Super Bowl LVIII to hit online betting record, excluding North Carolina sports fans
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Football fans packed bars across the Queen City on Super Bowl Sunday, many wishing they could place bets on the game.
“Any type of over on yards, or over on the game,” said Quinn O’Donnell.
“I like props; I’m a big props guy,” said Joshua Butler. “How many times are they going to show Taylor Swift, you know? Will she be chewing bubble gum? I don’t know but I’d bet on it.”
Online interactive sports betting launches in North Carolina on March 11, a month after Super Bowl LVIII.
The American Gambling Association estimates Americans will wager more than $23.1 billion on the game.
“Honestly, it feels like a missed opportunity to not catch the Super Bowl as part of your setup there,” said Frank Taylor.
Starting March 1, licensed operators can begin registering players. Gamblers will be able to create accounts and make deposits with operators that hold certificates of compliance.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission issued provisional licenses to seven sports wagering suppliers in early February. The provisional license is good for 180 days.
Several sports betting service providers expressed interest in creating sportsbooks. PNC Arena officials, home of the Hurricanes, have partnered with Fanatics to bring a betting facility to Raleigh. In-person betting in Charlotte is likely to happen later, in 2024.
Some fans are hopeful that local pro-sports arenas like the Spectrum Center will dedicate part of their existing facilities to betting.
“I love going to Hornets games with my friends,” O’Donnell said. “If you’re able to, I guess, throw a little money on it, that enhances the fun of the game.”
State officials can levy an 18 percent tax on sportsbooks.
Some estimate all forms of betting will bring in upwards of $100 million from taxes within the first five years. Other experts said that may be a low estimate compared to other states.
“People in Ohio bet more than $1 billion in the first month of legalization. I’m not saying that happens in North Carolina, but it’s going to be hundreds of millions,” said sports writer Bill King.
The Sports Betting Committee will discuss licensing and rules on February 19 at 11 a.m.
