Sports betting in North Carolina surged in September, with more than $575 million wagered, marking a sharp recovery from the summer months and making it the state's third-highest month since online sports betting launched on March 11.
The uptick follows the return of football, a key driver of betting activity. Of the $575 million wagered in September, $538 million were paid wagers, the second-highest total on record, trailing only April’s $569 million. The state's eight licensed operators contributed to a tax haul of over $12 million in September, double the amount collected in August.
Since the start of sports betting in North Carolina, the state has amassed more than $75 million in tax revenue, applying an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue.
Sports betting activity had slowed during the summer months of June, July, and August, with monthly wagers falling below $400 million as the sports calendar lightened. Tax revenues during this period dipped below $8 million each month.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission, which regulates sports betting, does not provide data on specific sports or operator performance. However, the surge in September comes after a period of increased engagement, with the state’s problem gambling helpline seeing record-high call volumes in the months following the launch of online betting.