Starting today, North Carolina sportsbooks are opening the doors for pre-registration of online betting accounts, gearing up for the big market launch on March 11.
As of noon on Friday, eight online sports betting apps in North Carolina have kicked off signups, all set for their official start on March 11.
Folks in North Carolina can now sign up and even deposit funds into their accounts ahead of time, though they’ll need to wait another 10 days before they can legally place any bets.
North Carolina Sportsbooks Open for Pre-Registration
How to Pre-Register for Sportsbooks in North Carolina
Signing up for sports betting in North Carolina is straightforward. Whether you’re team Apple or Android, you can download your chosen NC sportsbook apps directly to your smartphone.
During the sign-up process, the app will ask for some ID details like your name, address, and social security number to confirm you’re really you. If you’re 21 or older and in North Carolina, you’ll need to snap a pic of your government-issued ID to get the green light from the operator.
Funding Your NC Sportsbook Account
Once you’re all set up, you can top up your account using a variety of methods like your bank account, debit cards, or PayPal. Just remember, you can fill up your account now but hold your horses—you can’t start betting until March 11.
What’s Pre-Registration for North Carolina Sportsbooks?
North Carolina is rolling out the red carpet early with a pre-registration period, similar to other US states that have introduced online sports betting. This is your chance to get your account ready and snag some sweet bonus offers from sportsbooks before the official launch. But, you’ll need to wait until launch day to place any legal bets.
Which Sportsbooks are Available in North Carolina?
The state has handed out licenses to eight sportsbooks, all set to go live on March 11:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
- Underdog
Plus, Caesars snagged a service provider license to be the online sportsbook for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. While the EBCI runs some in-person Caesars sportsbooks, remember, NC doesn’t do online casinos.
When are North Carolina Sportsbooks Launching?
Launching sports betting on March 11 puts North Carolina in perfect timing for the March Madness frenzy, well ahead of the June 14 deadline set in the legislation. It’s also just in time for the ACC Men’s Basketball Championship, a big deal in a state that boasts basketball giants like Duke and UNC.
The NCAA Tournament itself kicks off just after, with Selection Sunday on March 17.
The Road to North Carolina’s Betting Launch
It all started when Gov. Roy Cooper signed sports betting into law back in June 2023. An amendment in September required sportsbooks to partner with professional sports organizations for market access. After setting the industry rules, the NC Lottery pinned down March 11 as the start date, marking a new chapter in North Carolina’s sports betting journey.