North Carolina became the latest state to officially legalize online sports betting when Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law on Wednesday.
Representatives from the state’s pro sports organizations gathered for a special bill signing ceremony held at Spectrum Center, the home of the Charlotte Hornets.
The Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte Football Club, NASCAR and the PGA Tour were all represented. Rep. Zack Hawkins, Rep. Jason Saine and Sen. Paul Lowe – proponents of sports betting in the Tar Heel State – all attended too.
“This legislation will help North Carolina compete, make sure taxpayers receive a share, create many good-paying jobs and foster strong economic opportunity,” said Cooper. “As we move forward, we should work to make sure more of the revenue is used to invest in our public schools, teachers and students.”
The state’s eight pro sports venues – the Panthers, Hornets, Canes, Charlotte FC, two NASCAR tracks and two PGA Tour courses – will be permitted to open retail sportsbooks.
The bill also permits up to 12 online sportsbooks to launch. Online sports wagering is expected to begin in January 2024 at the earliest.
“We are extremely grateful for all of the hard work by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to get this bill to the finish line,” said Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the Hurricanes.
“We will now have the opportunity to build a world-class sports-wagering facility to expand the entertainment options around PNC Arena. Our plans will also include a restaurant and bar available to fans every day, helping to spur additional development in and around the arena district.”
