North Carolina is a top state when it comes to gambling options, but online casinos aren’t yet regulated.
Residents interested in playing online casino games can do so at gambling sites operating outside the state’s borders.
This page will go over the legality of various types of gambling in the state and inform you on how to play safely, whether at land-based locations or online.
Summary of North Carolina Gambling Laws
Casino players can only play popular games like slots, table games, and poker at online casinos outside North Carolina.
State-regulated legal gambling options in North Carolina include tribal casino gaming, online sports betting, charitable bingo, and the state lottery.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what forms of gambling are legal in North Carolina.
| Gambling | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Yes |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Gray Area (Offshore sites only) |
| Legal Age Online | 18+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes (Tribal Casinos) |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 21+ |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in North Carolina?
North Carolina residents have access to a variety of legal gambling options. Tribal casinos located in the state offer a variety of in-person casino games, and legal online gambling is available in the form of state-regulated sports betting sites and offshore online casino sites.
| Gambling | North Carolina Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | Land-based casinos aren’t legal except for tribal casinos. There are currently three tribal casinos legally operating in North Carolina. |
| Poker | Live poker is only legal at a single tribal casino. Residents can only play online poker legally at sites outside of NC. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Betting on horse racing is legal, both online and in-person at tribal casino locations. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing is still prohibited, despite state regulations allowing horse and sports betting recently. |
| Lottery | North Carolina Education Lottery games are legal in North Carolina for players who are 18+. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | There are no specific laws in the state books regarding daily fantasy sports. They operate across the state in a legal gray area. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting is legal in North Carolina. State residents can place sports bets online or at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos. |
| Charitable Gaming | Bingo is offered legally by charitable organizations, and the state has awarded a Charitable Bingo License. |
| Social Gaming | In-person social gambling is not permitted. On the other hand, social sweepstakes online casinos are legal in North Carolina and around the USA. |
| Online Gambling | Online casinos are not legally allowed to operate within the state borders. Residents of NC can lawfully play in online casinos based outside of the state. |
Best North Carolina Online Casinos
Offshore sites greatly expand the gaming options available to NC players. Start playing your favorite online casino games in just a few minutes by choosing any of the sites below.
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Where to Gamble in NC
The only gambling available at retail locations in North Carolina are tribal casino gaming and charitable bingo events.
Online sports betting is legal at sportsbooks licensed by the state, and online casino gaming is permitted only on sites outside the state.
Learn more about the different types of legal and illegal gambling for players in the state below.
Land-Based Casinos in North Carolina
There are currently three active tribal casinos in North Carolina:
These casinos offer in-person slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
Casino gaming at any other physical location in North Carolina is illegal per the North Carolina General Statutes.
Horse & Dog Tracks
There are no horse or dog racing tracks located in North Carolina.
Off-track betting on horse racing is available at tribal casino sportsbooks and state-regulated online sportsbooks after the state passed legislation to legalize mobile sports and horse race betting.
Betting on dog racing in North Carolina has not been legal since 1954 and was not included in recent legislation.
Online Sports Betting
Sports betting has been legal at tribal casinos in North Carolina since 2019. Meanwhile, online sports betting became legal in 2023.
The new law allows state-regulated online sports betting for operators approved for a license by the North Carolina Lottery Commission.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Licensed charitable organizations can host charitable bingo games.
There are 150+ bingo halls dispersed throughout the state, from Ahoskie to Winston-Salem, making bingo one of the most readily available gambling options in the Old North State.
Social Gaming at Home
Social Gaming at home or in a physical location outside of a tribal casino or charitable bingo hall is not legal in North Carolina.
Placing bets on any game of chance is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, the likelihood of being prosecuted for wagering money with your friends at home is astronomically low.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
North Carolina has one active and legal poker room at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, where players can play cash games, and Texas Hold ’em against other players.
The only way for players within the state to play poker online is by visiting an online poker room. This page’s legal and licensed options have player pools, including NC residents and players worldwide.
Eight-Liners
Video poker and gaming machines were legal and widespread in North Carolina before being banned on July 1, 2007.
There are still arcade locations across the state that offer video game machines like eight-liners, but these games are illegal.
Casino Cruises
North Carolina banned casino boats with the passing of House Bill 19 in 1999.
Casino players interested in gambling out at sea in the Atlantic Ocean must travel to neighboring South Carolina to find a casino cruise.
North Carolina Real Money Online Casino Games
No matter your casino game, you can find it at one of the top real-money online casinos available to NC players.
Online Slots
Online slots let you choose from hundreds of titles directly from your computer or mobile device.
These games have bonus features and jackpots like those in retail casinos but add the benefit of highly adjustable wager amounts, letting you customize the experience to your needs and bankroll requirements on every spin.
Playing slot machines at land-based tribal casinos in North Carolina is often a fun and exciting experience. There are drawbacks, though, including the time it takes to travel to the casino and potentially being unable to play at your preferred machine if another player takes it.
Online Poker
Online poker sites operate outside of North Carolina and have a player pool from everywhere in the United States and other countries worldwide.
This large player pool makes it easy to find cash games, Sit & Go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments with various buy-in and prize pool amounts.
Players in North Carolina lucky enough to live close to casino resorts have easy access to the state’s only legal brick-and-mortar poker room.
Poker fans who can’t travel to this casino or prefer the speed and convenience of online poker can play at a legal online poker room instead.
Blackjack
To play online blackjack in North Carolina, you must make an account at a legal online casino operating offshore.
Many online casinos offer multiple variants of blackjack among their table game offerings.
Classic blackjack with 3-to-2 payouts on blackjack is always available, but so are different game versions that deliver slightly different rules and bonus bets.
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in North Carolina and the United States. You can play in-person blackjack legally at the three tribal casinos located within the state’s borders.
Live Dealer Games
Some casino players enjoy interacting with the dealer and other players when playing their favorite table games.
Games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette are available as live dealer games at most of the top online casino sites recommended on this page.
These online casinos have software that shows real dealers dealing cards and spinning the roulette wheel in real time. Players place bets digitally and can communicate with the dealer using the software’s live chat feature.
You can experience playing blackjack in person at one of North Carolina’s legal tribal casinos. And thanks to live dealer games, you can emulate that experience at your favorite legal online casino.
Other Games Available at North Carolina Online Casinos
The list of casino games above only scratches the surface of games available at online casinos.
Here are some other popular games that NC-based players can play online.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for North Carolina Players
Signing up for an online casino with a welcome promotion is a great way to get some extra value on your initial deposit. Here’s a look at two top bonuses for online gambling sites accepting North Carolina players today.
Bovada $3,000 Welcome Bonus
You’ll receive a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $1000 on your first three deposits at Bovada.
This promo works out to a potential maximum of $3,000 in bonus credits if you deposit the maximum of $1,000 all three times, but all bankroll sizes are welcome, with a low minimum of $20 per deposit required.
Players must meet a wagering requirement of 25X on each deposit bonus.
DuckyLuck 150 Free Spins $7500
DuckyLuck offers a 500% match bonus up to $7,500 and an additional 150 free spins to all players making their first deposit with the site.
This welcome bonus has a minimum deposit amount of $25.
The wagering requirement on this initial deposit promotion is 30x.
You don’t need codes to claim this offer when making your first deposit at the casino’s cashier.
North Carolina Online Gambling Laws
North Carolina has historically had relatively strict laws against gambling. The state considers placing bets on games of chance a misdemeanor, even in a social setting.
Tribal casinos protected by federal law operate outside North Carolina’s jurisdiction, making them an exception.
However, this strict stance has changed recently as the state legalized sports betting at tribal casinos in 2019 and passed legislation in 2023 to legalize online sports betting.
Online casino players are still required to use sites operating outside of the state, but legal options for gambling in North Carolina are steadily growing.
Is Online Gambling Legal in North Carolina?
There are no laws on the books in North Carolina prohibiting people in the state from gambling online at online casinos and poker rooms outside the state’s borders.
Recent legislation legalizing online sports and horse racing betting did not include casino games, so state-regulated online gambling will only be available for sports in 2024.
Gambling Outside Tribal Casinos is Outlawed
It is illegal for any person or organization to take or place bets in which “any money, property or other thing of value is bet” on any game of chance.
Any person or organization that commits this offense is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. The exception to this law is gambling at tribal casinos, which is legally permitted.
Online Sports Betting at Tribal Casinos
Tribal Casino and Mobile Betting on Sports and Horse Racing is Permitted.
Placing wagers on sporting events, portions of sporting events, and the performance statistics of athletes in a sporting event (props) is legal in North Carolina.
House Bill 347 allowed players to make sports and horse racing bets at sportsbooks located at tribal casinos and online sportsbooks licensed by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.
Charitable Bingo
Charitable Bingo Games are Legal in North Carolina.
Charitable organizations in North Carolina can apply for a license to host charitable bingo games.
Non-profit organizations with a license can legally conduct bingo games with a maximum aggregate amount of prizes in cash or merchandise under $1,500.
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
North Carolina Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
North Carolina and its neighboring states have been on a similar trajectory regarding laws around online gambling.
Here’s a look at the legality of different forms of online gambling in North Carolina and the states around its borders.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
| South Carolina | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
| Virginia | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Tennessee | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
South Carolina remains one of the country’s stingiest states regarding online gambling, as it still hasn’t legalized online sports betting.
Tennessee began accepting online sports wagers in 2020, Virginia did so in 2021, and North Carolina will launch in 2024.
All three of these states legalized state-regulated online sportsbooks but not online casinos.
Fortunately, residents of North Carolina and its neighboring states can still play at online casinos safely and legally as long as they choose casino sites that do not operate within their state’s borders.
Tips When Playing at North Carolina Online Casinos
There are several factors to consider when deciding which online casino to play at as a North Carolina resident. Consider these tips when choosing the right offshore casino.
Look For SSL Encryption
Technology like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption is used to protect your personal information and payment data.
Make sure that the online casino you are considering utilizes SSL technology or something similar.
Variety of Banking Options
Each online casino offers different banking options, fees, and deposit and withdrawal limits. Confirm that the online casino you want to play at has payment options that work for you.
Search For Reputation
Search for reviews from North Carolina residents and other players nationwide when deciding which casino to choose. Good online casinos should have mostly positive reviews.
Check For a License
Trustworthy Online casinos are usually licensed in countries that allow casinos to operate legally. Check for a license on the website or with customer service.
Verify Problem Gambling Resources
Most online casinos have problem gambling resources, including account limits and organizations to contact for help. Make sure to gamble responsibly and play at casino sites that will help you.
Seek Game Transparency
Casino games on reputable sites should have info screens with necessary information, including game rules, game odds, and software developers.
You can check the demo versions of games to confirm that your online casino offers these details.
North Carolina Gambling Pros & Cons
Are you unsure about the best gaming option for you?
Check out some of the pros and cons of gambling in the Old North State.
Pros
- Tribal casinos deliver the experience of in-person casino gaming with slots and table games.
- Online casinos based offshore for casino gaming and online poker are legal and available to all NC residents.
- State-regulated sports betting online has been legalized and will launch in 2024.
- Bingo games run by licensed non-profit organizations are legal.
Cons
- The Cherokee tribal casinos are located on the state’s east side and require long commutes from major cities like Raleigh and Charlotte.
- State-regulated online casino sites and poker rooms are not available.
- In-person gambling outside of tribal casinos is a misdemeanor.
Future of Online Gambling in North Carolina: Our Prediction
Governor Roy Cooper legalized sports betting at tribal casinos in 2019 when he signed Senate Bill 154 into law in July 2019.
Legal sports betting took another step forward when House Bill 347 was signed into law in June 2023, paving the way for state-regulated online sportsbooks. These bills did not include state-regulated online casino gaming or online poker.
Legalization of any form of online gambling in the state is a step in the right direction, as the revenue earned from sports betting could prompt the state to consider legalizing other forms of gambling.
That said, no legislation is currently in motion regarding online casino gaming. It’s difficult to predict when such legislation might be proposed and how successful it would be.
Hopes are higher now than they were before the legalization of sports gambling, but online casinos operating offshores outside of North Carolina will likely be the best legal option for casino players for years to come.
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North Carolina Online Gambling FAQ
Have more questions about online gambling in North Carolina? Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about online casinos in the state.
Yes. If you choose a legal and reputable online casino like the ones featured on this page, your personal information will be safe and secure.
Gambling winnings in North Carolina are considered income and will be subject to an income tax at both the state and federal levels. Players are legally responsible for claiming their online casino gambling winnings as income.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.
