North Carolina Sports Betting in 2024 – Latest Legal Updates & Best Online NC Sportsbooks

North Carolina sports betting was officially legalized on March 11, 2024, giving NC bettors more opportunity for some betting action!

The Tar Heel State became the 30th U.S. state to legalize online betting, and the decision to legalize betting in North Carolina couldn’t have come at a better time with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils, and North Carolina State Wolfpack all in action. So, stay tuned as we learn more about the legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina below.

Sports Betting in North Carolina Overview

Since North Carolina sports betting was just legalized at the start of 2024, you might not know much about the NC betting scene. Interested in discovering more? Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of betting in NC.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Eight NC betting sites and their respective apps went live shortly after betting in NC became legal on March 11, 2024.

The legalization of betting in North Carolina didn’t happen overnight, though. State lawmakers passed House Bill 347 in June 2023 to clear the way for legal sports betting in North Carolina, but it took some time to establish the framework for legal NC online sportsbooks. This eventually made it possible for retail betting sites to make their way onto the scene.

Local lawmakers are also still ironing out some details to determine exactly which aspects of online gambling are legal in the state – therefore, here is a quick breakdown :

• Fantasy sports: Daily fantasy sports are legal in North Carolina, largely because NC lawmakers haven’t taken the time to institute any laws against them.
• Retail casinos: North Carolina has traditionally imposed strict laws against retail casinos, which is why there are only three of them, all owned by Native American tribes. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians owns two retail casinos, while the Catawba Indian Nation owns the third.
• Horse racing: Outside of making online betting sites in North Carolina legal, House Bill 347 made horse racing legal in the state. However, NC doesn’t currently have any live thoroughbred horse racing tracks.
• Pari-mutuel wagering: Besides betting and horse racing, House Bill 347 legitimized pari-mutuel wagering by making it legal in North Carolina.

Who Can Bet On Sports in North Carolina?

North Carolina residents who are 21, and anyone visiting the state who is at least 21, can patronize NC sportsbooks online. If you would prefer to gamble at a brick-and-mortar casino, those who are 21 and older can also visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort or Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River along with Catawba Two Kings Casino.

Outside of being 21, those who participate in online betting in North Carolina must do so through one of the eight licensed and regulated NC sports betting apps. They also must go through a fully remote registration process and allow legal sportsbooks in North Carolina to utilize geolocation tracking software to ensure they’re physically located within the state’s borders.

Are Sportsbooks Winnings in North Carolina Taxable?

Yes, sportsbook winnings in North Carolina are taxable. If you generate a profit while participating in legal North Carolina online sports betting, prepare to set aside some winnings to pay taxes to the state and IRS.

North Carolina residents must pay a state income tax of 5.25% on online betting profits. They also must pay upwards of 24% on any online gambling winnings over $5,000.

The IRS urges those gambling online in NC to read the latest sports betting rules regarding legal betting in North Carolina and federal income taxes.

Recent North Carolina Legal Sports Betting Updates

North Carolina mobile betting hasn’t even been legal for a full year, but it has already made a gigantic impact on those in the state who enjoy visiting legal NC online sports betting sites. North Carolinians have wagered hundreds of millions of dollars, including everything from North Carolina Tar Heels and Charlotte Hornets basketball games to Carolina Hurricanes hockey games, plus Carolina Panthers football future bets.

Here are some notable NC betting updates since North Carolina online betting was legalized:

• April 16, 2024: A report reveals NC betting sites accepted between $650 and $660 million in sports wagers during the first few weeks of legalized betting in NC.
• March 27, 2024: Legal sports betting in North Carolina is a runaway hit for the state, generating almost $200 million worth of sports wagers in its first week.
• March 20, 2024: The North Carolina Wolfpack enter the 2024 NCAA Tournament as one of the most popular upset picks in NC and the country as a whole. The team eventually works its way to the Final Four.

Once the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and college football’s UNC Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils start, sports betting sites in North Carolina could get crazier.

Can North Carolinians Bet On Offshore Sites?

It’s great to watch a state like North Carolina finally see the light and allow sports bettors to have fun. But just because new betting sites have started to pop up out of the (Carolina!) blue doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still consider betting on sports through the top offshore sites, such as BetOnline, which is outside U.S. jurisdiction and not subjected to the normal online gambling rules.

But, are these online betting sites in North Carolina legal? This is a tricky question to answer since these sites technically aren’t legal or illegal. Instead, they operate in a gray area without licenses the North Carolina State Lottery Commission forces other North Carolina sportsbooks to get – instead, they are licensed offshore in places like Malta.

However, there are many advantages. For starters, many offer excellent bonuses and promotions that are considerably more rewarding than the ones found on retail betting sites. Offshore sportsbooks also tend to provide more betting options, including entertainment and political wagering, than retail sites.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, offshore sportsbooks have earned a reputation for accepting various payment methods, including at Bitcoin online casinos.

List of the Best North Carolina Online Sports Betting Sites in 2024

Wondering what the best online NC betting sites are? There won’t be any shortage of options when you start trying to choose one.

1. BetOnline – The Best Overall North Carolina Sports Betting Site
2. BetWhale – Excellent for Bonuses and Promotions
3. Bovada – Top NC Betting Site for Reward Seekers
4. Everygame – Ideal for Niche Sports Bettors & Live Betting
5. TG.Casino – Anonymous Betting for Telegram Users
6. BetUS – Leading NC Betting Site for Sportsbook and Casino Players
7. MyBookie – Most Accommodating for NBA Fans
8. BetNow – Excellent for NFL Fans Seeking Markets & Specials
9. Jazz – Go-To North Carolina Betting Site for Competitive Odds
10. BUSR – Trusted Site for Horse Racing Aficionados
11. XBet – Reliable & Easy-To-Use Option for New Sports Bettors

Top 5 Online North Carolina Sportsbooks Reviewed

If you create an account with any of the best North Carolina sportsbooks, you should be more than happy with their services. However, several NC online sportsbooks have managed to separate themselves from the pack over time.

1. BetOnline – The Best Overall NC Sports Betting Site

Whether you want to bet on the Carolina Panthers to win their first game of the NFL season or the Charlotte Hornets to take down the Miami Heat in a midseason NBA game, BetOnline is the best place to do it.

It has become the leading NC betting site by providing sports fans in NC with everything they’ll need to bet on from more than 30 sports – from NFL and NBA games to darts and handball competitions.

Once you take advantage of the generous welcome offer, you can dive headfirst into all the action. BetOnline is an especially good option for those who enjoy placing parlay bets thanks to its same-game parlay and mega parlay options, as well as its prop builder tool.

Additionally, BetOnline accepts more payment methods than most other betting sites. You can make deposits and withdrawals using credit and debit cards, money orders, checks, bank transfers, and even over a dozen forms of cryptocurrency. If you decide to use crypto, you can make deposits instantly and withdraw money from your BetOnline account within just hours.

BetOnline Sports Bonus:

 

2. BetWhale – Excellent NC Sportsbook for Bonuses and Promotions

North Carolina is home to about three dozen arenas that host major sporting events throughout the year. From Greensboro Coliseum, which routinely hosts the ACC Tournament each year, to the Spectrum Center, where the Charlotte Hornets play their home games, you’re welcome to bet on the games played at any of these venues through BetWhale.

While BetWhale doesn’t provide betting options on quite as many sports as BetOnline, it nails all the major ones. It also has one of the best live betting setups we’ve seen after looking through many of the top state betting sites. You can bet live on a Carolina Panthers game or a random ice hockey game taking place in Russia without any issues.

BetWhale also has an incredibly generous welcome bonus that dishes out better rewards than most of its competitors.

Much like BetOnline, BetWhale is equipped to take any number of payment methods when sports bettors make deposits and withdrawals. These include major credit cards, PayPal, Neosurf, and even different types of crypto.

BetWhale Sports Bonus:

 

3. Bovada – Top NC Betting Site for Reward Seekers

Are you worried about an offshore betting site not paying out if you win big? You won’t have to worry about a thing when you create an account with Bovada, which has earned a well-deserved reputation for always making payouts to its customers. You can trust Bovada when it comes to processing withdrawals.

You’ll also be in excellent shape when wagering on sporting events through Bovada since the betting site offers the option to bet on more than 30 sports. You’re welcome to stick to your hometown teams and bet on the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, or North Carolina Tar Heels. But you can also branch out and wager on more niche sports.

The real selling point for Bovada, though, is its loyalty program. You can earn points on every wager you submit through the Bovada site, including moneyline bets, point spread bets, total bets, prop bets, and more. You can redeem these points for rewards later.

Bovada Sports Bonus:

 

4. Everygame – Ideal for Niche Sports Bettors & Live Betting

When you choose Everygame as your offshore sportsbook, you’re almost setting it up to fail. There is no way a North Carolina betting site can offer betting odds for every game, right? Wrong.

Everygame also provides more betting options than you can count. From Duke Blue Devils basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium to Carolina Hurricanes games at PNC Arena to random soccer games in the Middle East, there will always be a full slate of sports betting options. The live betting options Everygame provides are extensive, too.

The welcome bonus falls short of the welcome bonuses found at other state betting sites, but the wagering requirements for it are acceptable. You can also make the most of your welcome bonus by depositing money using crypto. It’ll entitle you to larger bonuses.

Everygame Sports Bonus:

 

5. TG.Casino – Anonymous Betting for Telegram Users

You might not mind letting the world know you have money riding on the Charlotte 49ers football team or the Davidson Wildcats basketball team. If this is the case, finding a NC betting site that offers anonymity might not be a huge concern. If, however, you want to place anonymous wagers, TG.Casino is for you.

TG.Casino can be accessed through the Telegram app so you can maintain privacy while betting on your favorite North Carolina sports teams. This means there are no KYC casino (know your customer) requirements, which could be a make-or-break criterion for players who value their anonymity.

TG.Casino also has a spectacular online casino setup you can use to play online slots, blackjack, roulette, and more.

Another benefit of TG.Casino is how friendly it is to crypto enthusiasts. Bettors can wager with pretty much any major digital currency imaginable. The platform also has its native TGC token, offering the excitement of investing in an up-and-coming crypto before it hits market saturation.

We wish TG.Casino offered a more enticing welcome bonus to North Carolina sports bettors rather than only giving one to casino players. Still, it’s worth registering for an account with this North Carolina betting site.

TG.Casino Sports Bonus:

 

Comparing the Best NC Sports Betting Sites

Keeping up with all the features found on the best NC betting sites can present problems, so let’s look at the chart below to make sense of what the top NC betting sites offer.

How We Select Our List of Top Sportsbooks in North Carolina

Ranking the top North Carolina sportsbooks requires a lot of hard work, including user experience testing, vetting of claims, and assurance of safety and security. It isn’t easy to evaluate what every offshore sportsbook has to offer for NC bettors, which is why we do all the heavy lifting for you.

• Safety: The best sports betting online sites don’t just help you wager on sporting events; they are also safe casinos that take the proper safety precautions to ensure your personal and banking information remains secure.
• Deposit & Payout Methods: Many betting sites used to only accept credit cards and bank transfers. Today, the top NC online sportsbooks make it possible to deposit and make fast payouts using e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and more.
• Bonuses & Promotions: Because the online gambling industry is so competitive, almost all North Carolina betting sites provide new and existing players with bonuses and promotions. The best betting sites go beyond by extending extremely generous bonuses and odds boosts.
• Range of Sports: As a North Carolinian, you’ll likely want to place sports bets on the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. But you also want to get the chance to bet on dozens of other sports. The leading NC betting sites allow betting on 20+ and even 30+ sports.
• Depth of Markets: Subpar state betting sites might only extend major betting markets. The best ones will deliver these markets, plus some smaller ones for a more well-rounded betting experience.
• Quality of Betting Odds: Some offshore sportsbooks provide better betting odds than retail and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in North Carolina. Compare them for yourself to see how much money you might be leaving on the table by not betting through an offshore site.
• Mobile Interface: BetUS are the exception with a dedicated mobile app. However, superior betting sites always optimize their platforms for mobile devices so you can be confident of a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
• Customer Service: If you ever have a question about a deposit you’ve made or a bet you’ve placed on a North Carolina betting site, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting the help you need. The sites found here all have excellent customer service departments.

Bonuses & Promos Offered by Online NC Sports Betting Sites

Before making an initial deposit at a North Carolina betting site, check for any promotional codes for different bonuses available.

• Welcome bonuses: Almost all NC sportsbooks extend welcome bonuses to new North Carolina bettors to get them to sign up for accounts. Take advantage of these welcome bonuses while getting your feet wet in the online gambling world.
• Free bets: North Carolina sports wagering sites won’t stop offering you bonuses after your initial welcome bonus. They’ll also provide you with the occasional free bet after you lose wagers.
• Reload bonuses: Reload bonuses typically aren’t quite as big as welcome bonuses, but they work in the same way. When you reload your account, you’ll receive a percentage of your deposit amount in bonus funds.
• No-deposit bonuses: A no-deposit bonus is arguably the best type available. You can get this kind of bonus without depositing money first.

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses at the Best North Carolina Sportsbooks

Every NC betting site offers sign-up bonuses, but which ones offer the best bonuses? Compare them below.

How To Bet at Online Sportsbooks in North Carolina

If you haven’t ever placed a wager on an online sportsbook in North Carolina, you might not know where to start. Take the following steps to put in your first bet on an NC sportsbook:

1. Select an online sportsbook in NC: Before betting on sports, locate the right North Carolina sports betting site. We suggest choosing BetOnline, BetWhale, Bovada, or another site recommended here.

2. Register for an NC online sportsbook: Once you know which online sportsbook in NC you want to join, register for an account. The sign-up process entails providing basic information about yourself and verifying your identity. You’ll also need to choose a username and a password.

3. Make a deposit at an NC sportsbook: With your online sportsbook account set up, you can make your initial deposit. Most online sportsbooks in NC will let you use a credit card, a bank transfer, an e-wallet, or cryptocurrency.

4. Search for a sports bet you like: Do you want your first sports bet on an online sportsbook in NC to be on the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, or another NC-based team? Pick out the bet you want to place and add it to your bet slip.

Regulated NC Sports Betting Sites vs. Offshore Sportsbooks in NC

You can place many of the same sports bets through regulated NC betting sites and offshore sportsbooks in NC. So, which should you choose?

There isn’t anything wrong with regulated sites, but you won’t get big welcome bonuses and other potentially lucrative promotion offers. You’ll need to rely on offshore sportsbooks to secure them.

Offshore sportsbooks are also ideal for those who want access to a wider range of betting options. You can, for example, bet on things like the Grammy Awards and the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.

Popular Sports To Bet On in North Carolina

North Carolinians can wager on various popular sports once they sign up for offshore sportsbook accounts. Here are several in the Tar Heel State:

• NFL: The Carolina Panthers weren’t very good during the 2023-24 NFL season. But, with a new head coach and a more experienced Bryce Young under center, consider betting on them during the upcoming season.
• NBA: The Charlotte Hornets have a young team with players like LaMelo Ball poised to transform into true NBA stars soon. Think about betting on them during the 2024-25 NBA season.
• NHL: The Carolina Hurricanes have finished near the top of their division early and often in recent seasons. Consider putting in bets on them throughout the 2024-25 NHL season.
• College football and basketball: North Carolina is home to some legendary college football and basketball programs, including the UNC Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils. Ponder placing bets on these programs in the months to come.

Some other options include baseball, soccer, PGA Tour golf, horse racing, NASCAR, e-sports, and more.

Popular Bets You Can Make at the Best Online Sportsbooks in North Carolina

Moneyline bets are the easiest bets to place at the best online sportsbooks in North Carolina. You’ll just need to bet on one team to beat another team, straight up.

Here are other types of popular bets you can make at NC online sportsbooks:

• Point spread bets: Most sporting events have point spreads attached to them, with one team favored to beat another by a certain number of points. Decide whether to bet on the team “giving” points or the one “getting” them when placing point spread bets.
• Over/under bets: Sporting events also have “totals” set by oddsmakers. You’ll have to determine whether you want to bet on a game to go “over” or “under” a certain number of points, runs, or goals.
• Prop bets: Want to bet on individual players as opposed to teams? Prop bets will let you bet on whether a specific player will go “over” or “under” numbers related to different statistical categories.
• Parlay bets: If you’re feeling extra lucky, parlay bets allow you to place two or more bets into the same bet to get much longer odds than you would otherwise. If all your bets win, your parlay bet will cash.
• Live bets: Just about all betting sites now offer live betting, which gives you the chance to take live bets while sporting events are going on.

North Carolina Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Wagering Options

BetUS is currently the only NC betting site with a dedicated app for North Carolina bettors. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a great mobile experience on all the NC online sportsbooks mentioned here.

To compete with the retail sportsbooks in NC, offshore sites have optimized their sites to look incredible when you sign into them on a smartphone, a tablet, or another device. You’ll have the chance to get your bets in quickly when you rely on any of these betting sites in NC to take them.

Popular Home Teams in NC

Thinking about betting on your favorite North Carolina-based team once you have an NC sportsbook account up and running? Feel free to do it, but do the necessary research first.

Here are popular home teams in NC you can wager on:

• Carolina Panthers: The Panthers finished just 4-11-2 against the spread during the 2023-24 NFL season. They could, however, start making a comeback next season and get back to their winning ways.
• Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets were only 34-48 against the spread during the 2023-24 NBA season. They’re a young team, though, so they could start moving in the right direction soon.
• Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes had a great 2023-24 NHL season, finishing 52-23, but they only went 38-44 against the spread. Still, they’ve been one of the most consistent teams in recent years and would be worth wagering on next season.
• Charlotte FC: Charlotte FC debuted in the MLS in 2022 and has hovered around the middle of the pack in the league’s standings since. They’re a feisty bunch, though, so consider rolling the dice on them.
• UNC Tar Heels: The Tar Heels men’s basketball team put together a solid 17-3-1 record against the spread during the 2023-24 NCAA season. They’re always a national title contender and could be one again next season.

Retail Gambling Outlets in North Carolina

North Carolina doesn’t have many retail gambling outlets. However, there are several options run by Native American groups in the state.

Other Betting Options in North Carolina

Interested in betting on more than just sports at a betting site? The sites featured here can provide you with additional betting options, such as:

• Online casinos: Although online betting is legal, online casinos in North Carolina are still frowned upon. But you can still get your slots, blackjack, roulette, or craps fix on offshore sites.
• Poker rooms: According to the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14-292, online poker isn’t legal in NC yet. But you can find poker rooms on some offshore poker sites.
• Fantasy sports: Daily fantasy sports sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are legal in North Carolina. You can also place prop bets on fantasy sports-related categories through offshore sites.
• Horse racing: NC lawmakers legalized betting on horse racing during its push to legalize online sports betting. There aren’t live horse racing tracks in NC, though, so you’re better off betting on horse racing through offshore sites with more wagering options.

The Future of Betting in North Carolina

The future of the betting industry in North Carolina is bright. Experts predict it could generate over $800 billion in NC gross revenue, making it a ripe time to get in on the action.

This is great news when you consider there are still only eight licensed betting sites in the state, along with offshore sportsbooks. The gambling industry in NC should grow by leaps and bounds in the coming years.

Nearby States to North Carolina for Sports Betting Alternatives

North Carolina may have legalized online betting, but where do the states surrounding it stand? South Carolina and Georgia remain against it, but several other states have gotten on board. These include:

• Tennessee: The Volunteer State legalized sports betting in June 2019 and set up its first online sportsbooks by the end of 2020.
• Virginia: Old Dominion legalized sports betting in April 2020 and unveiled its first online sportsbooks at the top of 2021.
• West Virginia: The Mountain State legalized sports betting in August 2018 and introduced its first online sportsbooks a short time later.

Responsible Gambling

One of the only drawbacks of legalizing online sports betting in North Carolina is that it has raised concerns about responsible gambling. Fortunately, the state has set up a North Carolina Problem Gambling Program.

Many retail and offshore North Carolina sports betting sites also take responsible gaming seriously. BetOnline, for instance, has responsible gambling resources that sports bettors can turn to if they need help. You can also turn to international organizations like Gamblers Anonymous for assistance.

Conclusion: Best Betting Site for North Carolina Players

Ultimately, our research suggests BetOnline is the clear winner in the battle of offshore sportsbooks in North Carolina. It has generous bonuses and promotions, a large selection of betting options, and more than enough payment methods to satisfy new and experienced sports bettors alike.

 

NC Sports Betting FAQs

Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina. NC Governor Roy Cooper made it official by signing House Bill 347 in June 2023.

Is Online Betting Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, online betting is legal in North Carolina, according to the same House Bill 347 that made sports gambling legal in June 2023.

Can You Bet on Sports Online at Offshore Sites in NC?

Yes, you can bet on sports online at offshore sites in NC. Create an account with one of the NC betting sites listed here.

What Sportsbooks Are Legal in NC?

Retail sportsbooks are legal in NC. The state has licensed eight online legal sports betting operators. You can also find offshore sites in NC.

Can You Use a VPN To Bet On Sports Online in North Carolina?

You can use a VPN to bet on sports online in North Carolina, but some NC betting sites block visits from those using one.