Is it legal to sports bet in North Carolina?

Online sports betting finally got legalized in North Carolina in March 2023. It was previously only allowed at retail locations, but now it’s fair game at both.

What's the best betting app in North Carolina?

Only you really know what’s the best for your needs. Is it having a big betting menu? Offering more free play? Great customer service? Pick what you value and go find the app that values the same thing.

Can you use offshore betting apps in North Carolina?

Yes, you can. We’d argue going offshore is betting than using regulated bookies too because there’s less restrictions on bettors.

Is live betting allowed in North Carolina apps?

Live betting is indeed allowed inside state lines. You’ll find live odds for the top leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and so on.

How can I bet on sports for free in North Carolina?

Through promotional bonuses, that’s how you can bet for free. Every sportsbook has a deal so it’s on you to go find it!

Best North Carolina Sports Betting Apps 2024

It’s true North Carolina at last is getting legal sports betting. That means a slew of North Carolina betting apps are available to in-state bettors. But which is the best? That’s the million-dollar question atop sports bettors minds and we have answers for you below.

Best North Carolina Sports Betting Apps

Like most southern states, North Carolina long rejected online sports betting. Despite most U.S. states legalizing it, North Carolina continued to keep it reserved for retail sportsbooks. Legal sports betting rights were formerly only for tribal casinos — Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino.

That was then though and this is now: legal sports betting — online, not just retail! — goes live in March 2024. That same day, expect a flood of NC sports betting app to go live, including BetMGM North Carolina, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings North Carolina, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel North Carolina (no longer is it just for daily fantasy sports), and more. However, these aren’t necessarily the best spots for online sports betting for North Carolina residents.

As we’re about to explain, offshore online sportsbooks are quite literally a “better bet” than those regulated sites we mentioned before. Being offshore makes those apps a better user experience thanks to more betting markets, more payment options, and more fun. Allow us to explain with our personal recommendations for NC sportsbook:

Bovada

If you’re like many sports bettors, you might hear “offshore” and instantly think “scam.” That’s not the case though, especially if you’re talking about the Bovada app. Bovada is one of the most-trusted sportsbook app around — and it’s been around longer than most regulated, legal sports sites you’re probably aware. This platform has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most reliable platforms around.

One feature Bovada (and offshore apps in general) has that regulated sportsbooks don’t have is support for cryptocurrencies. Crypto can be used both to transfer in funds and out for a payout. At Bovada, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin are accepted. These coins are typically faster, cheaper, and more secure than “traditional” payment methods.

Pros
✅One of the most reputable sports betting sites
✅Supports Bitcoin and other cryptos
✅Good rewards program for loyal bettors

Cons
❌Sign-up bonuses pay peanuts compared to sportsbook competitors
❌Website and app could use a new, more modern look

BetOnline

At the end of the day, the main purpose of any NC sports betting app is to serve wagers — a lot of ‘em. Welp, the BetOnline app certainly goes above and beyond in this regard. This site routinely has the most sports betting market available industry-wide. NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLB, NCAA college basketball (especially March Madness), and other college sports betting — it’s all there for the taking at BetOnline.

Even more, BetOnline offers markets that are impossible to find at regulated bookmakers. Think of political elections or award show results or WWE outcomes — none of those are allowed at regulated bookies. However, no such restrictions exist for offshore apps like BetOnline.

Pros
✅Huge array of betting options
✅Competitive odds offered across the sportsbook

Cons
❌Could use a few more bonuses and contests
❌Online casino games could be more diverse besides slots

BetUS

North Carolina sportsbook promo don’t get any bigger than BetUS. Not even close. New users can leverage the welcome bonus to the tune of $3125 or $5000 in free play, for example. A sign-up bonus elsewhere might run you $1000 but nowhere close to what BetUS is offering.

Moreover, BetUS pulls the same trick with contests — ya know like March Madness bracket challenger or Super Bowl prop bets picks. These deals switch more often, but we’ve seen the BetUS app raffle off brand-new trucks and even six figures worth of prizes. There’s just about no sportsbook app as charitable as BetUS.

Pros
✅Biggest bonuses in terms of dollar value (use appropriate promo code or bonus code to redeem)
✅Big-money contests available almost every month

Cons
❌Too short 14-day expiration period on bonus bets
❌High-rollover requirement before winnings can be withdrawn

XBet

Most apps are doubling down on the mobile user experience — betting on your mobile device essentially. Safe to say XBet has tripled down on this mobile betting feature. You can pull up the XBet app on your phone’s web browser and bet anytime, anywhere. Forget having to download an app from the iOS Apple App Store or Android Google Play Store.

Mobile sports betting works like a charm on the app, particularly when betting live. At the moment, live betting is mostly reserved for the major sports, but we could see it branching out as it becomes more and more popular. XBet’s app is very good at updating live betting odds in real time and being able to take wagers. This is often a buggy user experience at competitors, but not XBet at all.

Pros
✅Top-notch mobile app
✅Live betting option on major sports leagues

Cons
❌Casino games are a bit lacking
❌Could use more unique bonuses and contests
❌No live streaming in mobile sportsbook

Choosing The Best Sports Betting App In North Carolina

We get it, picking a go-to spot for online betting isn’t easy, not with so many options out there. Here’s how you can make a decision easier though: identify what quality you care most about. Then choose the NC sports betting app that does that feature best. For instance, here are some sportsbook qualities to keep top of mind:

Depth of wagering menu: the goal here is to have a one-stop shop for online betting and get ALL the wagering you need in one place. This doesn’t just go for betting markets, but bet types too. Moneyline, spreads, prop bets, same-game parlays — you want all those options routinely available across the betting markets you’re most interested in wagering.

Betting odds: when betting, you want to be sure you’re getting the best possible odds. Got money on Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels game? Say you’re wagering on the underdog. If one app has the line +200, but another has it +220, then you obviously have better value at the latter site. Go get the app that routinely offers the best betting lines on markets.

Bonuses: no one can say no to free money, right? Welp, there’s a lot of free money to be made betting online in North Carolina. However, a few apps are more giving and it’s not a bad idea to go there. Securing bonus bets in bunches will help your profits in the long term if done right.

How to Bet With Offshore Apps In North Carolina

Let’s make thing one thing perfectly clear: sports wagering in North Carolina is quite easy. Don’t think getting set up is a laborious process. In fact, it was designed to be the opposite. Here’s how North Carolina sports bettors can get started with any app:

1. Pick out which online sportsbook you’ll be using. You have all the information you need on this page to make an appropriate choice.

2. Sign up for an account on the sportsbook app. You might be asked to verify your identity and/or address so don’t lie when inputting your details.

3. Choose a deposit method for making your first bet. The majority of apps accept debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, crypto, and similar pay out options.

4. Browse the menu for sports events to throw money on. Find one you like most and size it appropriately.

5. Keep wagering until you’re ready to cashout. Here again, pick the payment method and you’ll have winnings returned to you in real life.

State-by-State Guide to Betting Apps

You should be ready to start online betting in North Carolina if you’ve read this guide carefully. We have an FAQs section below with some last-minute answers, but the rest is on you. Go out there and get betting action on local teams — Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte Hornets, etc. — or other sporting events of your choosing.