FanDuel Becomes First Sportsbook to Announce March 11 Launch Pending License Approval

The North Carolina Lottery Commission recently announced that live sports betting will start on March 11. The date comes after rule changes led to them missing their original goal of launching in June 2024. 

FanDuel has become the first sportsbook to officially announce its platform will be live on March 11. They have begun marketing in the state and have set a March 1 date for pre-registration to begin. The platform allows North Carolina bettors to sign up for alerts leading up to the pre-registration window, allowing them to sign up as soon as it is available. 

The sportsbook’s ability to be the first to market gives it an advantage over the other seven operators who have secured partnerships in the state. One reason for their ability to be first is that they began marketing before they were approved for an operating license. 

The North Carolina Lottery Commission has confirmed they have not approved any operating licenses before the March 11 launch. While all eight candidates have secured the necessary partnerships with pro sports organizations in the Tar Heel State, none have been given the green light to launch.

FanDuel states on its site that its North Carolina launch is subject to regulatory approval, preventing backlash from the North Carolina Lottery Commission.

Eight Online Sportsbooks Expected to Go Live

While FanDuel is the only operator to begin marketing in North Carolina, a total of eight are expected to go live on March 11. That includes the following sportsbooks:

• bet365 - Partnered with the Charlotte Hornets

• BetMGM - Partnered with the Charlotte Motor Speedway

• Caesars - Partnered with the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission

• DraftKings - Partnered with NASCAR

• ESPN BET- Partnered with Quail Hollow Golf Club

• Fanatics - Partnered with the Carolina Hurricanes

• FanDuel - Partnered with the PGA Tour

Thanks to their tribal partnership, only Caesars will have retail locations available. They plan to open locations at Harrah’s Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.