North Carolina Lottery Commission Sets March Launch Date for Online Sports Betting

For eager sports bettors in North Carolina, the long wait is nearly over. After several months without an update, lawmakers in the state of North Carolina have finally announced when online sports betting will officially go live.

As Dimers previously reported, weeks upon weeks of speculation have left North Carolina residents in limbo, clinging to hope that sports betting would be live in time for this year’s March Madness tournament and finally, concerns have been alleviated.

The North Carolina Online Sports Betting Launch Date

During the Wednesday, January 23 gathering of the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, the nine commissioners unanimously greenlit the initiation of online sportsbook operations for Monday, March 11. The expectation is that eight sportsbooks will have approved licenses on the specified date, putting the state on the higher end in terms of sportsbook options.

Last year, North Carolina legislators granted approval for commercial sports betting for both online and retail: including within professional sports stadiums. In addition to the licenses granted to the sportsbooks, the legislation also outlines a path to licenses for the state’s two tribes as well.

Residents will be able to create accounts and deposit money as early as March 1, though no bets will be accepted until the March 11 launch date.

March Madness a Key Factor in Launch Date

As home of two of the most popular college basketball programs, Duke and the University of North Carolina, the proximity of the March 11th launch date to the March 19th start of the 2024 March Madness Tournament played a significant role in passing the legislation.

Missing out on revenue for the entire NFL season, including Super Bowl LVIII, is a big loss but the famous tournament will be a huge boost right out of the gate for North Carolina.

Residents have been eager to get betting underway with the earliest possible launch date set for January 8^th under House Bill 347, but there were several roadblocks that pushed the date into unknown territory.

Fortunately, residents will potentially have access to up to eight sportsbooks in the state just in time for the tournament, as long as they are all approved.

Which Sportsbooks Will be Live in North Carolina?

Pending their application approval, the following sportsbooks will be able to operate in North Carolina:

• Bet365
• BetMGM
• Caesars
• DraftKings
• ESPN Bet
• Fanatics
• FanDuel
• Underdog Sports

What are the Best North Carolina Sports Betting Sites?

With so many options expected to be available, it’s important for sports bettors to be informed and make the right sportsbook decisions when signing up for a new sportsbook in North Carolina. 

By using Dimers' Best Sportsbooks Section, users can read detailed reviews highlighting the pros and cons of every major sportsbook. The Dimers Score is a cutting-edge rating system designed to provide unbiased evaluations of sportsbooks.

Savvy users can also secure hundreds of dollars in bonuses and with Dimers' help, you'll always know where to find the best promos.

Here are some highlights below:

BetMGM Sportsbook Review – Bet $5, Get $158

BetMGM Sportsbook is a standout competitor in the world of online sports betting, setting the bar high for its rivals. With consistently competitive odds and a vast range of betting markets, it caters to both novices and seasoned bettors alike. The platform boasts an intuitive user interface, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable betting experience. 

New users can score $158 in bonus bets with a $5 bet, and can check out their free-to-play $1 Million Playoff Challenge!

DraftKings Sportsbook Review – Bet $5, Get $200

DraftKings is a top-notch platform for online sports betting, offering innovative features, a user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support. With enticing promotions and a focus on user security, DraftKings ensures a comprehensive and rewarding betting experience for sports enthusiasts.

DraftKings currently offers users one "No-Sweat" Same Game parlay per day, in addition to their industry-leading $200 new-user offer.

FanDuel Sportsbook Review – Bet $5, Get $150

After a thorough evaluation, it is evident that FanDuel exceeds expectations in several key categories important to sports bettors. From its robust features and user-friendly interface to its outstanding customer support, it has proven to be a top destination for sports betting online.

New users can capitalize on a $150 sign-up offer by betting their first $5.

Bet 365 Sportsbook Review – Bet $5, Get $150

bet365 Sportsbook is a top player in online sports betting. Offering consistently attractive odds and an extensive array of betting options, the sportsbook is perfect for both newbies and experts alike. With high-value promotions and strong security, bet365 stands out as a favorite choice for many sports fans.

Bet365 has one major downside and it's that it is available in just a handful of states. However, those who reside where the sportsbook is live, can jump on their $150 new-user offer.

Please remember to enjoy gambling responsibly. Responsible gambling means setting limits, staying in control, and understanding that luck is just part of the game. Make informed choices, set a budget, and know when to take a break. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.