Underdog has landed its North Carolina sports betting partner.
The New York-based sports gaming company announced Tuesday afternoon it secured a market access agreement with McConnell Golf, which operates the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro. North Carolina sports betting law was amended last September to require commercial operator applicants to enter into a partnership with an eligible entity to obtain a license. Sedgefield has access rights because it hosts an annual PGA Tour event, the Wyndham Championship.
Underdog Sportsbook North Carolina was the last to announce its partner among the seven commercial operator applicants.
‘Challenging The Status Quo’
Underdog has its roots in fantasy sports, where it has offered a variety of games, including pick ‘em and best ball contests, in 33 states and most of Canada. However, it’s been focused on sports betting for quite some time.
“We’ve spent the last four years building our own technology so we can give sports fans in America new and different ways to enjoy the sports they love,” said Jeremy Levine, Underdog’s founder and co-CEO. “We’re excited to be able to offer that to North Carolinians and look forward to evolving the experience with them.”
While North Carolina stands to be Underdog’s first sports betting state, the company did receive a license in late 2022 from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. McConnell Golf COO Christian Anastasiadis said Underdog’s philosophy fits well with its business vision.
“We, too, believe in thinking differently and challenging the status quo, and there is a lot of star power behind the Underdog Fantasy app,” said Anastasiadis. “I truly believe we found the right partner.”
Investors in Underdog include Mark Cuban, Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham Jr., Nas, Future and The Chainsmokers.
Next Steps For North Carolina Sports Betting
North Carolina has yet to set a launch date for online sports betting, although the goal is for it to be available statewide in time for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in March. Underdog submitted its application by the state Lottery Commission’s Dec. 27 recommended deadline, so it could take bets — if approved — on the first day.
An Underdog spokesperson tells BetCarolina.com the company will be in a position to start taking bets as soon as its possible in the Tar Heel State. And while the North Carolina sports betting law will allow for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, the deal with McConnell does not include one.
Other operators that have applied for North Carolina sports betting licenses include bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET North Carolina, Fanatics and FanDuel. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Nation, which operate tribal casinos in the state, have also applied for online licenses.
More information about North Carolina’s rollout plans could come as soon as Wednesday morning. That’s when the Lottery Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss sports betting activation plans.
