting, retail wagering, or both:

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

North Carolina was the second state to introduce legal online sports betting in 2024. Here's a look back at recent online betting launches in the U.S.:

March 11, 2024: North Carolina sports betting sites go live in the Tar Heel State — just in time for March Madness.

Jan. 11, 2024: Legal Vermont sports betting arrives as three sportsbooks — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — begin accepting online wagers.

Dec. 5, 2023: After a two-year wait, Florida sports betting returns as Hard Rock Bet welcomes back Florida bettors.

Nov. 3, 2023: Maine sports betting becomes a reality. Online and retail sportsbooks go live in the Pine Tree State. 

Sept. 28, 2023: Legal Kentucky sports betting launches after retail operations go live on Sept. 7. 

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

Below, we track the other states moving toward legal sports betting that may potentially be getting close to generating their own markets: