Sports betting has been legal in NC, but there were no venues for it
Finally, the first sports betting venue in North Carolina opened its gates
Here is what you should know about the new options
The wagers in North Carolina have been doomed for the last couple of years. Although sports betting has been legal for some time, bettors did not have a land-based place to enjoy their legal rights – until now. The first sports betting venue in North Carolina opened on March 18 for gamblers to enjoy.
It is not big news: North Carolina’s sports betting industry is quite limited. It is true, that in July 2019 Governor Roy Cooper signed a bill that made sports betting in tribal casinos legal. However, until March 18 no one could place any bets. It is because of the lack of places to do so which has finally changed. And with this, after they had a ribbon-cutting ceremony, not one, but already two tribal casinos opened for the public. Here is everything you would like to know about placing bets in the Tar Heel State and the first sports betting venue in North Carolina.
Sports wagering in the Tar Heel State
Ever since the nearby states, like Tennesse, are already in for legal gambling – and seeing the benefits of it – it was only a matter of time before North Carolina took its own steps. However, the state’s regulators and lawmakers made quite a mess around the question, especially when it comes to sports betting. As mentioned above, the Governor of the state made sports betting legal in 2019. But the two physical locations, as the first sports betting venues in North Carolina, did not open until March 18.
Until then, bettors could travel to neighboring states, such as Virginia to place their bets. They could also do it on online sportsbook sites in the US, such as Bovada. So, it has not been that big of a problem that there are no NC-sponsored online books – yet –, since wagers are still allowed to use out-of-the-state options. This, of course, is not that good for the state tax revenues, but it is not a concern of players.
It might be a new start for North Carolina
The first sports betting venue in North Carolina
For those, who were eager to place some bets in brick-and-mortar sports betting facilities in NC, instead of online sportsbooks in the US, 2021 kicks off great! As WBTV reported, The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) announced that “The Book” will open two locations. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 18 is a perfect date because it is just in time for March Madness. (It is The National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball Tournament. On Bovada, you can even get a bonus ‘til April 2 for the event!) After the formal opening, the public will be able to visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC, and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, NC. And besides the visiting, they could, of course, bet on some sports events as well!
How is the first sports betting venue in North Carolina?
As Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino said: “We are proud to house North Carolina’s first sports betting venues and are confident that it will be an amenity our guests will enjoy.” Well, the venues with their welcoming and exclusive interior and exterior will do their part in the quest. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort offers plush reclining chairs for game viewing and a 90-foot ultrahigh-definition screen. There will also be seven ticket-writer windows and ten self-service betting kiosks. The venue also offers Fan Caves and seating in the Upper Deck for a VIP-feeling. The Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has a 32-foot, ultrahigh-definition screen, and full beverage service. There is also a lounge area for private parties. Bettors will also cherish the four ticket-writing windows and five kiosks.
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