Next year will welcome expanded sports betting in North Carolina after Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 on Wednesday morning, clearing the way for mobile apps and online sportsbooks to launch in early 2024.
While it had been expected Cooper would sign the bill for some time, many waited to issue statements regarding HB 347 until it became law. For the state’s major professional sports teams, they are specifically looking forward to partnering with sportsbooks.
“We will now have the opportunity to build a world-class sports-wagering facility to expand the entertainment options around PNC Arena,” Carolina Hurricanes President and General Manager Don Waddell said in a statement. “Our plans will also include a restaurant and bar available to fans every day, helping to spur additional development in and around the arena district.”
The Charlotte Hornets, whose arena played host to Cooper’s signing, said they were honored the Spectrum Center was the site for “a very exciting day for sports fans” in the state.
“This legislation provides fans another exciting opportunity to engage with their favorite sports,” the NBA team said in a statement.
NASCAR, a longtime staple of North Carolina sports, will also get a chance to partner with sports betting operators, as will professional golf tours.
“This legislation will not only provide new entertainment opportunities for sports fans, but also promises to drive economic development throughout North Carolina," said a spokesperson for Speedway Motorsports, the parent company of both the Charlotte Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway. "We are grateful to those in Raleigh and across the state who have supported this initiative and worked hard to bring it to fruition.”
NWSL Franchise Will Also Reap Benefits
Besides the traditional “Big Four” sports leagues, the new NC betting apps law also allows the state’s major league soccer franchises to take part. That includes Charlotte FC in MLS, and also the North Carolina Courage of the National Women’s Soccer League.
The inclusion of the Courage is “a historic moment for women’s soccer and all of women’s sports,” team President Francie Gottsegen said in a statement.
“At a moment when women’s sports in general — and women’s professional soccer especially — are experiencing a significant period of growth, this is a validation of the heightened visibility, growing popularity and mainstream media and fan interest surrounding women’s sports,” Gottsegen said.
Heavy Interest In Panthers
BetCarolina commissioned an online survey last month to gauge sports betting interest in the Tar Heel State, and the results showed promise not just for North Carolina's pro teams, but also college programs.
When asked who they looked forward to betting on, nearly a quarter of respondents, 24%, said they want to wager on the Carolina Panthers. The North Carolina Tar Heels, the state’s flagship university, was the second choice at 10%.
Keep tabs on BetCarolina ahead of the mobile launch, and in the meantime, visit our dedicated Panthers playoff chances page.
