North Carolina fought long and hard against any kind of legalized gambling. As late as 1982, its governor was quoted as being against the introduction of a state lottery. In fact, North Carolina was the very last state on the East Coast to bring forth lottery gambling to its citizens. They did so in 2005 – and by the slimmest of voting margins at that (the first ticket didn’t sell until. There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state. Current North Carolina Gambling Laws North Carolina has permitted a state lottery since 2006 and allows non-profit.

North Carolina fought long and hard against any kind of legalized gambling.

As late as 1982, its governor was quoted as being against the introduction of a state lottery. In fact, North Carolina was the very last state on the East Coast to bring forth lottery gambling to its citizens. They did so in 2005 – and by the slimmest of voting margins at that (the first ticket didn’t sell until March 2006). Even horse and dog racing remain outlawed in the state.

The only other available gambling in the state up to that point was the begrudging existence of one tribal casino. It is on Eastern Band of Cherokee lands, but is operated by Harrah’s. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 opened the door for many states to house casinos on reservation land, but the catch is that each tribe must negotiate an agreement (or “compact”) with their individual state governments, and the standard to which each state must agree is almost entirely up to the state government.

Traditionally conservative states like North Carolina could severely limit the allowed games and still be in compliance with the law. Indeed, until 2012, slots and electronic poker were the only games North Carolina’s government was willing to accept.

However, in 2012, the state government, in a bid to secure more funding for itself, expanded the compact with the Cherokee to allow live dealers, more types of games, and the construction of up to two more casinos in the western part of the state. This amendment has precipitated not only an expansion of the activities of the original casino, but also the construction of a new facility, which opened its doors in September 2015.

Things are going well. The tribe recently announced a $200 million expansion to the original casino. It will add hundreds of new hotel rooms and thousands of square feet of convention space.

The truth of the matter is that these two casinos feed off their proximity to Atlanta. Georgians have few options for gambling inside their state lines. Much like Atlantic City or the casinos bordering Texas, their lifeblood is dependent on legislative stubbornness nearby. And as seen with the decline of Atlantic City, legalization in neighboring states can be devastating.

However, more competition may be on the horizon.

The Catawba Nation is working to build a $600 million casino near Kings Mountain. It would draw patrons primarily from Charlotte. The tribe plans to partner with Hard Rock to bring the venue to fruition, but it still needs approval from the US government and to work out the compact with the state. So, nothing is firm yet, but the Cherokee might not be the only game in town forever.

Sweepstakes casinos in North Carolina

Social casino site options

North Carolina’s two casinos are both branded by Harrah’s. Harrah’s (as part of Caesars Entertainment) offers visitors to its website the opportunity to play several of its games for free money. Slotomania, BingoBlitz, and CaesarsSlots are all under the flag of Caesars, and each of those apps offers visitors multiple games. Additionally, North Carolina residents can take advantage of other major social casino sites, like Zynga or Double Down Casino.

Another site North Carolinians can use is the MyVegas app, MGM’s offering that allows patrons to play their way into comps, all for free – though racking up enough points to pay for anything significant takes diligence and time. Though there are not any MGM properties within state lines, North Carolina residents and visitors can still earn discounts or vouchers for hotel rooms, food, shows, and other entertainment choices through the site. These are redeemable at any MyVegas partners.

Sports betting options

To further competition, sports betting has been implemented into the fabric of the gaming market. Gov. Roy Cooper signed S 154 into law on Friday, July 16, making North Carolina the seventh state to pass a sports betting bill this year.

For now, the bill allows the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to operate retail sports betting only at two casinos in the Appalachian Mountains. Should the Catawba Nation get a casino up and running, it’s safe to assume sports betting will be offered as well.

It’s still too early to speculate when the first wagers can be placed, but implementation should begin over the next several months. As with most states looking to make sports betting a reality, the best time to launch is prior to the start of the football season.

• 2019 NFL season kicks off of September 5.
• 2019 College football season begins August 24.

Can You Gamble Online In North Carolina Mountains

Land-based slots options

Below are the options land-based slots players have in North Carolina:

Online slots options

There is no legalized or regulated online gambling in North Carolina.

As fitfully as the state has expanded its gambling profile, it would be unreasonable to expect anything will happen on this front anytime soon. North Carolina remains a mostly conservative and anti-gambling state, at least on the legislative level. That said, there are no laws specifically banning online gambling in North Carolina.

Operator profile

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a federally-recognized Native American tribe that resides in the western part of North Carolina.

The tribe was part of the larger Cherokee Nation, but the forced migration of many members along the Trail of Tears split the nation into the large group of Cherokee that now reside in Oklahoma and this group that remained on the reservation land.

The tribe owns the two casinos located in North Carolina. Both are located less than three hours from Atlanta. Their proximity to gambling-starved Georgians has provided an opportunity to profit, even in the face of the Great Recession. However, due to the casinos’ branding as Harrah’s properties, it would seem that the tribe is relying on an established company to manage and operate the day-to-day of its casinos.

Regardless, there is no denying that the casinos have been a boon to tribe members. Each member receives two annual payments that, on average, amount to $3,500 each. These payments are to an area of the state that has, at times, suffered 50 percent unemployment.

Most importantly, tribe children receive these same payouts from their birth. They receive the lump sum out of a trust upon their high school graduation or 21st birthday, whichever comes first. This lump sum is usually well over $100,000 – enough for young tribe members to finance their continuing education or give themselves a solid start.

State legal environment

North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos and by international online sportsbooks. The state legalized domestic sports betting in July of 2019 and became one of the progressive states that offer legal sports betting.

The addition of domestic sports wagering options complements players' availability to bet on sports at online sportsbooks operating legally outside of the US. Overseas sportsbooks have far fewer restrictions on the types of wagers North Carolina players can place, however, state-regulated sportsbooks typically cannot boast the same wide range of options.

Is Sports Betting Legal In North Carolina?

Yes, it is, and in more ways than one! NC allows local sports betting at their two tribal casinos, both of which are Harrah's properties, though these have yet to launch due to tribal compact revisions taking longer than expected. In addition, residents can legally place sports bets at online sportsbooks operating legally overseas, such as the ones listed on this page.

North Carolina residents can legally use our recommended online sportsbooks to bet on NFL games, NCAA basketball, College Football, and nearly any other American professional sports, as well as sports taking place around the globe, including those located in NC. No USA gambling law enforced by the federal government prohibits offshore sportsbooks either, meaning NC players can use these sites without worry.

North Carolina Sports Betting Bills

In July of 2019, North Carolina passed SB154 that authorizes sports betting at the state's tribal casino properties. This made NC the 17th state in the US to enter the USA sports betting market. A launch date for their sportsbooks is not known as of this writing. If you want to learn more information about the bill, its sponsors, or bill specifics we recommend using our US sports betting bill tracker.

Best Online Sportsbooks For North Carolina Residents

We have found the most trusted sportsbooks accepting NC residents and listed them below. You can bet on all of your favorite professional or college teams through their simple interface. With years of experience (decades in some cases) serving American bettors, our recommended sportsbooks are among the industry's most elite sportsbooks.

Read our USA sportsbook reviews page, as our industry professionals go further in-depth with the brands listed below.

NC Sports Betting Details

Below, NC players can find a complete breakdown of their state's domestic sports betting market and options. While no domestic books have launched in North Carolina just yet, we expect them to be up and running in time for the 2020 NFL season.

• Legal Sports Betting: State Tribal Casinos / Offshore
• North Carolina Minimum Sports Betting Age: 21+ State Regulated / 18+ offshore
• Land-Based Sportsbooks: Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort / Harrah's Cherokee Valley River (launches TBD)
• Online Sportsbook: Offshore Only
• Mobile Betting App: Offshore Only
• In-Play/Live Betting: Offshore Only
• Estimated Revenue: TBD
• Eligible Operators: TBD
• Licensing Fee: TBD
• Tax Rate: TBD
• Tax-Funded: TBD

What You Can Bet On In North Carolina:

• All betting lines, odds, and props for all games, teams, and players in North Carolina across all college and professional sports (via Offshore)

What You Can't Bet On In North Carolina:

• No restrictions (via Offshore)

Where Can I Bet On Sports In North Carolina?

Along with the offshore sportsbooks listed on this page, NC residents will be able to place sports bets at either of the two Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resorts in the state.

Biggest Sports Betting Cities In North Carolina

Charlotte

Charlotte is a large metropolitan area in NC and home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte Hornets (NBA). The Panthers were one of the best teams in the league a couple seasons ago, but have since lost their rhythm. They play in the NFC South division and are off to a much better start than the previous season.

The Hornets play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference and have a solid lineup heading into this next season. Look for them to be a sleeper team in the east. Both teams are available for betting through the offshore sportsbooks listed in this guide.

Raleigh

Raleigh is the home of the Carolina Hurricanes, the state’s NHL team. The Hurricanes play in the Metropolitan division and are one of the weaker teams in the league, but fans remain loyal no matter what. Bettors can place sports wagers on the Hurricanes throughout the season via any of the sportsbooks mentioned on this page.

Can You Gamble Online In North Carolina Now

College Sports Betting In NC

North Carolina contains several noteworthy college athletic programs. There are the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, NC State Wolfpack, Duke Blue Devils, and Wake Forest Demon Deacons. All 4 teams compete in the ACC, which has emerged as arguably the strongest conference in the NCAA (the SEC formally held the title and some believe it still does).

Each of these schools boasts successful football and men’s basketball programs within their respective divisions. Fans can bet on anyone, or all, of these college teams with our recommended licensed offshore sportsbooks.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Sports Betting

Will I Get Arrested for Betting on Sports in North Carolina?

If players bet on sports through an unlicensed or unregulated NC-based platform they may be charged with a violation by the state. However, offshore sportsbooks are not in violation of state laws and thus able to offer sports wagering services to North Carolina players.

Are Mobile Sports Betting Apps Legal in North Carolina?

At this time, North Carolina has not authorized the use of any NC-based mobile sports gambling apps. However, offshore sportsbooks provide mobile sports wagering capabilities otherwise inaccessible to NC players.

What Teams Can I Bet on in North Carolina?

There are currently no restrictions on what teams North Carolina players may bet on since the state has no laws detailing which sports, teams, or wagering types are prohibited. Offshore sportsbooks do not place any restrictions on what kinds of bets NC players can make.

Are There Any Local Sportsbooks in North Carolina?

At this time there are no sportsbooks available or authorized to operate in the state of North Carolina. The state's legislature has not legalized this form of gambling and thus we do not recommend betting through any sportsbook or bookie based in NC claiming to be a regulated or licensed operator.

What is the Legal Minimum Sports Betting Age in North Carolina?

The legal minimum age at which to bet on sports at a brick-and-mortar NC venue is 21 years old, which is how old you have to be to enjoy all the other gambling options at these casinos. However, offshore sites will accept NC residents at 18+, though we recommend sticking to the 21 and up mandate even when betting online.

North Carolina Legislative Resources

North Carolina players interested in reaching their local representatives in regards to domestic sports gambling can use the following resources to find a politician's contact information, specific bill sponsors, or reach other services.

North Carolina Gambling Resources

We encourage NC players to gamble responsibly through any sports wagering methods used. However, we also understand that some individuals may develop signs of problem gambling. For this reason, we would suggest utilizing the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program to get resources to assist you or a loved one who may be suffering from a gambling addiction.

North Carolina News

• US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of September 2

  North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...

• US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of August 12

  North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...

• US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of August 5

  North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...

• US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of July 29

  North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...

• North Carolina becomes 7th state to legalize sports betting in 2019

  North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...