The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has announced that is has approved the application form for sports betting licensing applications, a significant step towards the approval of licensed sports betting operators in the state.
However, despite the positive development, Commission Chairperson Ripley Rand poured cold water on hopes for a pre-super bowl launch in January.
Rand said during Wednesday’s Commission meeting:
“We see questions about whether sports betting will be up and running in time for the Super Bowl. It’s clear, however, with all the work remaining to be done and the timetable set out in state law that unfortunately won’t be the case.”
However, he did note that the process could move forward quickly now that the forms have been approved, but stopped short of naming a possible launch date for sports betting in North Carolina:
“Approving applications is a major step forward. With all the progress we’ve made, we expect to be in a position early in the New Year to announce when sports betting can begin in North Carolina.
We know North Carolinians are wondering when the first bets can be made. Lots of work still needs to be completed. The commission is going to be thoughtful and thorough in its rulemaking. We are committed to being open and transparent in what we do. And we are committed to ensuring fairness for everyone involved.”
Sports Betting Approved
On June 7th, 2023, the North Carolina House of Representatives gave its second approval to amendments made by the Senate to HB 347. The bill allows betting from mobile devices on horse racing, professional, college, and Olympic sports as well as esports.
According to the legislation, 12 mobile sports betting operators will now be allowed to apply for five-year licenses at an initial fee of $1 million. All mobile sports betting will be subject to 18% tax on gross gaming revenue.
The bill also allows for an expansion to the current retail sports betting industry. At present, sports betting is limited to North Carolina’s three tribal casinos. However, thanks to the new legislation, eight further venues will be permitted to have permanent or temporary sportsbooks on their property.
These are:
- PNC Arena, Raleigh
- WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary
- Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
- Spectrum Center, Charlotte
- Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord
- North Wilkesboro Speedway, Greensboro
- Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro
- Quail Hollow Country Club, Charlotte
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.