North Carolina Mobile Betting Bill Nears Final House Concurrence

A bill to legalize mobile sports betting in North Carolina is one step away from heading to Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk. HB 347, which would bring mobile wagering to a state that currently allows only retail sports betting at tribal casinos, was given approval by the House on Tuesday.

One additional vote by the House is needed to pass the bill, which could come as soon as Wednesday. 

The House approved the original version of HB 347 in late March, but it needed to approve the bill again after the legislation underwent major changes in the Senate in recent weeks. The House concurred Tuesday by a 68-41 margin in favor of the bill, which allows North Carolinians to wager on professional and college sports in addition to horse racing. 

Senate amendments increased the bill’s tax rate from 14% to 18%, and mobile operators – up to 12 are allowed – will not be allowed to deduct promotional play from taxable revenue. The legislation would allow for up to eight tethered licenses and leave the opportunity for four standalone mobile licenses.

Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte), Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, PNC Arena in Raleigh, Quail Hollow Country Club, Sedgefield Country Club, Spectrum Center (Charlotte), and WakeMed Soccer Park (Cary) could apply for both retail locations and digital platforms.

Tax revenue would go to several sources, including $2 million for problem gambling treatment measures. Just over a dozen universities would also receive $300,000 annually for their athletic departments.  

Close to a done deal

Industry stakeholders expect North Carolina’s mobile sports betting bill to pass, although there could be some debate about it Wednesday. Gov. Cooper has previously voiced support for legal mobile wagering across the state, and he’s expected to sign the measure if it reaches his desk. 

Mobile sportsbooks would be expected to launch within a year of the governor’s signature. Previous language in the bill set a Jan. 8, 2024, start date, but the Senate altered that language to allow more time if needed for the state’s lottery to prepare regulations and award licenses. It’s still possible, but not guaranteed, that mobile wagering could go live in North Carolina during the 2023-24 NFL season or before the 2024 version of March Madness.