The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has released a report celebrating the state’s first year of online sports betting.
The framework for legal online sports betting in the Tar Heel State began in 2023, when the North Carolina General Assembly passed HB347. Over the next six months, the Commission created the sports wagering program currently in place, and in December 2023, the first applications for sports wagering licenses were accepted.
Online sports wagering was officially launched on March 11, 2024, with eight licensed sportsbook operators. Since then, more than $6.6 billion has been wagered online, with bettors in North Carolina receiving up to $5.9 billion in winnings.
Gross wagering revenue also totaled $713.8 million, with April 2024 being the highest-grossing month at $105.3 million. With an 18% tax rate, the state is projected to receive over $128 million from these operators, which will go to collegiate sports, youth sports, major events, games and attractions, as well as the state’s General Fund.
“I want to thank the Commission and our staff for their efforts that led to the successful sports wagering launch one year ago,” commented Eric Snider, Chief Regulatory Officer. “We continue to build on this success while ensuring a safe, responsible, and beneficial wagering program for all North Carolinians.”
The Commission is working to develop North Carolina’s sports wagering regulations further and is aiming to add a pari-mutuel horse race wagering program.