Sports betting has officially taken off in North Carolina and it’s been a wild 9 months since the sportsbooks opened their doors on March 11, 2024. That means there’s no shortage of betting opportunities and bonus offers to take advantage of.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, or even UNC Tar Heels basketball, there are now tons of ways to get in on the action.
Several major sportsbooks have entered the NC market and each offers massive promotions and sleek mobile apps to make betting easy and undeniably enjoyable.
Sports betting in North Carolina has come a long way over the past few months.
Sure, retail sports betting began in 2019 at tribal casinos, but it wasn’t until June 2023 that online wagering became a reality when Governor Roy Cooper signed the bill into law. This ultimately set the stage for North Carolina’s online sports betting launch in March 2024. Once the law went into effect, the North Carolina Lottery Commission was assigned as the agency to set all regulations and ensure compliance throughout the industry.
Before you can start loading up your bet slip there are a few restrictions to note.
Bettors must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state borders. The major sports betting apps do this by verifying your location through geolocation technology.
As for what you can bet on, there’s not too much you can’t do. While North Carolina residents can bet on in-state college teams like Duke, UNC, and even NC State, high school sports betting remains prohibited; that’s a fairly common restriction throughout all of the legal sports betting states.
So far, the response has been nothing less than tremendous. By mid-2024, the state had generated nearly $2 billion in total betting handle. This just goes to show that North Carolinians are embracing their new pastime in droves.
With 8 major sportsbooks now live in North Carolina, the competition for customers is fierce. That’s great news for bettors, as it means there are plenty of attractive promos and bonuses to get started.
To help you get started, we’ve found some of the best ones in the industry. We think you’re going to love what they’re offering.
Must be 21+. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.
This is one of the most beginner-friendly promotions on the market.
New users can bet just $5 to unlock $150 in bonus bets. The best part is that there are no complicated conditions attached.
But it doesn’t stop there; they’re giving you an option if you don’t like that offer. Bet365 also offers a First Bet Safety Net, which refunds up to $1,000 if your first bet loses.
For casual bettors or those just testing the waters, we really recommend the Bet $5, Get $150 option.
Must be 21+. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.
If you’re looking to start with a modest bankroll, Underdog’s deposit match is one of the best choices.
By depositing as little as $10 and using our exclusive promo code “INSIDER,” you’ll instantly double your betting power. This means they’ll match dollar for dollar up to $100. If you deposit $50, they’ll give you $50. If you deposit $100, they’ll give you $100.
Underdog is known throughout the fantasy and player prop markets and they’re already starting to make big strides in the sports betting market.
Must be 21+. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.
Known for its top-tier app and exceptional user experience, DraftKings offers quite a deal for new bettors.
With no waiting period for your bonus bets, you can jump right into the action on NFL games, NBA matchups, or even niche sports markets like NASCAR or golf.
All you have to do is bet $5 and they’ll credit your account with $150 — instantly. There’s no waiting to see if that first bet wins or loses, the bonus is yours.
Must be 21+. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.
BetMGM’s promotion caters to the more seasoned bettors in North Carolina.
If your first wager doesn’t hit, they’ll refund the full amount — up to $1,500 — in bonus bets.
This is very similar to Bet365’s no-sweat first bet of $1,000, just with a little more power behind it.
This promo is perfect for those who like to take bigger risks on their bets while having a safety net to fall back on.
Go big or go home, right?
Must be 21+. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.
FanDuel’s promo is another big one that we’re excited about — especially for basketball fans.
Alongside the $150 in bonus bets, the 3 months of free NBA League Pass lets you stream games and track your bets in real-time. This means you can place a bet on the Charlotte Hornets and watch the game as it unfolds. If you really want to get into the action, you might want to try out live betting with your $150 bonus bets while you watch the game.
We absolutely love their promos, but these sportsbooks bring a lot more to the table than just bonus bets. All of their apps are well-polished and easy to navigate. These apps are designed to make placing bets simple and fast, with features like live betting, detailed stats, and personalized notifications.
DraftKings and FanDuel lead the pack when it comes to app functionality. We’ve come to expect that from big names like these two. Their interfaces are insanely intuitive, allowing you to switch between betting markets, promotions, and even account management with a couple of taps.
Bet365 is known for its live betting. They offer one of the largest selections of in-play markets. If you enjoy betting as the action unfolds, their app is a must-try and we think you’ll love it.
BetMGM and Caesars are known for their loyalty programs. These reward frequent bettors with perks like free bets, hotel discounts, and VIP experiences. The more you bet, the more perks you receive.
Underdog takes a different approach than the rest making sports betting extremely simple for the uninitiated. Their app offers a refreshing change from the rest.
There are other sports betting apps in the Tar Heel State, but these are the best ones with the best bonuses.
With professional and college teams dominating North Carolina’s sports culture, NC has no shortage of passionate fans. Sports betting has only amplified this enthusiasm and it centers on a few of the biggest teams in their leagues.
The Carolina Panthers are a huge draw for NFL betting in and out of North Carolina. With fans placing bets on spreads, totals, and player props during the season, the Panthers draw in tons of bets each week. Their divisional matchups have been among the most bet-on games since March.
The Charlotte Hornets, led by an exciting roster, bring basketball fans to the sportsbooks. This is especially true during playoff pushes as we saw last season. FanDuel’s NBA-focused promo is particularly appealing to Hornets fanatics.
College sports have always been king in North Carolina. The Duke Blue Devils and UNC Tar Heels basketball programs are staples of March Madness betting and we’re sure we’ll see them around this March as well. North Carolina’s sportsbooks allow fans to bet on these powerhouse teams, adding extra stakes to games that already carry quite the emotional weight.
As the market continues to grow, we’re expecting even more innovation from the major sportsbooks. Features like same-game parlays, live-streaming options, and enhanced cash-out tools are becoming more common across all platforms.
North Carolina’s tribal casinos, including Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Catawba Two Kings Casino, are also expected to expand their retail sports betting options. These venues offer a more social betting experience, complete with live game viewing and food and drink specials. If hanging out in the sportsbook is your cup of tea, then you might want to check those out.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to get in on the action in North Carolina. With huge promotions and user-friendly apps, sportsbooks are making sure fans can experience the games they love in new and thrilling ways.