The Tar Heel State heads into its second full year of sports betting coming off of a successful 2025 and an opportunity for gaming expansion and changes in 2026.
North Carolina sports setting: Where things stand
Online sports betting launched in March 2024, and North Carolina has developed into one of the top 10 U.S. markets in terms of handle. Operators have since generated over $1 billion in gross revenue, which has led to over $200 million in tax revenue for the Tar Heel State.
There are currently seven online sportsbooks operating in North Carolina:
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Fanatics
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- theScore Bet
Retail sports betting was approved by legislators in 2023, but statewide in-person wagering has never launched and appears not to be a need for operators and consumers. There are three tribal casinos in North Carolina, which do house retail sportsbooks and live table games and slots.
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What’s next?
North Carolina lawmakers introduced several gaming-related bills in 2025 that could carry over to 2026.
Some legislators want to join other legal sports betting states that have prohibited college player prop betting, something the NCAA has been clamoring for since 2024. The idea has gained little interest in the Tar Heel State but remains a hot-button topic.
State lawmakers are interested in allowing bettors to deduct gambling losses on their income taxes, which will likely be revisited in 2026.
Lawmakers also considered doubling the tax rate on online operators from 18% to 36% as part of a $65 million state budget, but it ultimately passed during the summer without the hike. Creating more sports betting revenue could come up again in 2026.
Pari-mutuel wagering came close to creation in North Carolina in 2025, but legislators still have to pass a bill that changes the language of the law before horse racing can be adopted. The legislation was introduced in March 2025 and can still work its way through in 2026.
There’s a chance that iGaming could become a debated legislative topic in 2026. Nothing has been filed yet, but with a longer session and sports betting tax revenue taking off, North Carolina could at least explore bringing online casinos to the state.
In-person gaming will get a major boost when Two Kings Casino, located 35 miles outside of Charlotte, opens its new introductory gaming floor in the spring of 2026. The Catawba-run casino has been operating out of a temporary, trailer-like building for several years. The upgrade will include 1,350 slots, 20 table games, and an increase in sports betting kiosks. The hotel is under construction with completion expected in 2027.
Notes and quotes
“I don’t know that we or anyone else in North Carolina, maybe with the exception of horse racing, if it becomes legalized, will do anything like that because it doesn’t make sense to take up the space with a window.” – Hurricanes’ CEO Brian Fork.
“This (Two Kings) casino resort will be an economic game changer for Catawba citizens and a force to drive the economy of Cleveland County and the City of Kings Mountain. This project is a testament to our resilience, our commitment to self-sufficiency, and our determination to build a better future for ourselves and our future generations.” – Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris.
“Sports betting tax revenue already generates millions each year for North Carolina. But a 100% increase? That could drive players to the illegal market, putting those funds – and consumer protections – at risk.” – The Sports Betting Alliance wrote in a petition to not raise the tax rate in N.C.
Year in review
Dec. 17, 2025: Daily fantasy sports operator Underdog stopped offering a traditional sportsbook in its only sports betting market, citing a business decision.
Nov. 12, 2025: North Carolina’s November betting handle was the market's highest ever, and it became the ninth U.S. state to post an $800 million handle month.
July 2, 2025: Charlotte’s WZGV-AM becomes the first local radio station dedicated exclusively to sports betting, featuring nonstop VSiN programming and real-time gambling analysis.
May 20, 2025: The North Carolina House of Representatives was not on board with raising the operator tax rate in 2025.
Feb. 5, 2025: Sports bettors in North Carolina were able to place legal wagers on the Super Bowl for the first time.
