The applications from the seven sports betting operators could be reviewed when the North Carolina Lottery Commission’s Sports Wagering Committee meets on Thursday.
Lawmakers have given the go-ahead for launches by June 14. While the proposed date is long-awaited, it is unlikely to materialize before next month’s Super Bowl. March Madness is the next big calendar event in sports.
The full committee will meet next Wednesday.
Seven of the dozen or so sports betting operators that requested applications failed to meet the Dec. 27 application deadline. They are FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, Bet365, ESPN Bet, and Underdog Sports Wagering.
In addition, Caesars Entertainment has applied for a service provider license with the goal of securing one of two tribal sports betting licenses. Caesars Entertainment operates two Harrah’s casinos in western North Carolina.
Amendments to sports betting law included in the state budget require online sportsbooks to enter into a designated written contract with one of North Carolina’s 11 professional sports organizations. The state is home to the NFL Carolina Panthers, NHL Carolina Hurricanes, NBA Charlotte Hornets, MLS Charlotte FC, NWSL’s North Carolina Courage, as well as multiple NASCAR tracks and a staging area for the Golf Pro Tour.
At least four operators who have applied for licenses have announced sports betting partnerships. Bet365 is partnering with the Hornets, ESPN Bet is partnering with Quail Hollow Club, FanDuel is partnering with the PGA of America, and Fanatics is partnering with the Hurricanes.
The commission has set a 60-day deadline for reviewing the application, but Chairwoman Kari Boyce said the number of pages could reach 1,000. Operators will also have an additional 10 days to fix the issue.
“The review of the application will be a detailed process,” Boyce said in a video message.
Factors that may affect the timing of launch include the number of applications received. Completion date. When supporting information is submitted. Completion of the rule development process. There is also the time required for background checks, internal control checks, and certifications from independent testing laboratories.
Since the sports betting law was approved in June, the commission has hired an executive director, licensing and legal staff, and an international gaming company to guide testing and certification. The commission also launched NCgaming.gov in November to provide the public with updates on its progress toward going live.
The Legislature’s fiscal analysis suggests the state’s 18% gaming tax is expected to raise $64.4 million next fiscal year, but other estimates range from $47 million in three years to $126 million in the first year. It ranges up to US dollars.