March 11 Launch Date Set for North Carolina Sports Betting

Jan 25, 2024

Bob Donnan / USA TODAY Sports

There is finally a date for the launch of North Carolina sports betting! Sportsbooks can begin operating online on March 11. That's the week of the NCAA college basketball conference tournaments and one week before the beginning of March Madness. Here are the latest NC sports betting updates.

North Carolina Sports Betting Goes Live March 11

The North Carolina Lottery Commission approved March 11 as a launch date at its Wednesday meeting. This means North Carolina bettors will be able to wager on college basketball conference tournaments and March Madness. Selection Sunday, when the bracket is decided, is on March 17. The NCAA Tournament starts on Tuesday, March 19 with the First Four games.

North Carolina has finally decided on a launch date. When the sports betting bill was signed in June 2023, the state's first possible launch date was January 8, 2024. Then, the state ruled out launching before Super Bowl 58 which takes place on February 11. Bettors can rejoice they will be able to bet on one of the most bet events in the world in March Madness with the launch on March 11.

Underdog Sports Scores Partner Before Launch

Sportsbooks in the state have to partner with professional sports teams, leagues, or facilities to be able to operate online. Several of the top sportsbooks secured deals with teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers, and more. One of the last sportsbooks to gain a partnership is Underdog Sports. Underdog is teaming up with McConnell Golf to help bring sports betting online.

The partnership is with the Sedgefield Country Club which is located in Greensboro. The club hosts the Wyndham Championship which is a PGA Tour event.

Seven Sportsbooks Set for March 11 Launch

BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, bet365, FanDuel, and Underdog Sports were the only operators to get their sports betting applications submitted by December 27. This means they have the ability to launch on the go-live date of March 11. All of these sportsbooks have also formed partnerships with professional teams and leagues in the state. Check out the sportsbooks and their partners.