Ahead of North Carolina’s anticipated full-scale legal sports wagering launch date on March 11, Caesars Entertainment has made strides through a unique partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, enabling them to commence operations before the official statewide launch. This arrangement has been facilitated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which governs gaming operations on tribal lands.
The residents and guests of North Carolina now have the unprecedented opportunity to place bets at two Cherokee-operated venues – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. Additionally, betting activities are authorized on Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal lands, providing both convenience and a boost to tribal enterprises.
With the digital transformation of sports betting, Caesars is poised to extend its online sports betting service across the entirety of North Carolina once the market fully opens its doors next week. This virtual expansion complements the existing retail sportsbooks that Caesars has been running in the state for several years, enhancing the operator’s footprint and customer reach.
Eric Hession, Caesars Digital president, expressed his enthusiasm for the early launch, recognizing the significance of the event within the sports calendar and giving thanks to the entities that made this possible. He noted, “We’re thankful to be able to offer wagering at the Harrah’s Cherokee properties as part of our longstanding relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and with the sports calendar heating up, there is a lot to be excited about.”
Echoing these sentiments, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians principal Michell Hicks lauded the launch as a milestone in their longstanding partnership with Caesars Entertainment. Hicks emphasized the tribe’s eagerness to introduce mobile sports betting to North Carolina’s sports enthusiasts, offering a modern and innovative experience.
With just one week remaining until the entire sports betting market gets the green light, North Carolina is in the full swing of preparations. Governor Roy Cooper paved the way for the implementation of House Bill 347, which he signed into law in June 2023. This legislation outlined a strategic timeline including the publishing of regulations before January 8, 2024, and the commencement of wagers by operators before June 14, 2024.
The state met the regulatory timeline last month, and operators are gearing up to take bets well in advance of the June deadline. In tandem with these efforts, specific milestones were set for operators, such as the submission of their internal controls by January 26 in preparation for launch.
Last week marked a significant phase in the rollout with the first batch of licensees announced in North Carolina, including notable industry heavyweights. The State Lottery Commission awarded eight interactive sports wagering licenses encompassing FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, Bet365, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, and Underdog.
Formed partnerships are a requisite for operators wishing to venture into North Carolina’s sports betting landscape. Each licensed operator has secured a deal with a sports team, league, or venue in the state, establishing a localized foothold. DraftKings has aligned with stock-car racing powerhouse, NASCAR, while BetMGM has formed a partnership with the storied Charlotte Motor Speedway. ESPN Bet has become the official betting operator of the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour by securing a deal, and FanDuel is collaborating with golf’s PGA Tour for its North Carolina launch.
Fanatics has joined forces with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the official sports betting partner. Bet365 leaped into a partnership with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets in November 2023. Moreover, Underdog has solidified its position in paid fantasy sports through an alliance with McConnell Golf.
In conjunction with operator licenses, supplier licenses have also been granted, with GeoComply, SBTech, and Sportradar emerging as successful applicants. As the sports betting ecosystem in North Carolina takes shape, the early moves by operators like Caesars are setting the stage for a thriving industry embedded in partnerships and bolstered by regulatory compliance. The countdown to a fully operational sports betting market in North Carolina continues, with stakeholders and bettors alike looking forward to the official start.
