Senate Action on North Carolina's Mobile Wagering Legislation Imminent
North Carolina Legalizes Mobile Sports Wagering
After months of deliberation and numerous amendments, North Carolina has officially legalized mobile sports wagering. The Senate vote on the bill, HB 347, took place on June 1, 2023, and the bill was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on June 7, 2023.
Initially, only retail sports wagering was allowed at tribal casinos in North Carolina. However, under the new bill, up to 12 mobile operators will be able to offer sports betting services across the state.
The state lottery, which will serve as the sports betting regulator, has been given about six months to hire staff, draft regulations, and award licenses. If the bill was enacted in early June, this timeline paves the way for mobile sports wagering to become operational by January 8, 2024.
The Senate Finance Committee is expected to consider the bill next Tuesday. Sen. Phil Berger, the Senate leader, anticipates more amendments next week and is optimistic they will be well-received in the House.
One of the significant changes in the bill is the tax rate. The Senate amendment taxes the adjusted gross revenue of mobile operators at 18%. Another notable change is the inclusion of parimutuel wagering on horse racing in North Carolina.
The bill's passage comes amidst recent controversies in the industry, particularly regarding college sports wagering. While college sports wagering has been widely discussed in House committees, it remains to be seen how these debates will unfold in the Senate.
Gov. Roy Cooper, a proponent of mobile sports betting, is expected to sign the bill into law, given that both chambers can agree on the language. With the bill now enacted, North Carolina joins the growing list of states that have legalized mobile sports wagering.
[1] North Carolina Senate Approves Mobile Sports Betting Bill
[3] North Carolina Governor Signs Mobile Sports Betting Bill into Law
[5] Timeline for North Carolina Mobile Sports Wagering Legalization
[1] The North Carolina Senate has approved a bill that aims to legalize mobile sports wagering, moving one step closer to expanding casino-and-gambling opportunities beyond tribal casinos.
[3] After Governor Roy Cooper signs the mobile sports betting bill into law, North Carolina officially enters the realm of sports-betting with mobile operators preparing to offer their services.
[5] With the state lottery tasked with drafting regulations and awarding licenses, the timeline for North Carolina's mobile sports wagering legalization puts operations on track to begin by January 8, 2024.
