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While those in North Carolina can still bet sports using their mobile phones courtesy of any number of offshore sportsbooks, many of which have been in business for over two decades now and even allow for anonymous wagering with only an email needed, regulated tax-imposing apps won't be coming to the state any time soon it now appears.
NC Bill Fails in House
Politicians were optimistic but, with just a few days remaining in the North Carolina legislative session, one of two bills that required approval failed to get through the House.
"It's not totally dead," Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, said. "We may end up with a bill before the end of session that will serve for sports betting," he said. "Don't know yet."
The House voted 51-50 on Wednesday to approve Senate Bill 38, sponsored by Sen. Jim Perry, R-Lenoir. Looking at this result, it' easy to see why mobile sports betting legislation can't get passed in the state.
Another bill, SB 688, failed in the House. That one received a 49-52 vote.
"If you vote for this you're gambling that these two bills will control gambling in North Carolina," Rep. Jay Adams, R-Catawba, said on the floor, according to WNCT. "This is just another opportunity to create unfortunate opportunities for people who can't resist."
Sports betting in the Tar Heel State is legal, but only at tribal casinos. And, as previously noted, mobile sports wagering is available using an offshore book.
More Variety Coming
A third retail sportsbook is slated to open in NC, a half hour away from the state's largest city of Charlotte.
The Catawba Nation-owned Two Kings Casino, located in Kings Mountain, hopes to have its sportsbook open ahead of the new college football season on August 27.
The sportsbook is relatively easy access from northern parts of South Carolina, most of which are rural.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have two casinos on their land a more remote and difficult to reach portion of far-western North Carolina.
Tar Heels, Wolfpack Football
Both teams were listed early around 150-1 odds of winning a championship in 2022-23.
College Basketball
Make no mistake about it, North Carolina is all about basketball.
Duke, North Carolina and NC State: These are the power houses of North Carolina basketball.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
