North Carolina Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of North Carolina. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in North Carolina. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in North Carolina in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in North Carolina is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALNorth Carolina prohibits online casino gambling and online poker under its state gambling laws. The North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14, Article 53 criminalizes unauthorized gambling activities, including internet gambling. Only the state lottery and limited tribal casinos are authorized.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling software for unauthorized gambling is illegal.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or facilitation of online gambling services is prohibited.
Penalties
Violations can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges with fines and imprisonment under NCGS § 14-309.
Minimum Age
18 years old for lottery; 21 for casino gambling.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in North Carolina has not yet been verified. House Bill 347, signed into law in June 2023, legalized online sports betting across the state, with the market officially launching in March 2024.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in North Carolina as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. A bill to legalize social games was introduced in April 2025.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
LEGALSports betting is legal in North Carolina. Online sports betting launched in March 2024.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. North Carolina launched mobile sports betting in March 2024 under HB 347. Online/mobile and retail available. Major operators include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, and Fanatics. Retail betting was previously available at tribal casinos since 2019.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos (Harrah's Cherokee) and other licensed locations. Operator tax rate: 18% of gross revenue.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+