North Carolina online sports betting went live on March 11, 2024. Since then, bettors have enjoyed a wide array of sports bets, including those for in-state collegiate sports. Now, it appears that bettors will have a wider variety of markets to choose from.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on September 18, notifying the public of proposed additions to existing betting markets.
The Commission is looking to add pari-mutuel betting and esports betting to its markets.
Key Highlights
- NC Lottery Commission is looking to adopt rules to allow pari-mutuel betting and ADW.
- The commission is also looking to add esports to betting markets.
- Retail sports betting makes progress with the approval of compliance procedures.
NC Lottery Commission Files Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
On September 18, the NC State Lottery Commission filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, outlining changes they are proposing to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission Rules Manual for Sports Wagering and Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
As we move to this next phase of implementation, we plan to present our expectations to applicants and licensees to conduct transparent rule-making, accept and review stakeholder feedback, and develop regulations in the same and responsible way we did with sports wagering.
– Sterl Carpenter, Deputy Executive Director of Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting
Many of the proposed rules will help to enact pari-mutuel betting in the state, also known as horse race betting. This option was not part of the initial launch but will now be added through rule changes.
According to Sterl Carpenter, deputy executive director of Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting, “As we move to this next phase of implementation, we plan to present our expectations to applicants and licensees to conduct transparent rule-making, accept and review stakeholder feedback, and develop regulations in the same and responsible way we did with sports wagering.”
As part of the move toward pari-mutuel betting, Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) would also be allowed. ADW allows operators to accept online horse racing bets. Operators wishing to offer ADW must undergo a background check before they are approved by the Commission.
A public comment session will be held on October 8, 2024, at the NC State Lottery Commission Headquarters in Raleigh, NC. However, the deadline for the public to submit comments is October 18, 2024.
Since launching in March, NC operators have taken in $2.3 billion in wagers, collecting $275 million in revenue. The state will collect around $49.5 million in tax revenues. It is unclear at this time what impact that pari-mutuel betting would have on expected revenue or taxes.
Retail Sports Betting Making Progress
Retail and online sports betting were legalized in June 2023 by the NC Legislature. While online sports betting is live and making tremendous progress, retail sports betting is moving at a snail’s pace towards launch.
However, during a September 18 meeting by the Lottery Commission, progress is beginning to be made.
The Commission approved compliance procedures for retail sports betting locations. These locations will be located at or near sports venues throughout the state.
A date has not been set for the launch of retail betting as operators need to meet multiple requirements. This includes obtaining lab certifications, submitting operational documents, and passing site inspections.
Back in May, an NC Lottery Commission spokesperson told Covers.com that no operators had applied to offer sports betting. The Commission did not specify whether this status has changed, but one can assume that it has.
Esports Also Being Considered
Esports was not part of the initial launch, but this could change soon. The Commission recently approved an esports petition that went up for adoption on September 25. If adopted, this would allow operators to offer esports to NC bettors.
Esports is a progressive market that has been exploding in popularity in recent years. It is expected to become a $7.5 billion market by 2031.
Revenues for this year are expected to be around $2.5 billion. Esports bettors can bet on major gaming competitions worldwide, including events like EVO Las Vegas.
Sources
https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/north-carolina-nears-expansion-of-betting-options-with-pari-mutuel-and-esports-115243
https://ncgaming.gov/Content/Documents/Proposed_Notice_of_Rulemaking_and_Rule_Text_September_18_2024.pdf
https://www.covers.com/industry/north-carolina-approves-pari-mutuel-wagering-retail-sportsbooks-esports-sept-18-2024
https://www.covers.com/industry/retail-sports-betting-not-close-to-launching-in-north-carolina-2024
