Sports Betting Operators Submit Applications Industry

Sports Betting Operators Submit Applications in North Carolina

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 10 January 2024

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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According to recent reports, North Carolina is getting ready to make a big splash when it comes to mobile sports betting. It was revealed that seven leading sports betting operators have now put in their applications for mobile betting licenses. They did this before the December 27 deadline recommended by the North Carolina Lottery Commission. The commission now has 60 days to review the applications.

The seven companies that have applied are some of the leading household names. They are Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and Underdog. The level of interest from operators when it comes to North Carolina’s sports betting market is a sign of how popular mobile betting is becoming across the country.

Caesars to Become a Service Provider

One big-name operator that didn’t apply in this first group is Caesars Sportsbook. This is one of the biggest names in betting, but the company chose a different path. Instead of applying as an operator, they will become a service provider. This is because Caesars already works with tribal casinos in North Carolina, which already offer sports betting in person.

With regard to when mobile betting apps will be ready to launch, the state lottery hasn’t set a specific date yet. There is hope that everything will be up and running before March Madness starts on March 19. However, it was announced last year that the launch would not come before Super Bowl 2024, which takes place on February 11.

Last year, Ripley Rand, the chair of the Lottery, said:

We know that the betting public is very interested in knowing the date that the first batch can be made in North Carolina. There are a number of factors in determining what that date will be.

At present, lottery officials are checking all the applications from the companies, service providers, and suppliers. They have to ensure that every company that gets a license is a good fit and meets the necessary criteria in order to ensure a safe and properly regulated sports betting market.

Teaming Up with Sports Teams and Venues

Many of the operators that are applying have already teamed up with local sports teams or venues. ESPN BET is working with Quail Hollow Club, where PGA Tour golf is played. FanDuel is said to be using its partnership with the PGA Tour to help it get into mobile betting in North Carolina.

Fanatics Sportsbook and bet365 have also made deals – Fanatics with the Carolina Hurricanes and bet365 with the Charlotte Hornets. However, BetMGM, DraftKings, and Underdog haven’t announced any partnerships yet.

Another operator, Underdog, is already a familiar name in North Carolina and other states for its fantasy sports games under the name Underdog Fantasy. The operator has been hinting at a sportsbook for a while, and some believe its launch could be in North Carolina in the early part of this year.

With the applications now received from operators, the state and its sports fans are getting ready for a big expansion in sports betting.