Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
People in North Carolina have bet over $1 billion on sports through several gambling operators authorized under a state law to begin taking online wagers two months ago, according to a report released Friday. The customers’ early losses are resulting in tens of millions of dollars in state revenue.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission, which regulates the betting, said that gamblers wagered $1.026 billion on sports activities from smart phones and desktops from March 11 through April 30. That rises to $1.308 billion when “promotional wagers” — incentives offered by companies for new customers to gamble — are included.
Customers have generated winnings of $1.129 billion, although the paid winnings for all of April were $53.3 million less compared to winnings from the three weeks in March when gambling was permitted, the commission report said.
The companies authorized to take bets have received $171.7 million in gross wavering revenue, from which the state receives an 18% cut in taxes. That would work out to $30.9 million.
State law approved in 2023 to legalize the betting directs the government’s proceeds go in part to athletic departments at 13 University of North Carolina system schools, amateur sports initiatives and gambling addiction education and treatment.
The sports gambling legislation also authorizes in-person sports wagering, statewide betting on horse races and rules to permit live horse racing. None of the three currently are in place. Before the law was carried out, sports gambling was legal in North Carolina only at three casinos operated by two American Indian tribes.
Featured photo via AP Photo/Erik Verduzco.
Related Stories
‹

Top North Carolina Senator Says Chances for Approving More Sanctioned Gambling “Better Than 50-50”Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON One of North Carolina’s most powerful legislators expressed optimism Thursday that a further expansion of state-sanctioned gambling will be worked out before legislators end this year’s regular business later this summer. The General Assembly hasn’t adjourned while House and Senate Republicans negotiate sticking points on a two-year state government budget […]

Mobile Sports Betting is Live in North Carolina; Analyst Shares Tips on What to KnowMobile sports betting is live in North Carolina. Steve Bittenbender joined 97.9 The Hill to discuss what this means for bettors and the state.

North Carolina Republicans Are in a Budget Standoff Because of Gambling ProvisionsWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON Republicans at the North Carolina legislature converged Tuesday in a standoff over an already long-delayed budget plan because the House and Senate disagree on adding provisions that would further expand state-sanctioned gambling. House Speaker Tim Moore said not enough of his GOP colleagues in the chamber are willing to support a […]

Four New Casinos, Video Gambling Could Be on Horizon as North Carolina Republicans NegotiateWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON As many as four new casinos as well as video gambling machines could be authorized in North Carolina under proposals now being discussed by legislators, the top General Assembly leaders said on Thursday. House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters separately about the ideas, which they […]

Sports Gambling in North Carolina a Better Bet With Likely Final Votes Next WeekWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON Legalized sports gambling starting next year in North Carolina now seems a better bet as the state House’s top leader said Thursday he expected his chamber would accept alterations to its own proposal made by the Senate. House Speaker Tim Moore’s comment was a turnabout for him from Wednesday, as […]

North Carolina Sports Betting Legislation Falters in HouseWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON Legislation that would have authorized sports betting across all of North Carolina fell apart late Wednesday as the House narrowly rejected a key measure amid warnings about the dangers of gambling from an unusual coalition of social conservatives and liberal Democrats. The House voted 51-50 not to approve one of […]

North Carolina Government Makes Big Tax Revenues Quickly from First Year of Sports BettingNorth Carolina government cashed in early when it came to reaping fiscal benefits from authorized sports wagering in the ninth-largest state.

With Mobile Sports Betting in NC, How Common Are Gambling Disorders and Resources?Research in North Carolina shows that gambling disorders and at-risk gambling have already existed. What resources are there for people?

While North Carolina Gambling Opponents Rally, Republicans Weigh Whether To Embrace More CasinosWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON As North Carolina House members met privately over whether to authorize more gambling in the state, social conservatives, business operators and political candidates urged lawmakers on Tuesday to reject efforts to permit more casinos and legalize statewide video gaming machines. Residents of rural Rockingham, Anson and Nash counties, which have been previously […]

North Carolina Gov. Cooper Isn’t Sold on Tax-Cut Restrictions by Republicans Still Finalizing BudgetWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said on Tuesday he’s skeptical that an apparent tax agreement by Republican legislative leaders within a state budget that’s still being negotiated would over time protect revenues to fund pressing needs within government. House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger provided on Monday few […]
›
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines