North Carolina operators report $65m in May GGR
Licensed firms post best performances since January, as lawmakers in the state weigh up tax increase
North Carolina’s regulated sports betting operators have reported GGR of $65.2m for May, representing the second-best performing month of 2025 so far.
For the year to date, January was the highest grossing month with a return of $74.5m, but May sits well ahead of February’s GGR of $55.7m, which had previously occupied the second spot.
Total handle across the board hit $562.2m, down from $576.2m in April. However, the total is up compared to May 2024’s handle of $525.5m.
Of that metric, paid wagers accounted for $547.8m, while promo spending came to $14.4m.
The promo total marked the smallest in 2025 and the lowest since August 2024, when it amounted to $13.1m.
Tax proceeds in the Tar Heel State reached $11.7m in May, up from April’s $8.4m.
Operators in the market are currently taxed at 18% of GGR, although there are proposals from the North Carolina Senate to double the rate to 36%.
The motion formed part of the Senate’s proposed budget. However, the House’s version of the fiscal policy document has retained the existing 18% rate.
The two chambers will now have the rest of June to hash out a preferred blended rate or keep the existing 18% levy by the legislative deadline of July 1.
The North Carolina market, which went live in March 2024, is served by eight online sportsbooks, including industry leaders FanDuel and DraftKings.
The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents the pair and Fanatics Betting and Gaming, has argued that any tax increases in the state would see costs eventually passed onto the consumer.