Best North Carolina Sports Betting Sites & Apps 2025

North Carolina online sports betting is permitted for anyone who is physically located in the state. Bettors do not need to be residents of the state. Retail sports betting is only allowed at officially licensed sports grounds and tribal casinos.

• Minimum age to gamble online or in person in North Carolina: 21 years old
• Number of Sportsbooks: 11 – 3 tribal retail sportsbooks, 8 online operators
• Gambling Industry Regulator: North Carolina State Lottery Commission

Best North Carolina Sports Betting Sites by May 2025

• All

BetWhale Sports	Up To $1,250 Sports Betting Welcome Bonus	Up To $1,250 Sports Betting Welcome Bonus Watch live streams for real-time betting excitement Fast and seamless verification with minimal steps Get instant payouts online with zero fees	9.9 BetWhale Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
BetOnline Sports	Get Up to $250 in Free Bets	Get Up to $250 in Free Bets Real-time live streaming for in-play betting thrills Effortless and speedy verification process Fast online payouts with no additional fees	9.7 BetOnline Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
Everygame Sports	100% Signup Bonus Up to $200	100% Signup Bonus Up to $200 Weekly parlay prize draws for losing tickets Upgraded live betting experience with Multiview feature Ongoing competitions and exciting giveaways	9.5 Everygame Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
Bovada Sports	Up to $3,750 in Welcome Bonuses	Up to $3,750 in Welcome Bonuses High-definition live streaming for an immersive experience Accepts all major cryptocurrencies for seamless transactions Innovative and customizable bet builder tool	9.3 Bovada Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
BetUS Sports	125% Bonus on First 3 Deposits	125% Bonus on First 3 Deposits Advanced parlay builder designed for complex betting strategies Established and trusted since 1994 with a strong track record Locker Room section providing expert tips, insights, and more for bettors	9.2 BetUS Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
CoinCasino Sports	Welcome Package Up to $10,000	Welcome Package Up to $10,000 Integrated Comboboost feature for enhanced multi-leg parlays Standard instant withdrawals for quick access to winnings Frequent free bet promotions tied to major events	9.0 CoinCasino Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
MyBookie Sports	50% Deposit Match Up To $1,000	50% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 Easy-to-use interface and a smooth mobile app experience Offers parlays, teasers, and if bets for greater flexibility Thrilling contests and promotions with huge rewards	8.9 MyBookie Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
BetNow Sports	150% Sign Up Bonus	150% Sign Up Bonus Weekly cashback on losses for all sports wagers Various payment methods including VISA, MasterCard, Amex, and crypto Special crypto bonuses with regular rewards	8.8 BetNow Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
SportsBetting	50% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $1,000	50% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $1,000 Diverse esports betting options available Flexible betting limits to suit all types of players Vast sportsbook offering a wide variety of markets	8.6 SportsBetting	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED
BUSR Sports	100% Welcome Bonus Up To $2,500	100% Welcome Bonus Up To $2,500 Stream all major sports live with in-game bets Season features and team props available Early-cashout gives winnings before the game ends	8.4 BUSR Sports	PLAY NOW NO CODE REQUIRED

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Legal Sports Betting In North Carolina

Sports betting in North Carolina has been legal since lawmakers approved legislation back in 2019. The move to legalize sports betting came about as a result of the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that found that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was unconstitutional.

But it wasn’t until March 2021 that sports betting in North Carolina officially launched. This was when the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened their retail sportsbooks at two of their casinos. The newly amended gaming compacts allowed for retail sports betting only at the casinos. However the passing of HB 347 in June of 2023 allows mobile sports betting operators to launch while also making provisions for retail outlets near stadiums and arenas.

In January 2024, an official launch date of March 11th, 2024 was confirmed for the mobile sports betting industry.

Sports betting was previously regulated by tribal groups that governed tribal gaming activities. However, now that mobile sports betting legislation has been passed, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission now regulates the online industry and the commercial retail industry.

North Carolina Sports Betting Rules & Restrictions

Bookmakers in North Carolina are not permitted to take wagers on:

• Youth sports events.
• Injuries or penalties in events.
• Outcomes of disciplinary proceedings or replay reviews.
• Politics.

There are no restrictions on college sports betting in North Carolina.

North Carolina Gambling Bonus and Promotion Rules

North Carolina has adopted strict rules on sports betting bonuses and promotions for operators. These were put in place ahead of the industry launch.

The main rules relating to bonuses are:

• Bonuses cannot be described as ‘Free’.
• The term ‘risk-free’ or any suggestions that there are no risks involved are prohibited.
• Sports betting operators cannot place limits on a bettor’s winnings from bonuses.
• Bonuses and promotions must be fully accessible within 30 days of opening an account.

Retail Sportsbooks in North Carolina

There are three retail sportsbooks currently operational in North Carolina. These are located in Tribal casinos. The new retail locations are set for launch in 2024.

In January 2024 both the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Catawba Nation applied for online sports betting licenses.

Legal Online Sports Betting Apps in North Carolina

An official launch date of March 11th, 2024 was confirmed in January 2024.

Historical Sports Handle, Revenues & Taxes in North Carolina

• Total Handle: $4,474,832,981
• Sportsbook Revenue: $547,927,961
• State Taxes: $98,627,031
• Win % Avg: 12.15%

North Carolina sportsbooks must pay taxes on revenues from sports betting. However, there are provisions for unlimited adjustments to taxable revenues based on the cash value of promotions and bonuses given to customers.

Sports Wagering Tax Rates

• Sports betting operator tax rate – 18%
• Customer tax rate – 5.25% (state income taxes) + 24% (federal income taxes)

Taxes on Gambling Winnings in North Carolina

As with many other states, gambling winnings including sports betting winnings by consumers are considered income. This means that they are subject to both state income taxes and federal taxes.

If your online sports betting winnings exceed $600 in a fiscal year, the sportsbook will automatically issue you with a Form W-2G.

You cannot offset gambling winnings by subtracting losses. However, you can deduct losses up to the amount of your gambling winnings on your tax return.

North Carolina Sports Betting Timeline

How to Bet On Sports in North Carolina

Getting started with sports betting in North Carolina is very straightforward. All you need to do is pick from one of the available online sportsbooks and follow the process below.

The sign-up process for all sportsbooks follows a similar pattern:

1. On a smartphone: Download and install the mobile app from either Apple’s app store or Google Play. Alternatively, on a PC/Mac, visit the operator’s website to access the platform via the web.
2. Create a customer account by selecting ‘Join Now’ or ‘Sign Up’.
3. Enter your personal details, including date of birth, contact information, and relevant credentials.
4. Verify your identity through your social security number or a valid form of identification.
5. Make your first deposit.
6. Check the sports betting markets and make your first wager.

All North Carolina sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses to new customers, requiring an initial deposit for activation. These bonuses are typically credited to your account incrementally, in accordance with the terms and conditions specified by the operator.

North Carolina Sportsbook Bonuses

There are several types of sportsbook bonuses available in North Carolina. The most common sports bonuses are listed below:

Deposit Bonus

A sportsbook offers to match a deposit by a certain percentage. For instance, a 100% deposit match bonus means that a $100 deposit qualifies for an additional $100 in bonus credit. These bonuses often come with a maximum deposit match limit.

Reload Bonus

Similar to a deposit match bonus but exclusively for existing customers. When a deposit is made, the sportsbook matches it by a predetermined percentage. The percentage for reload bonuses is typically lower than that for deposit match bonuses for new customers.

No Sweat Bet/2nd Chance Bet

Although known by various names, these bonuses offer a straightforward benefit: wager insurance. If the bet turns out to be a loss, the sportsbook refunds the stake up to a predetermined maximum amount. The refund is usually provided in site credit and can be used to place another wager.

Free Bets (cannot be labelled ‘free’ in NC)

This type of offer typically provides a “free bet” for a fixed amount. Free bets often have a minimum odds requirement and may be restricted to specific sporting events or sports. However, these offers can sometimes be misleading, as they may require consumers to wager their own money to claim the supposedly “free” bets.

Cashback

Sportsbook Cashback promotions give customers a refund on a percentage of their losses. Cashback is calculated based on losses incurred over a specified period, such as a week, and is usually issued in site credit.

Sportsbook Loyalty Programs

North Carolina sportsbooks operate loyalty programs that reward bettors for their spending. These programs are often points-based and tiered, with points earned for each dollar wagered. As customers accumulate more points, they advance through the tiers, unlocking higher-value rewards.

Pros & Cons of Sports Betting in North Carolina

Popular Sports to Bet on in North Carolina

With several major league teams in the state and a massive college sports following, there are plenty of teams to bet on in North Carolina.

NFL

The Carolina Panthers is the only NFL team in the state, and Charlotte, North Carolina, is its home turf. Understandably, they’re the first choice for NFL bettors. Despite their lackluster performance in recent seasons, the Panthers have some promising talents. While the team faced significant challenges in 2023, there’s optimism for a turnaround, particularly with potential improvements through the NFL Draft. As a result, they could emerge as a solid betting prospect in the upcoming season.

NBA

The Charlotte Hornets is the state’s NBA team, hosting matches in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite a recent run of subpar performances, the Hornets boast several standout players, including Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller.

NHL

The Carolina Hurricanes represent the state as its sole NHL team, holding their games in Raleigh, North Carolina. Known for their consistent performance, the Hurricanes rank among the top teams in the NHL, featuring standout players like Sebastian Aho. Given their track record of success in recent seasons, betting on the Hurricanes, whether through puck lines or player props, is a popular choice among bettors.

North Carolina College Sports Betting

North Carolina is one of the few states to allow sports betting on in-state teams. This is possibly because the state has such a thriving college sports industry.

The most popular college programs to bet on are:

• North Carolina Tar Heels
• NC State Wolfpack
• Wake Forest Demon Deacons
• Duke Blue Devils

esports Betting in North Carolina

North Carolina’s sports wagering rules allow for betting on esports. At present, no online sportsbooks currently operating in North Carolina offer esports betting markets.

Horse Race Wagering in North Carolina

Horse race wagering has been approved as part of the state’s legalization of sports betting. However, its launch has been delayed as the North Carolina Lottery Gaming Commission is on the process of drafting rules for the industry. Sports wagering was seen as the priority and horse race wagering is expected to follow some time in the coming months.

Daily Fantasy Sports in North Carolina

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is not regulated by the state of North Carolina. This means that while not expressly permitted by law, DFS contests aren’t illegal.

The DFS operators currently accepting players from California are:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• FFPC
• Yahoo

Online Casinos in North Carolina

There are no online casinos currently in operation in North Carolina. There have been no attempts to legalize online casino nor has there been any suggestion that legislation would follow in the wake of the state’s sports betting bill.

The only online casino-style games available in the state at right now are social and sweepstakes casinos. These are cashless online casino-style games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette. Customers can win prizes and jackpots using virtual coins which they can purchase through the website.

What about Live and Online Poker in North Carolina?

There are no state laws that specifically forbid online poker meaning that internationally licensed online poker providers are free to accept players from the state. There has been no indication that legal domestic online poker will be discussed by lawmakers at any point in the near future.

Responsible Gambling Resources in North Carolina

The North Carolina Lottery Gaming Commission oversees responsible gambling regulations in the state according to gambling laws and regulations.

Problem gambling initiatives include the state’s self-exclusion program.

In-state problem gambling resources include:

• More Than a Game
• Problem Gambling Helpline – 877-718-5543
• NC Problem Gambling Program

National responsible gambling resources available in North Carolina include:

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Gam-Anon
• QuitGamble.com

Ciaran McEneaney

Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.