Bettors in North Carolina made their first legal sports wager on March 11, 2024. Two years later, bettors across the state have gambled more than $13 billion with eight legal operators.
In February, which included the Super Bowl, bettors wagered more than $581 million in paid bets. That’s the lowest total since August before the start of football season, but it represents a 10.6% increase over wagering activity in February 2025.
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In two years, North Carolina has collected more than $262 million in taxes from operators in 24 months, far exceeding legislative expectations. In February, the operators paid about $10.5 million in taxes.
They are charged 18% on gross wagering revenue as calculated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. Operators have made nearly $1.5 billion in gross wagering revenue since the 2024 launch.
PODCAST SERIES: How did sports betting come to North Carolina?
North Carolina distributes the tax revenue to: the Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction treatment ($2 million annually), two statewide youth sports organizations for grants ($2 million total annually), the athletic departments at 13 UNC System schools ($300,000 each annually). The remaining tax dollars are divided among the state’s general fund (50%), the major events fund to help attract sporting events to the state (30%) and to the athletic departments at those same 13 UNC System schools (20%).
NC State and North Carolina aren’t included in that distribution.
The operators have paid $12.4 billion in winnings off nearly $14 billion in paid wagers and free and promotional bets.
The WRAL Documentary Unit is examining the impact of legalized sports betting over the past two years, with a documentary set to premiere across all WRAL platforms on March 18.
See: Chart of sports betting paid wagers by month
If gambling is more than a game, free help is available. Text morethanagame to 53342, call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.
