North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos and by international online sportsbooks. The state legalized domestic sports betting in July of 2019 and became one of the progressive states that offer legal sports betting.
North Carolina is fairly gambling-friendly, but unfortunately the local lawmakers don’t seem to be all that interested in regulating online gambling within the borders of the state. Harrah’s Cherokee is the only casino in North Carolina, with the available games ranging from modern slots to classic live dealer table games like roulette. The online gambling laws in North Carolina simply do not exist. If you are going to gamble online, this is quite important. With no laws stating that this activity is illegal, it is fair to assume that online gambling is actually legal. There are no forms of legal online gambling in North Carolina. Online poker, casino and sports betting sites that accept North Carolina players are not licensed. Daily fantasy sites accept players from North Carolina. The assertion by these companies is that the contests are skilled games and not gambling.
The addition of domestic sports wagering options complements players' availability to bet on sports at online sportsbooks operating legally outside of the US. Overseas sportsbooks have far fewer restrictions on the types of wagers North Carolina players can place, however, state-regulated sportsbooks typically cannot boast the same wide range of options.
Is Sports Betting Legal In North Carolina?
Yes, it is, and in more ways than one! NC allows local sports betting at their two tribal casinos, both of which are Harrah's properties, though these have yet to launch due to tribal compact revisions taking longer than expected. In addition, residents can legally place sports bets at online sportsbooks operating legally overseas, such as the ones listed on this page.
North Carolina residents can legally use our recommended online sportsbooks to bet on NFL games, NCAA basketball, College Football, and nearly any other American professional sports, as well as sports taking place around the globe, including those located in NC. No USA gambling law enforced by the federal government prohibits offshore sportsbooks either, meaning NC players can use these sites without worry.
North Carolina Sports Betting Bills
In July of 2019, North Carolina passed SB154 that authorizes sports betting at the state's tribal casino properties. This made NC the 17th state in the US to enter the USA sports betting market. A launch date for their sportsbooks is not known as of this writing. If you want to learn more information about the bill, its sponsors, or bill specifics we recommend using our US sports betting bill tracker.
Best Online Sportsbooks For North Carolina Residents
We have found the most trusted sportsbooks accepting NC residents and listed them below. You can bet on all of your favorite professional or college teams through their simple interface. With years of experience (decades in some cases) serving American bettors, our recommended sportsbooks are among the industry's most elite sportsbooks.
Read our USA sportsbook reviews page, as our industry professionals go further in-depth with the brands listed below.
| Site Name | Current Bonus | U.S. | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% Max $250 | Visit Site Review | ||
| 2 | 50% Max $1,000 | Visit Site Review | |
| 3 | 50% Max $1,000 | Visit Site Review | |
| 4 | 100% Max $500 | Visit Site Review |
NC Sports Betting Details
Below, NC players can find a complete breakdown of their state's domestic sports betting market and options. While no domestic books have launched in North Carolina just yet, we expect them to be up and running in time for the 2020 NFL season.
- Legal Sports Betting: State Tribal Casinos / Offshore
- North Carolina Minimum Sports Betting Age: 21+ State Regulated / 18+ offshore
- Land-Based Sportsbooks: Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort / Harrah's Cherokee Valley River (launches TBD)
- Online Sportsbook: Offshore Only
- Mobile Betting App: Offshore Only
- In-Play/Live Betting: Offshore Only
- Estimated Revenue: TBD
- Eligible Operators: TBD
- Licensing Fee: TBD
- Tax Rate: TBD
- Tax-Funded: TBD
What You Can Bet On In North Carolina:
- All betting lines, odds, and props for all games, teams, and players in North Carolina across all college and professional sports (via Offshore)
What You Can't Bet On In North Carolina:
- No restrictions (via Offshore)
Where Can I Bet On Sports In North Carolina?
Along with the offshore sportsbooks listed on this page, NC residents will be able to place sports bets at either of the two Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resorts in the state.
Biggest Sports Betting Cities In North Carolina
Charlotte
Charlotte is a large metropolitan area in NC and home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte Hornets (NBA). The Panthers were one of the best teams in the league a couple seasons ago, but have since lost their rhythm. They play in the NFC South division and are off to a much better start than the previous season.
The Hornets play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference and have a solid lineup heading into this next season. Look for them to be a sleeper team in the east. Both teams are available for betting through the offshore sportsbooks listed in this guide.
Raleigh
Raleigh is the home of the Carolina Hurricanes, the state’s NHL team. The Hurricanes play in the Metropolitan division and are one of the weaker teams in the league, but fans remain loyal no matter what. Bettors can place sports wagers on the Hurricanes throughout the season via any of the sportsbooks mentioned on this page.
College Sports Betting In NC
North Carolina contains several noteworthy college athletic programs. There are the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, NC State Wolfpack, Duke Blue Devils, and Wake Forest Demon Deacons. All 4 teams compete in the ACC, which has emerged as arguably the strongest conference in the NCAA (the SEC formally held the title and some believe it still does).
Each of these schools boasts successful football and men’s basketball programs within their respective divisions. Fans can bet on anyone, or all, of these college teams with our recommended licensed offshore sportsbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Sports Betting
Will I Get Arrested for Betting on Sports in North Carolina?
If players bet on sports through an unlicensed or unregulated NC-based platform they may be charged with a violation by the state. However, offshore sportsbooks are not in violation of state laws and thus able to offer sports wagering services to North Carolina players.
Are Mobile Sports Betting Apps Legal in North Carolina?
At this time, North Carolina has not authorized the use of any NC-based mobile sports gambling apps. However, offshore sportsbooks provide mobile sports wagering capabilities otherwise inaccessible to NC players.
What Teams Can I Bet on in North Carolina?
There are currently no restrictions on what teams North Carolina players may bet on since the state has no laws detailing which sports, teams, or wagering types are prohibited. Offshore sportsbooks do not place any restrictions on what kinds of bets NC players can make.
Are There Any Local Sportsbooks in North Carolina?
At this time there are no sportsbooks available or authorized to operate in the state of North Carolina. The state's legislature has not legalized this form of gambling and thus we do not recommend betting through any sportsbook or bookie based in NC claiming to be a regulated or licensed operator.
What is the Legal Minimum Sports Betting Age in North Carolina?
The legal minimum age at which to bet on sports at a brick-and-mortar NC venue is 21 years old, which is how old you have to be to enjoy all the other gambling options at these casinos. However, offshore sites will accept NC residents at 18+, though we recommend sticking to the 21 and up mandate even when betting online.
North Carolina Legislative Resources
North Carolina players interested in reaching their local representatives in regards to domestic sports gambling can use the following resources to find a politician's contact information, specific bill sponsors, or reach other services.
North Carolina Gambling Resources
We encourage NC players to gamble responsibly through any sports wagering methods used. However, we also understand that some individuals may develop signs of problem gambling. For this reason, we would suggest utilizing the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program to get resources to assist you or a loved one who may be suffering from a gambling addiction.
NC Sports Betting
North Carolina News
US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of September 2
North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...
US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of August 12
North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...
US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of August 5
North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...
US legal sports betting breakdown for the week of July 29
North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...
North Carolina becomes 7th state to legalize sports betting in 2019
North Carolina's available sports wagering options are currently supported by their two tribal casinos...
Sports Betting By State
The undisputed truth of the matter, which both the optimists and the pessimists agree upon, is that the subject of online gambling in North Carolina is one that isn’t going to see the light of day anytime soon. The prospect of North Carolina online casinos isn’t one to become a reality in the next couple of years at least, even if the trend of legalizing USA casino websites is slowly and steadily starting to create waves across the country.
Best North Carolina Online Casino Sites
| Casino | Bonus | Website | Rating | Features | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2000 | 482 voted Review |
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| 2 | $12250 | 329 voted Review |
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| 3 | $12000 | 359 voted Review |
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| 4 | $2500 | 219 voted Review |
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| 5 | $1000 | 273 voted Review |
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| 6 | $7777 | 172 voted Review |
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| 7 | $3000 | 207 voted Review |
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| 8 | $800 | 338 voted Review |
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| 9 | $4000 | 278 voted Review |
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| 10 | $5000 | 321 voted Review |
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Contents
North Carolina Gambling Laws
Although the country is in a continuous state of turmoil regarding the latest changes which directly affect the expansion of gambling throughout states, for this conservative place it’s still natural to wonder: is gambling legal in North Carolina? As a general rule for the southern, more conservatory states, the phenomenon of gambling is still regarded with suspicion. And the field of casinos in North Carolina makes no exception to that general rule.
The Permitted Expansion
The North Carolina gambling laws are strictly oriented against this activity, but unlike other states in the region take on to enforcing mild punishments for those not following the rules. An eloquent example sees the North Carolina gambling age restricted at minimum 21 for casinos, 18 for lottery tickets and none at all in the case of bingo games.
Also, although the stance has clearly remained one against gambling, in the last decade or so, the wind of change started to sweep across this conservatory state as well. After the narrow vote for a state lottery in 2006, the greatest change was that one of the Cherokee NC bingo halls became a full-fledged casino, owned by the Cherokee Nation and administered by Harrah’s. Until 2012 the best games to play at Harrah’s Cherokee were limited to slots and electronic poker. Afterwards, hoping for more tax revenues, the compact between the tribe of Cherokee and the state’s authorities was renegotiated to allow:
- Live dealers gaming
- More types of games, being the first possibility for playing blackjack NC
- Up to other two gambling establishments to be built state-wide
The year 2015 meant the grand opening of the second tribal venue, near the city of Murphy, making it two Indian casinos in North Carolina. Although situated in the extreme corner of the state, this is the privileged location out of the two North Carolina casinos, being set on the border with much more restrictive state of Georgia, thus benefiting from the influx of Georgians.
Furthermore, the list of casinos in North Carolina is soon to be enlarged, on account of a new compact being signed with Catawba Nation, which is bound to improve the stage of gambling in Charlotte, NC. This new establishment would add to the expansion of gaming in this state, with more slots, table games. There are still some options unavailable, such as off-track betting, but Charlotte NC is sure to reach a spike in the field of wagering.
The Frowned Upon Gaming Options
Enforcing the NC gambling laws has been taken very seriously by the state’s authorities, as it can be seen in the following examples:
- Fish tables became the trend in gambling in North Carolina for a couple of years. It grew on people’s interests as wildfire, and the explanation behind it was simple. For example, the lack of casinos near Fayetteville NC had to be compensated by something, and this game of skill and chance was just the in the right time and place. However, they got on the authorities bad side, and in 2018 they were taken outside the law, forcing their closure.
- Sweepstakes cafes were another local phenomenon that caught wings in the latter years. The same reasons for no option for casinos near Raleigh, North Carolina, made gambling enthusiast jump at any occasion to exercise their luck. After one of these locations was robbed on gunpoint, the already skeptic authorities, saw an opportunity to ban them. As a result, in October 2018, all of these gambling locations have been closed for good.
- The subject of North Carolina sports betting hasn’t been touched just yet in public debates, even though the federal ban has been lifted.
North Carolina Online Gambling
Not that many things to say about online gambling in North Carolina, as well. In a state where the struggle goes for opening new land-based NC casinos, we might consider that the road towards the expansion of gambling in NC is still at the beginning, with a long way to go, the online market being at the end of it.
However, although no online casinos NC based are happening in the foreseeable future, the online market exists in the same gray area we have become accustomed to around the US states. Off-shore online casinos like RTG casinos 2020, which operate under legal licenses from jurisdictions around the world are OK with players from the NC state. Seeing how the options of casinos near North Carolina are limited, the online versions present an undeniable attraction. The only thing left is to choose carefully the online sites to use. Perhaps, taking a look at the already reviewed online casinos from the list above might give users a sense of what they should be looking for. To specify, we can highly recommend Bovada Casino. Bovada is legal in North Carolina and considered to be one of the most reputable USA online casinos.
- Top 1 USA online casino
- Fast payouts
Offline Gambling
Casinos
If not for playing slots at Harrah’s Cherokee in any of the two establishments, there aren’t that many options for miles around. In fact, even if there only exists two casinos in North Carolina, residents from neighbouring states, with even fewer options, bring their money to them.
Bingo
The far less restrictive NC bingo laws have made this charitable game into a real hit statewide, with more than one Cherokee bingo hall, spread across the state. Just to imagine the magnitude, the Tribal Bingo in Cherokee, North Carolina, is the largest of them, with 1100 seats.
The lack of casinos in Jacksonville NC, or the fact that residents can’t enjoy the fun and games that a regular casino in Greenville NC, might have offered, has led to the birth of the so-called beach bingo.
Lottery
Gambling in North Carolina couldn’t have been complete without the existence of a state’s lottery. The struggle to impose it was finished late in 2006 when the first lottery ticket has been sold.
Options Nearby
The states in this part of the country share the same aversion against gambling, online or not, meaning there are not that many casinos near North Carolina. South Carolina can offer an option with its Big M Casino cruises, near Myrtle Beach. These are the closest casino to Wilmington NC, but not quite an option for the largest part of the state. For instance, for residents in Raleigh NC, casinos find themselves at the approximately same distance, of about 170 miles, regardless if it’s the Harrah’s Cherokee or the Big M based in SC.
You Might Also be Interested in:
South Carolina state online casinos
Tennessee online gambling
VA online casinos
Is gambling legal in North Carolina?
Yes, but North Carolina gambling laws limit the options a lot. The most widely spread is the Cherokee bingo in North Carolina while enjoying table games or slot machines is only possible on the premises of the two North Carolina casinos. As far as other forms of gambling go, North Carolina sports betting or online options, no such thing are taken into consideration.
Are there online casinos NC based, which can be safely played in?
The subject is sort of taboo, with North Carolina online casinos being in the stage of nothing more than a wild dream. For the moment, the field of North Carolina gambling main struggles sees negotiating a new compact with an Indian Nation, for a third gambling venue to be opened inside the state. Online is a couple of steps further along the way.
What is the minimum gambling age in NC?
The North Carolina gambling age differs on the type of game that is to be played. For any casino in NC, players need to be 21. Only 18 for buying lottery tickets, while for playing Tribal Bingo in Cherokee North Carolina, no minimum age is required.
Can I withdraw my earned money from the off-shore online sites?
Having USA casino websites would have made it much easier and much safer for players to address the jurisdiction that has issued the license, in case of malpractice. However, given a large number of options, the activity of online casinos is based a lot on their good name and word travels fast if something is off. Until an online casino in NC is opened, prevention is still the best weapon against scammers, so only play on online websites that were reviewed before and have been proven fair and secure.