DraftKings, the famous North American sports betting operator, has launched its online sports betting platform in North Carolina starting on March 11 after having secured a written designation agreement with NASCAR earlier this year.

The respective written designation agreement was necessary for the sports betting operator in order to be allowed to offer its services in the state of North Carolina. The launch marks an important moment for DraftKings as the operator now has its sports betting service available in 27 American states. Moreover, the sports betting website is also available in Ontario, the most populous province in Canada.

North Carolina is a very important state when it comes to sports because it is the home state of most of the NASCAR industry and it also has high-profile professional teams in all the major North American leagues: the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL). Moreover, North Carolina has several universities competing at the Division-I level, attracting plenty of sports fans.

From now on eligible sports fans in the state will be able to place their bets on the DraftKings online sportsbook, which provides a wide range of markets and offerings, including same-game parlays, in-game betting and special odds boosts.

DraftKings underlined that its sportsbook platform in North Carolina is “safe and regulated”, offering plenty of customer protections like deposit and time limits, full access to responsible gaming resources and self-exclusion features. Moreover, DraftKings offers the new “My Stat Sheet” feature, which shows punters the exact amount of time they spent on the sports betting website and also the total amount of deposits made.

Ceremonial First Bet

The launch of legalized mobile sports betting in North Carolina is a memorable occasion and sports fans in the state will most likely remember it for quite some time as Greg Olsen, the legendary Carolina Panthers player, was designated to place a ceremonial first bet.

The event was hosted by the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte and along with Greg Olsen it benefitted from the participation of Zack Hawkins, a North Carolina State Representative Zack Hawkins, and Jeremy Elbaum, the Chief Commercial Officer of DraftKings.

DraftKings started out in 2012 and it was founded by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman. The company is headquartered in Boston and it offers online sports betting services and daily fantasy sports products.

Source: “DraftKings Set to Launch Mobile Sports Betting in North Carolina on March 11“, DraftKings. March 7, 2024.

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North Carolina’s tribal operators legalized retail sports betting in July 2019. Then, last June, state lawmakers legalized online sports betting as well, with the launch of the activity expected next month. So far, there are eight online sports betting operators that are expected to roll out their services with the opening of the market in North Carolina in March.

The list includes industry giants, DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as BetMGM, bet365 and Caesars Sportsbook. Moreover, Underdog Sports, Fanatics Sportsbook and ESPN Bet are also planning to launch their services with the opening of the legal mobile betting market next month. According to a recent report, the number of mobile sportsbooks is expected to grow further with the addition of another operator.

As announced by SportsHandle, Catawba Two Kings Casino, the premium gaming and betting venue in Kings Mountain, is also anticipating entering the mobile sports betting vertical. The venue is one of three that currently offer retail sports betting. The other two are Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee as well as Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in Murphy.

The Casino Is Expected to Select a Partner Soon

Reportedly, Catawba Two Kings Casino is currently exploring options for teaming up with a mobile betting partner. The venue would need to apply for a license with the North Carolina gambling regulator, the NC State Lottery Commission, but that can happen once it has selected a suitable betting partner.

Given that Catawba Two Kings Casino is in the process of selecting a betting partner, it is uncertain if the venue would be able to go through the licensing and be ready for the launch of mobile betting in the state. According to Tylee Tracer-Anderson, Catawba Indian Nation’s director of communications, the venue is currently assessing different options for a mobile sports betting operator to team up with. “We hope to have one chosen within the next few months and are looking forward to launching our new gaming venture,” he added.

Currently, 38 states along with DC offer some form of legal sports betting. The statewide expansion of the activity started back in 2018 after the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA.

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Two major online sportsbooks, DraftKings and BetMGM, have recently inked deals that pave the way for their operations in the Tar Heel State. 

BetMGM Forges Strategic Alliance with Charlotte Motor Speedway

BetMGM, recognized as a leader in sports betting and iGaming, disclosed its strategic partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway, a prominent motorsports and entertainment venue. The collaboration aims to bring BetMGM’s online sports betting platform to North Carolina once the state officially legalizes sports betting. 

Greg Walter, Executive Vice President, and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, stating that the partnership with BetMGM would not only enhance the sports fan experience but also contribute to North Carolina’s tax revenue, support colleges, and attract major events.

BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt also commented. He said: “BetMGM’s partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway meets a great demand for entertainment from North Carolinians. Together we will deliver a premier and responsible gaming product that benefits many state agencies.”

DraftKings Accelerates North Carolina Entry with NASCAR Partnership

Simultaneously, DraftKings, a major player in the digital sports entertainment and gaming industry, announced its partnership with NASCAR. The agreement involves a written designation agreement, marking a significant step toward DraftKings’ operations in North Carolina. 

Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America, highlighted the shared commitment between DraftKings and NASCAR in enhancing the fan experience, expressing anticipation for providing their leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina fans.

Upon launch, North Carolina would become the 27th state where DraftKings Sportsbook is operational, aligning with the company’s scheduled entry into Vermont on January 11.

North Carolina Sports Betting Committee Faces Tight Deadline for Launch Amid Operator Applications

These developments come shortly after the North Carolina Sports Betting Committee convened in 2024, adjusting the initial timeline for sports betting to be live after the Super Bowl. The state now faces a deadline of June 14 to finalize the necessary arrangements, with hopes of launching online sports betting in time for March Madness.

Seven operators, including BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and FanDuel, have already applied for licenses in North Carolina. Industry experts acknowledge the challenges posed by regulatory compliance but emphasize the importance of ensuring that all operators understand and adhere to the state’s laws and regulations.

Additionally, FanDuel and the PGA Tour are set to collaborate in North Carolina‘s sports betting market, building on their existing partnership. This move aligns with North Carolina’s opening for sports betting operators to form partnerships, attracting both established companies as well as emerging operators.

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In the closing chapters of this year’s state budget negotiations, the legislative arena buzzed with intensity as lawmakers in North Carolina wrestled over the unexpected proposal to legalize four casinos within the confines of the nearly $30 billion state budget. 

North Carolina Lawmakers Challenge $1.5 Billion Casino Investment Proposal

The controversial addition pitched as a rural incentive development program, earmarked a substantial $1.5 billion state investment for the establishment of three privately operated casinos. A potential fourth casino, to be managed by the Lumbee Tribe, loomed over Robeson County. Oversight of these establishments was slated for the Department of Commerce, with licensing falling under the purview of the North Carolina Lottery Commission, reported The Carolina Journal.

This audacious move, not subjected to the scrutiny of legislative committees, triggered a wave of dissent among lawmakers, most vocally from the Freedom Caucus, spearheaded by Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort, and Sen. Bobby Hanig, R-Currituck. Budget negotiations were momentarily derailed, forcing Senate and House leadership to withdraw the proposal from the budget. However, they emphasized the necessity of gearing up for a robust debate on more tightly regulated gaming options in the forthcoming legislative session.

The heart of the issue revolved around an intricate web of financial interests. An earlier analysis conducted by the Spectrum Gaming Group indicated a potential $1.9 billion market in North Carolina should three new resort casinos emerge. Each facility was projected to generate approximately 3,000 jobs and funnel $30 million into local tax coffers.

Gaming Giants Shape North Carolina’s Casino Landscape Amid Political Intrigue

Various gaming giants had already made their mark. Among them, The Cordish Companies, a Maryland-based commercial real estate group, led the charge, successfully lobbying for the rezoning of nearly 200 acres of land in Rockingham County for an entertainment district.

Behind the scenes, the influence of lobbyists and their financial clout became increasingly apparent. Allegations surfaced regarding significant contributions made by casinos to key state lawmakers’ political campaigns, totaling over $1.4 million. However, a deeper analysis revealed that this financial impact was a mere fraction of the broader contributions flowing from the gaming industry.

The power play extended beyond individual lawmakers to lobbyists, who maneuvered deftly in the legislative corridors, juggling roles between gaming companies and NCInnovation, a privately-run economic development initiative. 

Critics raised eyebrows as NCInnovation secured a $500 million earmark in the final budget, a significant cut from the initial $1.4 billion proposal. The lobbying teams, featuring prominent figures such as Tony Copeland, North Carolina’s former commerce secretary, and Tracy Kimbrell, the ex-general counsel for Sen. Phil Berger’s office, operated in a complex landscape of shifting alliances and political intricacies.

As the legislative session neared its end, the stage was set for a resurgence of the casino debate in 2024. Lawmakers, including Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort, voiced concerns not about the concept of casinos per se, but rather the opaque process by which they found their way into the budget. 

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Earlier this year, North Carolina legalized mobile sports betting. While the activity is expected to launch as planned, at some point by mid-2024, further efforts for the expansion of gambling activities were also seen recently. One such effort calls for the legalization of new casinos through the state budget.

A gambling proposal that is a part of the state budget, supported by Senate leader Phil Berger, seeks to authorize new casinos across North Carolina. Although the proposal may gain traction, considering that it is a part of the budget, it may also reach a dead end. Earlier this week, House Speaker Tim Moore addressed the gambling proposal that is a part of the state budget.

He explained that the way this proposal is pushed forward makes it “doomed.” Moore revealed that while it makes sense to legalize more casinos, just like the state’s plan for sports betting, the gambling proposal is unlikely to lift off. This is primarily because there were no details released before the state budget was made public, making it difficult for some lawmakers to support it.

Additionally, considering the way the budget is voted on, there can be no amendments made. According to Moore, this is precisely why the gambling proposal is unlikely to progress this year. He said that while a proposal to expand gambling might have gained traction as a separate bill, it is unlikely for the current one to progress.

“There were people (legislators) who probably would have supported it as a standalone bill who just felt like the way it was being done and not having any input in it, didn’t work.“

House Speaker Tim Moore

Efforts for Casino Expansion to Continue in 2024

While the future of casino expansion remains uncertain this year, Moore predicted that efforts may resume next year as well. Still, according to him, lawmakers that support the expansion would need to work on its promotion across North Carolina. This would be crucial for the success of the gambling expansion, added Moore, explaining that he himself won’t be “carrying the water on.”

The expansion of casino gambling in North Carolina is expected to introduce four new venues. Three venues are expected to be established in Anson, Rockingham and Nash counties. The fourth location is expected to be a tribal casino.

If North Carolina expands its gambling options, it is expected to benefit from fresh tax revenue. At the same time, new casinos would help boost tourism and visitations, while creating temporary and permanent jobs that are likely to positively impact communities.

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In a bold move, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has firmly rejected a controversial plan put forth by Republican state lawmakers. The plan aimed to tie the long-awaited expansion of Medicaid to an ambitious proposal to significantly expand casino gambling within the state. 

Medicaid Expansion Jeopardized as Governor Cooper Slams Casino Pairing

Gov. Cooper’s decision comes as little surprise, as he had already expressed his reservations about linking these unrelated subjects. On social media, the governor called the proposed pairing “the most brutally dishonest legislative scheme” he had encountered during his more than three decades in politics.

While both Medicaid expansion and casino expansion had at times been tied to the passage of a new state budget, their fates now remain uncertain. Initially, Republicans had voted in favor of Cooper’s efforts to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act earlier this year. However, they conditioned the final expansion on the approval of a state budget for the current fiscal year, which began on July 1.

Similarly, advocates for casino expansion had sought to incorporate their proposal into the budget, but this faced resistance from both Republican and Democratic members of the General Assembly.

Governor Cooper’s rejection of the Republican scheme indicates his willingness to take a stand, even if it jeopardizes the Medicaid expansion he has fervently pursued throughout his two terms in office. This expansion promises affordable health coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians and will prevent hundreds of premature deaths each year.

Governor’s Concerns Over Gambling Expansion Influence Decision

An administration official close to Cooper revealed that the governor’s decision was influenced by concerns regarding the potential negative consequences of a massive and unprecedented gambling expansion, including the risks of corruption and addiction, reported NC Newsline. Additionally, the projected tax revenue generated by the casino plan appeared to be comparatively modest.

Earlier this year, Gov. Cooper did sign a bill legalizing online sports gambling in the state, a move that garnered bipartisan support in legislative committees and floor votes despite its controversial nature.

However, while North Carolina is gearing up to launch online sports betting activities next year, and lawmakers are exploring the expansion of casino-style gambling, a recent report revealed that at least eight state lawmakers, including Sen. Phil Berger, received a total of $34,400 in campaign contributions from individuals connected to an out-of-state gambling operator, The Cordish Companies.

While accepting such contributions is not illegal, it has raised concerns among critics and financial analysts about potential unfair advantages as the state considers new casino developments and gambling expansion.

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The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has appointed Sterl Carpenter as its head of the gaming compliance and sports betting division. The man is an experienced and well-seasoned veteran who has more than 30 years of relevant industry experience, and he spent the last eight years with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, one of the country’s toughest gaming watchdogs.

North Carolina Taps Highest Qualified Person for the Job

Commenting on his appointment in a press statement, executive director of the NC Educational Lottery Mark Michalko welcomed Carpenter. He said that the search for a person fit for the position was long but the result was definitely to the regulator’s satisfaction. Michalko added:

Carpenter has experience in all aspects of regulations and licensing as well as compliance. We’re pleased to have someone with Carpenter’s experience and expertise leading this new gaming program in our state.

NC Educational Lottery’s Mark Michalko

Carpenter is stepping into his new position on August 2 and he will immediately be responsible for overseeing the regulation of sports gambling at a time when the state is looking to set up shop in the industry. North Carolina passed a law in June that allows it to run online sports gambling with up to 12 commercial sportsbooks expected to arrive in the market.

In light of the recent legalization, companies such as Internet Vikings and Continent 8 Technologies have already begun setting up their infrastructure in the Tar Heel State, preparing for the official rollout of sports gambling.

Sports Betting Market Launch Expected in 2024

Carpenter’s appointment is important not just because he is able to oversee an entire market and do so successfully. He has also been part of the Bay State’s betting program and its launch, which means that he is uniquely qualified to advise and share the best experiences with his colleagues in North Carolina.

When an exact launch may happen in North Carolina is not exactly clear as of right now. Hopefuls dream for a rollout that will coincide with the Super Bowl, which could be just the case as sportsbooks could in theory launch in time. However, the launch should happen by June 14, 2024, which means that how fast sportsbooks arrive in North Carolina will really boil down to how fast the regulator, and now Carpenter, move.

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There are currently three casinos that offer land-based gambling in North Carolina. The venues are run by two Native American Tribes and provide vital support in the form of jobs and proceeds for different initiatives. Yet, North Carolina recently expanded its gambling activities by legalizing online sports betting. While retail betting options have been available for a few years at the three tribal casinos, mobile betting is expected to go live early next year, possibly in January.

But while mobile betting is undoubtedly a step forward for the state, especially considering the statewide popularity of wagering on sports, further expansion of the gambling market in the state is possible. While lawmakers are yet to discuss options for the expansion of gambling activities, a new report suggests that such discussions can be expected this summer.

As reported by the Associated Press, North Carolina’s Senate leader, Phil Berger, recently commented on the possible expansion of gambling activities in the state. He explained that such discussions are undoubtedly serious. When asked to determine what are the chances of the state’s governor, Roy Cooper, receiving a proposal, which may be tied to a budget agreement or separate, Berger said “better than 50-50.”

Gambling Expansion to Create New Jobs, Raise Tax Revenue

According to Berger, the expansion of gambling in North Carolina would prevent the state from losing money to gambling in nearby states. Recently, neighboring Virginia opened the doors of a new casino. Upon visiting the location which is some 25 miles from Berger’s hometown, he explained that approximately 80% of the cars there had a North Carolina license plate.

By expanding gambling activities in the state, lawmakers would seek to reduce the money lost to such activities in nearby states and at the same time, raise tax revenue and create new jobs. Berger confirmed that raising additional revenue for the state’s coffers would bring “multiple benefits.”

“The gaming is already taking place in North Carolina, and gaming is taking place on the border of North Carolina that is pulling money out of North Carolina.“

Phil Berger, Senate leader in North Carolina

While discussions about the possible gambling expansion in North Carolina are likely to continue, opponents of the activity share their concerns. Despite the additional revenue and new jobs that can be created, anti-gambling groups warn that statewide expansion of gambling would bring more harm than benefits, impacting the lives of entire families and even children.

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The repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection (PASPA) dating to May 2018 marked the start of sports betting expansion in the United States. That expansion has been rapid as lawmakers in different states identified the benefits legal sports wagering can bring such as tax revenue, support for local teams and reduction of illegal offering. Five years into the expansion of betting, now, more than 30 US states offer the activity, while few are in the process of legalization.

North Carolina would be one of the latecomers into the mobile sports betting vertical, although it won’t be the last state to introduce such activities. This legislative season, a proposal has been gaining traction in the Tar Heel state, planning to introduce mobile sports betting and expand retail activities at the start of the new year. Only recently, the North Carolina state Senate passed the proposal, calling for the legalization of betting on horse racing, professional, college and other sports.

Now, legalization has never been closer, given that the state’s General Assembly greenlighted the proposal Wednesday. In a 68-45 vote, the bill successfully cleared the House. This pushed the proposal further to its final destination, as it will now require the signature of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. Once Cooper signs the bill into law, North Carolina will set a date for the expansion of its sports betting market.

Mobile Betting Expected Early in 2024

The bill would significantly expand sports betting in the state, which is currently limited to only three land-based casinos run by Tribal operators. But under the bill, North Carolina would open up to mobile sports wagering and expand retail betting options.

Per the proposal, the state’s Lottery Commission would be in charge of licensing and will be able to award up to 12 mobile sports betting licenses. However, there’s a restriction implemented that requires eight of 12 licenses to be tied to retail sports wagering outlets. Still, this leaves four licenses for mobile betting operators that aren’t tied to a retail outlet.

Given the recent traction of the proposal, it is likely residents in North Carolina to have a chance to place legal mobile bets early in 2024. The bill’s effective date is January 8, 2024. Yet, under the proposal, the Lottery Commission can set a different date within 12 months of the bill becoming law. In other words, if everything goes as planned and Gov. Cooper signs the bill into law, residents in the state may be able to wager on sports legally before the next Super Bowl.

The legislation plans an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue for sports betting operators. Early estimations predict that for the first three years of the activity, some $100 million in tax revenue would be raked by bets that may exceed $6.6 billion. Similar to other states, North Carolina plans to use the tax revenue to support sports programs, fund gambling education and addiction programs, as well as other programs.

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Tar Heel State lawmakers believe that they have sufficient support to see a sports betting bill through. This comes a year after talks about sports gambling legalization got muddled in the House of Representatives, although they did win the Senate during last year’s session. Regardless, no final decision was reached and the previous attempt petered out.

The bad news ends here, though. This year North Carolina’s House of Representatives and Senators have changed with mostly Republicans in power, who seem to be keen to see a sports betting bill pass through. Phil Berger, the Senate president, remains confident that there will be mounting support and diminishing opposition in both chambers given the political makeup of the Assembly.

North Carolina Confident in Passage of Sports Betting

“It is something the public overall supports. If you have a telephone, you already have access to it. You’re not supposed to, but it’s there,” said Berger in a realization that political preferences should give way to what the public wants. This should mean that any attempt to hamper the passage of a sports gambling bill would fail this year.

Last year, it was mostly due to “moral objections” that a law failed, but this is quickly becoming an unsustainable argument as the entire nation has been fast to legalize sports gambling with 33 states and Washington DC now offering this activity. North Carolina, though, has some bad habits to break away with.

North Carolina for one is seriously opposed to any and all sorts of gambling. The state has no commercial casinos, let alone pari-mutuel wagering, racinos, or any other form of gambling owned by private businesses. It does allow for the three tribal casinos to run gambling, though.

The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino are all viable and licensed properties that operate under tribal sovereignty and they are not generally considered the business of lawmakers. So, the question remains – will House Bill 347 clear its way to the top?

It has fairly decent support from both spectra of North Carolinian politics and is sponsored by Democrats (Ashton Wheeler Clemmons and Zack Hawkins) as well as by Republicans (Jason Saine and John Bell). In total there are 40 members of the House who have said they would support the bill, with only 21 more votes needed to secure a majority in the 120-member House.

Going Straight for Online Sports Betting

But what is HB 347 about? It’s an ambitious project that aims at scaling sports gambling very quickly and introducing online sportsbooks. This will do away with the usual toing-and-froing that lawmakers do in first introducing land-based sports betting and then bickering for months to expand the activity online.

North Carolina wants to jump straight for the online activity with at least 10 interactive licenses (but no more than 12). However, to get in, sportsbooks would have to foot a $1-million licensing fee. Renewals are also steep at $1 million and will be required every five years. Despite these rates, there should be no shortage of candidates.

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