FanDuel named NFL's Carolina Panthers official sports betting partner just days ahead of market launch

Flutter-owned FanDuel has announced a multi-year agreement with the NFL's Carolina Panthers, naming the brand the team's official sports betting partner, just days before North Carolina's legal mobile sports betting market opens on March 11. Upon launch, the Tar Heel State will be the 22nd state where FanDuel is active with mobile sports betting.

The new partnership between FanDuel and the Carolina Panthers allows users to pre-register on the FanDuel Sportsbook app ahead of the market’s go-live date. FanDuel will also collaborate with the team on social media content and display digital signage at the Carolina Panthers' Bank of America Stadium. The brand also promised "exclusive events" at the team's stadium as part of the partnership.

FanDuel TV’s "Up & Adams" with Kay Adams will broadcast live from Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, March 6 to celebrate the new partnership with the Panthers. Guests will include former NFL linebacker Luke Kuechly and members of the Panthers organization. Fans can tune into “Up & Adams” weekdays at 11:00 a.m. ET on FanDuel TV, FanDuel TV+ or YouTube.

Mike Raffensperger, Chief Commercial Officer at FanDuel, said: "Bringing FanDuel to sports fans across North Carolina is an important moment for our business, and we are thrilled to be able to work with the Carolina Panthers to introduce their fanbase to America’s #1 Sportsbook."

"We look forward to supporting the team next season and to engaging the passionate sports fans across North Carolina with our product."

Mike Raffensperger

For her part, Kristi Coleman, Carolina Panthers President, added: "We are thrilled to welcome FanDuel as an Official Sports Betting Partner.

"As we look ahead to the 2024 season, we’re excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to deliver unique and engaging experiences to our fans while they are in North Carolina."

Kristi Coleman

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission confirmed the March 11 launch date for the state’s mobile sports betting market in January. Players could register for, and fund accounts from March 1. The market’s launch will come days before the beginning of March Madness.

The state’s Commission confirmed eight interactive sports wagering licenses last week. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, Bet365, ESPN Bet, and Underdog are all licensed ahead of the launch date.

This week, Caesars Entertainment became the first operator to launch in the market. The platform's debut was made possible through an expanded partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe also received an interactive sports wagering license issued last week.

The road to North Carolina’s sports betting market launch was set into motion on June 14 last year when Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law. The bill outlined a timeline for the market’s launch, stipulating that the state would have to publish regulations before January 8, 2024. It also mandated that operators would have to start accepting wagers before June 14, 2024.

In addition to licensing eight operators, North Carolina’s Commission has issued supplier licenses to GeoComply and SBTech ahead of March 11. Moreover, the Commission has approved a voluntary self-exclusion program for state residents as part of the NC Problem Gambling Programme, which will receive an additional $2 million per year as outlined in House Bill 347. Players can select self-exclusion periods of one year, three years, five years, or for their entire lifetime.