North Carolina On A Slow Crawl To Regulated Mobile Sports Betting

Mobile sports betting legislation for North Carolina is back on the table with Senate Bill 688.
The bill passed in its first special committee hearing with plenty more of them to go but insiders believe this to be a good sign for future approvals.
Senate Bill 688 would allow ten-twelve mobile sports betting platforms to launch statewide.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina already has a sports betting market through the tribes but the state is looking at legislation for regulated mobile sportsbooks. The focus of this measure is mobile sports gaming platforms; however, it does involve land-based venues that are near professional sports stadiums through these mobile operations.

What’s The Status In North Carolina?

Senate Bill 688 is the bipartisan legislation that is on the table. The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned for the year on July 2 but special sessions have been put into action which in turn has breathed new life into NC SB 688.

North Carolina sports betting is restricted in what they offer sports bettors in the state as they have only two retail sportsbooks at the two Harrah’s locations for the entire state and zero mobile sports betting applications. Caesars powers Harrah’s sport betting operations. The lack of options has led residents astray to wager with other sources outside of the state which profits North Carolina in no way at all but passing this bill would.

“We have sports betting today for those who want to bet. It’s just not something regulated and taxed by the state,” said Senator Jim Perry. “I don’t want to put my head in the sand over that issue, but I also don’t want to belittle anyone who’s uncomfortable with it.”

Senate Bill 688 would allow ten to twelve mobile sportsbooks to open in the state. Retail sports betting venues could be opened through these licensed operators as long as they’re near professional sporting event venues. There is an 8% tax rate on all handle that would help the education system of North Carolina as well as other interests within the economy. All sports, both collegiate and professional would be open for betting lines.

Revenue estimates fall anywhere between $8 million and $24 million annually and all operators would have to pay an upfront fee of $500,000 for a license. On Wednesday, the bill cleared its first hurdle in the Senate with more hearings to come. Passage in the Senate and the House would be required for Senate Bill 688 to be sent to Governor Roy Cooper for his signature. Senator Perry told Legalsportsbetting in April that he doesn’t believe there will be any pushback from the Cherokee Tribe.

What’s Ahead For North Carolina?

Regulated sports betting would become a much more competitive market for North Carolina should the General Assembly pass Senate Bill 688. Due to the legislation being revived, insiders believe this to be a good sign. Of course, it won’t be passed and live by NFL season as was originally hoped in the regular session but it could see passage in time to launch for the Super Bowl in 2022 if the state and lawmakers move fast enough.

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Christina Monroe

Christina has been writing for as long as she can remember and does dedicated research on the newly regulated sports betting market. She comes from a family of sports lovers that engage in friendly bets from time to time. During the winter months, you can find Christina baking cookies and beating the entire staff at Mario Kart…the N64 version of course.