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House Bill 347 would allow betting on professional, college and other sports from cellphones and other electronic devices in North Carolina, beginning January 2024. After falling short by a single vote last year, the bill stands a much stronger chance of passing.
One good sign: The House Democratic Leader is on board. Rep. Robert Reives voted against the measure in 2022 but is among the 55 co-sponsors this year.
The House rules committee will consider the bill at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday with a vote expected in the full House later that afternoon and a second required vote on Wednesday due to the revenue aspect of the bill per state law.
55 of the House's 120 members are co-sponsors of the legislation.
“There’s been a changing landscape for everybody. And the sports industry, if we’re going to be in sports, there are certain realities that we are in a position where we’re going to face and deal with. And, sports betting is one of those,” Reives said.
Financial forecasts have the state taking in $46 million in the fifth year mobile sports betting is legal, though lawmakers admit those numbers will be hard to come by.
The bill calls for $2 million annually to go to the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction and education programs.
North Carolina currently allows for retail sports gambling at three tribal locations.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gamblng911.com
