Last week state regulators announced that the earliest launch date of January 8, 2024, for online sports betting in North Carolina, won’t happen as more rule changes are required.
More Work to Be Done
North Carolinians hoping to place a bet in early January were sorely disappointed when it was announced that the earliest timetable of January 8th, 2024 for the launch of sports betting in the Tar Heel State would not be met.
Commissioner Ripley Rand asked Sterl Carpenter, North Carolina’s deputy executive director for gaming compliance and sports betting, during a meeting last week: “January 8th is the first date, but probably won’t be the date when betting is authorized?”
“Absolutely correct,” Carpenter responded.
It was reported that there is too much work yet to be done and a new launch date has not been announced. However, the stipulated legislation calls for a deadline of June 15th, 2024 for the North Carolina State Lottery Commission (NCSL) to launch mobile sports betting and it is likely it will occur before then.
Applications for operators are still not being accepted but when that process begins, Sterl Carpenter said the following steps must be followed:
- Operators will be investigated.
- Operators must submit internal controls.
- Operators must prove that they are not accepting bets outside of North Carolina or on federal or tribal lands within the state.
- Operators must provide details on their security and responsible gambling plan.
Over and above those requirements, the sports betting platform operators must have a “written designation agreement” with a team, league, or professional sports venue in the state.
First Partnership Inked
Speaking of partnerships, sports betting platform provider Bet365 has agreed to terms with the Charlotte Hornets to partner in a sports betting deal, the first of its kind in the Tar Heel State. The team has announced it will name Bet365 as the “Official Mobile Sports Betting Partner of the Charlotte Hornets.”
This will be the fifth professional sports franchise Bet365 has aligned with including the Washington Commanders, Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Guardians, and San Antonio Spurs.
“Everyone at Bet365 is thrilled to partner with the Hornets, as we launch our iconic sports betting brand in North Carolina. The Hornets’ rich and dynamic history is deep rooted in the Queen City community, and we’re abuzz to become part of their exciting future,” said a Bet365 spokesperson.
Enhanced Fan Experience and Branding
Hornets Sports & Entertainment Chief Revenue Officer Jacob Gallagher said, “We are excited to announce this partnership with Bet365. Since the day Governor Cooper signed sports wagering into law at Spectrum Center in June, we sought a partner that would help us provide our fans with new, additional opportunities to engage with their favorite sports teams. We are confident that Bet365 is a great fit with our organization and can help us do that.”
The deal includes bet365 signage and branding on the team’s website as well as the Hornets’ social media platform and app, as well as at the Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets.
Calculators
