North Carolina has traditionally maintained a conservative stance on gambling. However, as many North American regions move towards more liberal gambling laws, the question arises: will North Carolina follow suit and expand its gambling horizons?
Raffles and Bingo
Approved non-profit organizations in the state can operate bingo games for fundraising once they obtain a license from the Department of Public Safety. These organizations are limited to two games weekly with a maximum prize of $500. Additionally, they can hold two raffles annually with cash prizes capped at $10,000 and non-cash rewards up to $50,000. There’s a simpler version of bingo, “beach bingo”, where prizes are $10 or less, which can be operated with minimal restrictions. Historically, various local bingo laws existed, but by 1979, a statewide law streamlined bingo and raffle rules for non-profits. By 1983, further regulations mandated licensing for bingo operators.
Sports Betting in North Carolina
In 2019, North Carolina legalized retail sports betting at tribal casinos, with the first lounges starting in May 2021 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. By September 2022, a third sportsbook emerged at the Catawba Nation-owned Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain. However, for most North Carolinians, visiting these retail outlets was not convenient, prompting momentum for online sports betting legislation. In 2023, the North Carolina House approved a sports betting bill with a 64-45 vote.
The Senate subsequently voted 38-11 in its favor in June. Governor Cooper signed it, paving the way for online sports betting anticipated launch in early 2024. Key dates include Gov. Cooper’s official legalization on June 14, 2023, and earlier approvals by the House and Senate in March and June, respectively. The efforts represent a significant shift in the state’s approach to sports betting.
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The States That Led the Charge
Online gambling in the United States has followed a patchwork pattern, with legalization occurring on a state-by-state basis. The evolution of online gambling in the U.S. can be traced back to three pioneering states: Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.
- Nevada, known worldwide for its vibrant Las Vegas gambling scene, was the first state to legalize online poker in February 2013. This move was hardly surprising given Nevada’s long-standing history with gambling. However, their legislation focused solely on online poker, leaving other forms of online casino games and sports betting out of the equation initially.
- Delaware, following closely behind Nevada, legalized all forms of online gambling in June 2013. This made it the first state to allow online casino games, poker, and sports betting on a single platform. The Delaware Lottery oversees and regulates the state’s online gambling operations. By the end of the year, the state launched three online casinos corresponding to its brick-and-mortar counterparts.
- New Jersey stepped into the arena in November 2013, legalizing online gambling. With its established casino culture in Atlantic City, New Jersey’s move was strategic. The Garden State permitted a comprehensive range of online gambling options, from poker and table games to slots, under the oversight of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. New Jersey’s approach has been notably successful, with its online gambling market quickly becoming one of the largest in the country.
These pioneering states laid the groundwork for online gambling in the U.S., each with its unique approach, setting precedents for others to follow. Their success stories have paved the way for numerous other states to consider and adopt online gambling, reflecting a growing acceptance of this industry in American society.
What’s Happening in Canada
New data from iGaming Ontario (iGO) reveals that Ontarians wager more on online casino games than on sports betting. The province, which introduced a regulated online gaming market last year, saw Ontarians wager a total of $14 billion between April and June. This comprised $11.6 billion in casino games, $2 billion in sports and esports betting, and $350 million in poker. Collectively, these bets resulted in $545 million in gaming revenues, a significant jump from the previous year’s $162 million in the same quarter.
As is clear, not all Ontario online casinos are made equal, as various factors affect the rankings of websites like Time2Play comparing the service and bonuses of online operators. Although a detailed revenue breakdown wasn’t provided, the Ontario government reportedly received approximately $260 million in gaming revenues in the market’s inaugural year. This growth benefits government coffers and the private sector but raises concerns due to the surge in active player accounts, hinting at potential gambling issues.
What the Future Holds
The future of gambling in North Carolina remains uncertain. With pressures both internally and from neighboring states, the state’s approach to legalization will be closely watched. Whether or not North Carolina joins the tide of North American regions embracing full-scale online gambling is yet to be seen.
