North Carolina is set to legalize sports betting on March 11, but Caesars Entertainment has become the first operator to launch services ahead of this date due to a partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Players can now place bets at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, both of which are operated by the tribe. Betting is also authorized on tribal lands.
Caesars plans to expand its online sports betting services across North Carolina once the full market opens next week. The company has a history of operating retail sportsbooks in the state, which the online service will enhance.
Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to offer wagering at Cherokee properties and acknowledged the support from various entities. "We’re thankful to be able to offer wagering at the Harrah’s Cherokee properties as part of our longstanding relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and, with the sports calendar heating up, there is a lot to be excited about," he stated.
Michell Hicks, principal of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, also praised the launch, highlighting the successful collaboration with Caesars. "Over the years, the partnership between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Caesars Entertainment has only flourished and strengthened. We eagerly anticipate the chance to introduce mobile sports betting to North Carolina, offering a fresh and new experience to all sports fans," Hicks said.
As the launch date approaches, preparations for sports betting in North Carolina are in full swing. Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law in June 2023, establishing a timeline for implementing the new regulations, which include publishing rules by January 8, 2024, and allowing operators to begin taking bets by June 14, 2024.
Recently, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission awarded licenses to notable operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, Bet365, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, and Underdog. These companies will begin accepting wagers well ahead of the June deadline after meeting regulatory guidelines established last month. Operators were also instructed to submit their internal controls by January 26, 2024, prior to launching.
For operators to offer sports betting, they must form partnerships with local sports teams, leagues, or venues. All licensed operators have secured such agreements. For instance, DraftKings has partnered with NASCAR, while BetMGM is aligned with the Charlotte Motor Speedway. ESPN Bet entered North Carolina through a partnership with the PGA Tour to serve as the official betting operator for the Wells Fargo Championship. Similarly, FanDuel is collaborating with the PGA Tour to establish its presence.
Fanatics Betting and Gaming has teamed up with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the team's official sports betting partner, while Bet365 forged a partnership with the Charlotte Hornets. Additionally, Underdog has enhanced its standing in the fantasy sports arena by partnering with McConnell Golf.
Licenses for sports wagering suppliers have also been awarded, with successful applicants including GeoComply, SBTech, and Sportradar.
