It’s finally here. Online sports betting is going live in North Carolina on March 11th and it’s bringing with it a slew of excellent welcome bonuses from the major sportsbooks looking to break out in the NC sports betting market.
DraftKings, one of the biggest names in the sports betting industry, has one of the best bonuses for new customers in the Old North State — Get $100 for registering by March 11th and then $200 with a $5 bet after the launch.
That’s a total of $300 just for giving DraftKings a shot!
| Pre-Launch Sign Up Offer | Get $100 in Bonus Bets |
| Terms and Conditions | Minimum $5 deposit and must sign up before March 11th; 1x rollover requirement before cash winnings can be withdrawn. |
| Post-Launch Offer | Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| Total Combined Bonus Bets | $300 |
| Promo Code | No Promo Code Required |
| Verified | 3/1/2024 |
The landscape of sports betting in North Carolina is on the brink of a significant transformation. In fact, we’re only days away from going live with online sports betting.
With the green light already on for in-person betting, the Tar Heel State is gearing up for the much-anticipated launch of online sports betting.
Mark your calendars for March 11, 2024, as this date is set to mark the official entry of online sports betting into the state, right in time for the frenzy of March Madness — one of the busiest sports betting times of the year, right up there with the Super Bowl.
The path to this launch was paved by the passing of HB347, the key piece of North Carolina legislation that Governor Roy Cooper signed into law on June 14, 2023.
This bill not only legalized online and retail sports betting across the state but also laid down the regulatory framework for its operation. The North Carolina Lottery Commission, tasked with overseeing the sports betting market, announced the launch date six months post the bill's signing, ensuring that the state's sports betting facilities would be operational ahead of one of the biggest events in college basketball.
| Bill | HB347 |
| Signed By | Governor Roy Cooper |
| Date Signed | June 14, 2023 |
| Regulatory Body | North Carolina Lottery Commission |
| Initial Licenses Issued | Up to 12 |
| Tax Rate | 8% |
| Betting on College Sports | Yes |
| Age Requirement | 21 |
| Revenue Allocation | Education, Attracting major events, Problem gambling programs |
This is typical of all sports betting launches. Just because the bill is passed and signed into law doesn’t mean bettors can start placing wagers. The state has to set the regulations and get everything into place, hence we refer to it as a launch.
As the countdown to launch day begins, the pre-registration phase kicks off on March 1, allowing eager NC sports bettors to set up their accounts, make deposits, and start grabbing promotional offers.
This preparatory phase is essential for both operators and bettors, ensuring a smooth transition to full-scale operations once the clock strikes noon on March 11.
The anticipation has been building since the initial discussions and proposals surrounding the launch date.
While an earlier date in January was floated around by the commission, the decision ultimately settled on March, aligning the launch with a significant spike in sports betting activity that March Madness brings.
This strategic timing is expected to maximize engagement and participation from day one.There’s a sense of build-up and excitement from March 1 to March 11.
For North Carolina residents (and visitors), this development opens up a new avenue for sports entertainment and engagement in the state.
With eight operators having locked in their licenses, bettors will soon have a variety of platforms to choose from. These operators have met the December 27 application deadline and are on track to go live.
These are the online sportsbooks with approved interactive sports wagering licenses—
FanDuel Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook
Bet365
ESPN BET
Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise
Underdog Sports Wagering (that’s right, it’s the same Underdog from Underdog Fantasy)
This expansion into online betting is a significant leap forward from the existing in-person betting options available at three retail sportsbooks in the state.
It signifies not just a broadening of access for bettors but also marks a key milestone in the state's evolving gaming and entertainment industry.
Will there be more operators in the future? We sure think so. There are 12 licenses available (for now) and only 8 are spoken for. We’ll keep you updated if any other online sportsbooks enter the NC market.
DraftKings comes out swinging in the NC sports betting market as a colossus, setting the standard for what a sportsbook can offer. With its blend of a user-friendly interface, diverse betting options, and amazing bonuses, it's no wonder DraftKings stands out as one of the industry's most dominant players.
DraftKings has crafted a sports betting experience that's both comprehensive and engaging, catering to seasoned, casual, and even new bettors. Honestly, it’s what you would expect when it comes to a company that has been in the sports industry since 2012.
Here are some of DK’s standout features—
Wide range of betting options. From NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL to tennis, golf, and even eSports, DraftKings covers just about every sport you can imagine.
Innovative betting formats. Beyond traditional bets, DraftKings offers live betting, prop bets, and futures, adding layers of strategy and excitement to the betting experience. We think you’ll love the live betting options.
User-friendly mobile app. The DraftKings mobile experience is a game-changer, providing a smooth, intuitive interface that makes placing bets, checking scores, and withdrawing winnings effortless. After all, a sports betting app can make or break your experience and they’ve figured that out.
Bonuses and promotions. New users are regularly offered generous welcome bonuses, while ongoing promotions and loyalty programs keep the betting experience rewarding even for the existing players. We always recommend signing up for all of the sportsbooks you can to take advantage of bonuses, but DraftKings will keep you coming back for more.
Comprehensive educational resources. For those new to sports betting, DraftKings offers a wealth of guides and tips, helping you out with betting strategies and terminology.
There’s a lot to love about DraftKings and it’s why we believe they’ll be a dominant force in the North Carolina betting market for years to come.
What truly sets DraftKings apart is its commitment to enhancing the sports betting experience. The platform's investment in technology and user experience is apparent in every feature, from the clarity of its betting options to the responsiveness of its customer service. Here's what we love the most about DraftKings—
Integration across platforms. Whether you're on your phone, tablet, or desktop, DraftKings provides a consistent, high-quality experience. You can lounge on the couch with your tablet checking on your bets or pull out your phone at a restaurant and see how your wagers are doing.
Always giving out bonuses. The welcome offers stand out from the rest, which is why we call DraftKings the King of Bonuses, but their ongoing bonuses and odds boosts for existing customers is unmatched.
Data-rich platforms. Bettors have access to a treasure trove of statistics, insights, and performance data, enabling informed decision-making and strategic betting. If you’re serious about sports betting and want to make some real cash, you need to have the data at your fingertips.
DraftKings doesn't just dominate the sportsbook industry by scale, although it’s a consideration; it leads through innovation, user engagement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. They’re simply the best at what they do.
With its impressive features, bonuses, and a commitment to an exceptional betting experience, DraftKings has rightfully earned its place at the pinnacle, ahem, the king of sports betting platforms.
Whether you're a die-hard sports enthusiast or a casual bettor looking to dip your toes into the world of sports betting, DraftKings offers a platform that's both accessible and rewarding.
So, if DraftKings is so great, how does their North Carolina bonus stack up to the other online sportsbooks?
Overall, they’re not too bad and they’re holding their own.
DraftKings is on par with the best bonus offers across all of the major sportsbooks in the industry.
| DraftKings | FanDuel | Bet365 | BetMGM |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 at Launch, $200 with a $5 Bet | $100 at Launch, $200 with a $5 Bet | $100 at Launch, $200 with a $5 Bet | $200 in Bonus Bets Upon Full Launch |
| No Code Required | No Code Required | Promo Code: 365BV1 | Promo Code: EWBET1 |
| Minimum Deposit of $10 | Minimum Deposit of $10 | Minimum Deposit of $10 | Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days |
| Bonus Bets are Credited Once $5+ Bet is Placed | Bonus Bets are Credited Once $5+ Bet is Placed | Bonus Bets are Credited Once $5+ Bet is Placed | Bonus Bets are Credited When NC Betting Launches |
Notice that several offers are generally the same except for the terms are slightly different.
With that, we recommend signing up for all of them to take advantage of each of their bonuses. As of now, that adds up to $1,100 in bonus bets if you sign up for all four of these sportsbook powerhouses.
As North Carolina gears up to take on legal online sports betting, the excitement among sports bettors is hitting a peak.
DraftKings, with its attractive $300 in bonus bets ($100 initial deposit bonus + $200 on a $5 bet), is establishing itself as a leading bookmaker for North Carolinians eager to get into the sports betting scene.
The launch's clever timing, coinciding with the March Madness frenzy, provides the perfect opportunity for both newcomers and experienced bettors. This period is notably one of the most active for all sportsbooks.
With a wide range of sports, a user-friendly app experience, and features designed with the customer in mind, DraftKings is more than just a place to place bets; it's a portal to the complete sports betting experience.
Must be age 21 or older to play. Please gamble responsibly and within your limits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, assistance is available by calling or texting 1-800-522-4700, chatting online via http://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/chat/ or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling Services website at http://www.ncpgambling.org/. Information, resources, counseling and referral services can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.