The wait for mobile sports betting in North Carolina continues. But it may be cut shorter than most people thought.
Governor Roy Cooper legalized mobile sports betting in June, and since then, the North Carolina Lottery Commission has been actively recruiting staff and formulating regulations. They’re trying to get it launched as soon as possible. That could mean as early as January 8, 2024, but no later than June 14, 2024.
In a perfect world, the launch would happen closer to January 8th – the day of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Should the commission achieve the earlier end of this timeline, residents of North Carolina would be able to place legal bets on NFL playoff games via mobile devices. And it would give them all the opportunity to bet on the Super Bowl in February 2024. Once operational, the state could see the introduction of up to 12 mobile sports betting operators.
Launching Mobile Sports Betting in North Carolina
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission hired Gaming Laboratories Inc. (GLI) to assist with the launch of mobile sports betting. The commission is responsible for implementing and managing rules in alignment with HB 347.
The legislation was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on June 14 and mandates the commission to supervise online sports betting, retail sports betting outside of Indian territories, and pari-mutuel betting on horse racing within the state. This oversight also extends to North Carolina’s betting apps.
In a statement released earlier this month, North Carolina State Lottery Commission Chair Ripley Rand said, “This commission and the staff have been tasked with the enormous responsibility of licensing and regulating the newly enacted wagering activities while at the same time maintaining the quality work and highest standards of integrity with the lottery,”
North Carolina currently allows retail sports betting at two local Native American casinos.
Legislation Includes Licensing Fees
North Carolina’s legislation also states that funds collected from license fees and taxes will be allocated to various state departments. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services will receive $2 million annually for programs focusing on gambling addiction education and treatment. Additionally, $300,000 will be distributed among the athletic departments of several universities and colleges.
The legislation allows wagering on college events. The state will impose an 18% tax on net gaming revenues, and operators are required to pay $1 million for a license valid for five years.
When Will a Decision Be Made?
The status of the lottery commission’s development of rules remains largely unknown. However, we could learn much more about their plans and a potential launch date at its next meeting on September 27th.
But here’s what we do know. The commission does have the advantage of referencing the established legal sports betting regulations from numerous other states. This can guide them in formulating suitable regulations for North Carolina’s mobile betting sector.
“Many people want to know when North Carolina will begin permitting legal sports betting. The commission and staff take these responsibilities seriously and are committed to ensuring the job is done in a complete, professional, transparent, and timely manner. We will keep the public up to date about when these programs will launch,” Rand said.
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