North Carolina Releases First Set of Proposed Sports Betting Laws Ahead of Launch

The Tar Heel state took another step towards launching its sports betting market when it released proposed rules for how the new market will operate. The North Carolina Lottery Commission created the proposal, which was meeting for the first time since sports betting became legal. The group was picked earlier this fall to help the state build a framework for legal sports betting, leading to a smooth launch for operators and bettors. North Carolina will now review the rules for approval, though they are not expected to make many changes.

While the specifics of the rules have not been released, they will primarily be centered around how operators will operate in the state. That includes the licensing process, operator fees, advertising rules, and more. North Carolina cannot begin the process of selecting operators until the regulations are approved, making this a significant step.

“The biggest reason-- to make sure we've got some guidance some regulators process in place is so that the consumer is not taken advantage of so they understand what the rules of engagement are and the provider has to abide by that," North Carolina representative Jason Saine said of the process.

Assuming the state approves the rules set by the commission, we will likely see licensing kick into high gear soon. 

Launch Date is Still Pending

North Carolina approved online sports betting in June 2023, but a launch date has not been set. The Lottery Commission, which will regulate the industry, cannot begin accepting applications from operators until the rules have been approved. Once they are, they should be able to set a date for the launch of online sports betting. 

For now, North Carolina bettors are able to wager on games at one of the state’s three retail sportsbooks at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings.