Yesterday morning, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law, making sports betting apps and venues legal throughout North Carolina. But that doesn’t mean the apps are rolling out just yet.
The bill’s regulations and licensing structures must be approved by the the North Carolina State Lottery Commission by January 8, 2024. The commission also has until June 14, 2024 to allow sportsbooks operators to begin business.
Up to 12 sports betting apps are allowed — plus, eight venues hosting professional sports teams have the option of adding brick-and-mortar sportsbooks on-site. Sports betting is already legal at tribal casinos operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Nation. The casinos can partner with an online provider without counting toward the 12 apps allowed.
Operators will pay an 18% tax on revenue to the state, with a portion of those proceeds supporting North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for problem gambling treatment. Additional funds will support youth sports programs.
