North Carolina approves new esports wagering guidance application process
North Carolina State Lottery Commission also receives pari-mutuel horse racing launch update alongside in-person sports betting requirements
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission met on Wednesday, September 25, to approve new guidance on esports as well as receive an update on the launch of pari-mutuel horse racing wagering.
The Commission’s new esports guidance will see operators now able to request adding an esport event to the state’s wagering catalog via a newly developed form, available on the regulator’s website.
Requests will be sent via email, with operators required to fill out several sections including the esports competition operator, a description of the wagering categories, and integrity and security matters.
Although there is currently no projected launch date for pari-mutuel horse racing wagering in the Tar Heel State, the Commission was told the next steps in the process, including rulemaking for the “specific requirements for pari-mutuel online and mobile wagering operations.”
A statement released by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission read: “The Commission and staff continue to carefully work through the process efficiently and responsibly.”
A public comment session will be held on October 8, with the deadline to submit comments falling on October 18.
The regulator also approved the requirements and outlined the process for operators to open in-person sports betting facilities.
Earlier this month, the Tar Heel State reported single-digit hold of 9.1% for the month of August – the lowest since online sports betting was legalized in March.
Since the market’s launch, operators have taken a total of $2.9bn in wagers and still has the initial eight operators that entered North Carolina from day one: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Underdog.