NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway strike deals with major sports betting brands for NC access
Posted January 5, 2024 2:05 p.m. EST
Updated January 5, 2024 2:08 p.m. EST
Two of the bigger brands in sports betting will have access to the North Carolina market through agreements with Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR.
BetMGM has an agreement with Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, and Draft Kings has a deal with NASCAR.
BetMGM and Draft Kings applied for sports operator licenses through the North Carolina Lottery Commission. Both met the Dec. 27 deadline that would allow them to take wagers on the state's yet to be determined go-live date if they are approved for licenses.
In order to get apply for a license in North Carolina, sports betting companies must have a written designation agreement with certain professional teams, venues or leagues. A change to the state's betting law requiring such agreements was inserted into the budget passed by lawmakers in the fall.
“BetMGM has established itself as a signature source for sports betting with partnerships in every major league sport and with venues across the country,” Greg Walter, CMS's executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement. “With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook."
Seven companies applied for operator licenses. Six partnerships with teams, leagues or venues have been announced or reported.
- BetMGM: Charlotte Motor Speedway
- DraftKings: NASCAR
- ESPN Bet: Quail Hollow Club
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Carolina Hurricanes
- bet365: Charlotte Hornets
- FanDuel: PGA Tour
- Underdog Sports Wagering: Expected to announce soon
The Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, NC Courage and Sedgefield Country Club qualify to sign written designation agreements with sports betting companies, and thus offer access to a license, under the law.
Mobile sports betting in North Carolina will not begin in time for the Feb. 11 Super Bowl, the commission announced late last year. A launch in March is possible.
“BetMGM has established itself as a signature source for sports betting with partnerships in every major league sport and with venues across the country,” Greg Walter, CMS's executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement. “With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook."
DraftKings operates in 25 states currently and plans to start in Vermont on Jan. 11.
“DraftKings and NASCAR have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a likeminded commitment to enhancing the fan experience,” said Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America. “We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.”
