North Carolina Sports Betting: The Best North Carolina Betting Sites for 2021
Sports Market | Legal Since: |
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NFL | Will Be Legal: TBD |
NHL | Will Be Legal: TBD |
NBA | Will Be Legal: TBD |
NCAA Baseball | Will Be Legal: TBD |
Unfortunately for North Carolina’s bettors, the conservative state’s gambling scene is relatively dry. As one of the oldest states in the nation, an anti-gambling stance was built into North Carolina’s laws early on and has changed very slowly over time. Lotteries were allowed in the early 1800s and a horse and dog racing track opened in 1948. Only in the ‘90s did the state receive its first casino, operated by the Cherokee tribe. Daily Fantasy eventually came to the state but even that has been an uphill battle, with some politicians protesting the games. North Carolina sports betting is currently illegal, though several new bills are on the table, though it remains to be seen what the results will be. If you want some more detailed information, you can see the page about gambling in North Carolina.
Gambling Laws in North Carolina
As mentioned previously, gambling laws in North Carolina are notoriously tough and have been for a long time — dating back to the 1700s! Luckily, demands from residents and trends across the nation have encouraged lawmakers to make progress towards more a more open stance towards gambling. Big steps include the introduction of tribal-run casinos in 1997 and 2015. Several bills pertaining to sports betting specifically are currently making their way through North Carolina’s congress — HB 929, SB 154 and HB 302 — which could drastically alter the state’s betting landscape for the better.
- We closely follow local news in North Carolina including the News & Observer and the Charlotte Observer to provide you with the latest gambling developments, fast.
- We aren’t only experts in sports betting, we have dedicated experts across the gambling industry including for casino games such as slots and have created a video poker guide.
- We quickly update you on changes in North Carolina betting laws by keeping up with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina General Assemby.
Most Popular Sports in North Carolina
Sports fans in North Carolina have no shortage of options when it comes to playing, or supporting local teams. Football is hugely popular, with the Carolina Panthers being the state’s most known professional sports franchise. The Hurricanes, NC’s NHL team, is nothing to shake a stick at either, as winners of the prestigious Stanley Cup in 2006. Beyond that, the Charlotte Hornets represent NC in the NBA, and the state boasts many minor league baseball teams, numerous college sports programs and an active NASCAR fanbase.
Here are the most popular sports and resulting betting markets in North Carolina:
Football – Carolina Panthers
Though headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Panthers’ stellar teamsmanship has endeared to the Carolinas as a whole. They played their first season in 1995 and appeared in the Super Bowl in 2002-2003. Notable players have included Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton and long-time offensive tackle Jordan Gross. Catch them playing in a heated match against one of their rivals — the Falcons or the Buccaneers — and you are sure to witness an impressive display of athleticism and skill.
Ice Hockey – Carolina Hurricanes
Though the original team formed in 1971/72, the Hurricanes did not really become what we know today until 1997, when they moved to North Carolina. They quickly won over fans, racking up multiple conference and division championships, and of course, the Stanley Cup in 2006.
Basketball – Charlotte Hornets
Though the Hornets have had a few relocations and name-changes, their origin begins in Charlotte in 1988 and has found its way back after many years. Kemba Walker, Larry Johnson and Gerald Wallace are several of the many illustrious players that have made this team shine throughout its history.
Baseball – Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team is one of the biggest to come out of this state. Representing the University of North Carolina, they compete in the highest division of college baseball, with the team proving to be dominant over the past years, they have managed to draft many players into the MLB.
Local History of Sports Betting
As you probably know by now, gambling has taken its sweet time to come to North Carolina, one of the more conservative areas in the nation. Regulations date back as early as 1753, and casino gambling has only been legalized in the last 25 years. We can hope that, as with many other states, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) will give legislators a nudge in the right direction and help expand the options for sports betting in North Carolina soon.
Year | Event |
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1753 | “Excessive and immoderate” gambling is forbidden in North Carolina. These anti-gambling views will linger for many years to come. |
1809 | In a move towards gambling freedom, lotteries are allowed in the state. |
1997 | Doors open for North Carolina’s first casino, operated by the Cherokee Nation. |
2015 | The second of North Carolina’s two casinos opens, this time in Murphy. |
2018 | The U.S. Supreme Court rules against PASPA, meaning new bills on sports wagering could be on the way for North Carolina as it follows the lead of other gambling-progressive states. |
2019 | Several bills, including HB 302 and SB 154, are currently being debated by the North Carolina congress. If passed, they could effectively legalize sports betting as soon as 2019. |
Legal Online Sports Betting Age in North Carolina
Sports betting has not yet been legalized in North Carolina, though proposed bills in congress indicate that this change might not be far off! In the meantime, we cannot say for certain what the legal online sports betting age would be, but it is likely to follow the legal drinking age with is 21 years old.
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Sports Betting Age
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Alcohol Age
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Weed Age
Is Online Sports Betting Legal Outside of the State?
Perhaps because of North Carolina’s ingrained anti-gambling stances, it has been slow to adopt new forms of betting such as online sports betting. Up until recently, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) had limited sports betting in almost every state. The aforementioned ruling by the Supreme Court in 2018 has struck down PASPA, meaning many states may now develop legal online betting. You can learn more about Delaware sports betting, for example, which is legal when accessed from within that state, but not from within North Carolina.
Taxes on Your Winnings: Do You Have to Pay Anything?
The taxing of winnings on earnings from gambling in North Carolina have not yet been determined since all forms of gambling are still illegal in the state. If betting becomes legal, it is likely that winnings will be taxed, following suit of other states and many European countries, like Germany where a 5% tax on all winnings is in place.
Upcoming Regulation Changes in North Carolina Betting Law
Two promising bills could make online sports betting a reality in North Carolina sooner than you’d think! Currently, HB 302 and SB 154 both seek to authorize sports wagering on tribal lands. As indicated, they would seek to allow already-established tribal casinos control and regulation over all future sports betting, which will hopefully include online betting as well. North Carolina has been slow to adapt to changes in the gambling industry, but this is a positive step and could mean big changes in the near future.