There are 8 online sportsbooks in North Carolina and 3 retail sportsbooks.
When it comes to the online sportsbook apps in NC, I primarily use FanDuel, Caesars, and bet365, but I also have BetMGM, Fanatics, and others downloaded for line shopping and hunting for promos.
Let's dive into the full list of NC sportsbooks, including the sign-up bonus at each, where each excels and falls short, and other important info you should know.
List of All North Carolina Sportsbooks
There are 7 active sportsbooks in North Carolina out of the 12 available spots for betting sites.
State rules require each sportsbook to team up with a local sports entity—a pro team, a PGA Tour course, or a NASCAR track. These teams and venues must be based in North Carolina and host events within the state.
Here’s my ranking of all the sportsbooks in North Carolina, along with what I see as their top features:
- FanDuel: Best Overall Sportsbook
- Caesars: Best for Betting on the Charlotte Hornets
- bet365: Best for Odds Boosts
- BetMGM: Best for Golf Betting
- DraftKings: Best for Betting on the Carolina Panthers
- Fanatics: Best Features
- theScore Bet: Best for Betting on the Carolina Hurricanes
1) FanDuel: Best Overall Sportsbook
FanDuel locked in its spot in North Carolina by teaming up with the Carolina Panthers and the PGA Tour.
From top to bottom, FanDuel is the best sportsbook in North Carolina. They’ve got the sharpest odds, great promos, cutting-edge features, a vast range of betting options, and the best app design I’ve used.
Digging deeper, FanDuel is my go-to for NCAAF betting, and we all know how big that is in North Carolina. You can bet on UNC to take the ACC title or make the playoff. For individual games, they’ve got lines on first-drive results, player props, and game specials like 4+ TDs in each half.
Switching to the NFL, there’s plenty of action for Panthers fans. One of my favorite new additions is their “futures fusion” bets, where you’ll find unique combos like all four AFC South teams to win more games than the AFC East teams.
Regarding promos, FanDuel is the place to be in NC. They’ve got a big welcome bonus, 50% profit boosts, no-sweat same-game parlay tokens, a referral bonus, and even a weekly parlay contest with a shot at a $50K prize pool.
Adding a sportsbook tie-in with their loyalty program would be even better. And while we’re being picky, one thing that bugs me is their tendency to push parlays a bit too hard.
FanDuel Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 94/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days
- Best Features: Odds competitiveness, market variety
- Biggest Drawbacks: No sportsbook rewards program, not many daily odds boosts
- Number of Sports: 21+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (typically faster)
- Rewards Program: DFS & Casino only
Check out my FanDuel Sportsbook review for a full breakdown of the app.
2) Caesars: Best for Betting on the Charlotte Hornets
Caesars had a presence in North Carolina long before online betting went live, thanks to their retail sportsbooks at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. They partnered with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to bring their online sportsbook to NC.
Caesars is as good as it gets if you’re looking to bet on the Hornets or other NBA teams. For starters, they often offer some of the best odds on straight bets, meaning you’ll likely get the most bang for your buck if that’s your go-to play.
I’m also a massive fan of their NBA futures. Besides the usual offerings, they’ve got lines for stat leaders (points, assists, rebounds, etc.) and over/under season wins for every team. You can also bet on in-season tournament winners or fun specials like any team winning 15+ straight games or Bronny James scoring 15+ points in a regular-season game.
Caesars offers excellent incentives for regular bettors. My favorite is their odds boosts, of which they dish out more than 50 daily. Another huge plus is that you can advance in the Caesars Rewards program while betting online and cash in those points for perks at local retail venues like Harrah’s.
It’s not exactly a hot take, but Caesars is super easy to use. The minimalist design and clean layout make everything simple. I really appreciate how futures bets pop up right away when you open a sport. You’d be surprised how many books make you dig around to find those long-term plays.
If I have to nitpick, Caesars can be slow to post lines for non-major sports. Also, their customer support can sometimes take a bit longer to respond than I’d like.
Caesars Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 93/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: First Bet Match up to $250
- Best Features: Loyalty program, user-friendly UX
- Biggest Drawbacks: Slower payout speeds, sluggish customer service
- Number of Sports: 23+
- Payout Speed: Up to 72 hours
- Rewards Program: Caesars Rewards
Check out my Caesars Sportsbook review for a full breakdown of the site.
3) bet365: Best for Odds Boosts
bet365 teamed up with the Charlotte Hornets to break into the North Carolina market.
Even though Caesars usually gets the hype for odds boosts, bet365 leads the pack. They offer 5+ boosts daily for every sport. So if you’re betting on something offbeat like cricket or lacrosse, they’re the go-to since they’re the only ones supercharging those markets. Whether all of their boosts are valuable is a different story, but there are some gems worth picking.
A big selling point for bet365 is their signature early payout promos. For example, in an NCAAF game between NC State and Northern Illinois, they’d pay out your moneyline bet on NC State if the Wolfpack takes a 17-point lead.
bet365 is the top book for NASCAR, which is massive in North Carolina. Whether it’s the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway or any other race, you’ll have plenty of betting options—winning car number, head-to-head matchups, top 5 finishes, and much more.
Given bet365’s UK roots, it’s no surprise they have such a fantastic soccer betting program. You’ll find over 110 markets for Charlotte FC games, including corners, goals, and Asian handicaps. You can even throw together same-game parlays, which not every book lets you do for soccer.
On the downside, they’ll probably cut your max bet limits if you're on a hot streak. Also, logging in just to see parlay odds can be a bit of a time-waster, which is a slight knock.
bet365 Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 89/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 First bet safety net or bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Auto Cash Out, insane number of odds boosts, early payout promos
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar prop odds, no sportsbook rewards program
- Number of Sports: 26+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: None
Read our full bet365 review to learn more.
4) BetMGM: Best for Golf Betting
BetMGM hit the North Carolina market on March 11, 2024, after teaming up with the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
When it comes to golf betting, BetMGM is my top choice. The reason? They’re the only book that pays out ties in full. Most books cut your payout if your golfer ties in for a spot, but BetMGM doesn’t shortchange you.
So, if you bet Tiger Woods at 25-1 to finish in the top 20 and he ties with four others for fifth, BetMGM still gives you 25-1 odds—no cuts. For golf bettors, that’s a game-changer. Whether you’re placing bets on the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow or the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, BetMGM’s the place to be.
BetMGM also crushes it with NFL betting. They’ve got many options for every game, and their new “Original Bets” feature props like whether the first play from scrimmage will result in a first down or when the first points will be scored.
BetMGM has exclusive features you won’t find everywhere else, like “Edit My Bet” and “Partial Cash Outs,” which let you tweak your bets or cash out a portion before the game’s over.
What sets BetMGM apart in North Carolina is how they tailor their offers to local teams. You’ll find odds boosts and unique bet types for NC squads, and you can even select the Panthers as your favorite NFL team to get custom offers throughout the season.
On the downside, the user experience can be rough. The interface isn’t always smooth, and the app can sometimes be slow. You might need to double-click to log in or place a bet, and the desktop version doesn’t run as fast as some other books.
BetMGM Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Edit My Bet, NFL rewards
- Biggest Drawbacks: Quickly limits sharps, UX can be a bit buggy
- Number of Sports: 19+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: MGM Rewards
Check out my BetMGM Sportsbook review for a full breakdown of the site.
5) DraftKings: Best for Betting on Carolina Panthers
DraftKings landed in North Carolina on March 11, partnering with NASCAR.
For NFL betting, especially if you're looking to back the Panthers, DraftKings is my top pick. Their selection of NFL props is unmatched. Just in the passing category alone—one of more than a dozen prop categories—you’ll find options like pass attempts, completions, alternate passing yards, and more. They also offer fun game props, like betting on whether the opening kickoff will be returned for a touchdown.
Another reason is their -120 odds on Wong Teasers (2-team, 6-point), one of the most popular NFL wagers. Most other books offer these at -130 or worse.
DraftKings also delivers when it comes to NBA futures, and one of the more unique options is player averages, where you can bet on a player to average 20+ points, rebounds, or blocks per game during the season.
One of DraftKings’ biggest downsides—which can be a dealbreaker—is their weaker odds than other books. After analyzing thousands of games, we found DK to offer some of the worst odds. They’re also known for imposing strict limits on winning bettors.
DraftKings Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- Best Features: Market depth, profit boost tokens
- Biggest Drawbacks: Odds not always competitive, quickly limit winners
- Number of Sports: 25+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards
Check out my DraftKings Sportsbook review for a full breakdown of the site.
6) Fanatics Sportsbook: Best Features
Fanatics hit the North Carolina market on March 11, 2024, teaming up with the Carolina Hurricanes.
What I like about Fanatics is they bring something different to the table. They’ve got features you won’t find on other NC books, like “Discover,” an AI tool that personalizes your experience by recommending bets and promos based on what you’ve done before.
Fanatics is also one of the few betting sites offering partial cashouts and Same Game Parlays+ (they call it SGP stack), where you can combine two picks from one game with two from another, like pairing bets from a Panthers game with picks from a Hornets game.
Their odds are another strong point. My market analysis shows that Fanatics offers the second-best odds overall in NC, only slightly behind FanDuel.
FanCash is a big selling point, too. It’s a cashback loyalty program where you earn a percentage of your stakes back in points, which you can trade for gear or bonus bets.
The app is solid and loads quickly. Whether you’re placing bets or checking your account, you won’t run into annoying lag as long as you’ve got a decent internet connection.
The biggest downside is that there’s no desktop platform. You’ll have to do all your betting on the mobile app, which is a bit too cluttered for my liking.
Fanatics Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 81/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet$5, Get $200 in FanCash
- Best Features: Valuable sign-up bonus, competitive prop odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Confusing interface, no desktop site, quick to limit winners
- Number of Sports: 15
- Payout Speed: Up to 3 business days
- Rewards Program: FanCash Rewards
Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook review to learn more.
7) theScore Bet: Best for Betting on Carolina Hurricanes
theScore Bet entered the North Carolina market by partnering with Quail Hollow Club.
If you want to get in on the Hurricanes or any NHL action, theScore Bet is a great option. They offer some of the most competitive NHL odds around. My odds analysis shows they have the lowest vig on NHL games of all NC sportsbooks, which gives you better overall odds.
Their NHL futures lineup is also strong, featuring bets like who will have the worst regular season record, which team will hit 100+ regular season points, and unique head-to-head matchups for most goals scored. This last option, where two top scorers are pitted against each other, is exclusive to theScore Bet.
Their live betting platform checks all the boxes, with competitive odds across various sports and plenty of betting options. They also throw in extras like live streaming and Same Game Parlays+, which make the live betting experience even better.
While theScore Bet might not stack up to DraftKings or FanDuel in terms of sheer market variety, they offer some creative bets. For example, they let you bet on an NFL player not scoring a touchdown, which isn’t something you see everywhere.
The biggest letdown is the user experience. The layout can feel clunky, and the platform's responsiveness isn’t always great.
theScore Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 73/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets if you win
- Best Features: Sports variety, competitive pre-game odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar user experience, not many features
- Number of Sports: 20+
- Payout Speed: 1 to 5 banking days
- Rewards Program: PENN Play Program
Read through the full theScore Bet Sportsbook review to learn more about what it now offers customers.
North Carolina Sports Betting Quick Facts
Online sports | 7 |
Max number of betting apps per law | 12 |
Retail sports betting | Yes |
Legalization date | June 14, 2023 |
Market launch date | March 11, 2024 |
State regulator for betting | |
College betting | Allowed |
Esports betting | Allowed |
Min age for registration | 21 |
Payment method exclusions | None |
Tax rate on operators | 18% |
Remote registration | Yes |
Online casinos | No |
List of Retail Sportsbooks In North Carolina
Currently, there are three retail sportsbooks in North Carolina, with FanDuel planning to open a spot at Bank of America Stadium soon. Here’s where you can place your bets in person:
Retail Sportsbook | Address |
Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's Cherokee Valley River | 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906 |
Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's Cherokee Harrah's Cherokee | 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC 28719 |
Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook | 538 Kings Mountain Blvd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 |
North Carolina Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes, it is. Governor Roy Cooper signed the sports betting bill into law in 2023, and mobile sportsbooks went live in March 2024.
What’s the best online sportsbook in North Carolina?
According to my analysis, the top sportsbooks in North Carolina are FanDuel, Caesars, Bet365, BetMGM, and DraftKings.
Which sportsbook in North Carolina has the best odds?
FanDuel Sportsbook is known for consistently offering the best odds in North Carolina based on our ratings.
How old do I have to be to bet at North Carolina sportsbooks?
You must be at least 21 to place bets at any North Carolina sportsbook.
Do I have to be a resident of North Carolina to bet?
No, you don’t need to be a resident, but you must be physically located in North Carolina when placing your bets.
When did online sportsbooks launch in North Carolina?
North Carolina online sportsbooks kicked off in March 2024.
Is e-sports betting legal in North Carolina?
E-sports betting is permitted in North Carolina.
Is college sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in North Carolina, but betting on in-state college teams or individual player prop bets is restricted.
Are there physical sportsbooks in North Carolina?
There are retail sportsbooks in North Carolina located at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. FanDuel also plans to launch a retail sportsbook at Bank of America Stadium.
Do I have to pay taxes if I win a sports bet in North Carolina?
Yes, gambling winnings are subject to federal taxes at a rate of 24%. Depending on the amount won, North Carolina residents may also be required to pay additional state taxes.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in North Carolina?
No, offshore sportsbooks like Bovada are not legal in North Carolina.
