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Tar Heel Today
By the People, for the People
North Carolina Sportsbooks Score Big During NCAA Tournament
The Tar Heel State's online betting operators see record-breaking March numbers.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:57pm
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North Carolina's sports betting industry scores big as the NCAA Tournament provides a major boost to the state's online sportsbooks.Tar Heel TodayNorth Carolina's seven online sportsbooks generated a record $726.2 million in wagers and $75.9 million in revenue during March 2026, a 99% year-over-year increase. The spike was fueled by the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, with the state also collecting $13.7 million in tax revenue.
Why it matters
The strong March performance highlights the growing popularity of sports betting in North Carolina, which legalized online wagering in 2024. The tournament boost also comes as the state continues to see significant year-over-year growth in its sports betting market.
The details
North Carolina's online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars, saw their highest-ever monthly handle and revenue during March 2026. Bettors wagered a total of $726.2 million, up 6% from the previous year, while the operators' gross revenue reached $75.9 million, nearly double the March 2025 figure. The state's 18% tax on sports betting revenue also generated $13.7 million in tax receipts for the quarter.
- The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament took place in March 2026.
- North Carolina legalized online sports betting in 2024.
The players
North Carolina State Lottery Commission
The regulatory body that oversees sports betting in the state.
FanDuel
One of the seven online sportsbooks operating in North Carolina.
DraftKings
One of the seven online sportsbooks operating in North Carolina.
BetMGM
One of the seven online sportsbooks operating in North Carolina.
Caesars
One of the seven online sportsbooks operating in North Carolina.
What’s next
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission is expected to release additional details on the sports betting market's performance in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
North Carolina's sports betting industry continues to thrive, with the NCAA Tournament providing a significant boost to the state's online sportsbooks. The strong March numbers highlight the growing popularity of legal sports wagering in the Tar Heel State.
