Last Friday, two leading bookmakers, DraftKings and BetMGM, announced strategic partnerships, securing their entry into the soon-to-be-launched North Carolina online sports betting market. As per North Carolina’s legislation, sportsbooks must present “written designation agreements with a North Carolina pro sports team, an approved golf course or race track, the PGA or NASCAR”, to operate legally within the state.
The Tar Heel State joined the list of US states that have opened their markets for expanded online sports betting opportunities following the signing of House Bill 347 into law on June 14, 2023, by Governor Roy Cooper. As CasinoGamesPro reported, the initial opening target date for sports betting in the state was postponed due to further regulatory arrangements. It now has a new deadline of June 14, 2024.
DraftKings Inks Partnership with NASCAR
January 5, 2024, saw the signing of a major partnership between DraftKings and NASCAR. It will enable the gaming and betting giant to operate in the state, once the market is officially launched. Both companies have a long history of successful cooperation over the years, sharing a mutual “commitment to enhancing the fan experience”, as Matt Kalish, Co-Founder and President of DraftKings, North America noted.
The entry into North Carolina marks the 27th state where DraftKings is operational. The bookmaker has also been chosen as the exclusive daily fantasy sports partner of NASCAR and has become an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR.
Joseph Solosky, Managing Director of Sports Betting at NASCAR, also commented on the major partnership, highlighting that “DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports”.
DraftKings is committed to delivering a responsible gaming environment to its customers thanks to its innovative DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. program which aims to protect vulnerable groups through pioneering technology, resources, and training.
BetMGM Collaborates with Charlotte Motor Speedway
Similar to DraftKings, BetMGM announced on the same day a major agreement with Charlotte Motor Speedway, an iconic motorsport complex located in Concord, North Carolina. Thanks to the deal, BetMGM will be authorized to offer its online wagering services across the state once sports betting officially starts.
BetMGM’s CEO, Adam Greenblatt, commented on the agreement and the company’s entry into a market, which he defined as “one of the most vibrant sports environments in the country”. He added that “BetMGM’s partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway meets a great demand for entertainment from North Carolinians”.
He also underlined both companies’ commitment to providing a high-quality gaming product, with responsible gaming being at the forefront. GameSense is BetMGM’s responsible gaming program, delivering a highly entertaining yet safe online betting experience.
Besides DraftKings and BetMGM, five more sports betting operators have applied for licenses in North Carolina. These include Bet365, ESPN BET, Fanatics, Underdog Sports, and Fanduel. North Carolinians will be able to wager on the platforms of the above-mentioned authorized bookmakers, besides the other legal gambling options at tribal casinos.
