North Carolina Online Gambling in 2025: Sportsbooks, Sweepstakes & Future Casinos

North Carolina hasn’t legalized real-money online casinos yet, but that could soon change. With online sports betting officially live since March 2024, the groundwork has been laid for major casino apps like BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365 to enter the market when regulations catch up.

In the meantime, players in North Carolina can legally enjoy sweepstakes and social casinos — platforms that offer free-to-play games with real prize redemption options. Some of the most popular include:

• Hello Millions – Play over 700 slots using Gold Coins (GC) for fun, or Sweeps Coins (SC) for the chance to win real cash or gift cards.
• BetRivers.net – A social version of the BetRivers casino offering more than 1,000 games, daily virtual credit reloads, and free sports betting pools.
• Speed Sweeps – A newer entrant with a smooth design, thousands of free coins on sign-up, and a growing list of slot and table games.
• Other platforms like Funrize, Vegas Gems, and FunzCity also provide legal casino-style gameplay without requiring a real-money deposit.

NC Legal & Legislative Outlook

North Carolina’s sports betting industry is booming — it took less than two months to surpass $1 billion in wagers. Currently, eight licensed sportsbook apps are active in the state, including brands like Bet365, Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Underdog.

On the casino front, state lawmakers are actively discussing potential legislation to allow non-tribal casinos and regulate video gaming machines. While no official bill has been passed yet, key state leaders have indicated that discussions are ongoing, and progress could occur later in 2025.

What You Can Do in NC Now

• Bet on sports at fully licensed mobile sportsbooks and retail locations.
• Play at legal sweepstakes casinos with no deposits required and a chance to redeem prizes.
• Visit land-based casinos, including Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, for in-person gaming.

Can you Gamble Online in North Carolina?

There are no licensed online casinos in North Carolina yet. We expect betMGM, Borgata, Betrivers to open their virtual doors once approved. Check out top casino sites, including bonuses here. Try with the bet365 casino bonus code USB365 and claim free spins.

Sports Gambling in North Carolina

Online sports betting is live and legal in North Carolina as of March 11, 2024 — and it’s already a hit. The state saw over $1 billion in bets within its first two months, making it one of the strongest launches in the U.S.

There are currently eight licensed sportsbook apps available to players 21 and older in the Tar Heel State:

• Bet365
• Caesars
• BetMGM
• FanDuel
• DraftKings
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• ESPN BET
• Underdog

Players can bet on pro and college sports, parlays, live betting, player props, and more. Deposits and withdrawals are available through cards, bank transfer, PayPal, and mobile wallets.

Retail sports betting is also available at select tribal casinos, but online betting through licensed apps is now the go-to method for most bettors in the state.

Legal Sweepstakes Casinos in North Carolina

While traditional real-money online casinos are still awaiting legalization in North Carolina, sweepstakes casinos are 100% legal and available now. These platforms offer a casino-style gaming experience using virtual currencies instead of real money — but players can still redeem prizes, including cash.

Sweepstakes casinos operate under U.S. promotional sweepstakes laws, making them legal in NC and many other states without formal online gambling legislation. Here’s how it works:

• You play games using Gold Coins (GC) for fun or Sweeps Coins (SC) for a chance to win redeemable prizes.
• No purchase is necessary — you can often receive free coins just by signing up or mailing in a request.
• Prizes may include gift cards, prepaid cards, or direct cash payouts.

Land-Based Casinos in North Carolina

If you’re looking to enjoy in-person casino gaming in North Carolina, your options are currently limited to two properties — both owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Cherokee. Located in the scenic Smoky Mountains, this is North Carolina’s flagship casino resort. It features over 150 table games, thousands of slot machines, a full-service hotel, spa, and multiple dining options.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, Murphy. This smaller sister property offers a more low-key vibe, but still delivers with a solid lineup of slots, video poker, and select table games. Guests will also find casual restaurants, a hotel, and retail options for a convenient all-in-one experience.

What to Expect When Online Casinos Launch

While you need to wait to see what sites can operate here, we can get an idea of what to expect from a North Carolina online casino by looking at other states. The biggest and most trustworthy names in the business should look to open their online casino in North Carolina once they can.

When real-money online casinos are finally legalized in North Carolina, the following major brands are expected to go live quickly:

• Caesars Palace Casino
• bet365 Casino
• BetMGM Casino
• DraftKings Casino
• FanDuel Casino
• BetRivers Casino
• Borgata Casino
• Golden Nugget
• Bally Bet

NC Casino Bonuses (Coming Soon)

When the first real-money casinos launch, players can expect the same style of welcome bonuses offered in other legal states:

• Free spins just for signing up
• Deposit match bonuses (often 100% up to $1,000+)
• No-deposit bonuses for new users
• Cashback on net losses or specific games
• Loyalty rewards programs and VIP perks

Where in NC can I get help with problem gambling?

While gambling can be fun for many, for some it can cause disruption in their home lives and lead to a range of problems. If you have issues with gambling, or a friend or relative is struggling, help is available. For details, see North Carolina – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).

NC Gambling FAQ