RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – North Carolinians put $6.1 billion of their own money into sports gambling the first year it was legal in the state, plus more than $500 million in free or promotional bets.
Gamblers collected around $5.85 billion in winnings, according to the North Carolina Lottery Commission.
Commissioners released the data they collected through February 2025, showing that major sporting events like the NCAA College Basketball Tournaments and the Super Bowl brought in thousands of new bettors.
Sports betting expert and writer for BetCarolina.com Steve Bittenbender said responsible gambling habits are important to consider before placing wagers.
“It’s definitely an opportunity to attract new bettors to the market. People who had been maybe on the sidelines initially are now probably a little more interested in it. Maybe they’ve seen their friends do it or they probably always played a bracket, but they’ve never really signed up with a FanDuel or DraftKings,” he said. “Start small. Always bet within your limits with what is a reasonable amount for you to spend.”
The eight licensed sportsbook operators in the state brought in a combined gross revenue of $713 million in the past year.
Operators in North Carolina are taxed at 18%, the 11th highest rate in the country.
Lottery commissioners report the state collected more than $128 million from sportsbook operators. Initial estimates from state officials predicted revenue from gaming taxes would reach $120 million.
State law directs annual allocations of $2 million to gambling addiction programs, $2 million to youth sports opportunities, and up to $300,000 to athletic departments for 13 state universities.
Half of any proceeds that remain go to the state’s General Fund, 30% goes to the state Event, Games and Attractions Fund, and 20% is evenly distributed among the public universities’ athletic departments.
Bittenbender said as name, image and likeness deals become a larger part of the college sports landscape, every dollar counts.
“Obviously, there are a lot of changes going on in the NCAA right now and college athletic departments are going to be looking for new sources of revenue,” he said. “This will definitely help them with that, allow them to upgrade facilities, allow them to do what it takes to be competitive in those conferences so that, you know, you’re able to see them play in March Madness, you know, and in other tournaments as well.”
Bettors are required to declare their winnings on their state income tax forms, however, they cannot deduct their losses.
State lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow taxpayers to deduct gambling losses from their adjusted gross income.
Bittenbender said unlicensed operators still pose a big challenge for gambling regulators, and they’re still looking to crack down on them. He predicts brick-and-mortar casinos will come up for discussion again.
“I think that’s the inevitable next step for North Carolina is the progression into commercial casinos and online casinos. And I do see that happening, not necessarily this year or next year, but I definitely see it happening within the next five years or so,” Bittenbender said.
Missouri is slated to become the 39th state to legalize online sports betting later in 2025.
