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After a seesaw battle, the state of North Carolina has gone live with sports betting. Residents of the state can now freely gamble on sports anywhere inside the border. Many licensed betting apps have hit the market, all ready to take in bets.
However, that may not be the best option for North Carolina gamblers. We really believe offshore betting sites are your “best bet” at getting action in the state. These too work, but we argue they work better (and more freely) than the licensed apps. This might sound like a hot take but stick with us and we’ll convince you otherwise!
Quick North Carolina Facts
| State | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Sports Betting Laws | ✅ Available |
| 👫 Population | 10 Million |
| 👶 Minimum Gambling Age | 18 Years Old |
| 🏙️ Retail Sports Betting | ✅ Available |
| 🌐 Online Sports Betting | ✅ Available |
| 📱 Mobile Sports Betting | ✅ Available |
| 🐎 Online Horse Betting | ❌Not Available |
| 🏆 DFS | ✅ Available |
Is Sports Betting Legal In North Carolina?
It is 100 percent legal. North Carolina’s sports betting scene launched in March of 2024. Betting can be had in-person at three tribal casinos or online via commercial apps. After four months of being live, the online apps took in a handle of cost $2 billion — a resounding success for a state with only 10.7 million people.
The handle number doesn’t even include offshore betting sites, which remain popular in North Carolina. Offshore bookies have been serving the market for decades — when there was no other way to gamble on sports within state borders. Many of those bettors have stuck around to platforms they know and love.
Best Sportsbooks In Each Category in North Carolina
| Best overall |  |
|---|---|
| Best bonuses | |
| Most unique bonuses | BetNow |
| Top VIP program | MyBookie |
| Best reputation | Bovada |
| Best sportsbook | BetOnline |
| Best casino | Everygame |
| Best mobile app | XBet |
| Best for live betting | Everygame |
| Best for new players | Bovada |
| Best up-and-coming sportsbook | XBet |
Latest North Carolina Betting News
Mar 25, 2025 07:30 AM
Spokesperson Says The Legalization of North Carolina Has Been A 'Universally Good Thing'
Latest North Carolina Legal Betting Updates
Jan 21, 2025 10:50 AM
North Carolina's sports betting handle in July was $337.6 million, representing a 17% decrease compared to the previous month of June.
North Carolina Sports Betting Timeline
It was a long, windy road to get betting legalized in North Carolina. Here's a short timeline of how it went down over the last year:
Top 7 North Carolina Sports Betting Sites
There’s no shortage of betting options in North Carolina. Licensed apps, local casinos, and offshore sportsbooks to bet at are easily in the hundreds. However, we do have our favorites out of the bunch. Here are the seven we recommend for bettors most:
- BetUS - Extensive range of betting bonuses that pay big time.
- XBet - Really top-notch mobile betting app.
- BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
- Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
- BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
- Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
- MyBookie - Innovative rewards program for long-term betting.
#1 BetUS
BetUS North Carolina Pros & Cons
- Huge bonuses
- Deep betting menu
- Free play expires after 7 days
- High rollover requirement
We start with BetUS. This site is the personification of one major reason why we prefer offshore bookies to licensed ones: the bonuses are bigger. No one — and we mean no one — outdoes BetUS in terms of promotional deals.
While other sportsbooks may offer a modest $1000 as a sign-up bonus, BetUS goes as far as $3,125 in free play (at the maximum amount). And if you’re one to dabble in crypto, you’re in for a treat — the bonus shoots up to a jaw-dropping $5,000. These are the kinds of deals you just don’t see anywhere else besides an offshore bookie like BetUS.
But the free play doesn’t stop with new players. BetUS has a refer-a-friend program that’s arguably its best deal of all. Bring a friend on board and you could pocket up to $6,000 in free play. Yes, you heard that right— six thousand bucks! Plus, every referral isn’t just an injection of cash, it’s also a ticket into a prize draw for things like Super Bowl tickets or cutting-edge tech like the Apple Vision Pro.
We could honestly keep calling out BetUS offers because there are more in this ballpark. BetUS dishes out dozens of other promotions — whether you’re into crypto, casino games, or just looking for reload bonuses, there’s something for everyone here. The free-play opportunities are literally limitless. And here’s the thing: it’s actually a smart betting strategy to capitalize on these big-money deals. That’s because all this free play goes a long way in stretching your bankroll. Not only that, but it removes the risks that come with betting to a certain extent — robbing the house or some of their advantage.
For North Carolina bettors who want to squeeze every bit of value from their wagers, BetUS is the clear front-runner. We’re telling you, no other site even comes close to matching the promotional power that BetUS delivers.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#2 XBet
XBet North Carolina Pros & Cons
- Awesome mobile app
- Solid in-play system
- Could use more bonuses and contests
If you’re the kind of bettor who likes to place a wager no matter where you are — the bar, work, in traffic, on the toilet, etc. — then XBet needs to be atop your list. This site sets the tone for mobile betting.
What sets XBet apart? Many things, but for one, it’s the aesthetics. While other platforms seem trapped in the early 2010s with clunky designs and endless scrolls, XBet is like stepping into the future. They’ve mastered the art of the mobile interface, keeping it fresh with regular upgrades (we’ve seen it with our own eyes). Betting is an experience, and with XBet, it’s a visually stunning one.
But let’s talk performance because looks aren’t everything, right? XBet’s mobile is as functional as it is pretty. It’s fast, smooth, and ready for action, whether you’re flipping between sports or diving deep into the casino. Glitches? Lag? Errors? Nowhere to be found on XBet’s app.
And here’s the kicker: when we say “app,” we’re not talking about another downloadable software cluttering your phone or tablet. XBet keeps it simpler than that. Just open your browser, type in XBet, and you’re instantly plugged into the action. It’s betting on demand whenever and however you want it.
The mobile betting wave is only getting bigger, which sets up XBet to be a monster in this always-evolving industry. For North Carolina bettors looking to stay ahead of the curve, XBet should be stop number one.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#3 BetOnline
BetOnline North Carolina Pros & Cons
- Huge sportsbook selection
- Posts betting lines early
- Sportsbook deal pays peanuts
- Platform could go for a new look
At the heart of any great betting site is one simple thing: the bets. That’s why you’re here, right? To put your money down on the games you love? With odds that make it worth your while? Welp, that’s where BetOnline perfectly enters the equation.
You see, BetOnline’s sportsbook might be the deepest of all. It really has a mind-blowing amount of betting options. This goes for the “Big 4” sports league, but even for more obscure stuff. Rugby anyone? IndyCar? Cricket? All those things, plus more niche offerings, can be found on BetOnline.
For all of these sports and leagues, BetOnline offers a variety of bet types too. Don’t think it’s just your standard moneyline and spread bets. BetOnline especially excels at offering props or futures bets. For instance, Super Bowl props get real fun on BetOnline where anything — and we mean anything — becomes a bet-able event.
But there’s more. BetOnline is lightning fast when it comes to getting new betting lines up. Before the final whistle blows on one game, you’ll already see odds for the next. Some might call this a competitive edge, as early lines can offer some serious opportunities before they settle. It’s just one more reason that makes BetOnline’s sportsbook second to none.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#4 Bovada
Bovada North Carolina Pros & Cons
- Long-standing reputation
- Easy to use platform
- Sportsbook deals aren't the best
Worried about betting offshore? Heard it’s sketchy? We get the concerns, we really do. The word offshore just has a weird perception around it, and that goes beyond betting. So the reputation can have merit and that’s exactly why Bovada is high on our list. It’s a platform you can trust, plain and simple.
Bovada has been around longer than heavyweights like DraftKings or FanDuel, and in that time, they’ve built one of the biggest user bases in the industry. Now, ask yourself, would that happen — both the longevity and user success — if they were bad actors? No way. The site’s standing is proof that Bovada knows how to take care of its players.
What we really love about Bovada is how streamlined everything is. This isn’t a site that’s going to confuse you with disorganized betting menus or confusing options. No, Bovada keeps it simple. You jump in, place your bets, and you’re good to go. Everything just works the way it should — no fuss, no hassle.
If you’re a first-time bettor, Bovada’s ease of use is particularly attractive. We’re confident anyone (who can read odds) can get started here in minutes. Seriously, between signing up, depositing money, and making a bet — the setup process takes maybe 15 minutes. Using the site only gets easier from there too.
Bovada puts the bettor first and foremost. That’s why they offer such a straightforward, user-friendly platform with tons of betting options. North Carolina bettors have a long-term companion with Bovada.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5 BetNow
BetNow North Carolina Pros & Cons
- Only sportsbook rebate around
- Tons of promotions to pick from
- Contests could be more creative
BetNow isn’t just a catchy name, it’s really how they operate. This platform is all about getting you into the betting action as quickly and easily as possible. Whether you’re into sports, casino games, poker, or more — BetNow is a one-stop shop for betting.
But where BetNow really shines are the promotions. Sure, they might not throw around the huge bonus amounts you’ll find at places like BetUS, but they make up for it with variety. By our count, BetNow offers four different welcome bonuses, three reload deals, and three rebate programs. Plus, there are plenty of other smaller offers, like referral bonuses.
This level of variety is a rare find in the betting world. Most sites stick to one sign-up bonus and maybe a single reload offer. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t take into account the fact that every bettor is different. BetNow, on the other hand, gets it. They understand that every bettor has unique needs and wants, and their diverse range of bonuses reflects that. Bettors have choices here, and that matters big time.
But of all the BetNow deals, we need to harp on this one — the one-of-a-kind sportsbook debate. Seriously, no other bookmaker we know of does this. BetNow will refund 2 percent of your sportsbook losses. Is it a huge sum? No, but it gets back to the main point about why BetNow is so recommended by us: they do things differently and to the benefit of its players.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#6 Everygame
Everygame North Carolina Pros & Cons
- Really top-end in-play feature
- Reputable platform
- Platform needs a new look
- Bonuses aren't rich
Everygame offers many of the same top features the other bookies on this list do — a deep betting selection (in sports and casino), a long-standing reputation that goes back decades (dating back to when they were Intertops), and commitment to the user experience. So they’re a well-rounded platform to begin with.
But where Everygame differentiates itself is in live betting. Their in-play system is one of the smoothest we’ve come across, delivering live odds faster than most. You’d think this would be a standard feature, but you’d be surprised how many sites struggle with it. Not Everygame, though as they’ve nailed it. Try live betting on a high-scoring sport like basketball and this line speed becomes obvious.
Moreover, Everygame offers live betting on a wide range of sports and leagues. Whether you’re into the NFL, NBA, MLB, or top European soccer leagues — Everygame has you covered. The same support isn’t available for more niche sports, but that’s more of an industry issue than something specific to Everygame.
Live betting has caught fire in the last few years, and we don’t see this trend going away anytime soon. This makes Everygame a particularly great choice for North Carolina bettors. You have a site here that’s ahead of the curve already.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#7 MyBookie
MyBookie North Carolina Pros & Cons
- Top-notch VIP rewards program
- Tons of betting options
- VIP rewards is invite only
MyBookie is designed to be your go-to destination for everything betting, no matter your preference. That’s because every single bet type — from slots to sports to horse races — is well-supported inside.
Let’s talk about the sportsbook first. MyBookie delivers across the board, offering a vast array of betting options that cover all the major sports and then some. Whether you’re placing a bet on the latest football game, trying your luck with basketball, or exploring other sports, MyBookie likely has what you need.
But MyBookie isn’t just about sports. Their casino is stocked with hundreds of games, making it the perfect place to switch things up when you’re ready for something different. And if you’re into poker, MyBookie has a dedicated poker room that’s always buzzing with action.
What really sets MyBookie apart, though, is its VIP rewards program. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bonus offer. With MyBookie, every bet you place earns you rewards points. This applies to all their betting platforms too, don’t think it’s for sports only. But the best part? There’s no cap on how much you can earn like, say, a sign-up bonus.
For those who are serious about their betting and want to get the most out of every wager, MyBookie’s VIP program is a game-changer. It’s a platform that keeps on giving, making it a top pick for bettors who are in it for the long haul.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars?
For the record, all the names in the headline are available in North Carolina. We certainly don’t knock the platforms, but being 100-percent honest, we just prefer offshore betting sites over them. That’s because, in general, the offshore market is much less strict. For bettors, that results in a better experience.
You see, licensed apps have limits on the betting markets they offer. They’re limited on the payment options they can accept. They definitely tax bettors who win big. See what we mean when we say strict? None of those things apply to offshore bookmakers. No reporting to the IRS, full crypto support (more on this later), and more betting markets. Speaking of which, that leads us to our next section.
Latest Sports News
Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In North Carolina
Only offshore betting sites allow you to wager on the next U.S. President or who’s winning at the Oscars, or heck, who’s winning the next WWE scripted match. We repeat — only offshore bookies offer these types of betting markets.
This is not a knock on commercial operators like ESPN Bet or FanDuel. We’re sure they want to offer these wagers but they just can’t. State regulators across the board — not just in North Carolina — have harsh rules against this. Those markets fall under nonsports and thus, aren’t allowed like “regular” sports betting.
Betting Apps In North Carolina
A sweet mobile betting experience was a “nice to have” feature a few years ago. Today? It’s a must-have and really, a non-negotiable thing. The trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon as more and more bettors opt for on-the-go betting. We’d argue there are bettors in North Carolina completely foreign to the idea of driving to a sportsbook and making a bet in person. Those of us who’ve been around know this struggle all too well…
The point is: mobile betting is important. That’s why we have an in-depth guide to mobile apps. It’s as detailed as this guide but focused on the best apps for North Carolina bettors.
Start Betting In North Carolina Today — Our Guides
You’re in this to win, right? We hope so. Obviously, betting should be a source of fun — not a way to make rent (we’ll talk more about this later on). Still, you should aspire to be successful at this. And make no mistake, success is measured in profits. To get you on your way to success, we’re sharing must-read guides. These will teach you the intricacies of sports betting:
- Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
- Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which take your betting to the next level!
- How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
- Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
- Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out
Payment Methods Available For North Carolina Sportsbooks
The payment methods supported between offshore betting sites and regulated sportsbooks are almost identical. There’s just one key difference: crypto.
Only offshore sites accept crypto coins. Once again, it’s regulators that stop licensed sportsbooks from doing the same. That’s a huge loss for licensed apps because crypto is cheap and lightning-fast to use. Offshore sites go as far as offering special bonuses for using crypto cause it’s that good of a payment option.
You’ll find crypto accepted at most offshore platforms, along with these payment methods:
- VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
- Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
- Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
- Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.
North Carolina Casinos & Resorts
The three tribal casinos that offer sports betting are located in the Cherokee area, roughly three hours from Charlotte, United States. They are as follows:
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel
- Catawba Two Kings Casino
History Of North Carolina Legalization Efforts
Let's add a little more context into how North Carolina finally got sports betting approved in the state. Here's a recap of things:
North Carolina's Past Relationship to Gambling
North Carolina isn’t a state that is gambling-savvy. They long resisted gambling in the past as North Carolina is a very religious state. Typically, religion (certainly that of Christian faith) looks down on betting.
The state didn’t want the residents getting addicted and letting casinos take all of their constituent’s hard-earned money, but they did end up allowing a few casinos to sprout up. There are three tribal saloons in the state of North Carolina and are operated by the Cherokee tribe.
The Expansion of Sports Betting in North Carolina 2023 to 2024
In June 2023, Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law, paving the way for the legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina. The bill allowed for up to 12 online sportsbooks to operate in the state, in partnership with professional sports organizations.
March 11, 2024, marked a significant milestone in North Carolina's sports betting history, as the state officially launched its online sports betting market.
Betting on North Carolina Sports Teams
We'd argue the most famous teams in the state are collegiate — not pro. You see, the Duke Blue Devils basketball team is arguably the most popular (and hated) college basketball program of all. They have been around for over 100 years and have won five national titles.
Another college basketball program that is notable is the North Carolina Tar Heels. They are bitter rivals with Duke, making up the best collegiate rivalry in college hoops. Michael Jordan is a former Tar Heels alum. Jordan helped them win one of six national titles.
In the NFL, the Carolina Panthers are relatively new to the league, only joining in 1995. The Panthers are currently in a rebuild phase, but have made it to the Super Bowl twice.
In the NBA, the Charlotte Hornets, formerly owned by NBA superstar Michael Jordan, reclaimed their name after serving as the Charlotte Bobcats for a 10-year stint from 2004 to 2014. The team has no championships, conference titles, or even division titles. If we're being honest, this is one of the worst NBA franchise ever.
The Carolina Hurricanes are based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and are the state’s sole NHL team. Formed in 1971 as the New England Whalers, then moved to Hartford and finally found their permanent home in Carolina as The Hurricanes in 1997. They have one Stanley Cup (2006) which was the first professional sports championship won by the state.
NASCAR is another notable sport that North Carolina residents can’t get enough of. The Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts several NASCAR events every year, reeling in 94,000-171,000 fans in their stadium.
Other Types Of Betting In North Carolina
As mentioned earlier, North Carolina does have tribal casinos. These locations have the exclusive right to offer casino betting — from slots to table games to poker and everything in between. It's these same casinos where you can bet sports in-person.
North Carolina also funds its education program with a state-run lottery akin to many other states. This lottery features instant-gratification games like scratch-off tickets and national draws like the Powerball and Mega Millions.
At one point, North Carolina was attempting to outlaw daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting, however, they called that off around the same time sports betting got pushed. Today, DFS platforms like PrizePicks and DraftKings work perfectly well inside the state.
Horse race betting is also allowed — but only in-person. The state's online sports betting provision doesn't include horses for some weird reason.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
We've written in-depth guides to every state, not just North Carolina. Here's what else is out there for you curious minds:
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- N.Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
Responsible Gaming In North Carolina
One more thing before you run off and bet: please remember to stay in control. Betting is fun and sometimes profitable — until the moment you lose grip on it.
It’s crucial to know your limits as a bettor. Set a budget (how much can you afford to lose?), stick to it, and remember that gambling is meant to be fun, not a financial strategy. When you HAVE to win a wager because you have bills due or rent on the line, well, that’s a sign you’ve lost the plot on betting. Other warning signs of a loss of control include neglecting responsibilities in your regular life or getting overly anxious about your betting activity.
If you start exhibiting these, it might be time to take a step back. Or if it’s really bad, perhaps time to reach out for help. We’ve linked a few worthy resources in times of crisis:
Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
If you're looking for local resources, the following links are specific to North Carolina:
North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline (https://morethanagamenc.com)
A 24/7 confidential helpline (1-877-718-5543) offering support, information, and treatment referrals for individuals dealing with problem gambling in North Carolina.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – Problem Gambling Program (https://www.ncdhhs.gov)
Provides resources, counseling, and treatment services for individuals and families impacted by gambling addiction in North Carolina.
HopeWay – Gambling Addiction Treatment (https://hopeway.org)
A mental health facility in North Carolina offering specialized treatment programs for gambling addiction, including outpatient services and support for individuals.
