North Carolina Sportsbooks: Best Apps and Bonus Offers

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes. Online sports betting has been legal across North Carolina since March 11, 2024, when eight licensed operators went live statewide under House Bill 347. Anyone 21 or older who is physically located within state lines can bet on mobile — no need to be a resident.

Online & retail betting are both live

Bet from your phone anywhere in North Carolina with any licensed sportsbook app.

North Carolina betting by the numbers

2024

Online launch year

Licensed operators

18%

Tax on operator revenue

$6.6B

Wagered in first year

How legal betting came to North Carolina

June 2023

HB 347 signed into law

Governor signs the bill legalizing statewide mobile sports betting, with the NC State Lottery Commission named as regulator.
March 11, 2024

Eight apps go live

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, bet365, and BetRivers launch simultaneously at noon ET.
2025

First full football season

NC clears $6B+ in total handle, ranking among the fastest-ramping new betting markets in the country.

If you only download one app in North Carolina, make it DraftKings — it’s the most complete book in the state. But FanDuel is a hair behind and a touch friendlier for beginners.

— Mike Noblin, Senior Editor at EatWatchBet

How we rank North Carolina sportsbooks

We open real accounts with each operator, deposit our own money, and bet across a full season. Five weighted factors drive every score:

Welcome offer value

Real cash value and how easy it is to actually claim.

App & usability

Speed, stability, and how good the bet slip feels.

Odds & markets

Pricing competitiveness and depth of state-relevant markets.

Payout speed

How fast verified withdrawals actually hit your account.

NC sportsbook quick comparison

Sportsbook	Our score	NC welcome offer	Best for
DraftKings	4.9	Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly	Best Overall
Fanatics	4.8	Get $1,000 in FanCash Matched Bets	Editor's Pick
BetMGM	4.6	Up To $1,500 in Bonus Bets Back	Great Odds
FanDuel	4.6	Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed	Best App
Caesars	4.4	First Bet Matched Up to $250	Best Rewards

Bet responsibly in North Carolina

If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available 24/7. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or the national line at 1-800-GAMBLER. Every licensed app includes deposit limits, cool-off, and self-exclusion tools.

North Carolina betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes, North Carolina legalized sports betting back in 2019. However, the options werestill limited to 3 tribal casinos (Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino). However, online sportsbooks have now officially launched in the Tar Heel State.

How many online sportsbooks will NC have?

The law states that North Carolina can have a max of 12 online sportsbooks. As of this moment, there are 8 online sports betting apps available in the state.

What is the legal age for sports betting in North Carolina?

The legal age for sports betting in North Carolina is 21 years old. This applies to both online and offline betting. All bettors must also be physically located within the state’s borders when placing their bets.

Are North Carolina online sportsbooks allowed to offer bonuses?

Yes! All the major sportsbooks offer attractive bonus packages, including bonus bets, deposit matches, and more. Pre-registration offers were a big hit in NC and now even bigger bonuses are available.

Do I have to pay taxes on my sports betting winnings?

Yes, the House Bill states that all sports betting winnings in North Carolina are taxable regardless of the amount won or if it’s a one-time or ongoing event. The taxes will be included as a personal income tax and subject to the 4.75% tax rate. This isn’t too bad compared to other states that are as high as 50% for big winners.

What sports can I bet on in North Carolina?

North Carolina’s law states that all traditional professional and collegiate sports and esports and international events are fair game. You should be able to bet on most major sporting events without any issues.

Can I bet on college sports in NC?

Yes, you can bet on college sports, including the Tar Heels and Wolfpack teams in North Carolina. Unlike a few other states that prohibit in-state betting on collegiate teams, North Carolina law allows for betting on all college sports.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

There are no major restrictions to report. As in most states though, all bettors must be at least 21 years of age.

What payment methods can I use for sports betting?

The most common payment methods used for online sports betting include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, PayNearMe, and bank transfers. Each online sportsbook app will have a whole host of solid options for depositing and withdrawing funds.

North Carolina · Editor’s pick

Start with DraftKings — Bet $5, Get $300

Our highest-rated NC sportsbook. No promo code needed, bonus credited instantly.

Claim offer

21+ and present in North Carolina. New customers only. Terms apply.

Best North Carolina sportsbooks

North Carolina sportsbooks, ranked best to worst

Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

North Carolina betting by the numbers

How legal betting came to North Carolina

How we rank North Carolina sportsbooks

NC sportsbook quick comparison

North Carolina betting FAQ

Start with DraftKings — Bet $5, Get $300