• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 5, 2025

North Carolina’s Sports Betting Approval Is A Big Bump For Sportsbooks

  • Legalization arrives in one of country’s largest and fastest growing states
  • Bigger opportunities in California, Texas remain elusive to sportsbooks
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Legislators in one of America’s largest and fastest-growing states have approved a bill to introduce sports wagering, providing yet another fertile market territory for gaming operators.

The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation authorizing sports and horse-race wagering following prior approval by the state Senate — and reversing a defeat to anti-gambling advocates nearly a year ago. 

The bill now moves to Gov. Roy Cooper, who repeatedly has expressed support for the measure. If signed into law, the bill would allow betting as soon as January.

The move eclipses most other state approvals, as the Tar Heel State is the country’s ninth-largest in population with nearly 11 million people, hosts four teams in the five major U.S. pro leagues, and has enjoyed the third-most population growth among states from 2021-22. 

Prominent venues such as Bank of America Stadium and Charlotte Motor Speedway could also house in-person sportsbooks, with the bill allowing up to eight such venues in the state.

It’s another critical market for sportsbooks as they continue to build out a patchwork of legalized states. North Carolina researchers are projecting as much as $100 million in annual tax revenue from sports betting by 2028.

Not So Fast

The two most populous states remain elusive to gaming operators.

Last fall, voters in California overwhelmingly defeated two measures that could have legalized sports wagering there. Sports betting in Texas, meanwhile, is dead until at least 2025 after proposed legislation failed to receive consideration in the state senate — Texas lawmakers meet in alternating years.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Donald Trump

Trump Bill Has $1.6 Billion for Olympics, World Cup Security

Host cities have lobbied for federal funding to help with security costs.

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

California AG Says Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal

The AG rejected arguments that DFS are games of skill, not chance.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.

Featured Today

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

‘Existential Threat’: Underdog Sports Sues to Stop AG’s Fantasy Sports Opinion

The California AG is expected to release his opinion by Thursday.
Quincy Taylor
June 17, 2025

Several Americans Banned in British Basketball Game-Fixing Scandal

Five former Surrey Scorchers players were hit with lengthy gambling suspensions.
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena.
June 30, 2025

Malik Beasley Is Latest Betting-Related Headache for NBA

It’s the third NBA betting scandal in the last year-and-a-half.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Mar 30, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau'Jae Johnson (4) shoots against UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) during the second half of a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena.
June 17, 2025

Louisiana Sports Betting Set to Aid LSU and Other State Schools

Louisiana lawmakers have been creative in finding state money for NIL.
A view of the FanDuel Sportsbook betting area at Belterra Park Cincinnati.
exclusive
June 13, 2025

FanDuel, Kalshi Have Discussed a Deal

Could FanDuel take an equity stake in Kalshi?
Fanduel
June 10, 2025

FanDuel, DraftKings Add Illinois Transaction Fee in Response to New Tax

FanDuel will charge 50 cents per bet starting Sept. 1.
May 1, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; A general overall view as Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers players run across the Clippers logo at midcourt in the first half during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
June 6, 2025

Kalshi’s Momentum Fuels Crypto.com’s Fight Over Sports Markets

Crypto.com cited a recent Kalshi court victory in its own fight against Nevada.