JUMP TO:
- Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?
- Online sportsbooks available in North Carolina
- How to register and place bets in North Carolina
- What you can't bet on in North Carolina
- North Carolina sports betting promos and bonus offers
- Responsible gambling resources in North Carolina
Online sports betting officially launched in North Carolina in March 2024, making the Tar Heel State the 30th state to legalize mobile and online sports wagering. It had previously allowed in-person sports betting at retail sites like casino sportsbooks.
So, what do you need to know as an aspiring North Carolina sports bettor, or just as a sports bettor visiting the state?
Here are all the details you'll need to get started, including laws, how to join a sportsbook which sportsbooks are offered in North Carolina and the best promos and sign-up bonuses available.
MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL
Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes! North Carolina officially legalized sports betting in 2019, and it approved online sports betting in 2023. Online sportsbooks officially launched and began taking bets in the Tar Heel State in 2024.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission regulates sports betting in the state.
To place sports bets in North Carolina, you will need to be:
- at least 21 years old
- physically in the state (verify with GeoComply)
- able to verify your sportsbook account
MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA
Online sportsbooks available in North Carolina
Here are the online sportsbook options in the state of North Carolina.
How to register and place bets in North Carolina
The process to start your sports betting journey in the Tar Heel State is quite simple. Here are the three steps:
Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered North Carolina sportsbook
Choose one of the sportsbooks listed above.
Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit
Follow the steps to sign up for your preferred sportsbook. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state lines.
You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in the state of North Carolina.
Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
Step 3: Place your bets!
Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!
To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!
MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?
What you can bet on in North Carolina
While sports betting is legal in North Carolina, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for sports bettors in the Tar Heel State.
- Licensed online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
- College sports lines, totals and futures
- College player props
- Olympics
- Esports
- Horse racing
What you can't bet on in North Carolina
There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in North Carolina. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind.
- Unlicensed iGaming or online casino gambling
- High school sports
- Political events
- Entertainment awards shows
- Outcomes related to negative outcomes
- Greyhound dog racing
- Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
- Must physically be in North Carolina to place wagers
MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books
North Carolina sports betting promos and bonus offers
- DraftKings: Bet $5+ get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly + over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket!
- FanDuel: Bet $5 get $300 in Bonus Bets!
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Bet $10, get $100 in FanCash + up to $100 back in FanCash every football gameday
- BetMGM: Get up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets if your first bet doesn't win!
- Bet365: (1) Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets win or lose OR (2) $1,000 first bet safety net
- Caesars Sportsbook: Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 20 bets!
Popular teams to bet on in North Carolina
- Carolina Panthers (NFL)
- Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- Charlotte FC (MLS)
- Duke Blue Devils (NCAA)
- North Carolina Tar Heels (NCAA)
- NC State Wolfpack (NCAA)
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons (NCAA)
- Appalachian State Mountaineers (NCAA)
- Davidson Wildcats (NCAA)
- Charlotte 49ers (NCAA)
Responsible gambling resources in North Carolina
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.
- North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP): 1-877-718-5543
- Text support: Text "morethanagamenc" to 53342
- Education, self-assessment and treatment referrals: morethanagamenc.nc.gov
- Financial counseling for gambling-impacted individuals and families via GamFin
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting