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

The state has collected over $250 million in taxes and fees, but also experienced a 150% spike in calls to the problem gambling helpline.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes in vibrant shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the complex dynamics of sports betting legalization in North Carolina.The complex interplay of sports betting revenue and problem gambling calls highlights the need for a balanced regulatory approach in North Carolina.Wilmington Today

Two years after legalizing sports betting, North Carolina has seen a significant increase in sports betting activity and revenue, with bettors wagering over $13 billion and the state collecting more than $250 million in taxes and fees. 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

The legalization of sports betting in North Carolina has brought both economic benefits and social challenges. While the state has seen a significant increase in revenue, the rise in problem gambling calls underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both the financial gains and the well-being of the community.