North Carolina becomes 28th state to legalize sports, horse racing betting

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Regulated sports betting and horse racing should begin across North Carolina in the first half of next year after Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law Wednesday legislation that greatly expands gambling opportunities in the ninth-largest state.

The Democratic governor held the bill-signing ceremony at Spectrum Center, home to the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. It could house one of several anticipated sportsbooks allowed at or near professional sports venues as part of the law that received final approval in the Republican-controlled General Assembly last week.

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The new law says betting could begin as early as next Jan. 8 but as late as mid-June 2024, leading to new revenues for the state and what supporters expect will lead to new jobs and stronger in-state pro sports franchises.

Roy Cooper greets supporters during an election party hosted by the North Carolina Democratic Party at the Raleigh Marriott City Center in downtown Raleigh, N.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016.  (Ethan Hyman/Raleigh News & OBserver/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

"This is an historic moment for the state of North Carolina and this will benefit our economy for generations to come," Cooper said at the ceremony.

The law directs the North Carolina Lottery Commission to issue as many as 12 interactive sports wagering licenses to entities that would offer mobile and online sports betting to customers who create accounts.

Runners and riders compete in the Unibet/British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes at Kempton Park on June 14, 2023 in Sunbury, England.  (Clive Rose/Getty Images)

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