Explore the dynamic world of sports betting in North Carolina. From professional teams like the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Carolina Hurricanes to collegiate basketball powerhouses, our guide covers a wide range of betting options available in the state. Discover insights, tips, and the latest updates on North Carolina’s sports betting.
North Carolina officially launched online sports betting in June 2024, providing residents with access to up to 12 licensed online sportsbooks and eight retail betting locations. Signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper through HB 347, the legislation allows betting on professional, college, amateur, and esports events, as well as parimutuel wagering on horse racing.
In its first six months, the state generated over $800 million in total handle, contributing $65 million in tax revenue to support gambling addiction programs and athletic departments. Operators are prohibited from deducting promotions from their taxable revenue, ensuring higher tax contributions. Retail sportsbooks, now permitted outside Native American lands, have expanded access for local bettors.
Legal Sportsbooks Apps in North Carolina
As of 2025, here is the list of licensed sportsbooks available in North Carolina:
- Bet365 Sportsbook App
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM Mobile Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook App
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet App
North Carolina Sportsbook App Welcome Bonuses
Below are the updated welcome bonuses offered by top sportsbook apps in North Carolina:
- Caesars NC App: Claim second chance free bets up to $1,250 with the promo code NCBET1.
- BetMGM NC App: Get bet insurance up to $1,500 on your first wager using code USDOTBET.
- BetRivers NC App: Enjoy a free bet worth up to $500 with promo code USBTRV.
- DraftKings NC App: Secure a first deposit bonus up to $1,200, plus an additional $200 in bonus bets for a $5 wager.
- FanDuel NC App: Receive a no-sweat first bet up to $1,000 and a free NBA League Pass trial.
- ESPN Bet NC App: Get a $1,000 first bet reset with no promo code required.
- Bet365 NC App: Choose between $1,000 in bet insurance or Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets using promo code USB365.
- Fanatics NC App: Unlock $200 in second chance bets on your initial wager.
North Carolina Top Betting Apps (2025)
With the legalization of online sports betting in June 2024, North Carolina is poised to host up to 12 licensed online sportsbooks. Many industry-leading operators with established presences in neighboring states and connections to North Carolina are expected to enter the market. Below are the frontrunners and their strengths:
1. Caesars Sportsbook App
Already managing two retail sportsbooks in North Carolina, Caesars is a strong contender for a leading online presence. Its robust welcome bonuses and Caesars Rewards loyalty program appeal to both casual and experienced bettors.
- Bonus Offer: Second chance free bets up to $1,250.
- Key Feature: Ties to retail locations like Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos.
2. DraftKings Mobile Sportsbook
DraftKings ability to deliver seamless user experiences and frequent promotions makes it a likely top choice for bettors. DraftKings has already excelled in neighboring states like Virginia and Tennessee.
- Bonus Offer: Bet $5 and receive $200 in bonus bets, plus a deposit match up to $1,000.
- Key Feature: Excellent in-play betting options and intuitive mobile app design.
3. FanDuel App
As DraftKings’ primary rival, FanDuel has a significant DFS footprint in North Carolina, setting it up for success in the online sports betting market. Its innovative features, like Same Game Parlays and enhanced odds boosts, appeal to a broad audience.
- Bonus Offer: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets instantly.
- Key Feature: Industry-leading parlay-building tools and user-friendly interface.
4. BetMGM App
Although BetMGM currently lacks a retail presence in North Carolina, it operates successfully in nearby states like Tennessee and Virginia. BetMGM’s national reputation and comprehensive betting markets position it as a top contender for online sports betting in North Carolina.
- Bonus Offer: First bet insurance up to $1,500 using promo code USDOTBET.
- Key Feature: Exclusive features like the Edit My Bet tool and diverse betting options.
5. Bet365 NC App
Bet365 is a global leader in sports betting and entered the U.S. market with significant success. Its streamlined app, competitive odds, and early payout options make it a strong candidate for North Carolina’s market.
- Bonus Offer: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets, or opt for $1,000 bet insurance with promo code USB365.
- Key Feature: Extensive in-play betting options and live streaming capabilities.
6. BetRivers Sportsbook App
A familiar name in neighboring states, BetRivers is known for its generous bonus offers and user-friendly platform. It frequently ranks as one of the top operators in emerging markets.
- Bonus Offer: Free bet up to $500 with promo code USBTRV.
- Key Feature: iRush Rewards loyalty program for ongoing player perks.
7. Fanatics Sportsbook App
As a newer entry into the sportsbook market, Fanatics is rapidly expanding and innovating with exclusive merchandise rewards and player-focused features.
- Bonus Offer: Second chance bet up to $200.
- Key Feature: Integration of betting with sports merchandise perks.
8. ESPN Bet App
Replacing Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN Bet is the latest addition to the U.S. sports betting market. Backed by ESPN’s brand authority and extensive sports coverage, it offers a unique proposition.
- Bonus Offer: First bet reset up to $1,000.
- Key Feature: Personalized betting options tied to ESPN programming.
What to bet on in North Carolina
In North Carolina residents can bet on a wide range of teams and events. This includes betting on professional sports teams like the Carolina Panthers in the NFL, offering exciting options for football enthusiasts. Basketball fans can place their bets on the Charlotte Hornets’ NBA games. For hockey lovers, the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL will be a popular choice.
In addition to these professional teams, North Carolina is rich in college sports, with universities like Duke and UNC Chapel Hill having strong basketball programs that are likely to attract significant betting interest, especially during high-stake tournaments like March Madness. This variety ensures that sports bettors in North Carolina will have plenty of local and national events to engage with.
How to find the right betting app in North Carolina? Look for these criteria:
- State license. The mobile app should be legal in the state of North Carolina.
- Bonus Offers for new customers and easy-to-understand terms and conditions.
- Competitive odds and betting features, such as in-game betting and live streaming.
- 24/7 reliable customer support.
How to Download a Betting App in North Carolina
Downloading a sports betting app will be a simple process once they are available. Here are the steps players will need to follow:
As for most providers, the process of signing up for Colorado mobile betting apps is quite simple. Proceed with the following steps:
- Select a provider of your preference. Make sure you access their desktop platform or go ahead and download their mobile app.
- Enter your full name, email address, address, phone number, and last four of a social security number to open an account.
- Once you have read all terms and conditions, you can now head on to your provider’s platform and enjoy the entire offer of betting and gaming dynamics they have included as part of their apps.
North Carolina Mobile Sports Betting FAQs
Is mobile betting legal in North Carolina?
Sadly, no. Mobile betting is not legal in North Carolina
What are the best mobile sportsbooks in North Carolina?
Monkey Knife Fight and DraftKings apps are operating in the Old North State.
Is the BetMGM app live in North Carolina?
No, BetMGM mobile sportsbook is not legal in Alabama yet.
Legal Betting Age for using NC betting apps?
The official legal gambling age in North Carolina is 21 and over, and we expect this to carry over to sports betting as well.