North Carolina sports betting is ready to hit our lives as early as Jan. 8, 2024. Therefore, Tar Heel State sports fans have much more to salivate over than just the regular craziness that usually unfolds in early January.

Gov. Roy Cooper's signing of HB 347 into law (March 2023) equals a phenomenal NC online sports betting future that features some of the top online sportsbooks and mobile sports betting apps on the market day.

The likes of DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, and Caesars are ultimately expected to enter the market, which equals a safe and secure legal sports gambling experience for all involved.

North Carolina sports betting apps

NC sports betting app	Expected promo code	Expected launch
📲 DraftKings NC Sportsbook	💰 TBD	🗓 January 2024
📲 FanDuel NC Sportsbook	💰 TBD	🗓 January 2024
📲 bet365 NC Sportsbook	💰 TBD	🗓 January 2024
📲 BetMGM NC Sportsbook	💰 TBD	🗓 January 2024
📲 Caesars NC Sportsbook	💰 TBD	🗓 January 2024
📲 ESPN Bet NC Sportsbook	💰 TBD	🗓 January 2024

I mean, who wouldn't look forward to the day that signals the NC sports bettors' opportunity to make money while watching sports? It's as if a TV lover with brilliant opinions about oneself flips on a specific channel only to see themselves featuring immense talent.

OK, perhaps a narcissistic-type example isn't the best, but you surely get the point: Enjoying the best of both worlds simultaneously is as fruitful and joyous as anything on this planet.

Why not take advantage of what's so evidently dangling right in front of your sports-loving eyes?

Come 2024, you, the North Carolina sports lover, will have that chance once North Carolina online sports betting finally and officially launches in your state. Sure, it's taken quite some time for North Carolina to catch up with some of the other already legal sports gambling states such as New Jersey, Colorado, New York, Tennessee, and Virginia, but that doesn't mean any one person should allow the opportunity to pass by.

Your opportunity lies with the likes of some of the most popular sports betting operators in the country---DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, etc.

NC sportsbook apps: coming early 2024

DraftKings North Carolina Sportsbook

Although DraftKings Sportsbook is already available in over 20 states---in a mobile sports betting variety---that doesn't mean the famous operator is ready to rest on its laurels.

DraftKings North Carolina Sportsbook is certain to become legal and available once the state officially turns on the online sports gambling lights in early January 2024.

The reasons the DraftKings sports betting app is so popular are many---so many that we don't even have the time to list them all. Just know this: There isn't an online sportsbook in the nation that is more trusted than DraftKings, and there isn't a sports betting app in the country more enjoyable to use than the "DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino" mobile application on the iOS Apple App Store and Android Google Play.

FanDuel North Carolina Sportsbook

Running neck-and-neck alongside DraftKings Sportsbook is the other operator that made its bones in the burgeoning daily fantasy sports (DFS) era. FanDuel Sportsbook led the DFS charge over a decade ago, and its existence was perfect in pivoting to the online sports betting world.

Once New Jersey paved the way for the Supreme Court to ultimately overturn PASPA---the federal law that prohibited legal online sports betting---FanDuel quickly recognized the writing on the wall.

Equipped with millions of sports fans ready to drop dollars on games, FanDuel Sportsbook had everything it needed in order to turn itself into a monster legal sportsbook operator.

The "FanDuel Sportsbook & Casino" mobile app is the most popular betting app in the business, as millions trust the legitimate book at every turn.

Expect nothing difference once FanDuel North Carolina Sportsbook launches at the turn of the new year (January 2024).

bet365 North Carolina Sportsbook

If scrappiness is what you admire, then this next sportsbook is one you'll love. bet365 North Carolina Sportsbook is sure to be one of the powerhouses in the state---in spite of its lesser-known reputation among the casual betting landscape.

Mostly known as an international online sportsbook, bet365 has made tremendous progress in the United States. In 2023, bet365 Sportsbook launched in Iowa and Kentucky, adding its fifth and sixth states to the operator's portfolio.

Rather soon, bet365 sportsbook will add its seventh state in North Carolina.

BetMGM North Carolina Sportsbook

If experience is what you crave, then hop all over betMGM North Carolina Sportsbook once the time comes.

Coming to the party with decades of experience in the gaming and resorts industry, the King of Sportsbooks is yet another legitimate and secure sportsbook set to hit North Carolina.

Caesars North Carolina Sportsbook

Last but certainly not least, the Emperor's Sportsbook also possesses the experience many diehard and novice online sports bettors respect and appreciate.

This means that Caesars North Carolina Sportsbook is sure to be a hit as soon as it goes live in January 2024.

North Carolina online sports betting legal timeline and news

It's been a long and winding road to this point in time, for the legalization of North Carolina online sports betting. Below is a quick timeline snapshot for how we arrived at this glorious point in legal gambling time:

• March 2021: NC retail online sports betting begins.
• June 2021: North Carolina online sports betting is officially legalized. However, only in-person betting is permitted, and it's active at only two in-state tribal casinos.
• March 2023: Gov. Roy Cooper signs HB 347 into law, paving the way for the full scope of mobile online sports betting to be launched.
• October 2023: The North Carolina Lottery Commission showcases its outline for online sports betting rules, which is followed by a hearing on the proposed rules.
• September 2023: The North Carolina Commission announces the plan to form a committee to oversee online sports betting. State lawmakers announce that each sportsbook looking to enter the North Carolina market must partner with a professional team and/or sports venue to be eligible for an official state betting license. It's also announced that up to 12 online sportsbooks can be available once it does launch.
• August 2023: FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina partners with NASCAR.

North Carolina sports betting facts and details

A great part of the reason NC online sports betting is highly anticipated boils down to the market itself. The state is expected to generate an incredible number in the revenue department.

With NC online sports betting technically already legal, as well as taking online sports wagers at designated physical locations, the state has a tremendous idea of where it stands, and what level of revenue can be expected when mobile online sports betting goes live.

Check out some of the pertinent North Carolina state details right here:

• Population: 10.55 million
• Expected NC mobile online sports betting launch: Jan. 8, 2024
• Legal NC sports betting age: 21 years or older
• NC online sports betting legal status: Legalized as of March 2023 via HB 347
• NC retail online sports betting legal status: Currently legal and available as of March 18, 2021
• Expected NC online sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, etc.
• Number of NC online sportsbooks (max): 12
• Number of NC retail sportsbooks: 3
• Collegiate sports legalization status: Yes
• North Carolina betting regulator: North Carolina Lottery Commission (NCLC)

How can I sign up for a NC online sportsbook promo code?

Although North Carolina online sports bettors cannot yet sign up for sportsbooks and/or promo codes, that doesn't mean they shouldn't be green once the time comes to scoop up some green.

First and foremost, be on the lookout for the pre-launch period that's expected to arrive soon. Generally speaking, 30 days is when the pre-registration phase begins (at the latest) for a state expecting to launch online sports betting.

Sometimes, the pre-launch period begins sooner. Sometimes, particularly for select sportsbooks, it starts later. Either way, once the pre-registration period commences, the NC online sports bettor is suddenly equipped with the ability to sign up.

They can't yet place legal online wagers, but they can take advantage of special pre-launch promo codes that will give them an edge on the competition once NC sports gambling officially commences.

Then, once NC online sports betting launches in full (January 2023), it's time to snatch up a standard promo code associated with the sportsbook of your choice. To do that, at the appropriate time, use the following guidelines en route to graciously reaping your rewards (using DraftKings Sportsbook's Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus promo code as the example):

• Utilize one of WRAL's DraftKings Promo Code offers that will direct you to the DraftKings Sportsbook betting platform.
• Using the DraftKings Promo Code offer will send you to the DraftKings Sportsbook website or the DraftKings sports betting app—depending on which device you’re using.
• Claiming the promo from a desktop via a web browser will direct you to the DraftKings Sportsbook website.
• Claiming the promo code from a mobile device will direct you to the DraftKings Sportsbook mobile app.
• If you have yet to download the “DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino” mobile app on your device, you will be directed to the iOS Apple App Store or Android Google Play in order to download the app.
• Once you have arrived on the DraftKings Sportsbook platform, locate and click on the “Sign Up” button.
• Once prompted, select the state you are currently located. The states listed will be those where DraftKings Sportsbook is currently live and legal, available for mobile sports betting use. The 21 states where DraftKings Sportsbook is currently live and legal (for mobile sports betting use) are as follows:
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Connecticut
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Hampshire
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wyoming
• Then, provide the necessary information required in order to create a new DraftKings Sportsbook account. The required information is necessary in order to keep your account safe and secure, and some of those standard and personal details are as follows:
  • Email
  • Username
  • Password
  • Legal name
  • Residential address
  • Social Security Number
• Once your new DraftKings Sportsbook account is created, it’s time to set up your online cashier methods via deposit and cashout. Some of the options DraftKings Sportsbook provides via deposit and/or cashout are as follows:
  • Online banking (deposit and cashout)
  • Debit card (deposit and cashout)
  • Venmo (deposit and cashout)
  • PayPal (deposit and cashout)
  • Check (deposit and cashout)
  • Cash at counter (deposit and cashout: in-person at retail locations only)
• With your online cashier connected to your banking information and ready to roll, make a deposit of at least $10.
• Finally, make an initial sports bet (minimum $10) in order to take advantage of the DraftKings Promo Code resulting in a $200 Sportsbook Bonus. Once that initial bet settles, DraftKings Sportsbook will send you a guaranteed $200 bonus, win or lose.

Of course, since we don't know what the North Carolina sportsbook promo codes will be yet, this DraftKIngs Sportsbook Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus is just a guide via the instructions en route to signup.

However, for the most part, this process is pretty standard across the board, Generally speaking, the three simple steps en route to pouncing on a new-user bonus code are as follows:

1. Utilize one of the WRAL sportsbook promo code offers that appear on this page.
2. Find and use the appropriate promo button on the sportsbook landing page.
3. Provide the information asked en route to create your new sportsbook account.
4. Make an initial deposit.
5. Place a first-time sports wager (if required, as some promo codes come in the form of deposit matches, in which only a first-time deposit is essential).

North Carolina sports betting FAQs

When will mobile online sports betting launch in North Carolina?

January 2024: North Carolina online sports betting will launch on or shortly after Jan. 8, 2024. Although North Carolina took its sweet time in getting the legal online sports wagering party started, Gov. Roy Cooper's signing of HB 347 in March 2023 put the legal betting wheels in motion. Technically speaking, NC sports betting is already legal, and has been so for some time, but the full scope of mobile online sports betting won't become available until early 2024.

Is retail online sports betting available in North Carolina?

Yes: As previously stated, NC online sports betting is technically already legal, and bettors can indeed place legal online wagers right now. The caveat is that the online sports bettor must do so from a designated physical location that has an approved sportsbook already taking bets. The big-boy-and-girl sports gambling party---via mobile online sports betting---doesn't lift off until January 2024.

Can I bet on college sports in NC?

Yes: Yes, you will have the ability to bet on college sports in North Carolina---once the state officially launches its mobile sports betting platform in January 2024. Some states don't allow the legal online wagering of college sports, whereas others prohibit legal online betting of in-state collegiate programs. North Carolina, however, is expected to allow all college sports betting upon launch.

What are the best sports betting apps in North Carolina?

DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, etc.: In WRAL's humble yet always expert opinion, the big five online sportsbooks to use once North Carolina online sports betting launches are DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, bet365 Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, and Caesars Sportsbook. Other sports betting apps to keep an eye on are Fanatics Sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook, Unibet Sportsbook, and the yet-to-be-unleashed ESPN Bet Sportsbook App (which is set to launch in a wide-variety of states in November 2023.

Where can I bet on sports in North Carolina?

From the comfort of your mobile device: Once the full scope of mobile online sports betting launches in January 2024, NC sports gamblers will have the ability to legally place online wagers from the comfort of their mobile device, or at home, or at an official retail site where an approved online sportsbook dwells in a physical manner.

What's the legal age for betting online in NC?

21: Once NC online sports betting launches in January 2024, bettors must be 21 years or older to legally create sportsbook accounts and place online sports bets.

Which NC sports teams can I wager on?

Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Hurricanes, etc.: In short, every single North Carolina sports team can be wagered on once NC online sports gambling officially launches in January 2024. Bryce Young's Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Carolina Hurricanes are just three examples.

What will the best NC sportsbook promo code be?

TBD: Basically, the best sportsbook promo code in North Carolina firmly falls under the "to be determined" category. Usual suspects such as DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook could be viewed as having the lead in this regard, yet bet365 Sportsbook is an operator to keep an eye on, as it routinely travels beyond the usual standards during state launch time.