North Carolina Legalizes Online Sports Betting

North Carolina (June 16, 2023) — According to local media reports fans can legally bet on their favorite Charlotte and other pro sports teams under legislation signed into law by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper in Charlotte Wednesday. Want to gamble on the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets or Carolina Hurricanes? Charlotte FC, the PGA Tour event at Quail Hollow Country or NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway? Now you can, including live on game day.

The ‘Charlotte Observer‘ reports there are eight places in North Carolina where in-person sports books are permitted under the new law. There are five in the Charlotte area: Bank of America Stadium, Spectrum Center and Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte; Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord; and North Wilkesboro Speedway. In-person sports books also are permitted at PNC Arena in Raleigh, WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary and Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro.

WHEN COULD SPORTS BETTING START?

The earliest new sports betting could see live action in North Carolina is Jan. 8, 2024, which means it won’t be available during regular season Carolina Panthers play but could be during the playoffs. Within 12 months of it becoming law. The Lottery Commission, tasked with regulating sports wagering, would determine the exact date it starts. That would mean the latest wagers could start would be in June 2024. If regulators and venues are ready, live sports betting could be first available in Charlotte at the Spectrum Center for Hornets games midway through the NBA season.

Odds look good for both Quail Hollow to see live sports betting underway in North Carolina by the time the 2025 PGA Championship is held in Charlotte and NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

For Charlotte FC fans, sports gambling live in the Bank of America venue could start as early as the 2024 season.

SOURCE: Charlotte Observer.