North Carolina is gearing up for an influx of energy and excitement as the state’s mobile sports betting market comes to life on the 11th of March. The launch, confirmed back in January by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, comes along with the announcement that players have been able to register and fund their accounts since the 1st of March, all in eager anticipation.
Central to this burgeoning market is the strategic alliance formed between FanDuel and the Carolina Panthers’ NFL team. This partnership enables ardent fans to pre-register on the robust FanDuel Sportsbook app prior to the market’s go-live date, ensuring they’re ready to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of sports betting as soon as it launches. Illustrating their commitment to an engaging fan experience, FanDuel is poised to work hand in hand with the Panthers on a variety of social media content and will illuminate the Bank of America Stadium with compelling digital signage.
The expansion into North Carolina signifies FanDuel’s ever-growing footprint, earmarking it as the 22nd state to experience the company’s mobile sports betting presence, joining a list of states including Arizona, Colorado, and New Jersey.
Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel’s Chief Commercial Officer, underscored the significance of the expansion. “Bringing FanDuel to sports fans across North Carolina is an important moment for our business,” Raffensperger remarked enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to be able to work with the Carolina Panthers to introduce their fan base to America’s number one sportsbook. We look forward to supporting the team next season and engaging with the passionate sports fans throughout North Carolina with our product.”
Similarly, Kristi Coleman, president of the Carolina Panthers, expressed optimism about the partnership, viewing it as a gateway to future opportunities. “We are thrilled to welcome FanDuel as an official sports betting partner,” Coleman stated. “As we look ahead to the 2024 season, we’re excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to deliver unique and engaging experiences to our fans while they are in North Carolina.”
Remarkably, North Carolina is emerging as a hot market for operators looking to make their mark, as was evident by the flurry of activity from several entities clamoring for space ahead of the live date. The roll-out of the market is impeccably timed, just days before March Madness—the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s iconic annual college basketball tournament—ensuring the fanfare is at its peak.
The state’s Lottery Commission has paved the way to this moment by confirming eight interactive sports wagering licenses in the week just passed. Prominent names in the industry like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, Bet365, ESPN Bet, and Underdog have been granted licenses, setting the stage for a vibrant market.
Adding to the excitement, Caesars Entertainment blazed a trail as the first operator to launch within the state, a milestone achieved through a tribal partnership inked with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in January, who were also among the recipients of a newly issued interactive sports wagering license.
The journey to this point can be traced back to 14 June 2023, when North Carolina’s sports betting landscape was set in motion by Governor Roy Cooper’s signing of House Bill 347 into law. The legislation set out a roadmap for the market deployment, requiring state regulations be published by 8 January 2024 and operators to begin accepting wagers before 14 June 2024.
In the days leading up to the 11th of March, North Carolina’s Commission didn’t rest on its laurels, instead issuing supplier licences to crucial service providers like GeoComply and SBTech. Additionally, they brought forth a voluntary self-exclusion program for state residents—a component of the NC Problem Gambling Programme. Enhanced by an additional $2 million per year as outlined in House Bill 347, the voluntary initiative offers players self-exclusion options spanning one year, three years, five years, or even a lifetime—underscoring a comprehensive approach to responsible gaming in the state.
North Carolina is, unquestionably, on the cusp of a new era in sports entertainment and fan engagement. DEALINGS with giants like FanDuel and the beloved Carolina Panthers only promise to make the experience for sports enthusiasts in the state all the more extraordinary.
