North Carolina Sports Betting Generates $13 Billion Handle in Two Years

Sports betting in North Carolina has hit the two-year mark, generating a total of over $13 billion in wagers and $262 million in state tax revenue.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: March 13, 2026 10:37 AM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar celebrates as we look at the first two years of North Carolina's legal sports betting. Photo by Scott Kinser/CSM/Sipa USA

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Two years after launch, North Carolina sports betting has generated more than $13 billion in wagers and over $262 million in state tax revenue. Legal online betting began on March 11, 2024, quickly establishing a major new industry in the state.

The revenue generated from North Carolina sports betting supports several programs, including public health services and athletic initiatives, while betting activity continues to grow. The expansion has also prompted discussions about gambling risks, as lawmakers in neighboring South Carolina consider legalizing sports wagering.

The market expanded rapidly during its first year as residents took advantage of North Carolina sportsbook promos. Bettors wagered roughly $6.6 billion in the first 12 months after legalization. Monthly wagering totals have frequently surpassed $600 million since the launch.

Recent figures illustrate the scale of activity. In February 2026 alone, bettors in the state placed approximately $596 million in wagers, according to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. During the same period, bettors won roughly $535 million on North Carolina sports betting apps.

The industry's growth has also sparked a broader debate about sports betting habits and potential rises in gambling addiction. Experts are concerned that there could be more gambling addiction and pressure. Despite these concerns, it has been shown that sports betting has also been a major source of funding for many state programs, only two years after it became legal.

South Carolina lawmakers consider sports wagering bill

That growth just north of the border is now shaping debate in South Carolina, where lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 444 to legalize sports wagering. South Carolina remains one of the last 11 states without legal sports betting.

The proposal would legalize sports wagering, create a South Carolina Sports Wagering Commission, set a 12.5% tax on sports wagering receipts, and limit licensed operators to eight. It would also direct revenue to the general fund, local governments, the Department of Mental Health, and commission costs.

The commission would investigate violations, impose fines, and address integrity issues involving sporting events.

At present, South Carolina residents cannot place bets through mobile apps such as FanDuel, DraftKings, or Caesars while inside the state. But a wager can be placed after crossing into North Carolina.

Supporters say that the gap is costing South Carolina millions. Sen. Josh Kimbrell said North Carolina made $129 million from sports bets last year while South Carolinians crossed the border to use the same accounts. He said a market in South Carolina could send $50 million to $60 million more to the general fund.

However, opponents have argued that the revenue does not outweigh the risks, citing research on bankruptcy, credit problems, and lower savings. Sportsbook representatives told lawmakers that gambling tools are available. The bill is now positioned for further review.

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.