Last month, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission endorsed 11 March as the launch date for online sports betting in the state.
However, players can register for accounts and deposit funds starting from 1 March.
This decision was not unexpected. When North Carolina’s governor, Roy Cooper, ratified House Bill 347 on 14 June last year, he also outlined a timeline for its execution.
The bill necessitated that North Carolina formulate sports betting regulations by 8 January 2024, and state operators must begin accepting wagers by 14 June 2024.
Speculation intensified recently after the Commission set a deadline of 26 January for prospective operators to submit their internal controls.
This week brought two significant updates as the state readies itself for 11 March. On Wednesday, the Commission granted two complete sports wagering supplier licences and seven additional provisional licences.
GeoComply and SBTech were the recipients of the two full supplier licences. Coupled with the seven provisional licences granted on 9 February, this brings the total to two full licences and 14 provisional licences issued by the Commission.
Provisional licences have a validity period of 180 days.
Also on Wednesday, the Commission sanctioned a voluntary self-exclusion scheme for North Carolina residents.
It is a component of the NC Problem Gambling Programme, which provides gambling harm prevention, education, and services.
House Bill 347 mandated an additional allocation of $2m per year to expand the programme.
Players can complete a voluntary self-exclusion enrolment form on the Commission’s website, choosing durations of one year, three years, five years, or lifetime.
Subsequently, players will be barred from placing bets online, in retail sportsbooks, or on horse racing. Any winnings will be forfeited.
Furthermore, North Carolina law now requires operators to enforce various rules for preventing gambling harm.
These encompass providing responsible gambling training to staff and ensuring advertisements do not target individuals under 21 years of age.
The next phase for operators
Operators are eager to enter the state. Caesars Entertainment will be a significant player – in January, it broadened its association with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to introduce mobile sports betting in North Carolina.
DraftKings, BetMGM, and ESPN Bet have also secured market access. Fanatics Betting and Gaming forged a partnership with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes ahead of the launch, while Underdog teamed up with McConnell Golf.
According to Legal Sports Report, on Wednesday, the Commission affirmed that it was collaborating with eight operators to have them licensed before the launch date.
In addition to the aforementioned, Bet365 and FanDuel are also in the pipeline.
Much is underway behind the scenes to ensure North Carolina’s sports betting market commences smoothly. Save the date – 11 March is poised to be a memorable go-live day.