Sports betting is officially live in North Carolina as of 2025, bringing with it a wave of excitement and a host of competitive offers from top betting platforms like bet365, DraftKings, betMGM, and ESPN Bet. Whether you’re interested in professional, college, or Olympic-style sports, North Carolina now offers a variety of legal betting options. Here’s a concise breakdown of the best introductory offers from leading sportsbooks in the state for 2025.
Top NC Sportsbook Apps and Welcome Bonuses 2025
Here’s a simple table that summarizes the key details of the top sports betting offers available in North Carolina:
| Sportsbook | Offer | Promo Code | Claim Amount | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets OR First Bet Safety Net (up to $1,000) | USB365 | $150 or $1000 | Bet $5 to receive bonus, must be 21+, located in NC. |
| BetMGM | Get $1,500 in Bonus Bets | USDOTBET | $1,500 | Get your wager back if the first wager is lost, must be 21+, located in NC. |
| Fanduel | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | Claim Bonus | $200 | Bet $5 to qualify, must be 21+, located in NC. |
| Fanatics | Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets | No Code Needed | $1,000 | Must be 21+, located in NC. No initial bet requirement mentioned. |
- USB365bet365 sportsbook is legal in PA. Join with promo code usb365 to bet with up to $150 in bonuses. Terms apply. Pennsylvania, 21+
- New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
- New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Welcome offer not available in NY and DC. Full T&C apply.
Bet365 NC – top for live bets
The bet365 app provides many betting options, enhanced by live wagering capabilities and a suite of regular promotions. Users have the flexibility to edit their bets, customize their display, and even stream a variety of events directly through the app. While iOS users highly rate the app, Android users have given it somewhat unfavorable reviews. The app’s ratings stand at 4.6 on iOS and 2.5 on Android.
Known its standout feature, live betting, Bet365 North Carolina welcomes new players with a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets, along with live betting options and game streaming. Alternatively, bettors can use the first bet safety net of up to $1,000
BetMGM NC
BetMGM steps up with a robust promotion, offering a deposit match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus. To take advantage of this offer, use the promo code USDOTBET when you make your deposit. This is an excellent choice for those planning to deposit larger amounts.
While the BetMGM website could benefit from a more streamlined layout, the mobile app offers a robust and satisfactory betting experience. A standout feature of the app is the “edit my bet” option, allowing users more flexibility in managing their wagers. BetMGM is highly rated, with a 4.8 on iOS and 4.4 on Android, reflecting its strong performance and user satisfaction.
FanDuel NC Sportsbook
FanDuel makes its mark with an enticing deal: Bet $5 and receive $200 in bonus bets, providing a substantial incentive for new bettors to join. Like Fanatics, no promo code is needed, just sign up, make a small initial wager, and the bonus is yours.
FanDuel continuously updates its platform, notably enhancing the user-friendliness and intuitiveness of its prop bets. While the sportsbook already boasts several appealing features, there’s room for improvement in offering more frequent promotions. FanDuel is highly rated, with a 4.8 on iOS and 4.7 on Android, reflecting its popularity and user satisfaction. The app’s standout feature is its same-game parlays, which allow bettors to combine multiple bets from the same game for potentially higher payouts.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook kicks things off with a substantial offer: bet any amount and get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets. This offer doesn’t require a promo code and is perfect for those looking to start big. It’s available to anyone over the age of 21 and physically located in North Carolina. Simply register, verify your account, and place your bets to claim your bonus.
One Fanatics sportsbook standout is the “Discover” page within the app, customized according to each user’s preferences. This section highlights trending bets, rewards, and promotions, making it easy for users to find offers that appeal to them. Although still new, the app has received positive feedback for its innovative approach, with a rating of 4.7 on iOS and 3.5 on Android. The best feature, FanCash, enhances the betting experience by rewarding user loyalty and engagement.
Caesars Sportsbook NC
Key features include its regular promotions and the Caesars North Carolina welcome bonus, where new users can place a first bet up to $1,000, making it a compelling choice for bettors seeking value and rewards from a trusted name in the gambling world.
Caesars Sportsbook in North Carolina continues to uphold its reputation for offering competitive odds and frequent promotions to its customers. While generally well-received, the sportsbook app can experience occasional lags, and some users have noted longer wait times for customer service. Despite these issues, Caesars remains a popular choice thanks to its robust Caesars Rewards program, one of the best loyalty schemes in the betting industry. The app is rated 4.6 on iOS and 4.4 on Android, reflecting its overall reliability and user satisfaction.
DraftKings
DraftKings offers a dual-threat deal: Bet $5, get $250 in Bonus Bets instantly. No promo code is required; just set up your account, place your qualifying bet, and enjoy the bonuses.
How to Claim North Carolina Betting Offers
- Choose a sportsbook and visit their website or download their app.
- Register for a new account by providing the required information.
- Verify your account to ensure you meet all legal betting requirements.
- If a promo code is needed (e.g., for BetMGM), enter it during the deposit process.
- Place your qualifying bets as specified by each offer’s terms.
Legal NC Sportsbooks
- BetMGM – code USDOTBET
- bet365 NC – code USDOTBET
- Fanatics
- Caesars
- ESPN bet
- Fanduel
- DraftKings
- Underdog
Horse Betting in NC
Currently, there is no live horse racing in North Carolina. That situation, though, could be about to change. North Carolina appears to be moving closer to giving the go ahead to the sport. There’s a new horse racing bill (Senate Bill 629) currently being sponsored by Senators Paul Lowe, a Democrat and Jim Perry, a Republican. Should their bill be passed into law, it would require the setting up a Racing Commission to regulate the sport. The Racing Commission would become a division of the state Lottery Commission.
While there is some horse racing that takes place in North Carolina. It is completely illegal to place a bet on horse racing anywhere in the Tar Heel State.
Currently, North Carolina has harness racing in a few locations and an annual charity steeplechase near Charlotte. But because state law doesn’t allow horse betting, the professional thoroughbred racing industry is not in business in North Carolina.
Horse Racing History
The Pinehurst Harness Track is nestled in the heart of historic Pinehurst, North Carolina, and is the oldest continuously operating equine sports facility in the state. The 111-acre Harness Track has been a winter training center for Standardbred horses since 1915, including champions such as Gallo Blue Chip and SJ’s Photo.
Now a harness racing landmark and home to an annual matinee, the Harness Track was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
The history of horse racing in the state dates back to the 1730s. Both thoroughbred and standardbred racing was popular at state fairs and in the 1950s, steeplechase racing gained a foothold in the Tar Heel State. But the sport’s association with gambling caused it to fade from existence in North Carolina.
North Carolina Online Horse Betting FAQs
North Carolina’s law does not allow betting on horse racing, so it doesn’t matter how old you are.
Yes, but they are used only for training horses.
The minimum gambling age for visitors at North Carolina tribal gaming spaces is 21.