What is the legal gambling age in North Carolina?

21+ for tribal casinos and sports betting (online + retail) 18+ for the lottery and charitable gaming

Top Online Casinos North Carolina 2025

Q: Is online gambling legal in North Carolina?

Yes, but only in part. Online sports betting and DFS are legal. Online casinos and poker remain prohibited.

Q: Does North Carolina allow online casinos?

No. There are no licensed online casinos in NC. Social and sweepstakes casinos are legal alternatives, but offshore sites are unregulated.

Q: Can I play poker legally in North Carolina?

Yes, but only at tribal casinos like Harrah’s Cherokee, which hosts live poker rooms. Online poker is not authorized.

Q: Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?

Yes. Retail sportsbooks launched in 2021 at tribal casinos, and mobile sportsbooks went live statewide in March 2024.

Q: Does North Carolina have a state lottery?

Yes. The North Carolina Education Lottery (since 2005) offers draw games, scratch-offs, and multi-state jackpots like Powerball.

Q: Are bonuses and promotions available in North Carolina?

Yes. Licensed sportsbooks and DFS platforms offer welcome bonuses, free bets, and odds boosts. Tribal casinos provide comps, free play, and loyalty rewards.

Q: Can I gamble with cryptocurrency in North Carolina?

Not on licensed platforms. Crypto is only used on offshore sites, which are unregulated and carry high risks.

Are you NOT in North Carolina? Set this page settings to United States:

Reset to United States

Casinologia/Casinos By Countries/United States/North Carolina

CasinoLogia

The Main Philosopher

28.08.2025

Updated

North Carolina Key Facts

Allowed Casinos

Resctricted Casinos

286

American English Language Casinos

Casinos Accepting US Dollar

141

Popular Payments Methods in North Carolina

Online Casinos in North Carolina – Reviewed by CasinoLogia

Below is our library of reviews for online casinos available in North Carolina, along with a convenient filter to help you search by your preferences.

All American Casino

us-nc flag Rated 100/100%

Duckyluck Casino

Welcome bonus

500%/$2,500+ 150 Free Spins

x30 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

All American Casino

us-nc flag Rated 100/100%

SlotsandCasino Casino

Welcome bonus

300%/$1,500 + 100 Free Spins

x30 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

Bonus Crab

us-nc flag Rated 99.67/100%

WinBay Casino

Welcome bonus

100%/ €500+ 200 Free Spins

x12 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

us-nc flag Rated 93.29/100%

Immerion Casino

Welcome bonus

500%/$1,000 + 250 Free Spins

x40 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

All American Casino

us-nc flag Rated 60/100%

Extreme Casino

Welcome bonus

200%/$1000

x10 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

Popular

us-nc flag Rated 60/100%

Reels Grande Casino

Welcome bonus

Up to $250 Weekly Cashback

x30 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

6 / 6 100%

Online and Offline Gambling in North Carolina

North Carolina has traditionally maintained a restrictive stance on gambling, with most forms limited to tribal casinos, charitable bingo, and the state lottery. For years, residents looking for legal options were confined to the Harrah’s Cherokee casinos, charitable raffles, and lottery ticket sales. That changed dramatically in March 2024, when the state officially launched regulated online and retail sports betting.

Online gambling in North Carolina is currently limited to sportsbooks and DFS platforms. Major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars now offer mobile betting, overseen by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. Online casinos and online poker remain illegal, though lawmakers continue to debate possible future expansion.

Offline gambling is anchored by the state’s tribal casinos. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Valley River, while the Catawba Nation runs the Two Kings Casino. These venues offer slots, table games, poker rooms, and retail sportsbooks, serving as the state’s main hubs for casino entertainment.

The North Carolina Education Lottery, established in 2005, provides another major outlet, funding schools and scholarships through draw games and scratch tickets. Alongside this, charitable bingo and raffles remain legal for fundraising purposes.

Altogether, North Carolina offers a measured but growing gambling ecosystem. Sports betting is now front and center, while casinos, lottery, and charity gaming provide additional variety in a state that is slowly expanding its gaming horizons.

State-Level Gambling Legality in North Carolina

North Carolina has taken a measured approach to gambling expansion. Tribal casinos and the state lottery dominated for decades, but the 2024 launch of online sports betting marks a turning point. Oversight is handled by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.s, which outline the strict requirements for age, taxation, and permitted forms of play.

Tribal Gaming

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, offering slots, table games, poker, and sportsbooks. The Catawba Nation runs the Two Kings Casino, expanding tribal gaming into the Charlotte region. Tribal facilities operate under federal IGRA compacts and revenue-sharing agreements.

Age and Access

21+ for casinos and sports betting (online + retail)
18+ for the lottery and charitable gaming
Strict KYC/ID verification applies to all mobile sportsbook accounts and casino entry.

State Lottery

Launched in 2005, the North Carolina Education Lottery sells scratch tickets, draw games, and participates in multi-state jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions. Revenue is directed toward public education and scholarships. Tickets are available at retail only – no online lottery sales.

Online Gambling Status

Sports betting: Fully legal since March 2024 (mobile + retail)
DFS: Legal, with DraftKings and FanDuel operating contests statewide
Online casinos & poker: Not legal – no regulated operators exist

Charitable Gaming

Bingo, raffles, and similar nonprofit fundraising games are legal with a state license. Proceeds must support charitable causes, and rules limit the size of prizes and number of events.

Key Milestones

1997 – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino opens under tribal compact
2005 – North Carolina Education Lottery established
2012 – Harrah’s Cherokee adds table games and poker
2021 – Retail sportsbooks debut at tribal casinos
2024 – Online and mobile sports betting launches statewide

Gambling Taxes in North Carolina

North Carolina takes a structured but moderate approach to gambling taxes. Winnings are always subject to both federal and state income tax, while operators contribute revenue to support education and state programs.

Key Tax Points for Players and Operators:

Federal Taxes: All gambling winnings are taxable and must be reported to the IRS. Larger payouts (slots, jackpots, sportsbook wins) may trigger 24% automatic federal withholding.
State Income Tax: North Carolina imposes a flat 4.75% tax on all gambling winnings, regardless of income level.
Sportsbooks: Online and retail sportsbooks pay an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue (effective March 2024), one of the higher rates in the Southeast.
Casinos: Tribal casinos share revenue with the state under compact agreements, but players’ winnings are taxed like any other income.
Lottery: Winnings of $600 or more are reported to the state, and prizes above $5,000 trigger automatic federal and state withholding.

Wrap-Up

North Carolina’s tax system ensures gambling contributes directly to public education, scholarships, and community programs. For players, the flat state rate makes filing simpler, but it’s important to remember that all winnings are taxable income.

Which Gambling Forms Are Legal in North Carolina?

North Carolina has expanded beyond its traditional tribal casinos and lottery to include full-scale sports betting. While online casinos and poker remain prohibited, players still have access to a variety of legal formats.

Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos are not legal in North Carolina. No licensed platforms exist for slots, table games, or live dealer play. Social and sweepstakes casinos, which use virtual tokens with the chance to redeem prizes, are available as alternatives. Offshore sites also operate, but they are unregulated and carry risks.

Sports Betting

Sports betting is the headline feature of NC’s gambling market. Retail sportsbooks launched at tribal casinos in 2021, and mobile betting apps went live statewide in March 2024.

Licensed operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and Fanatics provide access to professional and college sports betting, though certain restrictions apply to in-state college prop bets. Features include parlays, live in-play betting, and futures. All activity is regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, with strict geolocation and ID checks.

All American Casino

us-nc flag Rated 100/100%

Duckyluck Casino

Welcome bonus

500%/$2,500+ 150 Free Spins

x30 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

Bonus Crab

us-nc flag Rated 99.67/100%

WinBay Casino

Welcome bonus

100%/ €500+ 200 Free Spins

x12 wagering (Bonus & Deposit)

Play Now

Lottery

The North Carolina Education Lottery, launched in 2005, offers draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, and state-specific tickets, plus instant scratch games. Tickets are sold only through retail locations – no official online lottery platform exists. Proceeds are directed to education and scholarships.

Bingo

Bingo is legal for licensed nonprofits and remains a traditional fundraising format. Churches, community centers, and veterans’ halls regularly host bingo nights. Players must be 18+ to participate, and events are subject to strict prize limits and reporting rules.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable raffles and casino-style fundraising nights are legal for nonprofits with proper licensing. Proceeds must support charitable missions, and the state enforces caps on prize values and the number of annual events.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

DFS contests are legal and operate under general consumer protection laws. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel dominate the market, offering contests across football, basketball, baseball, and more. Players must be 18+ to participate.

Social Gambling

Private, social gambling is tolerated under limited conditions, such as small-scale home poker games where the host does not take a cut. Any game with a rake or profit is considered illegal gambling. Social casinos using virtual credits (with no real-money stakes) are widely accessible online.

Land-Based Casinos

North Carolina has three operating tribal casinos:

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River
Catawba Two Kings Casino

These venues offer slots, table games, poker, and sportsbooks. There are no commercial casinos in the state, and access is restricted to players 21 and older.

Banking Methods for Gambling in North Carolina

With the launch of regulated online sports betting in 2024, North Carolina players now have access to secure and widely recognized payment methods. Licensed sportsbooks must comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules under the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.

✅ Popular deposit methods:

Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx – some banks may block gambling charges)
ACH/eCheck transfers via bank accounts
E-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Venmo
Prepaid Play+ cards linked to sportsbook accounts
Cash deposits at tribal casino cages or partner retailers

💸 Withdrawal methods:

ACH bank transfers (typically 1–3 business days)
PayPal & Play+ cards (often same-day or instant)
Paper checks by mail (slower option)
Cash withdrawals at licensed tribal casino cages

⚠️ Note: Cryptocurrency is not accepted by any licensed operator in North Carolina. Offshore platforms often offer crypto payments, but these are unregulated and carry significant risks for players.

Discover

Casinos 6

Cashout time Instant

99/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 6

Type E-wallet

Fees 3-5%

Processing time Instant

Solo

Casinos 0

Cashout time Instant

98.87/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 0

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 0%

Processing time Instant

Coinbase

Casinos 0

Cashout time Instant

98.38/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 0

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 1-3%

Processing time Instant

RuPay

Casinos 0

Cashout time Instant

97.89/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 0

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 1%-2%

Processing time Instant

Airtel Money

Casinos 1

Cashout time Instant

97.57/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 1

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 0.095%-5%

Processing time Instant

TrustPay

Casinos 13

Cashout time Instant

97.48/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 13

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 0%

Processing time Instant

eZeeWallet

Casinos 50

Cashout time Instant

97.38/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 50

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 0-6%

Processing time Instant

Revolut

Casinos 68

Cashout time Instant

97.16/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 68

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 2%

Processing time Instant

Bank Transfer

Casinos 246

Cashout time Instant

96.99/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 246

Type E-wallet

Fees $0–50$

Processing time Instant

GCash

Casinos 5

Cashout time Instant

96.97/100

All Casinos

Number of Casinos 5

Type Credit/Debit Card

Fees 2%

Processing time Instant

10 / 22 45%

Bonus Offers Accessible in North Carolina

North Carolina’s gambling market is new to the online space, which means operators compete aggressively for players through bonuses and promotions. While online casinos are not legal, sportsbook and DFS promos, along with retail casino perks, give players plenty of incentives.

🎁 Common bonus types in North Carolina:

Welcome bonuses – deposit matches or large free bet credits for new sportsbook users
Risk-free bets – refunds on losing wagers, credited as site credit
Odds boosts – enhanced payouts on select games, parlays, or player props
No-deposit credits – smaller sign-up rewards, often $10–$25 in betting credit
DFS promos – deposit matches, freeroll entries, and seasonal contests
Retail casino comps – loyalty programs, free play credits, comped meals, and hotel discounts at Harrah’s Cherokee and Catawba casinos

🧠 Pro tip: Sportsbook bonuses usually come with 1x playthrough requirements before cashout, while DFS promos must be entered in contests before winnings can be withdrawn.

North Carolina players also benefit from retail-based loyalty programs, linking casino play to perks such as hotel stays, dining, and entertainment. Offshore platforms may advertise flashier bonuses, but only licensed sportsbooks and casinos guarantee transparent terms and safe payouts.

us-nc flag Rated 60/100%

Crypto

600%/$5,000

x10 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage 600%

Maximum amount $5,000

Free Spins 0

Min deposit $20

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 60/100%

Reload

125%/$3,000

x10 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage 125%

Maximum amount $3,000

Free Spins 0

Min deposit $30

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 100/100%

Crypto

600%/$3,000

x40 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage 600%

Maximum amount $3,000

Free Spins 0

Min deposit $25

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 99.67/100%

Cashback

15%/€3,000

x1 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage 15%

Maximum amount €3,000

Free Spins 0

Min deposit 0

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 100/100%

Crypto

500%/$2,500 + 150 Free Spins

x40 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage 500%

Maximum amount $2,500

Free Spins 150

Min deposit $20

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 100/100%

First Deposit

500%/$2,500 + 150 Free Spins

x30 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage 500%

Maximum amount $2,500

Free Spins 150

Min deposit $25

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 60/100%

Third Deposit

$2,500 + 30 Free Spins

x30 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage

Maximum amount $2,500

Free Spins 30

Min deposit $30

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 60/100%

Second Deposit

$2,500 + 30 Free Spins

x40 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage

Maximum amount $2,500

Free Spins 30

Min deposit $30

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 60/100%

First Deposit

$2,500 + 30 Free Spins

x30 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage

Maximum amount $2,500

Free Spins 30

Min deposit $30

US-NC Players Accepted

us-nc flag Rated 100/100%

First Deposit

300%/$1,500 + 100 Free Spins

x30 wagering (Deposit & Bonus)

Play Now

Bonus Percentage 300%

Maximum amount $1,500

Free Spins 100

Min deposit $20

US-NC Players Accepted

10 / 32 31%

Cryptocurrency Gambling in North Carolina

Cryptocurrency is not supported on any licensed platforms in North Carolina. Online sportsbooks, DFS sites, and tribal casinos are all required to use USD and traditional banking methods for deposits and withdrawals.

Despite this, many residents look to offshore crypto casinos and sportsbooks that accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins. These platforms promote fast transactions, anonymity, and bigger bonuses, but they are not regulated by the state and carry major risks.

🔒 Things to keep in mind:

No legal protections – winnings are not guaranteed, and disputes can’t be resolved through state regulators
VPN access – often needed to use offshore platforms
High wagering requirements – crypto bonuses may look generous but usually carry restrictive rollover terms
Conversion costs – moving between crypto and USD can reduce net winnings

For now, North Carolina is a fiat-only gambling market. If you stick to licensed platforms, you’ll enjoy safe, regulated play. Crypto users step outside those protections entirely.

Psychology and Responsible Gambling in North Carolina

North Carolina has emphasized responsible play and community safeguards as it expands into online sports betting. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission oversees responsible gambling tools, while nonprofit organizations and statewide programs provide education and support.

Age Restrictions and Self-Exclusion

21+ for sports betting and tribal casinos
18+ for lottery and charitable gaming
Players can enroll in self-exclusion programs to block access to casinos and sportsbooks for set periods

Public Education & Support Services

North Carolina Problem Gambling Program offers free counseling, referrals, and outreach
1-877-718-5543 helpline available 24/7
Community workshops and public awareness campaigns emphasize prevention and early detection

Tax and Financial Awareness

Lottery messaging and sportsbook regulations remind players that winnings are taxable income. This reinforces financial accountability and discourages the idea of gambling as a primary income source.

Societal Shifts

The 2024 launch of mobile sports betting has increased gambling accessibility, particularly for younger adults. Regulators now prioritize digital responsible gambling tools to balance convenience with consumer protection.

Player Mindset

North Carolinians traditionally approached gambling as entertainment tied to community causes (bingo, raffles, lottery). With online sportsbooks now live, gambling is increasingly tied to sports fandom and digital convenience, raising both excitement and responsibility challenges.

Local Preferences and Gambling Habits in North Carolina

North Carolina’s gambling culture is shaped by its sports traditions, tribal casinos, and community-based gaming. With the arrival of mobile sportsbooks in 2024, player behavior is shifting quickly toward digital betting, though lottery and tribal venues remain staples across the state.

🎮 What North Carolinians Gravitate Toward

Mobile sports betting apps (NFL, NBA, NCAA basketball, NASCAR) dominate since launch
Lottery tickets – scratch-offs and Powerball remain hugely popular statewide
Casino slots and table games at Harrah’s Cherokee and Catawba casinos attract steady visitation
DFS contests peak during NFL and NBA seasons
Charity bingo nights and raffles still thrive in smaller communities

🏀 Cultural Patterns Across the State

College sports fandom (UNC Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils) drives betting engagement
Charlotte & Raleigh – strong mobile sportsbook adoption, tied to pro teams like the Hornets, Hurricanes, and Panthers
Western NC – loyalty to tribal casinos as entertainment hubs
Rural areas – lottery and charitable gaming remain most accessible options

👥 Demographics of Typical Players

18–30: tech-savvy, mobile-first sports bettors and DFS users
30–55: split between mobile betting and retail casino visits, with lottery play steady
55+: more traditional, favoring lottery, charity bingo, and occasional casino trips
Males: dominate in sports betting and poker
Females: lean toward slots, bingo, and lottery play

CasinoLogia’s Risk Map: How Legally Exposed Are North Carolina Players?

North Carolina is a moderate-risk gambling state. Sports betting, lottery, DFS, and tribal casinos are fully legal and regulated. However, since online casinos and poker remain prohibited, risk increases when players turn to offshore or crypto platforms.

Risk Levels Explained

✅ Low Risk – Fully legal and regulated in NC
⚠️ Moderate Risk – Legal gray areas with limited oversight
❌ High Risk – Prohibited, offshore, or unregulated

Gambling Activity	Legal Status in NC	Risk Level	Notes
Online casinos	Illegal	❌ High	Offshore sites only, no regulation
Online poker	Illegal	❌ High	No regulated operators
Online sportsbooks	Legal (since 2024)	✅ Low	Licensed by NC State Lottery Commission
Retail sportsbooks	Legal (since 2021)	✅ Low	Available at Cherokee & Catawba casinos
DFS	Legal	✅ Low	DraftKings, FanDuel fully operational
State lottery	Legal (since 2005)	✅ Low	Supports education, retail only
Tribal casinos	Legal	✅ Low	Harrah’s Cherokee, Valley River, Two Kings
Charitable gaming	Legal (licensed nonprofits)	✅ Low	Bingo, raffles, and fundraisers
Social gambling	Limited/private only	⚠️ Moderate	Informal games tolerated if no profit
Offshore/crypto gambling	Not regulated	❌ High	No state protections or recourse

💡 Bottom line: Stick with licensed sportsbooks, lottery, DFS, and tribal casinos for safe play. Venturing into offshore poker or crypto casinos puts players at high legal and financial risk.

Your Questions About Online Gambling in North Carolina Answered (FAQs)

We have answered the most asked questions about online gambling in Arizona – find the answers right here.

Yes, but only in part. Online sports betting and DFS are legal. Online casinos and poker remain prohibited.

21+ for tribal casinos and sports betting (online + retail)
18+ for the lottery and charitable gaming

No. There are no licensed online casinos in NC. Social and sweepstakes casinos are legal alternatives, but offshore sites are unregulated.

Yes, but only at tribal casinos like Harrah’s Cherokee, which hosts live poker rooms. Online poker is not authorized.

Yes. Retail sportsbooks launched in 2021 at tribal casinos, and mobile sportsbooks went live statewide in March 2024.

Yes. The North Carolina Education Lottery (since 2005) offers draw games, scratch-offs, and multi-state jackpots like Powerball.

Yes. Licensed sportsbooks and DFS platforms offer welcome bonuses, free bets, and odds boosts. Tribal casinos provide comps, free play, and loyalty rewards.

Not on licensed platforms. Crypto is only used on offshore sites, which are unregulated and carry high risks.

Online Gambling in North Carolina: A Growing Regulated Market

Online Casinos in North Carolina – Reviewed by CasinoLogia

Online and Offline Gambling in North Carolina

State-Level Gambling Legality in North Carolina

Tribal Gaming

Age and Access

State Lottery

Online Gambling Status

Charitable Gaming

Key Milestones

Gambling Taxes in North Carolina

Key Tax Points for Players and Operators:

Wrap-Up

Which Gambling Forms Are Legal in North Carolina?

Online Casinos

Sports Betting

Online Poker

Lottery

Bingo

Charitable Gaming

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Social Gambling

Land-Based Casinos

Banking Methods for Gambling in North Carolina

✅ Popular deposit methods:

💸 Withdrawal methods:

Bonus Offers Accessible in North Carolina

🎁 Common bonus types in North Carolina:

Cryptocurrency Gambling in North Carolina

🔒 Things to keep in mind:

Psychology and Responsible Gambling in North Carolina

Age Restrictions and Self-Exclusion

Public Education & Support Services

Tax and Financial Awareness

Societal Shifts

Player Mindset

Local Preferences and Gambling Habits in North Carolina

🎮 What North Carolinians Gravitate Toward

🏀 Cultural Patterns Across the State

👥 Demographics of Typical Players

CasinoLogia’s Risk Map: How Legally Exposed Are North Carolina Players?

Risk Levels Explained

Your Questions About Online Gambling in North Carolina Answered (FAQs)