Online sports betting is legal in North Carolina, giving residents 21 and older access to regulated betting apps and websites across the state. Several major sportsbooks are now licensed to operate in NC, offering wagers on professional and college sports through secure mobile platforms.
This guide breaks down the best North Carolina sportsbooks available today, explains how online betting works in the state, and covers key rules, eligibility requirements, and what to know before placing your first bet.
Best Sportsbooks Available in North Carolina
The sportsbooks listed below are licensed to operate in North Carolina and offer online sports betting to users who are 21 or older. Each platform provides access through secure mobile apps and websites.
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While all licensed sportsbooks in North Carolina allow online betting, features and user experience can vary by platform. The sections below compare NC betting apps and sites to highlight key differences bettors may want to consider.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | App Store Rating | Rewards Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Back if your First Bet Does Not Win | • 4.8/5.0 (iOS App Store) • 4.0/5.0 (Google Play) | BetMGM Rewards |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings 10x | • 4.7/5.0 (iOS App Store) • 4.6/5.0 (Google Play) | Caesars Rewards |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $100 In Bonus Bets Instantly | • 4.8/5.0 (iOS App Store) • 4.7/5.0 (Google Play) | Dynasty Rewards |
| FanDuel | Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days | • 4.8/5.0 (iOS App Store) • 4.5/5.0 (Google Play) | N/A |
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is one of the larger sportsbooks operating in North Carolina and offers betting on both professional and college sports, including in-state teams. The app is fairly straightforward to navigate, with standard pregame and live betting markets laid out clearly.
BetMGM Sportsbook is also tied into the MGM Rewards program, which may be familiar to users who have interacted with MGM properties before. Overall, it’s a solid, full-service option for NC bettors who want a well-known brand and a traditional sportsbook layout.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook is available statewide in North Carolina and covers a wide range of professional and college sporting events. The app focuses on simplicity, with a clean interface that makes it easy to find common betting markets without digging through menus.
Caesars also connects sportsbook activity to its broader Caesars Rewards program, which may appeal to users already familiar with the brand. It’s a practical choice for bettors who prefer a more straightforward betting experience tied to a long-established gaming company.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is widely used in North Carolina, especially among bettors who are already familiar with the brand from daily fantasy sports. The sportsbook offers extensive coverage of both professional leagues and college sports, which is relevant given NC’s college betting rules.
Its app places a strong emphasis on in-game betting and accessible stats, making it easy to follow games while betting. DraftKings Sportsbook tends to appeal to users who like a more data-driven layout and a modern app experience.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is one of the most commonly used betting apps in North Carolina and supports betting on professional and college sports, including in-state programs. The app is known for its clean design and ease of use, which can be helpful for bettors who want to place wagers quickly without extra complexity.
Markets are organized clearly, and live betting is easy to access during games. FanDuel Sportsbook works well for NC bettors who value a smooth mobile experience and a familiar sports betting interface.
Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Sports betting is legal in North Carolina, including both retail and online wagering.
Retail sports betting was first authorized in 2019, when Governor Roy Cooper signed legislation allowing in-person sportsbooks at tribal casinos. The state accepted its first legal retail wager in March 2021.
Online and mobile sports betting later became legal statewide, with regulated betting apps officially launching in March 2024. Licensed sportsbooks are overseen by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and are available to bettors who are 21 or older and physically located within state lines.
In addition to online betting, three retail sportsbooks continue to operate at tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.
All Legal Sportsbooks in North Carolina
North Carolina allows multiple licensed sportsbooks to offer online sports betting statewide. The operators listed below are legally authorized to operate in North Carolina and are regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. Availability, betting markets, and features can vary by sportsbook.
- bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- theScore Bet
Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located within North Carolina to place wagers using these platforms. Promotions, wagering limits, and supported sports can differ between operators.
How to Bet on Sports in North Carolina
Now that online sports betting is live in North Carolina, eligible users can place wagers through licensed sportsbook apps and websites statewide. The general process for getting started is straightforward and involves creating an account, verifying your identity, and funding your sportsbook balance. Here’s how it works:
- Choose Your Sportsbook: Pick a sportsbook that is licensed in the state of North Carolina and aligns with your personal preferences and sports betting needs.
- Register for an Account: Begin the registration process. Enter all necessary personal information, choose a username and password, and agree to the site’s Terms & Conditions.
- Verify Your Information: Complete the account verification process by following the specific instructions provided by your betting site. You may need to provide a picture of your driver’s license, ID card, or passport to confirm your identity and age.
- Make a Deposit: Use any of the payment options accepted by your sportsbook (e.g., debit/credit cards, online bank transfers, and digital wallets) to make your first deposit on the platform.
- Claim Your Welcome: Use a promo code (if necessary) to claim your welcome offer. You will typically receive bonus bets, first-bet offers, or a deposit match.
- Start Placing Bets: Begin placing wagers on any of the betting markets offered by your sportsbook.
Popular North Carolina Sports Teams to Bet on
North Carolina bettors tend to focus on a mix of professional and college sports, especially football, basketball, and hockey. One important thing that sets North Carolina apart from some other states is that college sports betting is allowed, including wagers on in-state teams.
That means bettors can legally place bets on programs like the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils, along with professional teams such as the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Carolina Hurricanes.
Most licensed North Carolina betting apps cover both college and professional events, giving bettors access to a wide range of games throughout the year, from regular-season matchups to postseason tournaments.
Strategies & Tips for North Carolina Sports Bettors
With multiple legal sportsbooks available in North Carolina, bettors have more options than in single-operator states. Keeping a few practical considerations in mind can help you make more informed decisions when betting online:
- Compare sportsbooks before betting: Odds, betting limits, and features can vary between NC betting apps, even for the same event.
- Understand bonus terms: Promotions and bonus bets often come with wagering requirements or restrictions that are important to review before placing a bet.
- Track your betting activity: Reviewing past wagers can help you better understand your betting habits and manage spending over time.
- Set personal limits: Mobile betting apps make wagering quick and convenient, so setting limits in advance can help maintain control.
- Avoid impulsive bets: Taking time to place wagers thoughtfully can reduce unnecessary risk, especially during live or in-game betting.
Sports Betting in States Near North Carolina
Sports betting laws and available sportsbooks vary by state. If you live near North Carolina’s borders or plan to travel, you may also want to review the legal betting options available in nearby states:
- Georgia Sports Betting
- Kentucky Sports Betting
- South Carolina Sports Betting
- Tennessee Sports Betting
- Virginia Sports Betting
- West Virginia Sports Betting
Each guide explains current legal status, available sportsbooks, and key rules for bettors in that state.
North Carolina Sports Betting FAQ
Yes. Sports betting is legal in North Carolina, including both retail and online wagering. Mobile sports betting launched statewide in March 2024, allowing eligible users to place bets through licensed sportsbook apps and websites while physically located in North Carolina.
The legal betting age in North Carolina is 21 years old for both online and retail sports betting.
You can bet on sports in North Carolina by using a licensed online sportsbook app or website or by placing wagers in person at one of the state’s approved retail sportsbooks. Online betting is available statewide, while retail sportsbooks operate at select tribal casino locations.
Yes. Retail sports betting is legal at three tribal casino locations in North Carolina: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. Bettors must be 21 or older to place wagers at these locations.
Several licensed online sportsbooks are available in North Carolina. Popular options include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook, among others. Each platform differs in features, app design, and rewards programs, which is why many bettors compare sportsbooks before choosing where to place bets.
