December 27 is the “Recommended Submission Date” for applicants to participate in the earliest go-live date.

North Carolina has taken another monumental step toward the launch of online sports betting in the Tar Heel State. During its latest meeting on November 29, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission approved application forms for sports betting licensure. Currently, there are three levels of licensure required in North Carolina:

Interactive Sports Wagering Operator Licenses, Service Provider Licenses, and Supplier Licenses.

An Interactive Sports Wagering Operator License is required in order to offer and accept wagers on sporting events. To qualify as an interactive sports wagering operator, the licensee must enter into a written designation agreement with one of the following:

• A professional sports team;

• The owner or operator of one of the following:

• A motorsports facility; or

• A facility that hosts a professional golf tournament annually.

• A sports governing body that annually within the calendar year sanctions more than one National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing national touring race in the State; or

• A sports governing body that annually within the calendar year sanctions more than one professional golf tournament.

• A Service Provider License is required for all businesses that create sports wagering markets and determine sports wager outcomes that involve the operation, management, or control of sports wagers.

• A Supplier License is required for all businesses that provide services, goods, software, or other components necessary for the creation of sports wagering markets and determination of sports wager outcomes to interactive sports operators or service providers.

• The licensing fees associated with an Interactive Sports Wagering Operator License, Service Provider License, and Supplier License are $1 million, $50,000, and $30,000, respectively. Businesses interested in applying for licensure in North Carolina can request access to the applications by following the links below:

• Interactive Sports Wagering Operator Application Request

• Sports Wagering Service Provider Application Request

• Sports Wagering Supplier Application Request

The Commission has set December 27 as the “Recommended Submission Date” in order for applicants to participate in the earliest go-live date. The Commission has recently stated they do not anticipate online sports betting launching before the 2024 Super Bowl. However, online sports betting is required by law to launch no later than June 14, 2024.