After legalizing sports betting back in the summer of 2019, the state introduced the activity in March 2021. The legislation enabled tribal casino operators to offer the activity but restricted it to retail-only betting. As a result, the residents of North Carolina can visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River and Catawba Two Kings Casino if interested to place a sports bet. However, a new proposal is expected to change this and introduce statewide online betting, delivering a convenient method for sports fans to place wagers.
On Friday, just ahead of the weekend busy with sports events, the Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, hinted that North Carolina may legalize online sports betting this year. Speaking with reporters ahead of the NHL’s Carolina Hunters game, he confirmed that lawmakers in the state are currently working on legislation that seeks to introduce online sports betting.
Gov. Cooper explained that it is important for the legislation to find the right balance and to be “fair to the taxpayers.” Still, he predicted that it is likely the legislation to reap success considering that it is “something that’s going on anyway.”
According to Gov. Cooper, legalizing sports wagering will deliver benefits for North Carolina’s schools. He outlined that the proposal is also likely to pass, given what he’s heard on the topic. However, the Governor ruled out the possibility to place bets saying: “I would be a poor sports wagerer because I would wager with my heart and not my mind.”
Sports Betting Continues to Spread around the US
If North Carolina legalizes mobile betting, it will further expand the potential of the activity itself. This, in turn, is expected to deliver benefits such as fresh tax revenue. At the same time, the legal offering of mobile sports betting will likely reduce the share of black market operators, as well as the number of customers that are visiting nearby states to place mobile sports wagers.
With its population of nearly 11 million people, North Carolina is currently within the top 10 states with the highest population. Considering the number of people and the growing popularity of sports betting, many residents will likely find the activity entertaining.
Focusing on the bigger picture, more US states are pushing forward with the legalization of sports betting. Data from the American Gaming Association as of January 31, 2023, reveals that eight states are in the process of legalizing the activity, while 34 states currently offer some form of sports betting.