North Carolina Sports Betting Update: When Will The State Launch Mobile Gambling?

Despite North Carolina's passage of the sports betting legislation months ago, its legal operation is still pending.

Lottery officials recently announced that sports betting won't commence on January 8, the earliest date it could legally begin. Moreover, they confirmed that it also won't be ready in time for the Super Bowl, according to a statement from NC State Lottery Commission Chair Ripley Rand.

“We see questions about whether sports betting will be up and running in time for the Super Bowl,” Rand said. “It’s clear, however, with all the work remaining to be done and the timetable set out in state law that unfortunately won’t be the case.”

Rand mentioned that the commission might be able to announce a launch date in early 2024, with the deadline for sports betting launch set for June 15.

Dimers.com understands that it could be ready by March Madness, so people can bet on likes of Duke, the Tar Heels, and their other favorite teams, however nothing has been confirmed.

"North Carolina's launch is already going to miss the Super Bowl, so it's unfathomable to think they'll let March Madness come and go as well," said Dimers.com Chief Content Officer, Nick Slade

Since the sports betting bill became law, the commission has focused on behind-the-scenes tasks. Sports Betting Committee Chair Cari Boyce outlined their progress, including hiring a deputy executive director, legal and licensing staff, engaging a gaming firm for testing and certification, approving a set of rules, launching a website, and accepting license and wagering catalog applications.

With license applications now accepted, operators like DraftKings can apply. The deadline for complete applications is December 27, as per the commission.

The remaining steps to sports betting in North Carolina

• Determine the number of applicants for licenses.
• Complete the initial rulemaking process for sports betting.
• Conduct background checks on applicants and their key individuals.
• Approve provisional licenses for suppliers.
• Ensure that licensed operators’ proposed internal controls are robust and compliant, and that their key equipment and software have been certified by an independent laboratory.

Bittenbender notes that North Carolina's rollout process is slower compared to states like Kentucky and Indiana, attributing their swifter progress to being ready for the start of the NFL season.

“If you’re not going to be ready for football, then it does allow states and probably sports books as well to take a little more time, not rush things and get ready,” he explained.

While online and mobile betting remains illegal in North Carolina, betting is permitted at the state's three tribal casinos, including the one in Kings Mountain.