North Carolina was close to passing an internet sports betting bill, but the state Senate stopped the effort at the very last moment.
Rep. Ashton Clemmons sponsored the charge this year. On Monday, she introduced HTML347, which retains many elements from the 2022 effort.
The bill would allow online betting licenses for between 10-12 sports and allow sportsbook lounges to be opened at the following facilities.
- NASCAR tracks
- Large golf courses
- Facilities for pro teams in the MLB, MLS and NHL.
These lounges will not offer retail sports betting, but customers can talk to support staff about their accounts.
Licenses would cost $1,000,000 and be renewable every five year. 14% tax would apply to sports betting. Promotional credit deductions are subject to restrictions. Operators will be allowed to deduct unlimited amounts until January 1, 2025. The following year, the maximum deductions allowed is 2.5% of revenue. This number drops to 2% in 2026. Promotional deductions are not allowed after January 1, 2027.
The bill also mandates the use of league data to allow live betting on US-based sporting events. Pre-game wagers and leagues with home bases in the USA are not allowed.
Last year’s bill was hindered by a late addition to the prohibition on college betting in-state. North Carolina is well-known for its love for college basketball. The state has 18 Division 1 programs, including perennial programs such as UNC or Duke.
North Carolina already allows sports betting in tribal casinos. These sportsbooks were opened at Harrah’s Cherokee Casinosin Cherokee and Murphy in NC. Operators would be required to geofence online betting apps in order to prevent wagers being placed on tribal lands.
