As other states continue to legalize and institute sports betting, it’s still unclear when North Carolina will do the same.
Before fans can take advantage of platforms like Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina, state lawmakers will have to legalize sports betting. After that, regulators will need to go through all the necessary steps, such as granting licenses and setting standards, before online sportsbooks can go live.
With the topic on the minds of legislators and in-state sports fans hoping to get action on their favorite teams and leagues, the question remains: What are the odds North Carolina will launch betting apps this year?
North Carolina Senate Passed Sports Betting Bill In 2021
North Carolina currently only allows wagering if it’s at certain casinos on tribal lands. If a bill currently going through the state legislature passes, everything would change — maybe even this year.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 688 last year. It’s on the table this year but hasn’t been introduced to the House floor. If it passes, sports betting “as authorized by this Article shall not be considered unlawful,” according to the original filing.
The bill, which would permit mobile betting, asks for 10-12 licenses to be issued by the North Carolina Education Lottery. Operators granted licenses would be taxed at 8% of their adjusted gross revenue. The bill also includes a proposal allowing for a Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund for the state in the hopes of furthering economic development in North Carolina.
There are two major points advocates can push for in support of the legislation. Bringing in the sports betting industry could lead to major tax revenue for North Carolina while allowing mobile betting would not only make it easier for in-state bettors to place wagers but provide them safe, secure means of doing so via reputable platforms.
The fact that legislation already exists and was passed by the Senate creates optimism for sports betting, including mobile apps, to launch in North Carolina this year. There are members of the House that side with legalizing sports wagering.
“I strongly believe in consumer choice,” Rep. Jon Hardister, North Carolina’s House majority whip, told Spectrum News. “I think people should have the freedom to engage in activities that they think are fun for them. We love sports here. You know, college basketball and football and baseball, and we have all these minor-league baseball teams across the state. I think it would be great for the consumer.”
Though 2022 could be the year North Carolina legalizes sports betting, it’s still unclear when that specific legislation could be debated and if it will even pass at all. Supporters are crossing their fingers, though.
Which Sports Betting Apps May Come To North Carolina
Though everything is still up in the air right now, if North Carolina does legalize and institute mobile sports betting, it’s not hard to imagine which platforms may join the party.
Caesars, BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings are some of the most well-known and influential betting platforms on the market, and there’s certainly reason to believe they would come to North Carolina if given the chance.
All four have swarmed to other states that have legalized betting, and BetMGM is already active in Tennessee and Virginia, both of which neighbor North Carolina.
A physical-remote partnership could be in play, too, if these platforms came to North Carolina. In other locations, such as Maryland, physical sportsbooks for the major companies launched before mobile betting, taking a spot in partner casinos. The setup allows those who prefer a certain company to choose whether to visit their physical sportsbook location or access their app wherever they please.
The major platforms coming to North Carolina could also lead to top-tier deals between them and the state’s key sports franchises. Even in Ohio, which has legalized but not yet instituted sports betting, Caesars recently partnered with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers to become the team’s “official sports betting partner.”
With professional franchises like the Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina, there’s plenty of room for similar partnerships. And with LSU even partnering with Caesars Sportsbook, there’s even the potential for North Carolina schools like UNC, Duke, and NC State to sign deals with sportsbooks, creating positives for bettors and sports fans alike.
If sports betting does launch in North Carolina this year, expect to see more big news, likely including major deals and partnerships, spring up.
