North Carolina Sports Betting Guide – NC Sportsbook Apps Reviewed

North Carolina sports betting fans are among the luckiest bettors in the US. There are pro teams across the full range of major league sports based in Charlotte and Raleigh, as well as college teams from over 18 schools in the state. Not to mention two NASCAR race tracks, and a variety of legal NC sportsbooks, both online and at retail sites for in-person betting.

Next up, we’ll dive into the best options for NC sports betting – breaking down the top features, lines, and promotions of each sportsbook. We’ll also walk through the legalities in the state and shed light on everything you need to understand to begin online sports betting in North Carolina.

Top North Carolina Sports Betting Sites for July 2025

#1	#1 BetWhale Sports	Up to $1250 Sports Betting Welcome Bonus	Up to $1250 Sports Betting Welcome Bonus Quick and Hassle-Free Verification Process Live Streaming for In-Play Betting Action Instant Online Payouts with No Fees	Our Score 10 BetWhale Sports	Get Offer NO CODE REQUIRED
#2	#2 BetNow Sports	200% Welcome Bonus Up to $1,000	200% Welcome Bonus Up to $1,000 Weekly Rebates on Losses for All Sports Bets Exclusive Crypto Bonuses with Frequent Rewards Multiple Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, Amex & Crypto	Our Score 9.8 BetNow Sports	Get Offer NO CODE REQUIRED
#3	#3 BetOnline Sports	Up to $250 in Free Bets	Up to $250 in Free Bets Exciting Real-Time In-Game Betting Options Wide Variety of Sports Betting Markets Early Access to Moneyline Wagers	Our Score 9.5 BetOnline Sports	Get Offer NO CODE REQUIRED
#4	#4 BUSR Sports	100% Welcome Bonus up to $2,500	100% Welcome Bonus up to $2,500 Live Stream NFL, NBA, and MLB Games 10% in Horse Betting Rebates "Money Bag" Promotions for NFL, MLB, and NBA Games	Our Score 9.5 BUSR Sports	Get Offer NO CODE REQUIRED
#5	#5 BC Game Sports	Up to $20,000 Welcome Bonus	Up to $20,000 Welcome Bonus Hyper-Fast Transactions with a Big Range of Cryptocurrencies Interactive Bet Slip with Quick Bet Mode Exclusive Soccer Promotions	Our Score 9.3 BC Game Sports	Get Offer NO CODE REQUIRED

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Best North Carolina Online Sports Betting Sites Ranked

North Carolina sportsbooks have a lot to offer, but we’ve scoured the net looking for the best of the best. Some excel in their bonuses, while others offer more betting markets. Take a look through and see which NC sportsbook you find yourself drawn to.

Find the Best North Carolina Sportsbook For You

We’ve combed through as many online sportsbooks as we could find, trying to pinpoint their benefits to make choosing a site to wager at as simple as possible for you. You may prefer a site with more diverse banking options or bonuses specific to your favorite bet types. We’ve broken down our favorites into what they’re best at; read on to see what we’ve ranked highest.

1. BetNow – Best NC Sportsbook for Competitions and Contests

BetNow is one of our most highly recommended sites for Old North State betting. They’ve got a diverse sportsbook with deep markets and great odds, but it’s their variety of high-tier competitions and contests across all the major leagues that takes them to the next level.

NC bettors have a wealth of opportunities to take advantage of at BetNow, whether betting on the Hurricanes during the Grand Slam contest or the Tar Heels during Bracket Madness. NC sportsbook promos don’t often come as good as this. Although it would be remiss not to mention that while the mobile version looks a tad better, the desktop site appears somewhat dated.

💡 Expert’s Opinion

BetNow is known for its contests, and as NC sportsbooks go, it has a number of substantial welcome bonuses right now, too. These range from 125% to 200% deposit matches up to $1,500. However, what stands out is the site’s rebate program, which credits your account every Monday with 2% of your net losses – that might not seem like a lot. Still, it adds up over time, and is always a pleasant surprise to find that extra credit in your account.

2. BetOnline – Best Site for Ongoing Promotions When Online Sports Betting in North Carolina

At BetOnline, you will find options for betting on all the most popular teams in the state, across the NBA, NFL, NHL, and more – but you’ll also be able to take advantage of some of the best ongoing NC sportsbook promos around.

For instance (NHL fans), if the Carolina Hurricanes score two power-play goals and win the game, you earn Double Winnings up to $100 cash.

In addition to these regular promotions, you will find various betting squares, survivor competitions, and betting markets across over 30 sports, including political betting and esports, with competitive odds available across the board. The welcome bonus of $250 in free bets is reasonable, but it isn’t the strongest on the market.

💡 Expert’s Opinion

Aside from the bonuses and promotions, BetOnline stands out for mobile sports betting in North Carolina. It excels in most areas, particularly its diverse live betting markets, which include select live streaming, early lines, and instant crypto payouts with high withdrawal limits. The prop builder is great, too.

3. BetUS – Best Welcome Bonuses for Both Fiat and Crypto Depositors

BetUS is one of the most popular platforms for online sports betting in North Carolina. It’s known for its fast payouts and competitive odds, as well as a well-stocked tips page, The Locker Room, that offers a wealth of insights for both new and veteran bettors. For Tar Heels looking to register on a platform with 30+ years of experience serving the US market, there’s an opportunity to take advantage of a massive welcome bonus (see below).

Once you’ve signed up and made the most of these bonuses, you can dive straight into betting with up to $1,500 worth of credit from a crypto deposit, for instance. BetUS offers a diverse sportsbook with lines on all major leagues and extensive betting markets on NASCAR races, ranging from outright wins to car model-specific bets.

💡 Expert’s Opinion

All things considered, it’s no surprise that BetUS is one of the top North Carolina sports betting sites. We urge you to take note of the Tips and Picks page, which features YouTube videos breaking down insights and betting tips in-depth. These are particularly useful for those new to the game, but also serve as valuable reminders for experienced bettors.

How to Choose the Best North Carolina Betting Site

Sports betting in North Carolina has its perks, with a variety of state-regulated sportsbooks readily available, but international operators often go above and beyond to compete. If you’re looking for the best sportsbooks around, it can be worth looking further afield. We have a rigorous review process that thoroughly examines everything, from site security to banking methods and bonuses. Every site we’ve listed today has passed all scrutiny to earn its place among our recommended North Carolina sportsbooks.

• Accessibility from North Carolina – Obviously, we only recommend platforms that are accessible from NC – that goes without saying. In addition, state-regulated sportsbooks often employ geofencing, which means you can’t access them from your favorite if you travel to a different state. The sites we’ve selected, however, are all available on desktop and mobile, regardless of whether you’re betting in North Carolina, elsewhere in the USA, or most countries worldwide.
• Licensing & Security – One of our highest priorities for any site for online gambling in NC is safety. We verify that these sites hold a license from a reputable authority and ensure each sportsbook has up-to-date security measures, including SSL encryption and two-factor authentication systems, in place to protect your privacy and data.
• North Carolina Team Coverage & Betting Markets – There’s no point in us reviewing NC sports betting apps if they don’t offer betting lines on the top NC teams or the Tar Heel State’s favorite sports. We’ve picked through each of our recommendations to make sure they have a thorough range of options for NC bettors to enjoy.
• Welcome Bonus  – Finding your favorite betting site isn’t all about grabbing a good welcome bonus, but it helps. We’ve visited site after site, searching for the best offerings on the internet. Whether you’re betting with cryptocurrency or fiat, we’ve ensured there are NC sports betting promos for you to take advantage of.
• Banking Methods – Many NC sportsbooks have options for debit or credit cards, but many modern bettors prefer using cryptocurrencies when online gambling in NC. We ensure that every site offers viable deposit and withdrawal methods, ensuring that there are options available across the board.
• Recurring Promotions – We aren’t just interested in sites with a good welcome bonus; when looking for the very best options, we’re also hunting for NC sportsbook promos for regular bettors. Reload bonuses are important, but sites with VIP reward schemes and promo events will score higher in our ranking.
• Mobile/App – Mobile betting has become more and more popular, and although many offshore sportsbooks don’t have betting apps, sites like BetNow have made mobile browser optimization a priority. We run tests to ensure that every site and app we recommend has an intuitive UI and functions effectively on both desktop and handheld devices.
• Customer Support – Although it isn’t something you ever want to rely on, customer support can be vital. We look for North Carolina sports betting apps that have clearly labeled and thorough FAQs as a minimum, with direct messaging or phone lines with fast response times as a necessary additional requirement.

Registration: How to Sign Up at a North Carolina Online Sports Betting Site & Claim Your Welcome Bonus

We’ve done the hard part and narrowed down the top NC sportsbooks, so now all that stands between you and your first wager is picking the site that suits you the best and signing up for an account.

• Pick a site – Our top pick for wagering on teams based in North Carolina is BetNow, but don’t hesitate to check back through our reviews – one of our other favorites might be better suited to your betting needs.
• Create an account – Click the sign-up button and enter the requested details, including your name, password, and email address.
• Add funds – Now that you’re signed up, deposit with your crypto wallet or add funds by direct debit – make sure to take advantage of a welcome bonus with your first deposit.
• Place a wager – Start exploring odds and loading up your betting slip. You’re ready to place your first wager.

Is Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina?

North Carolina is currently one of the most progressive states when it comes to sports betting, with legislation and systems in place for up to twelve state-regulated online sportsbooks and multiple retail sportsbooks operated in partnership with tribes, thanks to native compact agreements.

There are also currently frameworks in place for expansion, following legislation passed in 2024 that opened up the market for major sports venues to partner with licensed operators to set up retail sportsbooks. At present, there are no non-tribal retail sportsbooks, but in theory, with more time and the right partnership, you could be placing wagers on the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte tomorrow.

Is There Legal Retail Sports Betting in North Carolina?

Yes, in 2019, state legislation was amended to allow tribal compacts to permit sports betting in North Carolina at tribal casinos. Since then, retail books have launched at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. The Catawba Nation joined the fray in 2022, opening kiosks for sports betting in Two Kings Casino.

Legislation shifted again in 2023 with HB347, which authorized major sports facilities, such as the PNC Arena and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, to partner with established and licensed sportsbook operators to provide their retail betting venues. So far, no action has been taken on that front – the only available retail sites for NC sports betting are at native locations.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Carolina

Yes, online sports betting is currently legal in NC, and is available at eight state-licensed sportsbooks. Old North State betting has been available at retail sites since 2019, when Senate Bill 154 was signed into law. However, online betting became an option only on March 11, 2024.

Despite taking a while to get there, when online betting went live in NC, $24 million of wagers were placed on the first day, confirming that the decision to legalize was a hit.

When Did North Carolina Legalize Sports Betting

Sports betting at retail sites has been legal in the state at registered tribal casinos since July 2019.  Following the confirmation of licensing rules and partnerships in late 2023, North Carolina legalized sports betting online in March 2024.

Does North Carolina Have Tribal Casinos with Sportsbooks?

Yes, at present, there are two tribal casinos with retail sportsbooks. Both were legalized in 2019 when an amendment was made to tribal gaming compacts to permit retail sports betting at tribal casinos under Class III status.

You can find retail kiosks at the Catawba Nation’s Two Kings Casino or place wagers at two EBCI venues.

Horse Racing Betting Legalities in North Carolina

Horse racing betting is currently legal in NC, but at present, there are no licensed operators in the state. HB 347 opened up the option for pari-mutuel wagering and advance deposit wagering on horses to Tar Heels in 2024. Still, with a $1 million licensing fee for operators, it is expected to take some time before we see any action in that arena.

College Sports Betting Legalities in North Carolina

Many states with available college sports betting have a host of caveats. These include prohibiting college players or coaches from betting on themselves, as well as banning prop bets on collegiate athletes.

NC is more lenient with college restrictions than most, but there has been a recent effort to align with the stricter regulations of other states, as evidenced by the proposed HB967 in 2024 (which failed to pass).

Esports Betting Legalities in North Carolina

Esports betting is legal in the state, but currently, NC sports betting apps aren’t able to provide esports betting lines. Although legislation allows it, there are no esports listed in the current sports wagering catalog. Though this is a source of frustration for esports fans, it won’t change unless a sportsbook opts to add those betting markets. In the meantime, esports betting is a primary feature at offshore sportsbooks, such as BetOnline and BetUS.

Politics & Entertainment Betting Legalities in North Carolina

Betting on political outcomes is prohibited in NC, so no sportsbooks that are licensed by the state can offer political markets. North Carolina online sports betting sites can’t currently provide betting lines on entertainment events like the Grammys or the Oscars because they are not included in the sports wagering catalog, much like esports betting markets.

DFS in North Carolina

In North Carolina, DFS is legal but isn’t state-regulated. Fantasy sports operators have the freedom to offer contests and competitions statewide to players aged 18 and above, though, and all the major platforms are accessible to NC participants.

What about Offshore Sportsbooks in NC?

If you haven’t heard already, offshore sportsbooks are a particularly appealing option for bettors across the US. They’re reliable betting sites licensed by respected international authorities, such as the Panama Gaming Commission or Curacao eGaming. They are regulated by international laws, meaning they often provide deeper betting markets across college sports or politics, and entertainment options that aren’t available at most sites regulated in the US.

Many US bettors also prefer international sportsbooks due to their more diverse banking options, which often include a wide range of cryptocurrencies, as well as more competitive odds and higher-tier rewards.

• Political and Entertainment Betting Lines – Offshore sportsbooks often have lines on elections and entertainment events like the Grammys – you can’t find lines like that on state-regulated sites in NC due to government restrictions.
• Wide Range of Banking Methods – The state-regulated sites in NC only accept traditional banking methods, such as debit or credit, and in rare cases, e-wallets; however, cryptocurrencies aren’t allowed. Offshore gambling sites accept a vast range of currencies, and crypto deposits often come with massive bonuses.
• No Geofencing – If you’re registered with a state-licensed sportsbook, you’ll find you can’t access your account if you go abroad or even between states due to the geotagging required for betting on those platforms. Offshore sportsbooks are available all over, so if you go on a work trip or vacation, you won’t lose access to your account.
• Anonymous Play – State-licensed sites often require a variety of data, not just an email address, to log in, including geotags, ID verifications, and more, even as part of the initial sign-up process. For those who prefer fast, anonymous betting, offshore sportsbooks are the go-to.

North Carolina Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Betting Options

In March 2024, NC legalized sports betting for up to 12 platforms in the state. Since then, eight North Carolina sports betting apps have launched and are overseen by the North Carolina State Lottery.

Mobile betting is at an all-time high due to the convenience of online betting apps. Thanks to the introduction of mobile devices, long gone are the days of driving to a retail site just to place a wager on the next game – and thanks to software development and fast internet speeds, live betting is now a viable option that makes wagering on the go all the more appealing.

Offshore sportsbooks like BetNow or BetOnline don’t tend to have sportsbook apps available to download (they do both offer downloadable poker clients, though), and instead choose to optimize sites for mobile browsing. These sites are just as fast and functional as apps, and can even be pinned to the home page on your mobile device to serve the same quick-tap function.

The Path to North Carolina Sports Gambling Legislation

NC has embraced sports betting more than most states, and is among the most progressive in the US as far as gambling restrictions go; however, it hasn’t been that way for long and was slow off the mark, being the 31st state to legalize sports betting.

• April 9, 2025: HB828 is introduced, suggesting a ban on college athlete prop bets…
• March 11, 2024: Online sports betting launches in NC with eight licensed apps, and legislative potential for further expansion.
• March 1, 2024:  Sportsbook pre-registration launches, allowing bettors to sign up for online accounts in advance.
• January 24, 2024: Online sports betting is publicly announced to launch on March 11th by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.
• June 14, 2023: HB347 is signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper, legalizing online sports betting and updating retail sports betting restrictions to allow partnerships with major sports venues.
• June 7, 2023: HB347 succeeds in passing the Senate vote (37–11).
• March 29, 2023: HB347 passes NC House (64–45). The bill includes a framework for up to 12 online NC sportsbooks.
• March 2021: Retail sportsbooks open at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River casinos, the first legal retail betting sites in North Carolina.
• July 26, 2019: Gov. Roy Cooper signs SB154 into law, amending the compact agreement and allowing tribal casinos to offer retail sports betting.

How Does North Carolina’s Sports Betting Legislation Compare to Its Neighbors’

NC has embraced sports betting in the state with legislation that allows North Carolina online sports betting and retail betting options. This hybrid model is the most progressive option among surrounding states. Despite that, many bettors in the area still favor offshore sportsbooks for their improved odds and deeper betting markets.

Tennessee

Sports betting in Tennessee has been legal and available online since November 2020, but unlike NC, it isn’t available at retail sites in the state. Esports betting is available in TN as part of the wagering catalog, and DFS is also offered. However, wagering on horse racing is not yet an option, and there are strict regulations on college sports betting.

Virginia

To the north of NC, Virginia happens to have the most similar framework in place compared to other bordering states. Virginia sports betting is available both in retail sites and online and has been active since 2021. Horse racing wagers are legal but limited, and DFS is available to participants over 21.

Georgia

Sports betting is currently unavailable in Georgia. Although efforts have been made to pass legislation to expand betting options in the state, so far, they haven’t garnered much support, and it is unlikely that we’ll see any movement in this direction in the near future.

South Carolina

At the opposite end of the gambling spectrum to NC, South Carolina sports betting is completely unavailable, along with most forms of gambling in the state. The only legal betting option is the lottery, which is available only at retail sites.

Most Popular Sports Teams, Athletes, & In-State Events for Online Betting in North Carolina

North Carolina has a great spread of local teams and events, so NC bettors are rarely struggling to find a team to root for. This is especially true across college sports, with the Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils being solid contenders in Division 1.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are based in Charlotte, NC, and since being established in 1993, have reached the Super Bowl twice. You can find them playing at home at the Bank of America Stadium, and you can find great odds on their games year-round at BetOnline.

Charlotte Hornets

After the originally established Hornets relocated to New Orleans, the top NC NBA team was replaced by the Bobcats in 2004. After a 10-year hiatus, they reclaimed the Hornet name and have been rebuilding the legacy since 2014. When it comes to betting on them, the regular NBA-themed competitions and cash rebates at BetNow make it a top choice.

Carolina Hurricanes

Located at the PNC Arena, the Hurricanes are an iconic NHL team. They won their first Stanley Cup in 2006 and have made the playoffs multiple times since. They’re known for playing fast with a solid defence, making them one of the better teams to back for shutouts at NC sportsbooks. BetOnline, with its power-play goal Double Winnings promo, is our top pick for hockey sports betting in North Carolina.

North Carolina Tar Heels

One of the most talked-about college basketball teams, responsible for winning title after title and producing elite athletes like Michael Jordan. The Tar Heels are a premier college team, and offshore sportsbooks like BetNow or BetOnline often have great odds on their games, deep markets, and fun competitions.

NASCAR

We couldn’t miss the opportunity to talk about North Carolina’s ties to NASCAR. The Charlotte Motor Speedway draws in bettors from all over the world for events like the Coca-Cola 600, and many of the best drivers are born and bred Tar Heels – so the state is a real hub for US racing culture.

Best North Carolina Sports Betting Promos for 2025

When searching for the best sportsbook, North Carolina sports betting promos are a crucial factor to consider. Welcome bonuses account for a significant portion of that discussion. Still, ongoing promotions, such as reload bonuses or larger promotional events, are also a vital part of the decision-making process.

NC sportsbooks have their promotions regulated by the state’s Lottery Commission, but offshore sportsbooks are precisely as the name suggests: licensed overseas. This means they tend to offer significantly higher value on welcome deals, but the deals can come with tougher terms. Be sure to read the fine print on any offer so you don’t fall foul of wagering requirements or expiration dates.

Deposit Match

A deposit match is a standard welcome bonus available at most sports betting apps in North Carolina. When you deposit at a site, they’ll give you a percentage back as credit to wager. If you put in $100 and they give a 100% match, you’ll have a total of $200 to bet with.

No-Sweat Bets

A no-sweat bet is a promotion offered at many North Carolina gambling sites. You get to place a wager without worrying about a loss – if you win the bet, you make the full payout; if you lose the bet, you get the stake back in credit.

Sports/Horse Racing Rebates

Rebates are a type of bonus promotion that regularly gives back a percentage of your net losses as credit for you to wager again, particularly rewarding for high-volume bettors, as returns are rarely higher than 5%.

Odds Boosts

Many of our recommended sites offer odds boosts; BetNow, for example, regularly features them alongside standard lines. The odds on popular games are improved, but there’s usually a lower betting limit.

Sport-Specific Ongoing Promotions

BetOnline is one of many sites that offer ongoing promos across a whole range of sports for regular bettors. You may find enhanced odds across the NBA, NFL, NHL, UFC, and more. They have an entire page dedicated to these promotions, including Split Decision refunds on UFC fights and One-Point Payback for NBA finals.

VIP/Loyalty Programs

Many sites offer loyalty programs or VIP boosts for regular bettors. BetUS features a tiered system with six levels, offering bonus perks that range from boosted deposits to VIP tournaments with substantial payouts.

North Carolina Sports Betting Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Mobile sports betting in North Carolina is consistently growing in popularity, and many new bettors and veterans alike make common errors when transitioning to online wagering. Using reliable sites with verified licenses is crucial, but there are other factors to consider when placing online bets.

Check the banking methods

Many bettors sign up for sites without making sure they have an appropriate payment method. Before online sports betting in North Carolina, make sure to read up on whether the sportsbook accepts your preferred method for both deposits and withdrawals.

Don’t chase losses

Keep a cool head and stick to your budget; if you try to make up for lost wagers with even bigger bets, you’re fast-tracking yourself to an empty pocket. Emotionally driven decisions rarely yield the best outcomes.

Make your own luck

Don’t assume that you’re going to win several legs on a parlay because you ‘feel lucky’ – do your research, whether it’s looking up driving history at Nascar or collegiate win rates, 30 seconds of research could be the difference between a losing bet and a winning wager.

Verify your account

Some users fail to verify their accounts when signing up at North Carolina betting sites, which can result in delayed withdrawals. Get ahead of the game and verify your account early.

Make the most of events

Most online sportsbooks in North Carolina offer regular promotions and events, along with rewards for regular bettors, as well as welcome bonuses. Offshore sportsbooks tend to provide better bonuses than state-licensed sites, so if you’re into Tar Heel State sports bets, don’t neglect the opportunities these sportsbooks provide.

Responsible North Carolina Sports Gambling

It’s important to us that you gamble responsibly. Old North State betting should be fun, and there are plenty of tools on our recommended sites to ensure it stays that way, from betting limits to deposit caps.

If you’re finding that those tools aren’t enough, or if online gambling begins to feel more like a problem, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

• More Than A Game
• North Carolina Problem Gambling Resources

You can also contact the North Carolina Problem Gambling Hotline at 877-718-5543.

Have You Found Your New Favorite North Carolina Online Sportsbook?

If you’ve made it this far, you surely have come to your own conclusion about which sports betting apps in North Carolina are right for you. Despite a variety of options for mobile sports betting in North Carolina, offshore sportsbooks have a significant edge in their more diverse betting markets, banking methods, and promotions.

Our biggest takeaway is that sites like BetNow or BetOnline offer much more than the state-regulated sites in NC. However, feel free to review our recommendations and make a choice based on your betting priorities. Thoroughly examine the bonuses, markets, and banking options before making a final decision. Once you’re ready, you can sign up almost instantly at any of our recommended sites and start wagering.

FAQs: North Carolina Online Sports Betting