North Carolina Online Casinos | Best NC Casino Sites & Apps in September, 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide for North Carolina online casinos! If you’re ready to start playing all your favorite slots and table games from the comfort of your home but not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of casino play in the Tar Heel State, including the legal landscape, top platforms, latest news updates, and much more.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of online casinos, our guide will provide you with valuable information and resources to enhance your overall North Carolina gaming experience. Now, let’s dive right in and discover the best that North Carolina casinos have to offer!

Are Online Casinos Legal in North Carolina?

Online casino gambling is currently prohibited in North Carolina. As of September 2023, the state does not allow real-money online casinos to operate within its borders, and North Carolina law states that it is illegal for any person or organization to operate or play any game of chance that involves winning money or anything of value.

There are currently only six U.S. states that have legalized real-money online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. As a result, for the time being, North Carolina residents will need to take a trip north to gain access to BetMGM Casino, DraftKings Casino, and all the other popular and reputable online casinos available in the United States.

Fortunately, North Carolina casino enthusiasts are not completely out of luck and still have several ways to get in on the action. The Tar Heel State currently has three tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. These land-based casinos are permitted through gaming compacts with two of the state’s federally-recognized Native American tribes and are authorized to offer Class III gaming (slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, etc.).

In addition, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are legal in the state of North Carolina. These platforms are a fantastic alternative to traditional online casinos, as they offer all the same games but do not require players to make a purchase or payment of any kind in order to participate. Instead, they operate using an innovative sweepstakes model that allows users to play for a chance to win real cash prizes, digital gift cards, and much more.

Different Types of North Carolina Casinos

North Carolina casinos can be divided into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social casinos, and land-based casinos. The major similarities and differences between these three types of casinos, as well as their current availability in the Tar Heel State, are discussed in further detail below.

Real-Money Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos are virtual platforms that allow players to gamble with real money and typically offer a wide range of slots, table games, and live dealer games. These casinos provide a convenient and accessible way for players to enjoy the thrill of gambling from the comfort of their own homes, with the added benefit of attractive bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs.

With secure payment options and advanced encryption technology, real-money online casinos prioritize the safety and privacy of their players. They also strive to deliver a fair and transparent gaming experience, often employing random number generators to ensure unbiased outcomes. With the continuous advancements in technology, real-money online casinos are constantly evolving, offering innovative features and immersive gameplay to cater to the preferences of a diverse range of players.

As previously mentioned, online casino gambling is not yet legal in North Carolina. However, there is a good chance that could change in the not-so-distant future. The state officially legalized mobile sports betting on June 14, 2023 and could look to expand its gambling offerings to include online casinos as well. As a result, we recommend you stay up to date on all the latest legal developments and keep an eye out for new opportunities that may arise in the upcoming years.

Social Casinos

Social casinos, also commonly referred to as sweepstakes casinos, are online platforms that offer casino-style games and operate under a sweepstakes model, allowing players to potentially win real cash prizes through their gameplay. Unlike real-money online casinos, social casinos do not require a deposit or purchase of any kind and instead use virtual currencies (e.g., sweepstakes coins), which can be earned for free through sign-up bonuses and different promotional opportunities.

Both social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in the state of North Carolina. As they do not involve traditional gambling with real money, they provide a legal and entertaining option for individuals in North Carolina to experience casino-style gameplay from the comfort of their homes. Players can sign up with Chumba Casino, Fortune Coins, and many other popular sites to play all their favorite slots and table games for a chance to win big without any risk of losing their hard-earned money.

Land-Based Casinos

Land-based casinos are physical establishments where players can enjoy a wide range of casino games in a traditional casino setting. These casinos typically offer various slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, poker rooms, bingo games, and sometimes live entertainment. Land-based casinos provide a vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity for social interaction while playing casino games.

Although North Carolina does not offer any commercial casinos or racinos (i.e., horse racing tracks with casino-style gambling), the state is home to three tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, and Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.

These casinos are owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation, and they operate under tribal gaming compacts and are regulated by tribal gaming authorities, rather than state authorities. They provide a gaming experience similar to traditional land-based casinos and contribute to the local economy and community development.

What Are the Best North Carolina Social & Sweepstakes Casinos?

All of the top social and sweepstakes casinos in the United States are currently available in North Carolina and may be exactly what you’re looking for in an online gaming platform. Here are a few of the top options to consider:

Hard Rock Social Casino

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Best Feature: Great Selection of Table Games
• Full Review: Hard Rock Social Casino Review

Hard Rock Social Casino, also known as Hard Rock Jackpot Casino, went live in 2018 and has quickly become a premier online gaming site in the United States and Canada. Users will enjoy over 200 different virtual slots and table games from some of the top software developers in the industry (Blueprint Gaming, NetEnt, Everi, etc.). Additionally, players will have the opportunity to win incredible prizes, including tickets to a variety of concerts and professional sporting events.

MyJackpot.com

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Best Feature: User-Friendly Website
• Full Review: MyJackpot.com Review

MyJackpot.com is another popular social casino that gives you a chance to play all your favorite games and further develop your skills. The website is very reliable and easy to use, and players will be able to quickly sort through casino games based on category, theme, publisher, and number of reels. MyJackpot.com also accepts a wide range of payment options, including cryptocurrency, in case you’re interested in taking advantage of special deals in the MyJackpot Casino Store.

Stake.us

• Available States: 44 of 50 U.S. States (ID, KY, MI, NV, NY, & WA are the only exceptions)
• Best Feature: Wide Variety of Slots Offered
• Full Review: Stake.us Casino Review

Owned and operated by Sweepsteaks Limited, Stake.us is one of the hottest U.S. sweepstakes casinos on the market and provides a virtual gaming experience like no other. Users can play over 400 slots, table games, and live dealer games for a chance to win cryptocurrency, digital gift cards, merchandise, and other amazing rewards. Furthermore, partnerships with hip-hop sensation Drake and the UFC speak to the site’s reliability and strong reputation.

WOW Vegas

• Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (ID, NV, & WA are the only exceptions)
• Best Feature: Fantastic Customer Loyalty Program
• Full Review: WOW Vegas Review

Last but not least, WOW Vegas is a fantastic platform that deserves your full consideration. The site provides over 300 casino-style games, including a great selection of progressive jackpots, and offers one of the best customer loyalty programs among sweepstakes casinos. Excellent customer service and a generous welcome offer are a few other reasons why WOW Vegas may be the perfect option for you.

North Carolina Land-Based Casinos

As previously mentioned, North Carolina is home to three tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, and Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain. The Tar Heel State’s three premier gaming destinations are discussed below!

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. Visitors will have access to a 150,000-square-foot casino floor with over 3,000 of the hottest slot machines and more than 160 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and much more. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort also provides luxurious hotel accommodations, multiple dining options, a spa, and a 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 is a premier gaming destination in western North Carolina and just a short drive from both Atlanta, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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

Catawba Two Kings Casino is located in Kings Mountain, roughly 35 miles west of Charlotte. The casino is owned by the Catawba Indian Nation and managed by Delaware North, and visitors will enjoy 24/7 gaming and over 1,000 of the newest slot machines in their temporary gaming facility while they work to finish construction on their $273 million destination casino resort. Catawba Two Kings also offers a top-tier retail sportsbook and a fantastic customer rewards program

What Other Forms of Gambling Are Legal in North Carolina?

In addition to the state’s three tribal casinos, there are several other forms of legal gambling offered in North Carolina. Provided below is a general overview of the options currently available in the Tar Heel State.

Sports Betting

Retail sports betting became legal in North Carolina in July 2019 when Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 154 into law. The state’s first legal sports wager was accepted in March 2021, and in-person wagering is currently available to anyone 21 years or older at all three of the state’s tribal casinos. In addition, mobile sports betting was officially legalized in North Carolina in June 2023 and is expected to launch in early 2024.

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also currently legal in North Carolina. Anyone who is 21 years or older can participate in simulcast wagering on horse races taking place all over the country by visiting any of the state’s three tribal casinos. Furthermore, online horse racing betting was legalized in June 2023, and licensed advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platforms are expected to begin accepting bettors from North Carolina in 2024.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are considered legal in North Carolina, although the state legislature has not enacted any laws to explicitly authorize or regulate paid DFS contests. Despite the absence of such legislation, leading DFS operators in the United States (such as DraftKings, FanDuel, OwnersBox, and Underdog Fantasy) currently accept participants from North Carolina who are at least 18 years old.

North Carolina Lottery

The North Carolina Lottery is a state-operated lottery system that offers various games of chance, including scratch-off tickets and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The lottery was established in 2005, and its proceeds are used to fund education programs in the state. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate and can purchase tickets from authorized retailers throughout North Carolina.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming is conducted by non-profit organizations in North Carolina for fundraising purposes, and activities include bingo, raffles, and casino-style events like poker and blackjack. The charitable organizations must obtain a license from the North Carolina Department of Revenue to conduct these games, and the proceeds must be used for charitable or educational purposes. Furthermore, participants must be at least 18 years old to play in charitable gaming events.

How To Sign Up & Start Playing Casino Games in North Carolina

Tips & Tricks for North Carolina Casino Players

While there is no foolproof way to guarantee success during casino play, there are plenty of general guidelines to follow and useful strategies to implement to increase your chances of coming out on top. Here are the best tips and tricks for North Carolina casino players:

• Explore Different Games: North Carolina casinos offer a variety of games, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Experiment with different slots, table games, or poker variations to discover your preferences and potentially find more enjoyable and profitable options.
• Practice Bankroll Management: Practice proper bankroll management to ensure longevity in your casino sessions. Divide your budget into smaller, manageable portions and avoid betting too much on a single game or session. This strategy allows you to enjoy more playtime and increases the likelihood of walking away with some winnings.
• Take Advantage of Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions and bonuses offered by North Carolina casinos. These can include welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and free spins. Utilize these promotions to maximize your playing time and potentially increase your winnings.
• Know When To Take Breaks: It’s essential to recognize when it’s time to take a break. If you find yourself feeling frustrated or fatigued, step away from the casino games for a while. Taking breaks can help you stay focused and maintain a healthy balance between entertainment and responsible gambling.
• Understand the Odds: Take the time to understand the odds and payouts of the games you play. Different casino games have different house edges and probabilities. Knowing the odds can help you make informed decisions and choose games that offer better chances of winning. Familiarize yourself with basic strategies that can improve your odds in games like blackjack or video poker.
• Share Your Experiences: Engage with the casino community by sharing your experiences and insights. Join online forums or social media groups where you can discuss strategies, share tips, and learn from fellow players. Building connections with like-minded individuals enhances your overall casino journey and opens doors to new perspectives.

North Carolina Online Casino FAQ