Sports betting is now legal in North Carolina after Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law on Wednesday, opening the door to regulation of the practice. Under the approved plan, which Cooper said will benefit the state’s economy “for generations,” gambling could begin as early as next January 8, and mid-June 2024 at the latest.
The Governor signed House Bill 347 at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center, home to the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and was joined by lawmakers from both parties at the event. “This is a historic moment for the state of North Carolina,” Cooper said. “This will benefit our economy for generations to come.”
Bill 347 passed through both chambers of the NC General Assembly earlier this month. The law calls for the state Lottery Commission to award 12 licenses for operators to take online sports bets. Additionally, eight facilities in the state will be able to operate a sportsbook.
Those facilities allowed to conduct sports betting include Bank of America Stadium, Spectrum Center, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Quail Hollow Country Club, North Wilkesboro Speedway, PNC Arena, WakeMed Soccer Park, and Sedgefield Country Club.
“It will benefit taxpayers by giving them a portion of the earnings,” Cooper said, as reported by WCNC. “Sports wagering is already happening in our state. Surrounding states here and across the country are already taking advantage. This legislation allows the state of North Carolina to regulate it and to put safeguards on it, as well as provide funding for helping people with problem gambling.”
