Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Best North Carolina Betting Sites 2024
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: April 24, 2024
Best North Carolina Sports Betting Sites for 2024
Though limited in terms of available operators, the quality is already outstanding. If you want premium features, fair odds, and access to global sports markets, we’ve got you covered with our list of North Carolina online sportsbooks. Make use of the current promotions which include free bets and additional funds.
| NC Online Sportsbooks | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Top Sports | Site Rating | Secure Link | Payments | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Football Basketball Ice Hockey | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | Bet $5 & Get $250 In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Baseball Boxing Golf | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Bet365 | Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets Or Bet $5 Get $200 Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Basketball Soccer Handball | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Best NC Online Sportsbooks by Category
| 🥇 #1 NC Online Sportsbook | BetMGM |
| 🏈 #1 NFL Betting Site | DraftKings |
| ⚽ #1 Soccer Betting Site | Bet365 |
| 🎓 #1 College Football Betting Site | BetMGM |
| 🎁 Top Sports Betting Bonus | Bet365 |
| 🆕 New North Carolina Sportsbook | BetMGM |
| 🔝 Best Sports to Bet On | BetMGM |
| 🏅 Best Types of Sports Betting | Bet365 |
North Carolina sportsbooks have the groundwork laid for them to develop and offer new and innovative betting services. For the moment, the scene isn't that competitive because the industry is at an early stage, but we can still see six definite categories players should consider when joining a sportsbook.
First and foremost, we made sure to recommend platforms that offer new customers high-quality promotional offers. In this regard it looks like the newly launched Bet365 NC bonus ticks all the right boxes.
One of the other important aspects of the North Carolina sports betting sites we put to the test is the sports markets. We were able to identify several popular sports available for wagering, among which were football, basketball, and tennis.
Our Rating Criteria
North Carolina online sports betting is still forming under the new legislation, so we exercised due caution when choosing which sites to recommend. Even among the licensed sites, the offerings are not the same because each platform emphasizes different things.
We were most interested in the security features, live betting availability, and the mobile apps of the brands we examined. Certainly not neglectable is the fact that all operators offer considerable welcome bonuses, which we examined and checked how easy they are to claim.
Security & Licensing
Live Betting
North Carolina Betting Bonuses
NC Sports Betting Apps
Payments and Payout Times
Our review of the top NC online sports betting sites is done by players for players. To help you get the most out of it, we've evaluated the available perks for new and returning users.
Security & Licensing
There's only one way to know for sure if a site for online betting in North Carolina is licensed. It must be licensed by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission under current law. The user-friendly way sportsbooks demonstrate this is by putting the logo of the Commission in plain sight for users to see.
- North Carolina State Lottery Commission
We've already checked the licensing of all sports betting sites featured on this page, so you don't need to do that. An added benefit to choosing from the shortlisted brands here is that they process deposits and withdrawals securely. What's more, you get to choose from a list of widely available and convenient payment methods.
Live Betting Options
One of the most sought-after features of North Carolina online sportsbooks is live betting. What this enables you to do is place wagers concerning an event while it's ongoing. We checked which sports are available for live betting and found out that the most popular ones in America are covered.
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Ice Hockey
- Darts
- Formula 1
It's fair to say that betting in-play is quite popular in the states because all approved online sportsbooks offer that to their customers. However, if you are not comfortable wagering on quickly changing odds, you should stick to pre-match betting.
Best North Carolina Sportsbook Bonus Offers
Another customary thing for North Carolina online sports betting sites is welcome bonuses. New clients are always given the option to opt into a welcome bonus when they deposit for the first time. While these types of offers are only for new clients, there are also regular promotions everyone can take advantage of.
Whenever you decide to opt for a bonus, you need to consider the wagering requirements, the expiration date of the offer, and the other significant conditions. We have picked the best online sports betting bonus offers in North Carolina through careful evaluation of the terms and conditions:
| NC Online Sportsbooks | Bonus Offer | Min. Deposit | Bonus Code | Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets | $10 | Not Needed | Claim Your Bonus | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | Bet $5 & Get $250 In Bonus Bets | $5 | Not Needed | Claim Your Bonus | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Bet365 | Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets Or Bet $5 Get $200 Bonus Bets | $10 | Not Needed | Claim Your Bonus | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
A crucial step when claiming a sportsbook bonus via North Carolina betting sites is to read its terms and conditions. We already did that to ensure that the recommended bonus offers reasonable conditions. You will need to make a small commitment equal to the minimum deposit amount in order to qualify.
Top Online Betting Apps for NC Players
Even at such an early stage in the development of North Carolina online betting, there are dedicated apps you can download and install on your smartphone. Currently, there aren't that many choices, but the available apps are perfectly compliant with regulations and compatibility requirements.
The NC online sports betting app we chose to recommend can be installed on Android and iOS devices for free. It is available in a web-based format as well, meaning that you can log in and bet without installing anything.
| NC Sports Betting Apps | Betting Offer | Compatibility | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 - | Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets Or Bet $5 Get $200 Bonus Bets | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM - | Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings - | Bet $5 & Get $250 In Bonus Bets | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
While the app we chose is compatible with multiple mobile platforms, it can't be accessed when traveling outside North Carolina. Other than that, there are no known issues, and we couldn't find anything else when testing. The review of the Draftkings sportsbook for North Carolina players offers further insights into a similar app.
Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals
The North Carolina sports betting sites with a license are ready to process payments made with a number of banking methods. We counted almost a dozen workable options, all of which guarantee the safe and fast transfer of money to and out of your account.
- Visa
- Mastercard
- PayNearMe
- VIP Preferred
- PayPal
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Online Banking
- Apple Pay
- Venmo
- Trustly
- Cast at Retail Stores
- Cast at Cage
Typically, you should decide on one payment method and stick to it for your deposits and withdrawals. This is so because the sportsbook will perform time-consuming checks to verify the owner of the payment account. That's why, once the payment account is verified, it becomes your default banking method. We often recommend that users add and withdraw money with Mastercard since it is widely available at most sportsbooks.
Top NC Online Sportsbooks with Fast Payout Times
Not all sports betting sites process deposits and withdrawals with the same speed, but the timeframes are similar. One to five days is the typical processing time for card withdrawals, while eWallets usually guarantee a same-day withdrawal. Which payment method you choose is of crucial importance to how long you will have to wait.
| NC Betting Site | Min. Deposit | Payout Times | Recommended Payment Method | All Deposit Options | Secure Link: | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $10 | 1 - 5 Days | 9 | Bet here! | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Bet365 | $10 | 1 - 5 Days | 6 | Bet here! | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| DraftKings | $5 | 1 - 5 Days |
|
11 | Bet here! | Valid only for new NC players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Many newer players forget that bonuses can slow down the withdrawal process in that they can't be cashed out before the playthrough requirement is met. That's why we always remind our readers to study the terms and conditions of bonus offers. If you've already cleared the wagering, your best bet for a fast withdrawal would be PayPal.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?
Both online and in-person sports betting are legal in the state. The platforms for online betting discussed here launched officially on March 11. Registration began on March 1, when the first eight licenses had already been awarded.
Under the Sports Wagering and Pari-Mutuel Wagering law, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission is the entity responsible for the regulation of sports betting activities and wagers on horse racing. It was agreed that legal operators must partner with a professional sports team, golf course, or racetrack.
As we mentioned, onsite sports betting is also available in the state. Just days before the big launch, a license was issued to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which runs a casino gaming enterprise. Other legal forms of gambling in the state are the North Carolina Education Lottery and charitable bingo.
We should also mention there are some limitations for the best legal online sportsbooks in North Carolina. They can't offer betting lines on youth sports, the occurrence of injuries, penalties, nor the outcome of replay reviews or disciplinary proceedings against a player.
Are Online Sports Betting Winnings Taxable in North Carolina?
The House Bill HB347 outlines the rate at which sports betting winnings will be taxed in North Carolina. It states there will be a flat 5.25% tax on winnings. You should deduct your losses to reach the correct taxable amount. Winnings from retail casinos and the North Carolina Education Lottery are also taxable.
Popular Sports and Leagues to Bet on in North Carolina
As seasoned players, we know all too well how the sports betting markets can affect your strategy both in the long and short terms. That's why, as a team, we aim to go through the available options for users of the North Carolina online sports betting sites. So far, our checks have yielded a satisfactory result – you can find odds on major sports leagues such as the NBA and the NHL.
Aside from basketball and ice hockey, other sports also receive good coverage. Tennis, baseball, and football are another three excellent examples of mainstream sports covered in their fullest. What does that mean for you? You'll be able to find odds on both big and small tournaments of your favorite game.
- NBA
- NHL
- MLB
- NFL
- ATP
- WTA
- EPL
You should already know how deeply passionate people living in the state can be about basketball, with UNC, Duke University, and NC State University having storied programs and historic rivalries.
Soccer also gather significant attention within the state, with the domestic league being a clear favorite amongst locals. There is even a big growth in support for the big leagues found overseas, with many betting on the Premier League soccer or the Champions League tournament.
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Carolina Panters
An NFL team based in Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers are the pride of the state in the NFL. The team boasts a big and dedicated community, which also stands behind their favorite team in big games. The Panthers have two Super Bowl appearances in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl 50.
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Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets, an NBA franchise in Charlotte, are another celebrated team from the state. They are owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, which makes them a preferred basketball team not only at home but in the whole country. In 2004, the Hornets were granted a new franchise – Charlotte Bobcats, but in 2014, they reclaimed their old name and history.
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North Carolina Courage
NC is also home to one of the leading soccer teams in the US – Courage. They have secured the NSWL Shield multiple times - in 2017, 2018, and 2019. They also won the NWSL Championship in 2018 and 2019 and put out a strong performance at the inaugural Women's International Championships Cup in 2018.
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Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes, - a team based in Raleigh, has been North Carolina's NHL team since relocating from Hartford in 1997. Having PNC Arena as their home ground, they won their first Stanley Cup in 2006. Their fans know the Carolina Hurricanes for their "Storm Surge" celebrations and remember their multiple playoff appearances and energizing hockey.
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Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC is one of the newest additions to the professional sports landscape in North Carolina. They joined MLS in 2022, representing the growing soccer culture in the state. An interesting fact is that Charlotte FC shares the same venue with the Panthers – the Bank of America Stadium.
Types of Online Sports Betting Options for North Carolina Players
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has very clear guidelines about what wagers will be offered and which ones will be disallowed. For example, a line is drawn between youth sports and men's sports. Betting lines that concern youth sports will not be allowed in legal sportsbooks.
To prevent any kind of outside pressure, the Commission will also not permit speculation about the occurrence of penalties, the outcome of replay views, and the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. We looked through the catalog of available wagers and found out the following:
| Sports Betting Options | Description | Recommended Online Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline |
A wager placed on the winner of the event or a single match. The wager is known by these names, too – straight-up bet, win bet, single bet. |
Try it at BetMGM NC |
| Point Spread |
A wager where the taker tries to predict whether a certain performance statistic will cover the spread provided by the sportsbook. |
Try it at Bet365 NC |
| Totals |
A wager where the goal is to predict whether the numerical value of a statistic will go over or under a value set by the sportsbook. Sometimes, the prediction of an exact number is required. |
Try it at DraftKings NC |
| Props |
Also known as "proposition wagers", props are about the occurrence or a non-occurrence of events related to a sporting event. |
Try it at BetMGM NC |
| Live Betting |
Also known as "in-play", live betting allows speculators to make predictions on markets that are not available before the start of a match. These markets close when the match ends. |
Try it at Bet365 NC |
| Parlays |
Parlay bets combine two or more predictions into one. The odds of each selection are multiplied when the potential payout is calculated. |
Try it at DraftKings NC |
| Futures |
Futures are long-term bets, also known as "outrights". They concern a future development, usually the winner of a tournament. |
Try it at BetMGM NC |
As the main wagering types, we can confidently say that all these are available at legal NC online sports betting sites. The great thing about this catalog of available wagers is that amongst them, you can find ones that complement the skill level of beginners and ones that are more suitable for seasoned speculators.
An example of the latter would be prop bets, which require deep knowledge of the teams and even, sometimes – individual players. Futures can also be very hard for beginners because these bets can last for quite a while, and during that time, you can't do anything to help your situation. That means your prediction must be dead on, only based on the limited information you have at the time.
Exclusive Sports Betting Deals in North Carolina
On September 28, the regulators agreed that every sportsbook that wants to enter the North Carolina sports betting market will need a partnership with a pro team, racetrack, or golf course[1]. We were there, following the most significant development, and made note of the agreements that were formed before the big launch on March 11, 2024.
- FanDuel and Carolina Panthers – On March 4, 2024, FanDuel announced it'd struck a deal with Carolina Panthers for a long-term partnership.
- DraftKings and NASCAR – The partnership was agreed on January 5, 2024. The sportsbook is an exclusive provider of NASCAR DFS.
- BetMGM Charlotte Motor Speedway – The market access agreement between the two parties was announced on January 5, 2024.
- Caesars Entertainment and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – Caesars Entertainment was helped to become the first operator to bring legal online sports betting on NC soil by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- Fanatics and Carolina Hurricanes – The partnership allowing access to the NC market to Fanatics was announced on December 15, 2023.
- FanDuel and PGA Tour in North Carolina – The deal allowing FanDuel to offer sports betting in NC was made public on December 7, 2023.
- ESPN BET and Quail Hollow Club – The mutual agreement between the two parties was announced on December 5, 2023.
- bet365 and Charlotte Hornets – bet365 secured what's considered one of the best deals for a sportsbook, given the popularity of Charlotte Hornets. The date this was announced is November 17, 2023.
So far, it is early to say if any of these deals will bring anything to the table for the fans. At present, all of these look like nothing more than strategic partnerships that would enable some of the best American sportsbooks to operate on NC territory.
All US States with Legal Online Sports Betting
Online vs Land-Based Sportsbook in North Carolina
Currently, three tribal casinos represent the brick-and-mortar venues where sports fans can bet on their favorite events, tournaments, and athletes. While the operators of these casinos have done a great job of creating a rewarding experience for their customers, there are some differences to online betting we want to outline.
The availability of bonuses, promotions, and technical features makes the online experience a bit more suitable for tech-savvy players. Nonetheless, you can find enjoyment in visiting a physical venue. We have listed the main pros and cons for both online and land-based sportsbooks to help you come to a decision which would be better for you:
Online Betting
- Variety of betting markets
- Access on mobile
- Odds boosts
- Best odds guarantees
- Lack of social interaction
- Live streams
- Enhanced security
Land-Based Betting
- You can always ask for help
- Daily promotions
- Instant payouts
- Social interaction and atmosphere
- You have to be onsite
- You need an ID every time
- Waiting in line
Problem Gambling Help
The NC Problem Gambling Program was approved on February 24, 2024, as a mandatory step to ensuring compliance with responsible gambling norms. Pursuant to the new law, an additional $2 million[2] will be allocated towards supporting the program.
If it's no longer just a game, it might be time for you to get on the confidential helpline at 877-718-5543. You can also send a text message "morethanagamenc" to 53342 or go to the official website of the initiative morethanagame.nc.go
FAQ
We browsed the internet in search of the most frequently asked questions regarding the launch of legal sports betting in North Carolina. After careful examination of the information provided by our research team, our experts were able to give concise answers to each of the questions.
Which is the best NC online sportsbook?
Selecting a single brand name wouldn't do justice to the brimming with options selection of legal NC online sportsbooks. Each of the brands in that selection holds a license to lay odds and provide other sports betting services, but they also give a lot of extra perks like bonuses and promotions. Some more than others.
Are online sports betting sites legal in North Carolina?
Yes, since March 11, sports betting has been legal in North Carolina. To qualify for a license, a sportsbook must first submit their application and pass through an approval process. All the best NC sportsbooks have successfully gone through that process.
Which NC sports betting site gives the best odds?
The odds levels are one of the main criteria for choosing a sportsbook. The betting site with the lowest profit margins, by extension, will have the best odds to offer to customers. This isn't a fixed thing, as in order to stay competitive, sportsbooks constantly tweak their profit margin.
What are the best online betting bonus offers in North Carolina?
One of the most popular forms of betting bonuses in the state is free bets. Those can be claimed when you register and deposit for the first time. On top of that, a set of eligibility and wagering criteria has to be met to qualify and make good use of the bonus.
What are the best NC sports betting apps?
A number of NC betting apps are now available to state residents. The best of them have live betting, live sports streams, and additional incentives for regular players. They also check your location before signing in or signing up in order to block your access if you are not located in North Carolina.
Conclusion – Play at the Best Legal Betting Sites in North Carolina for 2024
The rush of so many brands to obtain a legal permit to operate in North Carolina has left a lot of sports fans wondering who to choose. Our legal team made sure that all names mentioned here pertain to legal betting sites, while I made a point of recommending only platforms that have industry-leading features and offers.
Delaware-born Amelia Walker takes the senior content writer and legal expert position at Betting.us. Her main professional focus is responsible gambling and operator safety. With a J.D. in Business Law, her professional gambling journey began after a law firm colleague introduced her to safe betting. She is an advocate of strict bankroll management and self-restraint.
All sites for online sports betting in North Carolina featured here have the needed credentials and track records to demonstrate their reputability. After our exhaustive checks, we left no room for doubt that each recommended site is worthy of players' attention. Our recommended choice is the North Carolina BetMGM Sportsbook at this point in time.