Best North Carolina Sportsbooks 2024: 8 Online NC Betting Sites Are Live

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes, it is. On June 14, 2023, Governor Roy Cooper scrawled his signature on HB 347, effectively legalizing online sports wagering in the state. As of March 11, 2024, eight North Carolina sportsbooks make up the region’s sports betting market: bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports.

Legal sports betting in North Carolina is also accessible via three retail locales: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and Catawba Nation Two Kings Casino. These venues have been active since 2019, when Gov. Cooper signed SB 154 into law, which legalized sports betting on tribal lands. 

Latest North Carolina sports betting news

With legal NC online sports betting officially live as of March 11, 2024, bettors can now sweat their picks from anywhere in the Tar Heel State. Here's a look at the most recent North Carolina sports betting developments:

April 17, 2024: North Carolina online sports betting shatters expectations, with the state lottery commission reporting a $659.3 million betting handle over the first three weeks of legal wagering. 

March 14, 2024: North Carolina bettors back UNC in March Madness amid the state's online sports betting launch. 

March 11, 2024: Legal online North Carolina sports betting officially goes live at 12 p.m. ET, and eight sportsbooks launch their platforms.

March 10, 2024: Legal online North Carolina sports betting is one day away from launch. All eight licensed sportsbooks are set to officially go live with their platforms.

March 7, 2024: With only four days until legal online North Carolina sports betting begins, the launch will mark the first time ESPN BET — and the second time Fanatics Sportsbook — enters a new market at the same time as other major operators. 

March 1, 2024: Licensed North Carolina sportsbooks are permitted to begin accepting early registrations. Eager bettors can officially sign up with their betting app(s) of choice to claim limited-time pre-launch bonuses. 

Feb. 29, 2024: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission approves sports betting operator licenses for bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports.

Feb. 21, 2024: The NCSLC approves several items, including two new suppliers that now join the list of 14 others that have received provisional licenses to partner with operators. 

Feb. 19, 2024: The eight operators that have applied for North Carolina sports betting licenses are likely to receive their certificates of compliance and begin accepting early registrations on March 1, 2024.

Feb. 8, 2024: With the North Carolina online sports betting launch only one month away, the state's regulator has yet to approve any license applications from interested operators. Even so, all indications are that NC bettors will have eight sportsbooks to choose from come the go-live date.

Jan. 30, 2024: Caesars secures North Carolina sports betting access by partnering with the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Jan. 24, 2024: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission announces that legal online sports betting will launch in the state on March 11, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET.

Jan. 1, 2024: Seven operators that have applied for North Carolina sports betting licenses are revealed: bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports.

Dec. 13, 2023: The NCSLC approves a set of online sports betting rules and states that 14 sportsbooks have requested application materials to try and earn a license.

Top 5 North Carolina sportsbooks

Currently, eight North Carolina betting apps are active in the Tar Heel State, and up to 12 could become available before all is said and done. Now that online wagering is fully underway and each of the available platforms can be critiqued in earnest, I've parlayed a list of the top five North Carolina sportsbooks and broken down each in detail below.

21+ in NC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

FanDuel North Carolina

One half of the eternal FanDuel vs DraftKings debate, the iconic sportsbook is now embracing the North Carolina sports betting market. Considered the No. 1 option for legal online sports betting across the country, FanDuel provides zippy payout speeds, a fantastic mobile sports betting experience, unique personality-based promotions, and more. It's also considered one of the top March Madness betting sites.

To discover what else the sportsbook brings to North Carolina, check out our complete FanDuel review.

DraftKings North Carolina

Irrefutably one of the best sportsbooks in the industry, North Carolina bettors can now officially access DraftKings. After beginning as a daily fantasy sports leader, it has evolved into a top choice for online betting, largely due to its stellar mobile platform, which boasts industry-leading reliability, security, an exhaustive betting menu, and a striking interface.

For more expert insight, dig into our complete DraftKings review. 

bet365 North Carolina

With online NC sports betting live, bet365 has thrown open its virtual doors. Not only is the sportsbook presenting first-time bettors one of the top North Carolina sportsbook promos, but it’s also supplementing its welcome offer with plenty of ongoing bonuses and rewards. Aside from promotions, bet365 has one of the better live wagering and streaming platforms available now that sports betting is legal in North Carolina. 

Read our detailed bet365 review for additional information.

BetMGM North Carolina

Undeniably the most historic brand on our list, BetMGM Sportsbook brings its decades of experience in the gaming world to North Carolina bettors. The online betting site provides one of the industry's more robust sports betting apps, an unparalleled parlay builder, and state-specific odds and profit boosts, meaning it offers numerous North Carolina college sports betting markets.

Dive into our thorough BetMGM review to learn more.

Fanatics North Carolina

As a relatively new addition to the sports betting space, Fanatics Sportsbook is not the household name that DraftKings and FanDuel are. Even so, it's one of the premier options now that legal online sports betting in North Carolina is underway. Fanatics delivers unique apparel-focused promotions that cater well to its existing audience. Throw in a decent welcome offer and an app that radiates exclusivity, and it's no wonder Fanatics is one of the best North Carolina sportsbooks.

Comb through our unbiased Fanatics review to uncover more about the sportsbook. 

All North Carolina sportsbook promos and bonuses

Up to 12 North Carolina sportsbooks are permitted to launch in the Tar Heel State. For now, NC bettors have eight options, including fan favorites FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars. Each of the available platforms offers top-notch sportsbook promos for new users, providing bettors with the opportunity to immediately boost their burgeoning bankrolls.

Here's the full list of North Carolina sportsbook bonuses and promo codes for first-timers, complete with a breakdown of the top five options below:

🔥 FanDuel North Carolina bonus — Arguably the most popular North Carolina betting site, the acclaimed sportsbook is tendering new users a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets reward. You don't need a FanDuel promo code, either. You can simply register, deposit $10 or more, and wager at least $5 on any sports market. Regardless of the wager’s outcome, you’ll get $200 in bonus bets. What's not to love?

🔥 DraftKings North Carolina bonus — As with FanDuel, you don't need a DraftKings promo code to obtain the sportsbook's bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets offer. To claim it, just sign up and deposit and wager $5 or more. Whether your wager wins or loses, you’ll receive $200 in bonus bets. The reward will come as eight (8) $25 bets.

🔥 bet365 North Carolina bonus — bet365 always produces a quality welcome offer when setting its sports betting product live in a new state. So, it’s not surprising to see its two standard new-user rewards grace North Carolina. By entering bet365 bonus code ODDSBONUS and making an initial deposit of $10 or more, you can choose between a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets promo, or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. The first demands a wager of $5 or more and delivers $150 in bonus bets regardless of that wager’s outcome, while the latter will return your stake in bonus bets if your initial bet fails — up to $1,000.

🔥 BetMGM North Carolina bonus — By registering and inputting BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS, you can acquire up to $1,500 in bonus bets from one of the nation’s most historic gaming brands. If your first bet with the sportsbook loses, you will be refunded with bonus bets (up to a maximum of $1,500). It's a great way to take some of the sweat out of your first wager.

🔥 Caesars North Carolina bonus — Caesars earns its place amongst the best North Carolina sportsbooks in part due to its classy welcome promo — up to $1,000 of insurance on your first bet. To claim the offer, register and make an initial deposit of at least $10. If your first wager loses, you'll get your stake back as a bonus bet, up to a maximum of $1,000. Just remember to enter Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUS1000 when signing up.

Legal North Carolina sportsbooks

For North Carolina sports betting sites to set up shop in the Tar Heel State, they must partner with an NC sports franchise, arena, PGA Tour course, or NASCAR track before they can submit a license application. Thus far, eight sportsbooks have secured local partnerships and licenses, enabling them to operate in the state.

North Carolina online and mobile sportsbooks

Retail North Carolina sportsbooks

With online sports betting legal in North Carolina as of March 11, 2024, in-person venues are no longer the only option. But for NC bettors who prefer a more traditional experience, three retail casinos permit sports wagering in the Tar Heel State: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.

How to choose the best North Carolina sportsbook

Now that I've gone through the best North Carolina betting sites, it's time to discuss what to look for in a sportsbook. Whether you're trying to decide which one you want to use most often or which you want to start with, here are the top features to look out for:

Variety of sports betting markets

When you're getting started with NC betting sites, you will likely begin with the most generic sports betting markets, and rightfully so. However, there is much more to enjoy. Aside from just predicting a team to win or cover a spread, you can take advantage of player props, game props, parlays, round robins and more. A variety of bet types makes wagering on North Carolina sports that much more enjoyable.

Competitive odds

I highly recommend signing up for each of the North Carolina betting sites that I've outlined thus far. That will ensure you're always getting the best price on any wager you're looking to make. It's an extremely important element of sports betting, whether you're wagering on popular North Carolina teams or niche markets like a NASCAR drive at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

How to sign up with North Carolina sportsbooks

With online sports betting now available in the Tar Heel State, I want to ensure that you're comfortable getting started. With that in mind, I've shared a quick step-by-step process for signing up with North Carolina sports betting sites:

1. Choose a North Carolina sportsbook

Of course, you can't get started without actually choosing a North Carolina sports betting site. Again, each of the ones listed in this guide will be regulated and provide a safe and secure platform.

2. Enter the necessary information

As you begin signing up with North Carolina betting sites, you'll need to supply the necessary information. That will include your name, age, and email, among other requirements, to ensure that you are eligible for an account. Sports betting legislation in all states requires this, and it’s the same in the Tar Heel State now that online NC sports betting is live.

3. Deposit funds

Depending on the sign-up bonus being provided by the NC sports betting site you are joining, you will likely have a specific deposit amount that you will have to abide by. Typically, it's around $10.

4. Place your first wager

Like the previous step, each of the NC sportsbooks will likely have a wagering requirement to claim a welcome offer. Whether you choose to wager on college sports teams like the Tar Heels or Blue Devils — ensure you take a look at the top March Madness betting promos — or a professional team like the Carolina Hurricanes, be sure to meet the requirements.

How we rate North Carolina sportsbooks

Here at Oddspedia, we put lots of time into sifting through and critiquing sportsbooks. To determine which betting apps top our list, we've devised a thorough system that takes numerous criteria into account, including the following elements:

Quality of promos and bonuses

When you register with a sportsbook, you want to be sure the promotions you're provided are straightforward, lucrative, and free of restrictive terms and conditions. If the offers we come across have unreasonable playthrough requirements and quick expiry periods, it factors heavily into how we perceive the sportsbook.

Banking methods

If you don't mess around with your money, why would you want a sportsbook that does? Each betting site we evaluate gets high marks if it offers a multitude of payment providers, especially popular ones like PayPal, Play+, online banking, etc. That way, we can be sure the sportsbook will pay out in a timely fashion. 

Customer service

Sportsbooks with poor customer service understandably have equally poor customer retention rates. That's why we contact each betting app's support team to dissect efficiency, response times, communication, and more. At the least, a sportsbook must have a live chat feature to make our best-of-the-best list.

Why sign up with more than one North Carolina sportsbook?

Signing up with multiple NC sports betting sites is beneficial, whether you want to ensure you're getting the best odds or claim all the best sportsbook promos.

Get the best odds

Getting the best odds entails finding which of the NC sportsbooks provide the best price on a desired bet. For example, one sportsbook might have your pick available at +120 odds, while another might have it at +100 odds. In that case, you'll want to bet with the sportsbook offering +120 odds to have the chance of a bigger payout.

Capitalize on active promotions

I went through the welcome offers provided by these NC sportsbooks, but that doesn't mean they're the only promotions to enjoy. Most online sports betting sites provide ongoing promotions for existing members, which often include odds boosts that refresh on a daily basis. You can also snag a sportsbook referral bonus from any site you join.

Bet types available at North Carolina sportsbooks

Another reason to take advantage of multiple legal sportsbooks is to utilize a variety of bet types. Here are some of the most popular:

Moneylines

A significant portion of sports bets are placed on the moneyline, which is arguably the most straightforward of all sports wagers. Whether it's the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets or otherwise, it's simply picking a team or player to win their contest.

Spreads

Spreads are related to the moneyline but have an extra element. Sports wagers on the spread mean that you're predicting a team or player to win by a set amount or keep things close by a set amount. It's important to note that this varies by the sport. For example, it is a puck line in hockey but a point spread in football and basketball. And if you like betting on baseball, it is called the run line.

Futures

Futures are just as they sound — you predict a future outcome rather than what will happen with a current event. These bets range from a championship winner to an MVP award and much more. NC online sportsbooks would certainly have taken plenty of wagers on Michael Jordan to win MVP back in the day, or more recently, for the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Eastern Conference.

Props

Props provide the most variety of the bet types listed thus far, as they can be on individual players or for a game. You could predict a player on the Charlotte Hornets to go Over or Under a set amount of points, for example.

Who can bet with North Carolina sportsbooks?

You must be at least 21 years old to wager on sports in North Carolina. Currently, your options include eight online betting apps and sites and three retail locales.

🔞 Legal age — You must be at least 21 to place legal sports wagers in North Carolina. No exceptions.

📱 Mobile betting and remote registration — North Carolina betting apps are officially live in the state as of March 11, 2024, and you can register with them from anywhere you like. Some of them will even require you to download their respective app to claim bonuses and promos.

🌎 Within state borders — While you don't have to be an NC resident to place wagers in the Tar Heel State, you must be within the region's borders. Sportsbooks leverage geolocation tracking software to confirm your location. 

🏢 Retail sportsbooks — In addition to online sportsbooks, legal sports wagering can be done in North Carolina via the state's three retail casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.

What sports can I bet on in North Carolina?

The best North Carolina sportsbooks will all feature exhaustive betting menus, allowing you to wager on NFL odds, NBA odds, NHL odds, MLB odds, and more. Here's a list of just some of the sports you can expect to be at your fingertips:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Hockey
• NASCAR
• Golf
• Tennis
• MMA
• Boxing
• Cricket
• Soccer
• Rugby

What North Carolina teams can I bet on?

North Carolina is known for its college sports. March Madness has long been a state-wide favorite, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. 

North Carolina Tar Heels

The North Carolina Tar Heels are one of the college sports clubs that have kept NC relevant for decades — particularly the basketball program. They're a top-10 team in the nation at the time of NC sports betting going live, and that's only expected to continue into future seasons. Ensure you check out our guides on the top college basketball betting sites and NBA betting sites if you plan to be a big hoops bettor.

Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils are the rival of the UNC Tar Heels, so their matchups are always epic. We've already seen what happened in 2024, and a meeting during the 2025 March Madness tournament is not out of the question. With online sports betting now live as well, this upcoming season could be one for the ages.

Carolina Hurricanes

Unlike the NFL's Carolina Panthers and NBA's Charlotte Hornets, the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes still have some season ahead of them to help buoy online sports betting in North Carolina. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023 and are now surging in the 2024 playoffs. To learn which sportsbooks make up our list of the top NHL betting sites, check out our in-depth guide.

What can’t I bet on in North Carolina?

While North Carolina bettors are permitted to wager on most everything, there are some exceptions. 

🗳️ Politics — Wagering on politics in the U.S. is outlawed at the federal level. That means you can’t bet on who the country's next president will be, for example.

🏆 Entertainment award ceremonies — You aren’t allowed to wager on award shows, such as the Oscars, despite legal sports betting being live in North Carolina. 

What about college sports?

Some states with legal online sports betting prevent wagering on collegiate sports teams located within the state. However, that isn’t the case in North Carolina — bettors are allowed to wager on both professional and college teams.

What about esports?

Currently, you cannot wager on esports in North Carolina.

Can I bet on the NFL Draft?

Yes, you can bet on the NFL Draft if you're 21+ and physically located in North Carolina. Check out our articles on the latest NFL Draft odds and the best NFL Draft prop bets.

North Carolina sports betting resources

After going through everything above, it is extremely important to ensure that you are gambling responsibly. With online NC sports betting now available, the state has many resources in place should you or a loved one need to seek help.

North Carolina State Lottery Commission — The state's sports betting regulator.

North Carolina sports betting law — House Bill 347.

North Carolina Problem Gambling Program — A program from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling — An affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling. 

National gambling hotline — 1-800-GAMBLER

Local problem gambling hotline — 877-718-5543

U.S. states with legal sports betting

Upcoming sports betting launches

More than 30 states have chosen to legalize sports betting. North Carolina follows Vermont, which launched its market in January 2024. Several other states may also consider opening their doors to legal wagering in the future, including:

🌪️ Missouri — In 2024, two bills — SB 824 and SB 852 — have been introduced with the hopes of bringing legal online sports betting to Missouri.

🎵 Mississippi — Sen. Casey Eure has filed HB 774 in the Magnolia State, which would allow each of the region's 26 retail casinos to partner with an operator and offer online sports betting. 

☀️ California — Two sports betting ballot measures — Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 — were rejected by California voters in November 2022. It remains to be seen whether the Sunshine State will take another crack at legitimizing the practice in 2024.

North Carolina sportsbooks FAQs