North Carolina Reported $6.64 Billion Betting Handle in FY25
by Lisa Spencer,
July 18, 2025
Gamblers in North Carolina have wagered $6.64 billion on sports during the 2025 fiscal year. This was officially reported by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.
North Carolina Wagering Handle Exceeding Expectations
According to official data released by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, the sports betting handle for the 2025 fiscal year was $6.64 billion. Additionally, $5.95 billion was paid in winnings, and the state took in a tax revenue of $116.6 million.
| Paid Wagering Revenue | $6.41 billion |
|---|---|
| Promo Wagering Revenue | $222.5 million |
| Total Wagering Revenue (Total Handle) | $6.64 billion |
| Cancelled/Void Wagers | $38.8 million |
| Amount Paid as Winnings | $5.95 billion |
| Gross Wagering Revenue | $647.7 million |
| Estimated Tax Proceeds (State Tax Revenue) | $116.6 million |
All of the numbers in the table above far exceeded preliminary estimates from back in 2023 when the state legislature approved sports betting. The projected revenue for the 2025 fiscal year was about $53 million, and, as you can see, the actual amount is more than double that.
North Carolina FY25 Sports Betting Handle by Month
Below, you can find North Carolina’s FY25 sports betting handle by month. There are ups and downs, which major sporting events and league schedules can easily explain. The first significant hike, the one in September 2024, marks the start of the NFL season.
| July 2024 | $340,375,354 |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | $370,484,925 |
| September 2024 | $575,398,078 |
| October 2024 | $614,657,792 |
| November 2024 | $658,310,883 |
| December 2024 | $629,520,784 |
| January 2025 | $646,942,020 |
| February 2025 | $543,402,737 |
| March 2025 | $685,003,031 |
| April 2025 | $576,209,378 |
| May 2025 | $562,236,652 |
| June 2025 | $433,184,675 |
The October and November handles were also high at $615 million and $658 million, respectively. This was driven by the NFL season and other popular sports like college football and basketball. December 2024 and January 2025 had handles above $620 million, supported by the NFL playoffs and the start of the college basketball season.
Following a slight decline in February 2025, the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament led to a record-breaking high in March. April and May had steady handles, while the $433 million in June is consistent with a typical seasonal slowdown. Overall, however, the first full fiscal year with legal sports betting in North Carolina was a massive success.
What About the Legal North Carolina Sportsbooks?
The first online sportsbooks in North Carolina were officially opened in March 2024. Currently, there are 8 legal online operators in the state – FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Bet365, Caesars, Fanatics, ESPN BET, and Underdog Sportsbook.
Additionally, three legal retail betting venues operated by tribal casinos in the state. In FY25, online and land-based sportsbooks earned a total of $647.7 million in gross wagering revenue. Of this amount, 18%, or $116.6 million, was paid in taxes to the state.
That said, earlier this year, North Carolina lawmakers proposed a sports betting tax increase in the Tar Heel State. If approved, this will double the current tax rate, making it a solid 36%.
The Sports Betting Alliance, including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook, urged the public to take a stand and contact the state lawmakers: “We need sports fans like you to stand up and tell your state lawmakers to protect legal sports betting in North Carolina!”
by Lisa Spencer
July 18, 2025