On March 11, 2024, North Carolina sports betting apps will officially launch in the state after years of legislative efforts, allowing fans to engage even more deeply.
This comes as North Carolina continues to host games in some of the largest sports venues in the country. From Charlotte to Raleigh and beyond, stadiums across North Carolina draw tens of thousands for football, basketball, hockey and more.
These are the most impressive stadiums to see in North Carolina.
1. Bank of America Stadium
• Location: Charlotte
• Capacity: 74,867
As home of the Carolina Panthers, "Bank of America Stadium brings top-tier professional football to downtown Charlotte eight times per year, as well as hosting major events like the 2019 ACC Championship Game," said Panthers representative Steve Smith.
With a capacity approaching 75,000, the open-air stadium has size matched with amenities - giant video boards flash stats and replays while fans take advantage of food and drinks galore. Sports betting kiosks scattered throughout entice fans to put some money on the next play.
2. Carter-Finley Stadium
• Location: Raleigh
•Capacity: 56,919
North Carolina State University's Carter-Finley Stadium, home of the Wolfpack football team, promotes a intimate atmosphere with seats feeling close to the field.
The recent 2016 renovation added "video boards, sound and seating upgrades," Carter-Finley's website says, helping modernize the 56,000-capacity arena. Now fans can bet right from their seats.
3. Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium
• Location: Greenville
• Capacity: 51,000
East Carolina University's Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium holds more than 50,000 pirate fans cheering loudly amid an electric atmosphere. "The stadium has witnessed various renovations and improvements to enhance the game-day experience for attendees while maintaining its connection to the university’s history," the stadium's website explains. Sports betting kiosks stand ready help fans put money behind their vocal support.
4. Kenan Memorial Stadium
• Location: Chapel Hill
• Capacity: 50,500
Home to the UNC Tar Heels football team, Chapel Hill's historic Kenan Memorial Stadium balances tradition with upgrades. After undergoing "renovations and expansions to modernize its facilities while preserving its traditional charm,” the stadium now hosts 50,000 fans for games that often gain national attention. Plus, fans can bet on the next play right from their seats through the stadium’s user-friendly interface.
5. Spectrum Center
• Location: Charlotte
• Capacity: 19,077
In bustling downtown Charlotte, Spectrum Center hosts NBA action as home of the Hornets while also serving up concerts, shows and more. With nearly 20,000 seats, Spectrum Center brings a distinctly modern sheen with suites, bars and lounges dotting the concourses so fans can watch games in style. The addition of sports betting windows inside the arena allow fans to put money behind big plays quickly and conveniently.
Other Major Venues
Beyond the very biggest stadiums, North Carolina boasts other huge venues as well.
Notable spots include Greensboro Coliseum (20,000 capacity), PNC Arena in Raleigh (18,000 capacity) where the NHL's Hurricanes skate, Wake Forest football’s home field housing over 30,000 fans and Appalachian State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium nestled amid striking Blue Ridge Mountain views.
All continue upgrading amenities to draw fans while integrating sports betting infrastructure so people can conveniently place real-time wagers.
The Booming NC Sports Betting Industry
Since sports betting legislation passed North Carolina state lawmakers in July 2021, millions were invested launching online platforms and retail locations for the official market launch March 11, 2024.
“We expect sports betting to thrive in North Carolina between the major universities and pro teams,” said Rep. Destin Hall, who introduced the 2021 bill. “Plus this will move activity from the unregulated market into a legal framework with consumer protections.”
Analysts predict over $350 million wagered in the first year. Luring bettors are localized promotions like free bets when NC teams score touchdowns or hit home runs. Partnerships between sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel and regional franchises also help attract fans.
“Legal sports betting launches North Carolina’s next major entertainment industry,” explained sports business professor Tim Boyer. “Once people see how easy and convenient regulated platforms are compared to illegal offshore sites, this will scale quickly.”
The state will tax operators at 8%, generating an expected $25 million in the first 12 months. Some funds already help gambling addiction services and youth sports initiatives statewide.
So whether taking in a Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium or catching a Duke basketball clash, sports fans can now engage through regulated betting markets as well thanks to North Carolina’s new sports wagering laws. Expect sportsbooks’ integration into venues statewide as sports betting joins the big leagues of North Carolina entertainment options.
