Sports Betting In North Carolina Will Not Launch Jan. 8; Fantasy Rules Postpone

North Carolina regulators indicated Tuesday that sports wagering will not begin on Jan. 8, 2024, the day it's legal.


During the North Carolina Lottery Commission's virtual meeting to go over more guideline changes, the Sports Betting Committee members mentioned too much work has actually to be performed in terms of approvals for legal sports wagering to launch early in the new year.


During an outline of what should be accomplished for online sports wagering and retail sportsbooks to open in the Tar Heel State, commissioner Cari Boyce said: "Thank you for clarifying this will not be all done by Jan. 8."


No particular start date was indicated, however state law requires sports wagering to be active by mid-June. Should the commission have whatever in place someplace between those dates, perhaps sports betting launches in time for March Madness in a basketball-centric state.


No fantasy sports in Tar Heel State ... for now


The commission did hear the results Tuesday from the public window for comments relating to the very first rules plan that has currently existed and authorized by the commission.


The committee voted unanimously to authorize modifications to that plan, including the elimination of "dream contests" from the guidelines, mentioning disputes from the public as a reason.


The committee picked to leave out that controversial aspect that's being battled in a number of U.S. jurisdictions so that sports wagering can go live first without hindrance from fantasy challengers. A definition of fantasy contests will be decided at a later date.


Several changes and also caused modifications in wording and treatments to the very first rules bundle that was approved.


What's next in N.C.?


The 2nd guidelines bundle was approved by the committee recently. That is now going before the public, which has till Nov. 27 to comment. There will be a public hearing on Nov. 20.


Those suggestions will be heard by the committee on Dec. 6.


The sports betting committee approved a catalog that clarifies what sports can be used by operators for betting. It must still receive commission approval.


North Carolina passed a bill to legislate sports betting this previous June, and it was quickly signed by Gov. Roy Cooper into law.