North Carolina Lottery Commission Names New Department Head for Sports Betting

North Carolina took one step closer to launching the state’s new sports betting industry last week. The North Carolina Lottery Commission (NCLC) named Sterl Carpenter as their deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports betting. That means he will be charged with regulating the new industry, which is set to launch in 2024 after being legalized in June. The move will allow the NCLC to begin setting regulations and the licensing process, which will allow the state to begin accepting bids.

Sterl Carpenter comes in after spending eight years with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, meaning he will have valuable experience that the NCLC does not. That will be key as the state begins to focus on launching sports betting by January 8, 2024. There is a lot to be done before then, especially from a regulatory and licensing side. The NCLC hopes that Carpenter’s experience will help them avoid the mistakes of other states, leading to a smooth and on-time launch of the industry.

"Carpenter has experience in all aspects of regulations and licensing as well as compliance," NC Education Lottery executive director Mark Michalko, said in a press release. "We’re pleased to have someone with Carpenter’s experience and expertise leading this new gaming program in our state.”

Next Two Months Key for On-Time Launch in NC

While naming a new department head is a crucial first step, there is much that Carpenter and the NCLC will need to accomplish before then. The first step will be setting the guidelines for the rules and regulations around sports betting in the state. This will provide both operators and bettors with a clear idea of what can and cannot be done, giving both sides some transparency into the new industry.

Another key step will be launching the application process. The NCLC will need to determine the details around the applications, including the fee for operators to apply for one of the state’s licenses. Once that is set, they will then need to review and approve them in time for a January launch.

Lastly, the NCLC and Carpenter will need to set responsible gaming practices. The Commission oversees this important aspect, which state legislators will be watching closely.