Bettors in North Carolina can now make legal wagers just as March Madness is about to get underway. Legal sports betting officially launched on Monday.
The Tar Heel State became the 38th state, including Washington D.C., to offer some form of betting. Players can now wager at live casinos and via online and mobile platforms.
“The legalization of sports betting will provide a significant boost to North Carolina’s economy and will allow our thriving sports industry to continue to grow,” Gov. Roy Cooper said on Monday at a Carolina Hurricanes game. Cooper said he bet on the ‘Canes to win the Stanley Cup this year with any winnings going to the team’s charitable foundation.
A Look at Early Action
Several operators were granted licenses in the state including DraftKings, BetMGM Underdog Sports, FanDuel, Fanatics, Bet365, ESPN Bet, and Caesars Sportsbook. The state’s three tribal casinos – Catawba Two Kings Casino, Harrah’s Cherokee, and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River – all also host Caesars sportsbook. Early returns were positive for the industry.
“The first day of sports betting in North Carolina was a smashing success for BetMGM,” the operator noted.
BetMGM released some highlights from the first day of betting as examples of the state’s activity. The company’s first bet in North Carolina history saw $100 on North Carolina to win the NCAA basketball tournament at +1800, meaning the bettor would win to win $1,800. During the first 24 hours of action, here’s a look at the most-wagered teams on the upcoming NCAA tournament:
- North Carolina – 47.9%
- UConn – 9.5%
- Houston – 8.1%
The first day of betting also saw plenty of Super Bowl futures betting and here’s a look at the top three teams chosen by North Carolinians:
- Steelers – 14.3%
- Eagles – 10.5%
- Chiefs – 10.5%
Quite a few players also took a shot on the home team Carolina Panthers at the longest odds of +25000. Despite finishing 2-15 last season, the team received 8.3% of bets, fifth most among NFL teams.
