Brad Cox had 919 starters in 2024, seventh-most among North American trainers. In the summer, Cox runs strings at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Keeneland, and in New York. Since 2013, he’s also stabled in Indiana, and while many horses there occupy the lower strata of his operation, Horseshoe Indianapolis starters don’t necessarily play for Cox’s “C” Team.
Summer sports betting in Missouri is moving closer to fruition.
A draft of Missouri sports betting rules has been completed by the state’s gaming commission and has been forwarded to Gov. Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Denny Hoskins for approval.
Once the set of rules is green-lighted there, a 30-day public commentary period will open.
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Taxed, who finished a fast-closing third in the American Beauty on Feb. 1 at Oaklawn, is being freshened and could return to action in another filly and mare sprint stakes this meet, trainer Randy Morse said.
Taxed, who is a Grade 2 winner around two turns, was cutting back to one mile for the American Beauty. Morse said she would be considered for the $250,000 Matron, a six-furlong race for fillies and mares on March 29.
“She’s going to get a little rest for a while,” Morse said. “We might target that sprint, the Matron. Something like that.”
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Tejano Twist and Wendelssohn, who both came back to win after finishing second to Banishing in separate races this meet at Oaklawn, could see stakes action next, according to their trainer, Chris Hartman.
Hartman said Tejano Twist is on deck for next month’s Grade 3 Whitmore. He won the King Cotton one start after his runner-up finish to Banishing in a Dec. 20 allowance.
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Dreaminblue, who owns one of the top Beyer Speed Figures by a 3-year-old in 2025, is being considered for a start in the Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel at Oaklawn Park, trainer Randy Morse said Tuesday.
Dreaminblue earned a 94 Beyer when he won a maiden special weight sprint in his most recent start Jan. 25. It’s the best number put up by a 3-year-old this meet at Oaklawn and tied for fourth highest number in North America.
North Carolina sports betting apps have been live since 2024, offering a wide range of sportsbook promos and welcome bonuses to new users. As one of the newer states to legalize mobile sports betting, North Carolina quickly launched multiple major operators statewide. Below, you’ll find a complete guide to the best NC sportsbooks, current promotions, and how to get started betting legally in North Carolina.
Disclaimer: For those outside of North Carolina, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
Fanatics Sportsbook continues to grow its footprint in North Carolina thanks to a unique rewards-based model and competitive pricing.
Fanatics’ Top Features:
Strong welcome bonus with both cash payout potential and bonus rewards
FanCash Rewards program that earns value on every bet
Competitive odds across major sports markets
Seamless integration with Fanatics merchandise platform
Up to $1,200 Bonus
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
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DraftKings promo code continues to offer one of the strongest total welcome packages in North Carolina. New users can unlock a $200 bet-and-get bonus and take advantage of a deposit match for additional value.
Mobile Sportsbook
Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets
Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
No Code Needed
21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
FanDuel promo code remains one of the most popular NC betting apps thanks to its simple bet-and-get structure and user-friendly interface.
Mobile Sportsbook
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn’t Win
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days
Use Bonus Code: DEALPLAY
21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
BetMGM bonus code offers one of the largest first-bet insurance promotions currently available in North Carolina.
Mobile Sportsbook
Up to $1,000 in FanCash Matched Bets
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Fanatics sportsbook promo code stands out with its FanCash Rewards system, allowing bettors to earn value back on wagers and even spend rewards on official team gear.
Mobile Sportsbook
Up to $250 Bonus on Deposit
Get a First Bet Match up to $250 in Bonus Bets
Stream NFL Games In-App
Use Promo Code: RACEBET250BM
21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Caesars sportsbook promo code pairs a competitive welcome offer with its well-known Caesars Rewards loyalty program.
bet365 is a globally recognized sportsbook that built its reputation in Europe before expanding aggressively into the U.S. market. Known for its deep betting menu and strong live wagering platform, bet365 offers one of the more straightforward welcome bonuses available in North Carolina.
New users can claim:
After placing a qualifying $5 wager, new users receive $150 in bonus bets once the first bet settles — regardless of whether it wins or loses.
Key details:
Bonus bets typically expire after seven days
Minimum deposit required
Use the eligible bet365 promo code when registering
Simple bet-and-get $150 welcome offer
Daily promos and odds boosts
Extensive live betting options
Each Way betting available for golf, racing, and futures markets
Broad international sports coverage
North Carolina is one of the most passionate sports states in the country, with a strong mix of collegiate and professional teams. The state is also a NASCAR hotbed, with the Charlotte area serving as a central hub for the sport.
Below are some of the most popular teams among North Carolina bettors (futures odds subject to change).
UNC remains one of college basketball’s blue-blood programs, boasting six national championships and more than 20 Final Four appearances. The Tar Heels are consistently a major betting draw during both the ACC season and March Madness.
On the football side, the program gained national attention with the hiring of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick. UNC continues working toward returning to ACC championship contention.
Duke is UNC’s historic Tobacco Road rival and owns five national championships in men’s basketball. The Blue Devils remain a top-tier betting interest every season.
In football, Duke continues striving to re-establish consistent conference success, with occasional breakout seasons keeping bettors engaged.
The Carolina Panthers joined the NFL in 1995 and have reached two Super Bowls in franchise history. Though the team is in a rebuilding phase, NFL betting markets — including spreads, player props, and season win totals - remain popular statewide.
The Hornets have been part of the NBA since 1988 and continue building around young talent. While still pursuing their first NBA championship, the franchise generates strong interest in regular-season betting and player props.
The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in 2006 and have been one of the NHL’s more consistent playoff teams in recent seasons. With multiple conference finals appearances since 2018-19, Carolina remains a popular futures and game-to-game betting option.
Here are key details about legal sports betting in North Carolina:
Online sports betting launched: 2024
Minimum betting age: 21
Regulator: North Carolina State Lottery Commission
Active sportsbooks: 7 (as of 2026)
In its first full year (March 2024 – February 2025), North Carolina generated more than $6.8 billion in total sports betting handle, demonstrating strong market demand.
Tax revenue generated from legal North Carolina sportsbooks promos is distributed according to state law (N.C. Gen. Stat. §105-113.128). The funds are allocated to support public programs, youth sports initiatives, collegiate athletics, and statewide development efforts.
Here’s how the proceeds are directed:
$2 million per year to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction education, prevention, and treatment programs.
$1 million per year to North Carolina Amateur Sports to expand youth sports opportunities across the state.
Up to $300,000 per year distributed among collegiate athletic departments at 13 public universities.
$1 million per year to the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission to fund:
Travel grants (up to $5,000 per team/group per county) for in-state and out-of-state sporting events
Grants of up to $25,000 to attract amateur tournaments and regional or national sporting events
Additionally, the law allows for reimbursement to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and the Department of Revenue for administrative costs related to regulating and implementing sports betting.
After the fixed annual allocations and administrative reimbursements:
20% is evenly distributed among the 13 state universities to support collegiate athletics.
30% goes to the North Carolina Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund to promote job creation and economic investment.
50% is deposited into the state’s General Fund.
This structure ensures that sports betting revenue supports education, youth programs, public health initiatives, and statewide economic development.
While sports betting can be an entertaining activity, it’s important to participate responsibly. North Carolina provides dedicated resources for individuals who may be experiencing gambling-related harm.
If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support is available:
📞 Call the North Carolina Problem Gambling Hotline: 877-718-5543
📱 Text: “morethanagamenc” to 53342
🌐 Visit: morethanagame.nc.gov
Current Sportsbooks
7Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort: 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC 28719
Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel: 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
July 26, 2019
The state legislature and governor agree to legalize in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in North Carolina.
March 18, 2021
Two tribal casinos in North Carolina, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, begin taking retail sports bets.
June 14, 2023
Governor Roy Cooper signs legislation that allows online sportsbook platforms to partner with pro sports franchises and venues to begin offering mobile wagering.
March 11, 2024
Online wagering launches one day before the ACC men's basketball tournament and six days before the NCAA tournament's Selection Sunday.
March, 2024
North Carolina sportsbooks accepted $659.3 million in sports bets during the state's first month of online wagering, a record that still stood nearly a year later.
Yes, sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Tribal casinos have been accepting in-person wagers since March 2021, and online wagering through commercial sites launched three years later.
Persons of at least 21 years of age can place wagers in North Carolina provided they are physically present in the state.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission regulates commercial gaming in the state.
The state lottery has approved one of the most comprehensive lists of sporting events for wagering, including: Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, biathlon, bowling, boxing, cornhole, cricket, cycling, darts, Ultimate Frisbee, esports, field hockey, floorball, football, futsal, Gaelic Games, golf, handball, ice hockey, jai alai, lacrosse, MMA/UFC, motorsports, netball, Olympics (Winter and Summer), pesapallo, pool, mini-golf, rodeo, rowing, rugby, sailing, skateboarding, snooker, beach soccer, softball, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball, water polo, wrestling, and winter sports.
Wagers on negative outcomes, like the occurrence of injuries or penalties, are not allowed in North Carolina. Same goes for betting on the outcomes of replay reviews and disciplinary proceedings involving athletes. There's also no betting on entertainment award shows in North Carolina.
While daily fantasy sports exist in a gray legal area in North Carolina, some prominent operators still offer contests in the state. One major DFS operator, Underdog, picked North Carolina as the first state in which to launch its sportsbook product, although it later relinquished its license in favor of operating a nationwide prediction market.
While it's legal to bet on horse racing in North Carolina, both in-person at tribal casinos and online via licensed advance-deposit wagering platforms, it was not yet possible to do so as of February 2025. That's because North Carolina "continues to work on a parimutuel horse wagering program that will be beneficial to the state," according to a spokesperson. When that day comes, ADWs like FanDuel Racing can be expected to quickly enter the fray.
Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com
Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. 21+ NC Only.
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Glengarry is about as fast as the early Valentine’s Day gift trainer Doug Anderson bought for his wife Cathy and the horse’s speed should serve him well in Friday’s featured ninth race at Oaklawn Park.
“We had one of our own horses win a couple of weeks ago,” Anderson said. “Cathy needed a new vehicle so we just went ahead and got one.”
Glengarry could either show the way or track Ryvit, his primary pace rival who is drawn to his immediate inside in the conditioned allowance for 4-year-olds and up.
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Rick Dutrow already has one horse, Captain Cook, headed for the Wood Memorial on April 5, but the trainer is considering getting McAfee to that race as well.
McAfee, who was scratched out of the Jerome Stakes six weeks ago due to a leg infection, returns in a softer spot Friday at Aqueduct when he heads an eight-horse field in a starter allowance/optional $50,000 claiming race going a mile that serves as the feature on an eight-race program.
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The small but very talented U.S. contingent that’s expected to race on the undercard of the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 22 arrived safely in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The group is led by 2024 sprint champion Straight No Chaser (Riyadh Dirt Sprint) and includes the South Florida-based duo of Howard Wolowitz (Turf Sprint) and Cyclone State (Saudi Derby), a Kentucky Derby hopeful. They all figure to be among the favorites in their respective races.
