Two years into legal sports betting, North Carolina reaches $13B in paid bets

March 6, 2026 - 20:00

Two years after launching legal sports wagering, North Carolina has officially crossed a monumental threshold, with the total handle surpassing $13 billion. The state's rapid adoption of legal betting continues to accelerate, as evidenced by a massive February 2025.

In that month alone, bettors placed over $581 million in wagers, representing a significant increase of more than 10% from the same month the previous year. This sustained growth highlights the entrenched and expanding nature of the market within the state.

The consistent monthly increases contribute directly to substantial state revenue through taxes. These funds are directed toward various public initiatives, including youth sports and gambling addiction education programs. The legal framework has successfully moved a vast portion of sports betting activity from the unregulated market into a monitored system.

Industry analysts point to the widespread availability of mobile betting apps and the inclusion of live, in-game wagering as key drivers of this impressive volume. As major sporting events continue to captivate audiences, the regulated market in North Carolina shows no signs of slowing down, firmly establishing itself as a major player in the national sports betting landscape.