DraftKings to launch online sportsbook in North Carolina on Monday, announces ceremonial first bet event

DraftKings has confirmed its plans to launch its online sportsbook in North Carolina on March 11. "This announcement is the culmination of DraftKings’ continued work with stakeholders and regulators across North Carolina to offer fans a responsible form of sports betting," the company said in a statement.

Earlier this year, DraftKings partnered with NASCAR for market access, paving the way for the sports betting giant to operate in the state. Once live in North Carolina, DraftKings Sportsbook will be available in 27 U.S. states, in addition to Ontario, Canada.

DraftKings says North Carolina is known for its strong sports culture, housing the majority of the NASCAR industry, professional teams in the NFL, NBA and NHL, as well as several universities competing at the Division-I level.

DraftKings’ online sportsbook will provide customers with a variety of betting markets and offerings such as same-game parlays, in-game betting, special odds boosts and more starting March 11.

In a press release, the company also highlighted customer protections in place, including deposit and time limits, access to responsible gaming resource materials, cool-off and self-exclusion features, along with DraftKings’ new “My Stat Sheet,” a responsible gaming feature that shows customers exactly how much time they’ve spent on DraftKings, and the total amount of deposits they’ve placed on the platform.

Matt Kalish, President, DraftKings North America

“With the NCAA Tournament right around the corner and the NASCAR season in full throttle, we are thrilled to be launching our top-rated sportsbook app in North Carolina,” said Matt Kalish, President, DraftKings North America.

“The Tar Heel State is home to a passionate fanbase and some of the most iconic college basketball programs of all time, making this an exciting time to introduce legalized online sports betting. We’re proud to be working alongside NASCAR as our market access partner and look forward to enhancing the fan experience across North Carolina with a fun, safe and seamless sports betting product.”

To celebrate the launch of legalized mobile sports betting going live in North Carolina, DraftKings, in collaboration with NASCAR, is teaming up with Carolina Panthers legend Greg Olsen for a ceremonial first bet on March 11.

The event will take place at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte and feature remarks from Olsen as well as DraftKings Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Elbaum and North Carolina State Rep. Zack Hawkins.