North Carolina's first Super Bowl with online Sports Betting
Published:
Jan 28, 2025
,
05:33 p.m.
ET
Key Points
The 2025 Super Bowl will be the first in North Carolina with mobile sports betting available
Online sports betting went live in NC on March 11, 2024
The Super Bowl is the biggest single-game betting event of the year in the United States
Before betting for the first time, it’s important to learn the basics of Responsible Gaming
————
Super Bowl 59 is a notable one for many in the state of North Carolina, as it’s their first opportunity to legally place Super Bowl bets from the comfort of home. On June 14, 2023, Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law, making online sports betting a reality. Online wagering officially went live on March 11, 2024, at 12 PM ET, which was perfect timing with the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University and Duke University all appearing in and making it to the second weekend of the NCAA March Madness tournament.
The 2025 Super Bowl is already the biggest betting game in the country and will likely draw unprecedented participation from North Carolina's new bettors. While the Super Bowl invites plenty of excitement on its own , millions of wagers on spreads, totals, moneylines or the hundreds of prop bets offered will add some extra rooting interest. But since it will be the first time betting for many residents of North Carolina, it’s critically important to learn and remember how to bet responsibly.
If you live in North Carolina, just turned old enough to bet in a legal state or just happen to plan betting on the Super Bowl for the first time, here we offer some helpful knowledge, tips and best practices for wagering on the big game and beyond.
Guide to the Super Bowl for first-time bettors in North Carolina
The Super Bowl’s popularity ensures a wide array of betting options, from straightforward bets like moneylines and point spreads to more creative prop bets or Super Bowl “squares.” To help first-time bettors navigate this experience, here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
Sports Betting
Let's first run through some of the basics of betting. The point spread, for example, represents the number of points that the “favorite” must win by (ex: Chiefs -1.5) to “cover the spread.” On the other hand, a spread bet on the underdog (ex: Eagles +1.5) means they either have to win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread amount.
Betting on the money line involves simply picking the winner, with odds reflecting the likelihood of each team winning. Wagering on the over/under - also known as the “total” - means predicting whether the total points scored by both teams combined be more or less than a set number.
Super Bowl prop bets are often a casual entry point into betting and can include everything from individual player performances (touchdown scorers, quarterback passing yards, running back rushing yards, etc.) to quirky outcomes like the length of the national anthem or the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach.
Super Bowl Squares
A game called Super Bowl Squares is also a popular choice for Super Bowl parties. Played on a 10x10 grid, participants buy squares corresponding to the last digits of each team's score at specific intervals. Many individuals grow up learning this as a fun and low-stakes way to engage with the game, but it’s important to be mindful that squares can be a catalyst for problem gambling. In fact, the state of Illinois has recently targeted unlicensed Super Bowl squares contests with newly proposed legislation.
Learn how to bet responsibly first
Before diving into potential Super Bowl betting, it's necessary to understand the principles of responsible gaming. Without proper limits, betting can also lead to financial and emotional stress.
Responsible gaming begins with setting a budget. Determine how much you're willing to lose before you start betting, and stick to that amount.
Never chase losses, as this can lead to impulsive decisions and further financial strain.
It's also helpful to understand the odds and the types of bets you place. Only bet on markets and matchups you have done extensive research for and have an acute understanding of. Doing so ensures you make informed decisions rather than relying on guesswork or peer influence.
Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of gambling addiction. Gambling floods the brain's reward center with dopamine, creating an exhilarating experience. This excitement can make it difficult to stop, even when losses pile up. If you find yourself betting more frequently or feeling stressed about gambling, it may be time to seek help. Resources like the North Carolina Gambling Helpline and its preferred partner Birches Health can provide specialized support.
2024 sports betting stats in North Carolina
Handle and tax revenue statistics
Since its launch in March 2024, sportsbooks in North Carolina have reported strong monthly handles. August 2024 saw a handle of $367.4 million, an 8.1% increase from the previous month. By October, this figure surged to a record-breaking $589 million, surpassing the previous record figure from North Carolina’s debut month.
To operate as a sportsbook in North Carolina, a $1 million licensing fee must be paid, and an 18% tax rate on gross revenue must be dealt with. For players who earn north of $600 in gambling winnings in a calendar year, a 5.25% tax on player winnings has been established, and licensed sportsbooks are required to issue players a W-2.
Gambling addiction rates
Despite economic positives for the state, including revenue for colleges, the rapid growth has raised concerns about problem gambling. Calls to North Carolina's gambling helpline have recently increased by 79%. Additionally, since North Carolina established legal online sports betting in March, clinical calls have increased by 34%, people attending treatment for gambling issues are up 28% and chats to the helpline are up 104%. Lastly, there has been a 33% increase in people aged 25-44 years old who are calling the helpline.
Gambling Addiction Treatment in North Carolina
For individuals struggling with their gambling, Birches Health offers a range of treatment options. Covered by insurance, their telehealth care with licensed therapists provides help to North Carolina residents who seek to regain control of their lives. Not only do the professionals have decades of experience, but they also offer quick intake, custom treatment options and ongoing care for all patients.
Birches Health offers the following ways to get started:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
History of sports betting legalization in NC
The state first ventured into the sports betting arena in 2019, when NC lawmakers approved in-person betting at tribal casinos. This led to the opening of the first retail sportsbooks at the two Cherokee casinos in 2021.
The push for online betting gained momentum in 2023 with the introduction of HB 347. After months of debate and revisions, the bill passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law by Governor Cooper on June 14. Key provisions of the law included the removal of restrictions on betting on in-state college teams. Online betting officially launched on March 11, 2024, meeting the state's June 8 deadline for implementation.
Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be a historic event for North Carolina sports betting. After the Pro Bowl Games, the 2025 Super Bowl will be here before we know. So whether you're a seasoned bettor or a first-timer, remember to enjoy the experience responsibly.
