North Carolina Lottery hires former Massachusetts regulatory staffer to newly created compliance role

The North Carolina Education Lottery Commission (NCELC) has confirmed the appointment of Sterl Carpenter as its new deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports betting.

Carpenter previously spent eight years as a sports wagering operations manager with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and previously held several roles at the Connecticut-based Foxwoods Resort and Casino over a 23-year period.

In his new role which will officially begin on August 2, Carpenter will develop and oversee compliance at the NCLC’s new sports betting division, in advance of the Tar Heel State’s regulated sports betting market launch in January 2024.

Commenting on the hire, NC Education Lottery executive director Mark Michalko cited Carpenter’s extensive industry experience as being a significant value add to the regulator as it wrestles with the regulation of online sports betting for the first time.

“After an extensive search, we have selected an experienced professional to serve in the newly created role of deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports,” the NCELC executive director said.

“Carpenter has experience in all aspects of regulations and licensing as well as compliance. We’re pleased to have someone with Carpenter’s experience and expertise leading this new gaming program in our state.” Michalko added.

Carpenter is the third person to leave Massachusetts Gaming Commission during the summer, with executive director Karen Wells having left in the middle of July after 10 years of service and investigation and enforcement bureau head Loretta Lillios retiring in the next few weeks.