On June 14, 2023, North Carolina took a significant step forward in online gambling by signing online sports betting into law. From 11 March 2024, bettors in North Carolina can place bets on various sites, including Caesars Sportsbook.
Online casinos in North Carolina are illegal, and while offshore casinos cater to the state, these cannot be trusted for fairness, security, and payment reliability. Offshore casinos avoid the law, which means no one can back you up if withdrawals are not honored, games are unfair, or your personal and banking details are hacked.
Luckily, for those who want to enjoy the latest games at online casinos in North Carolina, sweepstakes online casinos are perfectly legal, safe, and reliable. These sites don’t use real money to wager on games, but still provide “sweeps” that you can exchange for cash rewards.
In our guide to online casinos in North Carolina, we’ll explore the details, how things might change for online casinos, and how you can play legally.
Are Online Casinos in North Carolina Legal?
In 2024, online casinos in North Carolina remain illegal and are not regulated by the state. Lawmakers have not made any significant movements towards legalizing online casinos in NC, but as more states provide access to online casinos in America, we could see a sudden change.
Are any Types of Online Casinos Legal in NC?
Sweepstakes online casinos in North Carolina are legal and 100% safe. Since you won’t wager real money on casino games, but rather use site credits and sweeps, you won’t technically be gambling.
Sweeps are a currency used by sweepstakes online casinos, which players can collect for free and exchange for cash rewards and gifts. We take a closer look at the best sweepstakes and social online casinos further down in our guide to online casinos in South Carolina.
When will North Carolina Legalize Online Casinos?
Located near multiple states with legal access to the best online casinos in America, including West Virginia, the pressure is undoubtedly on states such as North Carolina to legalize online casinos. Residents in the state are likely to travel and use legal online sites, causing North Carolina to lose gambling revenue.
Legalizing online sports betting in 2023 marks a significant step toward online gambling as major online brands enter the state. These sites also provide some of the best online casinos, which could soon become legal.
As more states in the east legalize online gaming, it would be best for North Carolina online casinos to become available sooner rather than later.
Brief Gambling History in North Carolina
The earliest and most notable event in North Carolina’s gambling history dates back to 1749, when all gambling debts exceeding £100 were invalidated in attempts to discourage excessive gambling. In 1763, a limit of five daily shillings was applied to all forms of personal gambling winnings. Despite the law, gambling continued to grow, not only along the legal avenues but in illegal forms as well.
In the early 1800s, the state approved 62 lotteries over 26 years up to 1835. These lotteries raised funds for various reasons, including navigational improvements along New River.
Believed to encourage crime and undermine the value of hard workers, legislators in North Carolina banned various forms of gambling from 1791 to 1939.
- Ban on Public Table Games – 1791
- Ban on Public Card Games – 1799
- Ban on Lotteries – 1834
- Ban on Private Table Games – 1835
- Ban on Slot Machines – 1939
By 1970, concern around gambling in North Carolina once again escalated as the general assembly considered legalizing bets on pari-mutuel and horse races, and in the same year, citizens pushed for a state lottery.
In 1994, the first compact was signed to permit the construction of a land-based casino that would provide electric games, and by 1997, the first permanent casino that is managed by Harrah’s Entertainment opened its doors.
In 2019, North Carolina passed a bill that legalized sports betting, allowing the two tribes to operate a sportsbook at land-based casino destinations. In 2023, the law permitted sports betting in more locations and legalized online sports betting, launching in 2024.
Sweepstakes Online Casinos in North Carolina
Since there’s no need to deposit or use real money on games of chance, Sweepstakes online casinos in North Carolina are legal.
You’ll receive an impressive welcome reward for joining, daily rewards, and more without purchasing packs. However, to boost your account balance and opportunities, coins packs are suited for all budgets.
| Rank | Sweepstakes Online Casino | Welcome Reward |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Pulsz | 2.3 Sweeps + 5,000 Game Coins |
| 2. | Stake.us (Crypto) | $25 Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins |
| 3. | Funrize | 75,000 Game Coins |
| 4. | Gamblino Slots | 100,000 Game Coins + 200 Free Spins |
| 5. | Wow Vegas | 5,000 Wow Coins |
In which States are Online Casinos Legal?
Americans have been able to access legal online casinos for over ten years. In 2013, New Jersey launched the first legal casinos, but you must be within the state borders to play games for real money. Six other states have legalized online casinos in the meantime, including the latest arrival, Rhode Island in March 2024.
Closest State with Legal Online Casinos from North Carolina
While states with legal online casinos, such as Michigan and New Jersey, are far away, players interested in online casinos in North Carolina can travel to West Virginia in less than six hours.
You can legally register with an online casino in legal states but can only play games once you arrive. It also applies to airport layovers or a stop while traveling through. Keep an eye on the bonus terms and conditions as more online casino bonuses expire within 30 days.
Land-based Casinos in North Carolina
If you are looking for casinos in Charlotte, North Carolina or casinos near Raleigh you are in for a bit of a drive. Harrah’s Cherokee is the closest casino to either of those cities and, unfortunately, it is 300 miles from Raleigh and 180 miles from Charlotte.
The two North Carolina casinos both offer traditional slot machines, as well as video poker. They also offer live blackjack, roulette, and craps. Optional games include mini-baccarat, poker, let it Ride, Mississippi Stud, and three-card poker. Both casinos are open 24 hours.
If you are looking for the “new” casino in North Carolina that you keep hearing about, that would be Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina.
There’s Hope for Online Casinos in NC
Online Casinos in North Carolina are one of the few steps left, having already legalized sports and online betting. Based on history, the state has certainly eased up on the strict gambling laws and will soon feel the pressure to legalize online casinos as more states permit online play.
The fact that only tribal casinos are currently available might seem like a problem for online casinos, but since the land-based establishments are operated by Harrah’s and Caesars, it should be quite easy for those two brands to enter as online casino game providers.