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Significant progress is being made by North Carolina in broadening its betting offerings. The state is moving forward with its intentions to expand the options available to bettors throughout the state by introducing retail sports betting, esports betting, and pari-mutuel wagering.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission’s sports betting committee made history on Wednesday when it unanimously approved a notice of proposed rule-making for pari-mutuel wagering. The staff of the commission can now begin official rule-making procedures thanks to this decision. In addition, the state is getting closer to opening physical bookmakers and extending its online gambling to cover esports.
A 30-day public comment period is now open, allowing stakeholders and the public to weigh in on the proposed rules before they are finalized. This feedback window will close on October 18, 2024, after which the finalized regulations are expected to be adopted.
Although online sports betting has been legal since March 2024, the rollout of physical sportsbooks has been slower. The state is working through necessary steps such as certifications and on-site inspections to ensure venues meet all regulatory standards.
Sterl Carpenter, the deputy executive director of Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting, clarified that retail sportsbooks will not have a uniform launch date. “Each operator and venue will have a unique opening plan,” he stated, emphasizing a staggered approach to ensure compliance.
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also under consideration, although a specific timeline for its launch has not been announced. The commission aims to implement this betting option “efficiently and responsibly.” Carpenter added, “As we move to this next phase of implementation, we plan to present our expectations to applicants and licensees.”
North Carolina is also looking to capitalize on the rapidly growing esports industry. A petition for regulatory guidance on esports betting will be discussed at the commission’s meeting on September 25, 2024. With the global esports market expected to reach $7.5 billion by 2031, this move could add a dynamic new element to the state’s wagering scene.
Since legalizing online sports betting in March 2024, North Carolina has seen significant activity. The state’s eight operators have reported over $2.3 billion in wagers, resulting in $275 million in gaming revenue and $49.5 million in taxes. As North Carolina advances its regulatory framework, bettors can expect more diverse and engaging betting options soon.