North Carolina is known for its conservative approach to gambling, with a long history of restricting most forms of wagering. However, in recent years, the state has moved cautiously toward expanding legalized gambling, particularly through the introduction of casinos, a state lottery, and sports betting.

Despite these developments, many forms of gambling, such as poker rooms and certain types of online gambling, remain illegal. North Carolina’s gambling landscape is shaped by strict regulations, with activities often confined to specific locations, such as tribal lands or for charitable purposes.

Types of Gambling in North Carolina

After years of rejecting legalized gambling, North Carolina has changed significantly, especially since 2022. Now, there are a number of options available across the state.

Horse Racing and Off-Track Betting

North Carolina has a historical connection to horse racing, but pari-mutuel betting on live horse races was illegal for decades. However, this changed when the state legalized online sports betting.

Casinos

North Carolina permits limited casino gambling, confined to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ tribal lands in the western part of the state. The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel are the only two legal casinos. These casinos offer slot machines, table games such as blackjack, and video poker. However, North Carolina does not allow commercial casinos or poker rooms outside of tribal lands.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, is allowed in North Carolina but is heavily regulated. Nonprofit organizations must obtain a license from the state and adhere to strict guidelines, such as limiting the frequency and size of prizes. These games are used primarily as fundraising tools for charitable groups, and proceeds must benefit the nonprofit rather than individuals.

Lottery

The North Carolina Education Lottery, established in 2005, is one of the state’s most popular forms of legalized gambling. The lottery offers various games, including scratch-offs, draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, and Keno. The revenue generated from the lottery is used primarily to fund education initiatives across the state, making it a vital source of public funding.

Poker Rooms

Poker rooms are illegal in North Carolina unless they are part of the state’s tribal casinos. While home poker games are technically allowed as long as there is no rake or organized betting pool, public or commercial poker rooms are prohibited. The state has shown little interest in legalizing commercial poker rooms, keeping this form of gambling largely restricted.

Sports Betting

In 2019, North Carolina legalized in-person sports betting at its two tribal casinos. The casinos offer betting on professional and collegiate sports. Then, in 2023, lawmakers approved bills to allow online sports betting, and several operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, are now active in the state.

Gambling Laws and Regulations in North Carolina

Although North Carolina has historically been conservative when it comes to gambling, lawmakers have changed their opinions in recent years. Now, gambling is expanding at a regular pace, with more options coming over the next several years.

Legal Gambling Activities

In North Carolina, the following gambling activities are legal under state law:

• Tribal Casinos: Legal and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, offering slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
  
  
• Lottery: The North Carolina Education Lottery is legal and state-run.
  
  
• Charitable Gaming: Bingo and raffles are allowed for nonprofit fundraising under strict regulations.
  
  
• Sports Betting: Limited to tribal casinos and online sports betting.

Illegal Gambling Activities

• Commercial Casinos: Any casino outside of the state’s tribal lands is illegal.
  
  
• Poker Rooms: Commercial poker rooms are prohibited, and only poker within tribal casinos or private, unorganized home games is allowed.
  
  
• Online Gambling: Aside from certain lottery games, online gambling is illegal. This includes online casinos, poker rooms, and sports betting.

Regulatory Bodies

The main regulatory body overseeing gambling activities in North Carolina is the North Carolina State Lottery Commission (NCSLC), which regulates the lottery, charitable gaming, and other forms of legal gambling. The tribal casinos fall under the jurisdiction of the National Indian Gaming Commission and are also subject to compacts negotiated between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the state government.

In terms of sports betting, the tribal casinos are regulated in part by the state but largely operate under federal guidelines set forth by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Currently, the NCSLC also regulates commercial sports betting.

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

North Carolina enforces strict penalties for illegal gambling, particularly for operators of unlawful betting schemes. Participating in illegal gambling can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and potential jail time.

For organizers or operators of illegal gambling establishments, penalties can be even more severe, with felonies and higher fines on the table. The state targets both in-person illegal gambling operations as well as unlicensed online gambling platforms.

Popular Sports to Bet on in North Carolina

In North Carolina, sports betting focuses primarily on major American professional sports leagues and college athletics. The most popular sports to bet on include:

• Football: NFL games, especially those involving local teams, attract a significant number of bets.
  
  
• Basketball: Both NBA and NCAA basketball are hugely popular, particularly with North Carolina being home to some of the most well-known college basketball programs.
  
  
• Baseball: MLB games also see considerable betting activity, especially during the playoffs.
  
  
• Golf: As a state with a rich golfing tradition, golf events, including the PGA Tour, attract sports bettors.

North Carolina’s Favorite Teams to Bet On

Sports bettors in North Carolina often place wagers on local and regional teams, including:

• Carolina Panthers (NFL)
• Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
• Duke Blue Devils (NCAA Basketball)
• North Carolina Tar Heels (NCAA Basketball)
• NC State Wolfpack (NCAA Football and Basketball)
  
  

These teams generate significant betting interest, especially during peak seasons and championship tournaments.

Local Casinos in North Carolina

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee, NC): Offering over 3,000 slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and sports betting.
  
  
• Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel (Murphy, NC): Features slot machines, table games, and a sportsbook.
  
  

These two casinos are the only legal gambling venues in the state, both owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Gaming Experience in North Carolina’s Casinos

The gaming experience at North Carolina’s casinos is comparable to some of the largest tribal casinos in the U.S. Patrons can enjoy a wide array of gaming options, including slot machines, blackjack, craps, and poker.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, in particular, offers a luxurious experience with a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and hotel accommodations, making it a destination for visitors beyond just gaming enthusiasts. The addition of sports betting has only enhanced the appeal of these casinos, attracting both casual bettors and seasoned gamblers.

Future of Gaming in North Carolina

The future of gaming in North Carolina is evolving as the state explores further expansion of its gambling laws. The most significant potential development is the legalization of mobile sports betting, which has aligned North Carolina with other states that have embraced online sports wagering.

There has also been discussion about the possible introduction of commercial casinos in the state, particularly in more urban areas like Charlotte or Raleigh. However, any expansion would likely face opposition from groups concerned about the social costs of gambling. Overall, North Carolina’s gambling market is on a gradual trajectory toward expansion, driven by the increasing popularity of legalized gambling nationwide.

Gambling FAQ – North Carolina

1. Can I gamble online if I live in North Carolina?
   No, online gambling is largely illegal in North Carolina. The only exception is for certain lottery games that can be played online through the North Carolina Education Lottery website. Online casinos and poker rooms are not currently allowed.
   
   
2. Is gambling legal in North Carolina?
   Yes, but only certain forms of gambling are legal in North Carolina. The state allows tribal casinos, a state-run lottery, charitable gaming (like bingo and raffles), and in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and online sports betting. Many other forms of gambling, including commercial casinos and online gaming, are illegal.
   
   
3. Is there poker in North Carolina?
   Yes, poker is available at North Carolina’s two tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino. However, commercial poker rooms outside of these casinos are illegal, and home games are only allowed if no one profits from organizing the game.
   
   
4. Are poker runs legal in North Carolina?
   Yes, poker runs are legal in North Carolina as long as they are organized for charitable purposes and meet the state’s regulations on charitable gaming. Organizers must comply with state laws regarding licensing and prize limits.
   
   
5. Is casino gambling legal in North Carolina?
   Yes, but casino gambling is limited to tribal casinos operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Commercial casinos are not permitted in the state, and gambling outside of these regulated tribal venues is illegal.
   
   
6. Can I play online poker for money in North Carolina?
   No, online poker for real money is illegal in North Carolina. The state has not legalized online gambling, including online poker, except for certain lottery games.
   
   
7. What gambling sites are legal in North Carolina?
   The only legal online gambling site in North Carolina is the North Carolina Education Lottery’s official website, where players can participate in certain draw and scratch-off games. All other gambling sites, including online casinos, are not legal.
   
   
8. What app can I gamble with in North Carolina
   Currently, there are no legal gambling apps for casino games or sports betting available in North Carolina. The only legal gambling app is the North Carolina Education Lottery’s app, which allows residents to purchase lottery tickets and play online games offered by the lottery.
   
   
9. When did North Carolina legalize gambling?
   North Carolina has allowed various forms of gambling at different times. The North Carolina Education Lottery was legalized in 2005, while tribal casino gambling was legalized earlier in the 1990s through agreements with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Sports betting was legalized in 2019, but only for in-person wagering at tribal casinos.
   
   
10. What is the oldest casino in North Carolina?
    The oldest casino in North Carolina is Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, which opened in 1997 on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ tribal lands in Cherokee, North Carolina. It remains one of only two legal casinos in the state.