Author Photo
Claim $300 in bonus bets with our DraftKings NC promo code.
AP

Legal online and mobile North Carolina sports betting has launched, and sports fans in the state can sign up for the best NC sportsbook apps that are open for business. 

The best North Carolina sports betting apps offer large sign-up bonuses, secure payouts and competitive odds on hundreds of games each day. Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, BetMGM, Bet365 and DraftKings are among our favorite NC betting apps.

Our experts have conducted detailed reviews of every NC sports betting app, focusing on the odds, betting options, bonuses, user experience, support and payout speeds. Below, we’ll lay out the top North Carolina sportsbook apps and highlight the bonuses you can now claim.

Table of Contents

Top North Carolina sports betting apps

The top four North Carolina sports betting apps have all secured market access deals, and they are cleared to launch on March 11.

RankSportsbookPromo CodeWelcome Offer
#1Caesars NEWS1000First Bet on Caesars up to $1,000
#2FanDuelClick to ClaimBet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins + 3 free months of NBA League Pass
#3BetMGMSPORTSPICKFirst Bet Bonus up to $1,500*
#4Bet365THENEWSBet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets
#5DraftKingsClick to ClaimGet up to $1,200 in Bonuses + weekly "King of the Court" NBA prop token 

Caesars North Carolina Sportsbook app

Caesars Sportsbook is the best sports betting app for beginners in North Carolina.

The interface is clean, uncluttered and easy to navigate. The betting options are laid out in a simple, accessible format. If you need help, you can contact the customer service team 24/7 via phone, live chat or email.

Caesars Sportsbook also offers a huge range of weekly odds boosts on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAAF and NCAAB games, plus sports like soccer, UFC and NASCAR. Don’t forget the large sign-up bonus at Caesars, either. 

  • Apple iOS rating: 4.6/5
  • Android rating: 4.2/5

FanDuel North Carolina Sportsbook app

FanDuel is the top-rated sports betting app on both the App Store and Google Play. It is easy to see why, as this North Carolina sportsbook app offers a smoother user experience than rivals. Some apps are slow, clunky, hard to navigate and prone to crashing, but the FanDuel app is fast and reliable. That has helped FanDuel cement its status as America’s most popular sports betting app.

There are lots of features, including live NFL, MLB and NHL streaming. FanDuel offers lots of betting options, along with a large welcome offer, regular promos, very fast payouts and 24/7 support. There is no loyalty program, and FanDuel admittedly devotes too much space to touting parlays that feature a high house edge. But, overall, this is another impressive NC sports betting app.

  • Apple iOS rating: 4.8/5
  • Android rating: 4.7/5

BetMGM North Carolina Sportsbook app

BetMGM offers a feature-rich sports betting app. The live-streaming service covers NBA, MLB and NHL games, plus soccer, tennis and other sports. You can also edit open bets, easily build same game parlays and cash out wagers before a game ends.

This is a sophisticated North Carolina sports betting app with lots of wagering options and a large variety of bonuses. The BetMGM app is not as fast and accessible as apps like Bet365 and DraftKings, but it is a strong choice for experienced bettors. BetMGM also offers an impressive welcome bonus, lots of recurring bonuses, an excellent rewards program, 24/7 support and secure payments.

  • Apple iOS rating: 4.8/5
  • Android rating: 4.1/5

Bet365 North Carolina Sportsbook app

Bet365 is the world’s most popular sports betting app. The company has teamed up with the Charlotte Hornets to gain market access in North Carolina. Bet365 will offer a world-class sports betting app, which has a particular focus on live betting. The app’s live streaming service covers lots of different leagues, including NBA and MLB games, and it offers competitive odds on a huge variety of in-play betting options.

The Bet365 app is very fast, dependable and easy to use. This sportsbook will offer some of the largest bonuses and the fastest payouts in North Carolina, so it should prove popular among sports fans in the Tar Heel State. Bet365 does not have a loyalty program, but you can claim daily odds boosts, parlay profit boosts and early payout specials.

  • Apple iOS rating: 4.8/5
  • Android rating: 4.6/5

DraftKings North Carolina Sportsbook app

DraftKings is firmly established as one of the top two sports betting apps in the United States. The Boston-based company has been hosting popular fantasy sports contests in North Carolina for more than a decade, and it has now partnered with NASCAR to launch its online sportsbook in the Tar Heel State.

This is the best North Carolina sportsbook app for prop bets. DraftKings offers a huge volume of betting markets on hundreds of events each day. The app also stands out by offering early lines, competitive betting odds, helpful pre-game stats, very broad deposit and withdrawal limits, a strong sign-up bonus, a loyalty program and loads of free-to-play contests. DraftKings has limited customer service options, and it does not offer live streaming, but it is nevertheless an elite sports betting app.

  • Apple iOS rating: 4.7/5
  • Android rating: 4.6/5

Other NC sports betting apps

State law permits the launch of up to 13 NC sports betting apps. These are some of the other apps that you can download. 

    Fanatics NC

    Fanatics is primarily famous for its online store, which sells sports apparel, merchandise and a range of collectibles. The Florida-based company has now branched out into sports betting. Fanatics offers a slick sports betting app with a strong rewards program and personalized promos. It is available in 11 states, and it has partnered with the Carolina Hurricanes to launch in North Carolina.

    Underdog NC

    Until now, Underdog was a fantasy sports app that focused on snake fantasy draft leagues, Battle Royale contests and pick’em contests. The company is attempting to follow in the footsteps of DraftKings and FanDuel by expanding into traditional sports betting. It has signed a North Carolina market access deal with McConnell Golf, the owner of Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro. North Carolina would mark the first state to host Underdog’s new sportsbook product. 

    ESPN Bet NC

    Penn Entertainment launched this app after paying Disney $1.5 billion for the rights to use the ESPN brand. The company previously ran the Barstool Sportsbook app, but it has now scrapped that project and launched ESPN Bet in NC. The app will run on the master license of Quail Hollow Club in North Carolina.

    How we rank the top North Carolina sports betting apps

    We focus on a range of important criteria when evaluating North Carolina sports betting apps, including:

    • Speed, accessibility, design quality and reliability
    • Value-added features, such as live streaming
    • The number of sports covered and the breadth of betting options
    • Competitiveness of odds
    • How quickly the sports betting app releases its betting lines
    • Size and frequency of bonuses, plus ease of the playthrough requirements
    • Banking options, payment limits and withdrawal speeds
    • Quality and responsiveness of customer service
    • Security record and general reputation of the app

    We then compare the various North Carolina sports betting apps against each other before ranking them.

    Sports betting welcome offers in North Carolina

    North Carolina is the newest major battleground for the country’s leading sportsbooks, as they are competing aggressively for market share. In the early stages, they will not be concerned with earning a profit. Instead, they will simply try to attract as many customers as possible. To that end, they will roll out large welcome bonuses.

    Sports bettors can capitalize by registering with multiple NC sportsbook apps. These are the best welcome offers that you will be able to claim in North Carolina.

    RELATED: North Carolina Sportsbook Promos

    NC sports betting apps vs. retail sports betting

    North Carolina legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in June 2019 when Gov. Cooper signed SB 154. Caesars Sportsbook opened sports betting lounges at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in 2021. A third retail sportsbook opened Catawba Two Kings Casino the following year.

    These are the only land-based sportsbooks in North Carolina right now. However, the online sports betting bill that Gov. Cooper signed in 2023 also permits retail sportsbooks at pro sports stadiums, NASCAR tracks and PGA Tour venues, so we could see more in-person wagering venues open in the years ahead.

    On that note, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of betting on apps vs. in person.

    NC Sports Betting AppsNC Retail Sportsbooks
    It’s quick, easy, and convenient for you to place bets on more than 20 sports.The three in-person books are inconveniently located for most North Carolinians.
    You can compare the odds at multiple apps and place your bet at the sportsbook offering the best terms.You cannot shop around for the best odds, and you are limited to the betting options that the retail venue provides.
    The best apps offer lots of bonuses and promotions.Retail sportsbooks rarely offer bonuses or promotions.
    Apps can crash and suffer from geolocation service issues.Some bettors prefer the atmosphere and camaraderie found at a retail sportsbook.

    How to sign up for a North Carolina sports betting account

    Follow these steps to create a North Carolina sports betting account.

    • Choose one of our recommended sportsbooks and click the “CLAIM PROMO” button.
    • You will land on the site, and a message will explain that you have claimed the sign-up bonus.
    • Open the registration form, confirm your state and provide your name, address, date of birth, phone number, email address and last four SSN digits.
    • If a promo code is needed, be sure to enter it. Set up a password, agree to the terms, complete the form, and verify your account.
    • Open the App Store or Google Play and search for your chosen NC sportsbook. Tap the install button and use Face ID or Touch ID to authorize the free download.
    • Return to your phone’s home screen and tap on the app when it has downloaded. Sign in using your email address and password, make an initial deposit, and place your first bet to redeem the welcome bonus.

    Best North Carolina sports betting apps FAQ

    Can you use sports betting apps in NC?

    Yes, as of noon ET on Monday, March 11, you may sign up and bet with NC sports betting apps.

    Do North Carolina sports betting apps offer live betting?

    Yes, the best North Carolina sports betting apps will offer live betting. You can place in-play bets on thousands of sporting events each week, including basketball, baseball, football and hockey games. The best North Carolina sportsbook apps for live betting will include Bet365, BetMGM and FanDuel.

    Is it easy to withdraw money from NC sports betting apps? 

    Yes, it is quick and easy to withdraw money from legal NC sports betting apps. Just hit the “Withdraw” button, choose a method, enter the amount you wish to withdraw and confirm the request. A member of the team will process and approve your request, and you should receive your funds in less than 24 hours if you use a payout method like Play+, PayPal or Venmo.

    What sports can I bet on with North Carolina apps?

    You can bet on more than 20 sports at the top North Carolina apps, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, MMA, soccer, golf, tennis, boxing and NASCAR. They will accept bets on professional and college sports, so you can bet on teams like UNC and Duke. Additional sports include lacrosse, table tennis, jai alai, cricket, cycling, darts, Aussie Rules and volleyball.

    If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >

    Author(s)
    Martin Harris Photo

    Martin Harris is a content specialist living in North Carolina. He has reported on poker, gambling, and sports betting for a variety of outlets since the mid-2000s.