North Carolina Online Casinos 2025 | Legal Guide & Best NC Gambling Sites

Online casino gambling is not yet legal in North Carolina. While you might be tempted to sign up and play games for real money at offshore sites, it’s really not worth the risk. Thankfully, there’s a safer and more legitimate option: sweepstakes casinos.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about North Carolina Online Casinos. From the top platforms available in 2025 to a full breakdown of state gambling laws and the latest iGaming news, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in and get started!

Best North Carolina Online Casinos – 2025

Sweepstakes casinos are the only legal form of online casinos in North Carolina.

These sites don’t offer real money gambling (which is why they’re legal), but they do provide all the same games you’d find at traditional online casinos and give players a chance to win real cash prizes through sweepstakes promotions.

The only problem? There are hundreds of sweepstakes casinos online in North Carolina. So, it’s hard to know where to start.

Well, our team at ATS.io has reviewed 100+ different sites and apps. After all that research, here are the top five sweepstakes casinos you can trust to give you the best experience and a real opportunity to win big:

1. Stake.us

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash on Sign Up
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.5/5.0

Stake is one of the world’s most popular crypto gambling sites, and the brand is perhaps best known for its partnership with Grammy-winning rapper Drake. The platform finally became available in North Carolina in 2022 with the launch of Stake.us, a sweepstakes casino version that’s designed specifically for U.S. players.

Players will enjoy well over 1,500 slots from some of the industry’s leading providers: Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, BGaming, Fantasma, 3 Oaks, etc. Plus, Stake.us offers a great selection of “Stake Originals” (like Plinko and Crash) and provides near-instant prize redemptions in the form of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Get the full breakdown in our in-depth Stake.us Social Casino review.

2. Ding Ding Ding

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 100K Free Coins & 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.5/5.0

Ding Ding Ding comes in at No. 2 in our list of the best NC online casinos…and for good reason. The sweepstakes gaming site offers pretty much every type of game you can think of: slots, table games, video poker, bingo, keno, scratch cards, live dealers, arcade games, and more.

On top of that, Ding Ding Ding Casino provides a user-friendly mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. And the platform offers extra value on a consistent basis with login rewards, daily races, and loyalty bonuses. Learn more about what they have to offer North Carolina players in our comprehensive DingDingDing Casino review!

3. WOW Vegas

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 FREE SC
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0

Do you live in North Carolina? Do you like online slot games? Then, WOW Vegas Casino is the perfect option for you. This sweepstakes site provides more than 1,000 different titles, neatly organized into categories like “Classic Slots,” “Hold and Win,” “Megaways,” “Jackpot,” and more.

Plus, if you ever need a break from spinning the reels, there are plenty of bingo games and live dealer options to keep you entertained for hours on end. Also worth noting, Paris Hilton is the face of the WOW Vegas brand, and it’s a perfect fit: both bring style, excitement, and a bit of luxury to the online gaming world.

Check out our thorough WOW Vegas review for more information.

4. Sweeptastic

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 30,000 Lucky Coins & 21 FREE Sweeps Coins
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.0/5.0

Sweeptastic just sounds like a great sweepstakes casino for NC players, doesn’t it? Well, it is.

This popular site offers a massive selection of slots and progressive jackpot games. And there’s a solid collection of live social casino games as well: Auto Roulette, Gravity Blackjack, Grand Bonus Baccarat, Crash Live, and plenty of others.

Great reviews from everyday players, top-notch customer support, and fast prize redemptions are just a few other things to like. Check out our full breakdown in this honest Sweeptastic Casino review!

5. Sportzino

• 🎁 Sign Up Bonus: 220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
• ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.3/5.0

Last but certainly not least is Sportzino. This North Carolina online casino is a bit different from the others on the list. Why’s that? Well, it offers both sweepstakes casino games and social sports betting.

This means you can switch back and forth between spinning the reels on your favorite slots and picking winners in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and other popular sports leagues. And the best part? Like the other NC casinos we’ve talked about, Sportzino Casino lets you redeem your virtual winnings (Sweeps Coins) for real cash prizes.

If you have any questions, read our Sportzino review to find all the answers you’re looking for.

Are Online Casinos Legal in North Carolina?

No. Online casino gambling is illegal in North Carolina, and that’s not expected to change anytime soon. Because of this, real-money online casinos like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings are not available while you’re in the state.

That said, North Carolina does allow a few other forms of online gambling. For example, sports betting is now legal at online sportsbooks licensed by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.

Plus, there are three retail casinos in North Carolina: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, and Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain. You can visit these locations to play slot machines and table games in person for real money.

Sweepstakes Casinos

While you wait (and hope) for real-money online casinos to be legalized and regulated in North Carolina, there is an alternative option to consider: social casinos and sweepstakes casinos.

These sites operate legally by using a promotional sweepstakes model. Players wager virtual currency—typically Gold Coins to play for fun and Sweeps Coins for a chance to win real cash prizes. Since no real money is used for wagers, these platforms remain legal under sweepstakes laws in the U.S.

Chumba, Pulsz, and McLuck are a few of the most popular examples, and they’re all 100% legal and available in North Carolina. So, if you’re looking for a way to play games online and potentially win big in NC, sweepstakes casinos are your best bet.

Other Legal Forms of Online Gambling

How To Play Online Casino Games in North Carolina

Heard enough? Ready to get in on the action? Just follow these five simple steps to start playing games at the best online casinos in North Carolina:

1. Choose a Casino:
Since real-money online casinos aren’t yet legal in North Carolina, you’ll need to pick a sweepstakes casino like Stake.us, High 5, McLuck, or WOW Vegas.

2. Sign Up:
Once you’ve made a decision, go to the casino’s website or app and create an account by entering some basic information like your name, email, and date of birth.

3. Make a Deposit:
Next, make your first deposit (called a “purchase” at sweepstakes casinos). Choose your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.

4. Claim Your Bonus:
Most NC online casinos offer special welcome bonuses like free spins or a deposit match. Make sure you opt in and use any promo codes required to claim them.

5. Start Playing:
Now you’re all good to go! Start playing games for fun (with Gold Coins) and for a chance to win real cash prizes (with Sweeps Coins). Enjoy!

Top 10 North Carolina Casino Bonuses for May

Do you know the best part about signing up at a new online casino in North Carolina? It’s the great promotions they provide to attract new players. Think free spins, deposit matches, cashback offers, and so much more.

These special deals can give you a boost right out of the gate and significantly increase your chances of winning big.

That said, it’s always a good idea to read the terms and conditions first. High playthrough requirements, quick bonus expiration dates, and limited eligible games can really suck the value out of a bonus, and it’s definitely something to consider before making your first deposit on the site.

Anyway, to make your life easier, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 welcome offers and no-deposit bonuses at NC online casinos. These promotions provide real value, and you can check them out in the table below!

How We Rank the Best NC Gambling Sites & Apps

Before I or anyone else on our team here at ATS.io recommends any North Carolina online casinos, we go through a thorough vetting process to make sure they’re 100% safe and legitimate (while also offering a great experience for players).

Basically, we only recommend places we’d actually play at ourselves. Here are a few of the many factors we take into consideration during this process:

• 🛡️ Security & Licensing: We only recommend casinos that are licensed and use top-of-the-line security features to protect your data and funds.
• 💰 Payment Options: A wide variety of convenient payment methods (debit/credit cards, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc.) is a must. We also look for NC casinos with quick, near-instant withdrawal times.
• 🎮 Game Selection: We look for platforms that offer a wide range of high-quality games: slots, table games, video poker, live dealers, scratch cards, bingo, keno, crash games, and hopefully more.
• 🎉 Bonuses & Promotions: Great bonuses and promotions can make a big difference. We look for North Carolina gambling sites with offers that provide real value and have player-friendly terms.
• 📱 Mobile Compatibility: Mobile play is a must in today’s world. We make sure the sites and apps work well on both iOS and Android devices.
• 💬 Customer Support: We prioritize NC online casinos that offer fast and helpful support, preferably via live chat but also through email, phone, and social media channels.
• 📈 Reputation & Reviews: We check reviews and feedback from other players to ensure the site has a positive reputation and leaves players satisfied.

The Future of North Carolina Online Casinos: A Look Ahead

As we’ve mentioned a few times already, online casinos aren’t legal in North Carolina. Well, at least not yet, anyway…

There’s actually a pretty good chance that North Carolina will legalize online casino gambling at some point. It could take a few years—or even a decade—but things are definitely heading in that direction.

The legalization of online sports betting in 2024 was a big step, and many industry experts see it as a sign that the state is open to expanding its legal gambling options.

Public opinion is shifting too. As more states legalize online casinos, people are starting to see the benefits: more tax revenue for the state and a safe, regulated environment for North Carolina players.

It may take some time, but there’s but it’s looking pretty likely that legal online casinos will eventually be available in North Carolina. And when that happens, here are some of the top casino sites that you’ll gain access to:

Should You Play at Offshore Casinos in North Carolina?

Since traditional online casinos like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM aren’t available in NC right now, you might be wondering if offshore gambling sites are a good alternative.

At first glance, offshore casinos might seem like an easy way around North Carolina’s online gambling laws and restrictions. However, it’s important to understand that they come with some serious risks.

For one, offshore casinos operate outside of U.S. jurisdiction, meaning they aren’t regulated by any state or federal laws. That means your money and personal information aren’t as protected as they would be with a licensed U.S. casino.

That said, you’re not necessarily breaking any rules by playing on these sites. North Carolina’s gambling laws focus on operators, not individual players. To date, no one in the state has ever been prosecuted for playing at an offshore casino.

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s worth it. From my experience, customer service on these platforms is hit or miss, all the bonuses come with sky-high wagering requirements, and once you sign up, expect endless promotional emails, texts, and phone calls. And trust me, I’m speaking from experience.

Online Casino Gambling in Nearby States

Planning a trip out of state? Or just curious about the online gambling laws in the region? You might be interested in checking out some of our guides for the best online casino options in states near North Carolina:

• Delaware Online Casinos
• Florida Online Casinos
• Georgia Online Casinos
• Kentucky Online Casinos
• Maryland Online Casinos
• South Carolina Online Casinos
• Tennessee Online Casinos
• Virginia Online Casinos
• West Virginia Online Casinos

North Carolina Land-Based Casinos: A Quick Overview

Want to take a break from online gaming? There are three land-based casinos located in North Carolina: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.

Here’s a quick look at what they have to offer:

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

• 📍 Address: 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
• 📞 Phone Number: (828) 497-7777

Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel & Casino Resort is one of two tribal casinos in North Carolina owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The resort has a massive 150,000-square-foot casino floor filled with over 3,000 slot machines and more than 160 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.

Plus, there’s more than just gambling. Guests can enjoy upscale hotel rooms, a wide range of dining options, a relaxing spa, and live entertainment at the on-site concert venue.

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino

• 📍 Address: 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906
• 📞 Phone Number: (828) 422-7777

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino (also owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and operated by Caesars Entertainment) is western North Carolina’s premier gaming destination.

Located just a short drive away from Atlanta, the casino offers over 1,000 slot machines and 60 table games on its 50,000-square-foot gaming floor.

In addition, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel features a full-service Caesars Sportsbook and UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center, which includes a state-of-the-art bowling alley and arcade.

Catawba Two Kings Casino

• 📍 Address: 538 Kings Mountain Blvd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
• 📞 Phone Number: (704) 750-7777

Last but not least, Catawba Two Kings Casino is located in Kings Mountain, about 35 miles west of Charlotte. It’s owned by the Catawba Indian Nation and run by Delaware North.

Visitors will enjoy 24/7 gaming and over 1,000 of the newest slot machines in Catawba Two Kings’ temporary gaming facility while they inch closer to finishing construction on their $273 million destination casino resort.

Responsible Gambling: Tips & Resources for NC Players

Our team at ATS.io, myself included, likes to have a good time. We enjoy playing casino games online and betting on sports using our phones. However, we also know that gambling is a form of entertainment (not a guaranteed way to make money), and it shouldn’t be something that causes stress or financial issues.

If you’re going to play, it’s important to do it responsibly. Here are a few tips to help keep you on track:

1. Set a Budget for Yourself: Decide how much you’re okay with wagering/depositing before you start, and stick to that amount. Once that money’s gone, it’s time to call it a day. Think of it like buying tickets to a game or a night out with your friends. Don’t spend more than you can afford.
2. Take Breaks Every Now & Then: It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re in the zone. Step away every so often, even if you’re on a hot streak. If you find yourself playing longer than you planned or feeling frustrated, that’s a sign to take a breather.
3. Don’t Chase Losses: Losing happens. It’s part of gambling. But trying to win back what you lost right away usually just makes things worse. If a bet doesn’t go your way, shrug it off and move on. There’s always another game tomorrow.

If gambling ever stops feeling fun, there are plenty of places to turn for support:

• NC Problem Gambling Program: Call 877-718-5543, text “morethanagamenc” to 53342, or chat with someone at morethanagame.nc.gov. These resources are available 24/7 and are 100% confidential.
• National Council on Problem Gambling: Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit ncpgambling.org for resources.
• Gamblers Anonymous: Find support meetings near you at gamblersanonymous.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)