NC Sports Betting Committee approves rules for outlets in first ever meeting
Pictured - Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker (55) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (5) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The North Carolina Sports Betting Committee on Tuesday approved the first set of gambling rules. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The first meeting of the North Carolina Sports Betting Committee saw the approval of the first set of gambling rules. They all pertain to the different outlets offering money lines, over-unders, and spreads.
In June 2023, Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law. Tuesday, clarification was given for online sports betting outlets and physical locations, like kiosks and casinos.
One specific point made was the new rules' separation from the state lottery operations.
"The new rules will apply to regulated sports betting and pari-mutuel actors and not our lottery retailers," Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting Deputy Executive Sterl Carpenter said. "Lottery operations fall outside of this rule's new manual."
A total of 48 rules were presented to the committee. Eight retail locations and twelve online sportsbooks are expected to start next year.
"These rules would apply to any applicant seeking a license from the commission," Carpenter said. "Whether it be an ADW license or a license to be a sports betting operator, service provider, or supplier."
The rules were approved by unanimous vote.
The committee believes they're still on pace to have all outlets up and running by their deadline of June 2024. Popular names like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Barstool Sportsbook are expected to make bids.
A note to customers that was made was that if you've gambled in other states, the process in North Carolina should be similar.
"These are foundational rules," Carpenter said. "This includes definitions, incorporation of industry standards, license and application rules, and rules regarding the written designation agreements for operators."
A public participation hearing will be held on Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. at the committee's headquarters in Raleigh. The board is asking those interested to register online.
