AGA welcomes North Carolina in ‘fight against the dangerous, illegal market’

The American Gaming Association has praised sports betting moves made in the Tarheel State, after North Carolina became the 19th jurisdiction to authorise the legalised activity across the US.

This follows Governor Roy Cooper signing bill S 154, which it is said enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support, to authorize sports wagering at two tribal casinos in North Carolina.

Lauding the moves as giving North Carolinians a legal alternative to illicit offshore operators, the AGA praised moves that will help safeguard consumers and the integrity of games, advance responsible gaming initiatives and aid law enforcement in eliminating illegal gambling. 

Through gaining Cooper’s signature Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort are to offer sports betting on an exclusive basis, with both properties owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and managed by Caesars Entertainment.

All wagers must be placed in-property, with no provision contain for mobile betting, with no requirement encapsulated to include an integrity fee and, unlike many states, there is no prohibit on betting on collegiate sporting events held within North Carolina, which would including basketball at Duke University and the University of North Carolina.

It’s expected that North Carolina will generate $14m in revenue annually, bringing the state less that $1m in taxes, with its moves made done so in complete contrast to neighbouring Tennessee which recently passed its own sports betting bill. 

The Volunteer State has no casinos, eliminating terrestrial gaming and paving the way for online and mobile, with operators set to be mandated to use official league data.

“Legalising sports betting in North Carolina is a welcome step in the fight against the dangerous, illegal market,” commented Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association

“Providing North Carolinians with legal alternatives to illicit offshore operators will help safeguard consumers and the integrity of the games, advance responsible gaming initiatives and give state and federal law enforcement an advantage in combating illegal gambling.”