Starting from noon EST on March 1, 2024, the pre-registration window for sports betting in North Carolina is open, paving the way for anyone over the age of 21 in the Tar Heel state to snap up some enticing new user bonuses listed below.
This early sign-up opportunity means you can get your bonus money ready to go for when sports betting officially kicks off at noon EST on March 11. Just remember, all these offers come with their own terms and conditions.
The Top North Carolina Sportsbooks
Seven North Carolina sportsbooks will go live when betting launches on March 11.
Our sports betting experts have ranked the best sportsbooks in North Carolina, including all of the sportsbook promos that will be available to bettors in NC.
North Carolina Sportsbooks to Launch on March 11
Governor Roy Cooper made it official on June 14, 2023, by signing HB347, bringing both online and in-person sports betting to North Carolina. Fast forward six months, and the North Carolina Lottery Commission has set the big day for March 11, 2024. Perfect timing, as it’s just in time for the start of March Madness, which kicks off on March 19.
Starting March 1, sports fans can get ahead of the game by pre-registering with various sportsbooks, ready to dive into the action come launch day.
Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?
Yes. In North Carolina, you can now legally place bets both in person and online, although the online betting sites are still getting ready to launch.
The exciting news for bettors is that as of March 1, you can start pre-registering with sportsbooks. This early sign-up phase allows you to grab some cool bonuses before the full-scale launch of online sports betting in the state on March 11, 2024.
We’ve put together this guide to give you the lowdown on North Carolina’s sports betting scene and arm you with all the info you need as we count down to the launch of online betting.
The Best North Carolina Sportsbook Promos
BetMGM North Carolina Promo
$200 in Bonus Bets When You Pre-Register at BetMGM North Carolina
Players that pre-register for sports betting in North Carolina will receive $200 in free bets once they pre-register and complete the KYC verification process.
These four free bets of $50 each will be given when North Carolina sportsbooks go live on April 11.
The free bets come in four $50 bets available to the player to be made on any market or games. This is great for players because you aren’t restricted in what you can bet on with your BetMGM bonus bets.
DraftKings North Carolina Promo
$300 in Free Bets at DraftKings North Carolina
Individuals who pre-register for sports betting in North Carolina are rewarded with $300 in free bets upon registration and completion of the KYC verification.
The first part of the bonus comes in at a $100 bonus just for pre-registering for the site ahead of the North Carolina sportsbook launch.
Then, once the site goes live, the players can deposit just $5 and receive four bonus bets of $50 each. These bets can be placed on any markets that you want, which is great.
FanDuel North Carolina Promo
$300 in Free Bets at FanDuel North Carolina
All new players at FanDuel in North Carolina receive free bets up to $300 when they pre-register.
Once you pre-register, you will receive a free $100 in bonus bets when the site launches on March 11.
Then, when you make a deposit of at least $10 and place your first bet, you will receive four $50 bonus bets within seven days. These bets can be used on all markets, leagues and sports.
Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina Promo
7 100% Profit Boosts at Caesars North Carolina
The Caesars Sportsbook promo for North Carolina players includes 7 100% Profit Boosts when the site launches.
This is quite different to the other North Carolina sportsbook promos as there are no free bets for registering. However, this bonus can be better for players as you can double your profit on 7 successful bets.
The bonus comes in tokens that can be used to boost the profit on any bets. Once you receive the 100% profit boost tokens, you can apply them to any bet up to the specified amount.
ESPN BET North Carolina Promo
$225 in Free Bets at ESPN BET North Carolina
The ESPN BET North Carolina promo offers new players $225 in free bets.
The first free bet of $25 comes with pre-registering for the site before it goes live on March 11.
Then, once players make their first deposit, they will receive $200 in free bets. These free bets can be used on any sport and market, giving you lots of flexibility with your bonus bets.
The History of Sportsbook Legalization in North Carolina
Here’s a quick rundown of the key events leading up to the launch of sports betting in North Carolina, keeping you in the loop on all the major milestones:
- Mar. 1, 2024: North Carolina bettors, mark your calendars! Pre-registration kicks off, and you can start funding your online sportsbook accounts.
- Feb. 21, 2024: The N.C. Problem Gambling Program rolls out a voluntary self-exclusion program, now available across the state.
- Jan. 30, 2024: Caesars Sportsbook and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians announce they’re expanding their partnership to introduce sports betting to North Carolina.
- Jan. 24, 2024: The North Carolina Lottery Commission sets the sports betting launch date for March 11.
- Jan. 23, 2024: Underdog Sports secures a partnership with Sedgefield Country Club for its North Carolina online sports betting license.
- Jan. 10, 2024: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Nation throw their hats in the ring for online sports betting licenses, planning to offer mobile betting independently of a sports organization partnership.
- Jan. 8, 2024: BetMGM and Charlotte Motor Speedway announce their market access agreement in North Carolina.
- Jan. 5, 2024: DraftKings and NASCAR team up in North Carolina, revving up for a sports betting partnership.
- Dec. 27, 2023: The window for North Carolina operators to apply closes.
- Dec. 15, 2023: Fanatics gets ahead of the game by partnering with the Carolina Hurricanes in anticipation of the North Carolina launch.
- Dec. 7, 2023: FanDuel reveals its partnership with the PGA Tour in North Carolina.
- Dec. 5, 2023: Penn Entertainment announces its collaboration with Quail Hollow Club and the Wells Fargo Championship, securing ESPN BET’s market access to North Carolina.
- Dec. 1, 2023: The North Carolina Lottery Commission opens the door for operators, launching its licensing application portal.
Stay tuned as North Carolina gears up for a big splash in the sports betting world, with these sportsbooks making partnerships with various teams and sports organizations in the state.
North Carolina Sportsbook FAQs
Absolutely! You’re welcome to place your sports bets and enjoy casino games at two tribal casinos in the state. Just a heads-up, though: online sports betting and wagering at retail sportsbooks will launch on March 11.
As of now, North Carolina hasn’t rolled out online or mobile sports betting. The action’s all happening at two brick-and-mortar casinos. But, stay tuned—online betting is set to make its debut in March 2024.
Not at the moment. Online casino games, including poker, are off the table in North Carolina. If you’re itching to play slots or hit the poker tables, you’ll need to visit a physical casino.
For now, your go-to spots for sports betting are Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. They’re gearing up to become even bigger betting hubs once they’re fully licensed.
Yes, indeed. Virginia and Tennessee both welcome online sports bettors with open arms. Tennessee sticks to online betting, while Virginia offers the best of both worlds with in-person and online options.
Yep, North Carolina’s on board with betting on both college and pro sports. That means you can back the University of North Carolina, Duke, and other local college teams.
Daily Fantasy Sports are up and running in North Carolina, thanks to the sports betting legalization. There are no holds barred, so feel free to dive into DraftKings, FanDuel, and other big-name DFS platforms.
Not at all. Whether you’re local or just visiting, you can enjoy sports betting at the state’s casinos. Just remember, online betting isn’t available yet, so you’ll need to be at one of the two casino locations to place your bets.