North Carolina Sees Surge in Sports Betting Revenue and Problem Gambling Calls Since Legalization

Two years after legalizing sports betting, the state has collected over $250 million in taxes and fees, but also seen a spike in calls to the problem gambling helpline.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the complex impacts of sports betting legalization in North Carolina.The legalization of sports betting in North Carolina has led to a surge in revenue but also a rise in problem gambling, requiring a balanced approach to regulation and support.Wilmington Today

North Carolina has seen a significant increase in sports betting activity and revenue since legalizing the practice in 2024. Bettors have wagered over $13 billion, generating more than $250 million in taxes and fees for the state. This money has been distributed to various programs, including youth sports, gambling addiction treatment, and the athletic departments of UNC System universities. However, the state has also experienced a 150% spike in calls to its problem gambling helpline, with the average caller age dropping from 42 to 37 years old.

Why it matters

The legalization of sports betting in North Carolina has had a significant impact on the state's economy and social landscape. While the revenue generated has been used to fund important initiatives, the rise in problem gambling calls highlights the need for robust addiction treatment and education programs to mitigate the potential negative consequences of increased gambling activity.

The details

Since sports betting was legalized in North Carolina in 2024, bettors have wagered over $13 billion, resulting in the state collecting more than $250 million in taxes and fees from betting operators. This revenue has been distributed to various programs, including the state's general fund, a fund for major events and attractions, UNC System athletic departments, gambling addiction treatment and education, and youth sports. However, the State Health Department has reported a 150% spike in calls to the state's problem gambling helpline, with the average caller age dropping from 42 to 37 years old.

  • Sports betting was legalized in North Carolina in 2024.
  • In 2023, the year before legalization, the state's problem gambling helpline received 3,528 calls.
  • In 2024, the first year of legalization, the helpline received 9,826 calls, which held steady at 9,249 calls in 2025.

The players

NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the state's problem gambling helpline and resources.

Mike Oblinger

The Athletic Director of UNC Wilmington, one of the UNC System universities that has received over $4 million in sports betting revenue over the last two years.

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What they’re saying

“It's a wonderful thing for us. It's obviously very important to what we're trying to do here.”

— Mike Oblinger, Athletic Director, UNC Wilmington

What’s next

The state legislature and NCDHHS will likely need to evaluate the impact of sports betting legalization and consider ways to further support gambling addiction treatment and education programs to address the rise in problem gambling calls.

The takeaway

North Carolina's experience with sports betting legalization highlights the complex balance between generating revenue and addressing the potential social costs. As the state continues to navigate this new landscape, it will be crucial to prioritize both economic growth and public health, ensuring that the benefits of sports betting are equitably distributed and the risks are effectively mitigated.