In a disappointing turn of events for North Carolina sports enthusiasts, the much-anticipated mobile sports betting market in the state will not be operational in time for this year’s Super Bowl.
A multitude of regulatory hurdles remains the primary cause of the delay, as the North Carolina Sports Wagering Commission grapples with the complex process of implementing digital sports betting within the state.
Regulatory Complexity Hindering Progress
The timeline for the initiation of mobile sports betting in North Carolina remains uncertain due to the extensive regulatory steps yet to be undertaken. While no specific deadline has been provided, it is inferred that the launch will occur post-Super Bowl, falling between February 11th, 2023, and June 14th, 2024—the latter being exactly one year from when the state governor endorsed the expanded sports betting legislation.
The North Carolina Sports Wagering Commission has set December 27th as the date for accepting license applications, initiating a subsequent 60-day period dedicated to the meticulous review and vetting of the submissions. Commission chair Ripley Rand emphasized the complexity of the decision-making process, stating, “There are a number of factors in determining what that date will be, and only then can we set a date.”
Commission’s Perspective on the Timeline
Rand further elaborated, “Approving the application is a big step in moving the process forward. We hope applications will be filed with the Commission before 27 December, and we can review that information. We then have until June 2024 to complete that process.” Sterl Carpenter, the lottery’s deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports betting, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the multifaceted variables involved in the process and the impracticality of setting a concrete start date at this early stage.
It’s also unclear if the launch will happen in time for March Madness.
Bet365 Secures 10-Year Pact with Hornets
Meanwhile, and despite the delay in the rollout of mobile sports betting, the Charlotte Hornets have secured a pivotal partnership with prominent UK bookmaker Bet365. The 10-year sponsorship agreement designates Bet365 as the official sports betting partner for the Hornets, paving the way for the bookmaker’s prominent signage throughout Spectrum Stadium and the team’s app and website.
This strategic move by Bet365 aligns with North Carolina’s sports betting law, mandating licensed providers to affiliate with approved professional teams, events, or venues in the state. The Hornets fulfill this criterion, positioning themselves as a significant player in the emerging landscape of sports betting in North Carolina.
Prioritizing Mobile Experience Over Retail
Notably, Bet365’s entry into the North Carolina market does not include an immediate establishment of a retail sportsbook at the Hornets’ facility. According to Hornets COO Jacob Gallagher, the focus, for now, is on delivering an optimal mobile experience to fans. Gallagher asserted, “Right now, with this being a mobile sports-betting license where people can bet on their phones, the retail sportsbook wasn’t a priority for us. You’re not going to see that in our building now.”
Gallagher emphasized the ongoing evolution of the partnership and potential changes in strategy, indicating that the priority lies in ensuring fans have the best possible user experience, predominantly through mobile platforms. As the regulatory landscape unfolds, the collaboration between the Charlotte Hornets and Bet365 stands as a notable development, signaling the imminent integration of sports betting into North Carolina’s dynamic sporting arena.
