DraftKings Partners with NASCAR for Sports Betting in North Carolina

Two major brands in American sports are collaborating as online sports betting prepares to launch in North Carolina. DraftKings Sportsbook has partnered with auto racing organization NASCAR for market access when betting opens later this year.  

In other North Carolina betting developments, BetMGM Sportsbook joined with Charlotte Motor Speedway. The partnership allows BetMGM to offer its popular sportsbook app in North Carolina upon launch.

Additionally, the Catawba Indian Nation filed an application for an online sports betting license.   

How Sports Betting Licensing Works in North Carolina

By North Carolina law, a company seeking a sports betting license can partner with a professional sports organization for market access.  

NASCAR has special North Carolina ties. Many top NASCAR racing teams base their operations in the state. Charlotte hosts the NASCAR Hall of Fame museum. North Carolina also holds two major annual NASCAR Cup Series races – the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, and the Bank of America ROVAL 400 on Charlotte’s hybrid road course.

“We look forward to the next chapter with DraftKings in North Carolina,” said Matt Kalish, DraftKings President for North America. “Together we will offer our top mobile sportsbook to North Carolina racing fans.”  

Expected March Launch for North Carolina Sports Betting

North Carolina sports betting has a target launch window of March 2023. This could become official during the state lottery’s Wednesday meeting this week.  

By law, North Carolina must commence online sports betting between January 8 and June 14, 2024. Up to 15 total sportsbooks can operate – 13 commercially licensed operators, plus 2 tribal sportsbooks.

Early DraftKings North Carolina Promo Code Could Offer Value

As one of the two leading online sportsbooks in America, DraftKings Sportsbook will undoubtedly offer a fantastic welcome bonus in North Carolina tied to a DraftKings North Carolina promo code. DraftKings routinely provides extremely generous promotions for new bettors when entering markets for the first time.

Expect a DraftKings North Carolina promo code to unlock an initial deposit match up to $1,000 or more. This would instantly double a new customer’s bankroll for betting. DraftKings may also throw in free-bet tokens as part of the package. Having a matched deposit plus free wagers is a compelling combo for signing up.

To maximize value from the DraftKings North Carolina promo code, be sure to take advantage right away when sports betting launches. These types of hugely valuable opening offers often only last for a limited-time upon a state’s market kickoff. So act fast to avoid missing out on what’s likely to be an exceptional welcome offer supplied via the eventual DraftKings North Carolina promo code.

DraftKings Seeks North Carolina Sports Betting Dominance   

Nationally, DraftKings battles with FanDuel Sportsbook for leadership in legal betting states. Either DraftKings or FanDuel typically ranks first or second for sports betting market share across the country.  

Like in other states, DraftKings Sportsbook likely will aggressively promote launch bonuses in North Carolina to attract new bettors. Rival FanDuel Sportsbook likely will do the same.

In 2023, FanDuel and NASCAR agreed to collaborate on sports betting experiences. This signaled to some that those companies might partner for a North Carolina license. Yet DraftKings has instead locked down NASCAR access.  

Existing DraftKings-NASCAR National Sports Betting Deal  

DraftKings and NASCAR are no strangers. NASCAR names DraftKings as its exclusive daily fantasy sports provider in the U.S. and Canada. DraftKings also operates as an Authorized Gaming Operator for the auto racing organization.

“DraftKings continually enhances the fan experience around sports,” said NASCAR’s Managing Director for Sports Betting Joe Solosky. “We eagerly anticipate bringing its industry-leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina fans for more engagement.”  

What the DraftKings-NASCAR North Carolina Deal Provides  

The DraftKings-NASCAR pact grants sponsorship rights and visibility to DraftKings Sportsbook at NASCAR Cup Series events nationwide.  

The elite NASCAR series sanctions 36 high-profile stock car races over a demanding 10-month schedule. Two of those prestigious events happen annually in North Carolina – the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, and the Bank of America ROVAL 400 also in Charlotte.

When DraftKings launches in North Carolina, it will mark the company’s 27th state for availability. Founded in Boston in 2012, DraftKings has grown rapidly from solely offering fantasy sports contests into a major player for online sports betting and casino gaming.  

While DraftKings Casino is active in some states, North Carolina does not yet allow online casino games. So don’t expect a DraftKings online casino in North Carolina soon. Casino gaming would require a change in state law first.

Instead, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission oversees mobile sports betting. The Commission’s Sports Betting Committee handles licensing and regulation duties.