Betting
Published Sep. 3, 2025 3:37 p.m. ET
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Sports fans in North Carolina can get in on the betting action now that sports gambling is legal in the state.
Sports wagering launched on March 11, 2024, and as of Sept. 2025, there are eight licensed mobile sportsbooks currently operating in the state. In addition to placing wagers through the apps, fans can legally bet in person at three different tribal casinos in the state.
This guide will cover the best sportsbook apps in North Carolina, give you insight into top sportsbook promos, explain the basics of how to start betting, introduce you to sports teams that are local to N.C., along with some key legal nuggets.
North Carolina Sports Betting Overview
- 📆 Launch Date: March 11, 2024
- 📱Online Sportsbooks Available: 8
- 🏬 Retail Sports Betting: ✅Legal
- 🎂 Legal Betting Age: 21+
- 🏈 College Sports Betting: ✅Legal (including in-state schools and props)
- 🎰 Online Casinos: ❌Not Legal
Is North Carolina Sports Betting Legal?
Betting in North Carolina — both online and in-person at retail locations — is legal and as noted above, the launch date was March 11, 2024. The passing of House Bill 347, which was signed in June 2023, legalized online betting in the state.
Every sportsbook that operates in the N.C. must have a written agreement with a professional sports organization, sports venue or tribe in the state. This industry is regulated by the North Carolina Lottery Commission.
For folks excited about trying their hand at sports betting, they can opt to use any of the eight licensed mobile operators or go in-person to any of the retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos and other approved venues. Because geolocation is required when accessing online apps, users must be within the North Carolina state lines and must also be at least 21 years old.
College Sports Betting in NC: Permitted with No Restrictions
With teams like UNC, Wake Forest and North Carolina A&T, there’s no shortage of fandom when it comes to colleges in the Tar Heel state. And fortunately for fans, there are no restrictions on college sports betting in N.C. — including props and in-state teams.
However, that could change in the near future.
In April 2025, lawmakers in the state introduced House Bill 828 (HB 828) which would ban player props. This is the second time a bill like this has been introduced. According to lawmakers, this is the kind of legislation designed to protect the athletes from harassment.
Top North Carolina Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed
When wagering in North Carolina, fans have several choices when it comes to online sportsbook operators. As a matter of fact, there are eight different options for placing bets with the convenience of a few swipes in the palm of your hand. It’s worth noting, too, that this is an incredibly competitive space, as several operators launched on Day 1.
While more sportsbooks may enter the fray over time, this section focuses on the top six based on market share, app quality, promotions and betting features.
Let’s take a look at the books’ unique strengths, welcome bonuses and which book is best for which consumer.
DraftKings Sportsbook North Carolina
Life’s more fun with skin in the game, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. And the online operator might have a point. DK DraftKings launched in North Carolina in March 2024 and as one of the most trusted operators, it’s no surprise that fans flock to it to place their bets. In the month of September, users in N.C. can bet $5 and get $300 in Bonus Bets instantly and more than $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket.
DraftKings is especially appealing because of its user-friendly interface. The app is intuitive and easy to navigate. You can build your favorite parlay, access in-game betting and more. When looking for a one-stop app for sports betting, DraftKings Sportsbook is one that N.C. bettors can turn to.
FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina
FanDuel is synonymous with sports betting, and since launching in North Carolina in March 2024, fans in the state have learned why it’s one of the most well-known apps. In September, when new users in N.C. bet $5, they get back $300 in Bonus Bets if they win.
Speaking of getting $300 back in Bonus Bets, FanDuel is widely known for promotions that benefit existing users like Parlay Boosts. Using the streamlined FanDuel interface makes the wagering experience enjoyable, and is a huge reason why it’s one of the top-rated apps available.
BetMGM North Carolina
BetMGM is another book that launched in March 2024 in North Carolina. At this book, fans can score big on their first bet! New players have the awesome opportunity to earn up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if their first bet doesn’t win with promo code FOXSPORTS. Those Bonus Bets expire in seven days.
Why choose BetMGM? Well, BetMGM is known for its market depth and for distributing helpful betting information across its social media platforms. Bettors also love BetMGM because of the variety of markets it offers such as international soccer and tennis tournaments. If variety is the name of your game, BetMGM could be the book for you!
Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina
Fanatics Sportsbook was another big player that launched in N.C. in March 2024. New users at Fanatics are in for a treat. At the sportsbook, first-time customers can take advantage of the Game Day Guarantee. This means you can get up to $100 back in FanCash if your Football bet loses every single game day until October.
While Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the newer kids on the block, having launched its retail operation in 2023, it’s still a fan favorite. Its interface is easy to understand and easy to use. An added bonus is that, at the book, you can earn FanCash & spend it on team swag.
Bet365 Sportsbook North Carolina
Bet365 landed in the Tar Heel state as a legal operator in March 2024, too, and since then, bettors have been able to take advantage of the incredible offers available at the book. Below are some of the current offers:
Remember, at Bet365, fans can take advantage of quality live betting and of rewards programs.
Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina
Caesars is perhaps another one of the most recognizable sportsbooks on the market. Its lively commercials help keep this book at the forefront of bettors’ minds. And that’s great because Caesars is rewarding new customers in September.
New users can bet $1 and double their winnings on the next 20 bets. And remember, Bonus Bets expire after seven days. Like several of the other operators, Caesars is a top-rated choice in the App Store and has a variety of markets to choose from. It’s obvious why bettors choose Caesars for their sports betting experience.
All Legal NC Sportsbooks
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Underdog Sports
Best NC Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (September 2025)
New users in NC can currently claim standout welcome offers as of September 2025. Up to $4,950 in NC bonus bets are on the table via welcome offers. You can sign up to as many sportsbooks and claim as many promos as you want before settling on your favorite book.
DraftKings Sportsbook NC Promo – Bet $5, Get $300 instantly in Bonus Bets, + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket
Offer Summary:
Key Details:
- Minimum deposit $5, qualifying bet $5+.
- “Bet and Get” structure, bonus credits paid instantly after placing the qualifier.
- Bonus bets expire per in-app terms, Sunday Ticket discount applied after opt-in.
Standout Perk:
- The instant $200 plus the NFL Sunday Ticket discount is one of the best football-season bundles.
Quick How-to-Claim:
- Sign up in NC, deposit $5+, place a $5 cash bet on any market, receive $200 in bonus bets instantly and claim the Sunday Ticket discount in your account.
FanDuel Sportsbook NC Promo – Bet $5, Win, Get $300 in Bonus Bets
Offer Summary:
Key Details:
- Minimum deposit $5, first cash wager $5+.
- “Bet and Get if you win,” bonus credits post after settlement of a winning first bet.
- Bonus bets typically issue within 72 hours and expire per terms.
Standout Perk:
- Cleanest SGP builder in the market, and the welcome OFFER pairs well with small first plays. (See FanDuel’s NC page for current terms.)
Quick How-to-Claim:
- Create your NC account, deposit $5+, place your first $5 cash bet, get $150 in bonus bets if that wager wins.
BetMGM NC Promo – Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets
Offer Summary:
Key Details:
- Minimum deposit typically $10, first bet qualifies.
- “First-bet insurance,” only pays if the first wager loses.
- Bonus bets are split per terms and carry an expiry window.
Standout Perk:
- High ceiling on protection, useful if you want to take a bigger first swing.
Quick How-to-Claim:
- Register in NC, opt in on the promos page, deposit, place your first cash bet, receive bonus bets up to $1,500 if it loses.
Fanatics Sportsbook NC Promo – Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
Offer Summary:
Key Details:
- Minimum deposit: $10
- Minimum qualifying bet: $1 cash wager each day at odds of −500 or longer
- Structure: Up to 10 days of No Sweat Bets, with refunds in FanCash if wagers lose (max $100 FanCash per day)
- FanCash can be used for bonus bets or official sports merchandise via Fanatics
- FanCash rewards expire if not used within the timeframe specified in the app (typically 7 days)
Standout Perk:
- FanCash can be converted to bonus bets or used on merch, and NC is an eligible state for this national promo.
Quick How-to-Claim:
- Sign up with Fanatics Sportsbook, deposit $10+, toggle the No Sweat Bets promo in your bet slip, and place at least one qualifying $1+ cash bet daily. If the wager loses, you’ll get FanCash back (up to $100 per day, for 10 days).
bet365 Sportsbook NC Promo – Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Offer Summary:
Key Details:
- Minimum deposit $10, qualifying wager $5 on the Bet-and-Get path.
- Option A is “Bet and Get” after settlement, Option B is “first-bet insurance.”
- Bonus bets typically credit within 72 hours of settlement and expire per terms.
Standout Perk:
- Flexibility to pick either immediate value or loss protection, both offered in NC.
Quick How-to-Claim:
- Register in NC, opt in, deposit $10+, place a $5 qualifying bet for the Bet-and-Get or your chosen first bet for the Safety Net, receive the bonus per the option selected.
Caesars Sportsbook NC Promo – Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 20 Wagers
Offer Summary:
Key Details:
- Minimum deposit usually $10, qualifying first bet $1.
- Not a traditional Bet-and-Get or insurance. This is a bundle of 100 percent profit boosts.
- Boosts are issued over 10 days and have per-token max stakes and expiry.
Standout Perk:
- Twenty 100 percent boosts give flexible value on straight bets, parlays, and many SGPs during your first 20 days.
Quick How-to-Claim:
- Create a Caesars NC account, deposit, place a $1+ qualifying bet, receive two 100 percent profit boosts per day for 10 days and apply them on eligible markets.
How to Start Betting on Sports in North Carolina
1. Choose a Legal NC Sportsbook
Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for Hornets, Panthers, UNC, Duke, Wake Forest, Hurricanes, or Charlotte FC promos.
2. Register Online
North Carolina allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+).
3. Claim a Welcome Bonus
Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bet, and expiry.
4. Deposit Funds
Common NC methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid.
5. Place Your First Bet
Example: bet $5 on the Panthers to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline.
6. Withdraw Winnings
Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier.
North Carolina Sports Betting Handle
The betting handle is the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks over a given period. It counts every dollar staked before any winnings are paid out. Handle is not the sportsbook’s revenue. Revenue equals handle minus payouts, and the hold (or win rate) is revenue divided by handle.
Quick example: if bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million, revenue is $12 million and the hold is 6%.
| Year | Handle | Revenue | Hold | Taxes |
| 2025 | $3.82B | $361M | 9.46% | $65M |
| 2024 | $5.41B | $584M | 10.78% | $104M |
| Total | $9.23B | $945M | 10.24% | $169M |
Responsible Gaming in North Carolina
Sports betting should be enjoyable. If it starts to feel stressful or out of control, North Carolina offers confidential help and practical tools to get back on track. You can also set limits in your sportsbook account to keep your play in balance.
Help and resources:
- NC Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-877-718-5543 (24/7, confidential).
- NC Dept. of Health and Human Services – Problem Gambling Program: https://morethanagame.nc.gov/
- National Council on Problem Gambling: https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Use your sportsbook tools: turn on deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion if needed. These features make it easier to control spend, take breaks, or step away entirely.
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