North Carolina Welcomes Mobile Sports Betting with 8 Licensed Operators

North Carolina Launches Mobile Sports Betting with Eight Licenced Operators

In a groundbreaking development for the US gambling landscape, North Carolina is poised to join the ranks of states offering online sports betting as it prepares to launch mobile sports wagering on March 11. As a seasoned gambling professional, dissecting the implications of North Carolina’s foray into the digital sports betting arena and the pivotal role of the licensed operators involved is essential to understanding the evolving dynamics of the US gambling market. Let’s delve into the details of North Carolina’s landmark decision and the strategic partnerships that will shape the state’s burgeoning online sports betting sector.

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission’s recent announcement of awarding eight interactive sports wagering licences to leading operators marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards legalized sports betting. Among the notable recipients of the licences are industry giants such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, alongside other prominent players including Fanatics, bet365, ESPN BET, Underdog, and Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise—a venture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

With the impending launch of mobile sports betting just around the corner, operators are required to forge partnerships with professional teams, leagues, and venues within North Carolina—a strategic move aimed at fostering collaboration between the gambling industry and the local sports ecosystem.

Ripley Rand, chair of the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, hailed the issuance of the first interactive sports wagering operator licences as a pivotal moment in establishing a regulated sports betting framework in the state. Emphasizing the commission’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and responsible betting experience for North Carolinians, Rand expressed confidence in the upcoming launch, slated to provide residents with secure access to a diverse array of sports betting options.

In addition to the licensure of operators, the commission also approved sports wagering supplier licences for key industry stakeholders, including GeoComply, SBTech Malta, and Sportradar. Moreover, sports wagering services provider licences were granted to established entities such as Caesars Sportsbook, theScore, and SDSV (Gibraltar) Limited—underscoring the state’s proactive approach in cultivating a competitive and regulated online sports betting market.

North Carolina’s foray into mobile sports betting was set in motion following the enactment of HB 347, signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on June 14, 2023. The legislation paves the way for betting on a wide range of sporting events, including horse racing, professional leagues, college sports, Olympic competitions, and esports, through mobile devices—an unprecedented expansion of gambling options for residents across the state.

As North Carolina prepares to embark on its digital sports betting journey, the convergence of regulatory oversight, industry partnerships, and technological innovation promises to redefine the landscape of sports wagering in the state, ushering in a new era of entertainment and economic opportunity for operators and bettors alike.