North Carolina Sports Betting Boom Raises Concerns About Cheating

As wagers top $76 million for the Super Bowl, experts debate whether legalization helps catch cheaters or creates more of them.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Carolina's legalized sports betting industry has exploded since launching in 2025, with over $7 billion wagered statewide in the first full year. While the growth has been lucrative, it has also raised concerns about the impact of widespread gambling, including addiction and the integrity of sports. Proponents argue legalization brings transparency and allows authorities to better detect cheating, while critics say it dramatically expands betting and increases the risk of corruption.

Why it matters

The rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in North Carolina has sparked a debate over whether it helps catch cheaters or creates more of them. As billions of dollars flow through the system, there are concerns about the societal costs, from addiction to the potential for game-fixing scandals that could undermine public trust in sports.

The details

In 2025, the first full year of legalized sports betting in North Carolina, bettors wagered more than $7 billion statewide. In December 2026 alone, wagers topped $650 million, marking the fourth straight month at that level. The growth has been fueled by major events like the Super Bowl, with an expected $76 million in bets this year. However, the scale of the industry has also raised alarms, with experts warning about the risks of addiction and the potential for corruption. In January 2026, federal prosecutors charged 26 people in a massive point-shaving scheme involving college basketball, including a former North Carolina A&T player.

  • In 2025, the first full year of legalized sports betting in North Carolina, bettors wagered more than $7 billion statewide.
  • In December 2026, wagers topped $650 million, marking the fourth straight month at that level.
  • In January 2026, federal prosecutors charged 26 people in a massive point-shaving scheme involving college basketball.

The players

Sarah Howe

CEO of the Addiction Professionals of North Carolina.

Kelly Crosbie

Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Marcia Morey

A Democratic state representative who represents House District 30 in Durham County and has been a vocal critic of legalized sports betting.

Jason Saine

A former Republican state representative who represented House District 97 and helped lead the legislative push to legalize sports betting before leaving office.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a giant industry. Billions of dollars across the country. It's taking off like wildfire.”

— Sarah Howe, CEO of the Addiction Professionals of North Carolina

“We have massive amounts of North Carolinians' money being spent. We didn't have that two years ago. It's pervasive in the culture.”

— Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

“Once you introduce an element of wagering on athletes, the whole game changes.”

— Marcia Morey, State Representative

“When you look at the cases where we've caught people cheating, it's because it was legalized. The problems were still there. Now we bring them to the forefront and we can address them.”

— Jason Saine, Former State Representative

What’s next

Lawmakers in North Carolina are still debating whether additional restrictions are needed on sports betting, including a potential ban on prop bets for college athletes.

The takeaway

The rapid growth of legalized sports betting in North Carolina has raised concerns about the societal costs, from addiction to the potential for corruption and game-fixing scandals. While proponents argue legalization brings transparency and allows authorities to better detect cheating, critics say it dramatically expands betting and increases the risk of integrity issues in sports.