can you bet horse racing in north carolina
Can You Bet On Horse Racing In North Carolina?
Yes, horse racing betting is legal in North Carolina. You can place wagers in person at tribal casinos or online through licensed sites. While online betting is legal, it is not yet operational.
Legal Status of Horse Racing Betting
North Carolina prohibited pari-mutuel horse racing wagering for decades, but the state’s legal landscape underwent significant changes with the implementation of new laws in 2019 and 2023. The 2019 legislation permitted tribal casinos to accept in-person wagers on horse races. However٫ it wasn’t until 2023 that broader legalization occurred with the passage of Session Law 2023-42 (H347). This law٫ signed by Governor Roy Cooper on June 14٫ 2023٫ officially authorized and regulated wagering on horse racing throughout the state٫ both in-person and online. While in-person betting at tribal casinos is currently available٫ the online aspect is still under development as regulators work on establishing a framework for licensing and operation.
Where to Bet on Horse Races in North Carolina
As of today, July 29, 2024, in-person horse racing betting is operational at three tribal casinos in North Carolina; These locations are⁚ Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort. While these venues are currently the only places to legally wager on horse races in person, the landscape is expected to expand. Although authorized by the 2019 law, none of the tribal casinos currently offer off-track betting. Furthermore, standalone off-track betting facilities (OTBs) are not yet present in the state. However, the 2023 law that legalized online horse racing betting might pave the way for their introduction in the future, as it grants the North Carolina Lottery Commission the authority to approve facilities for simulcasting and pari-mutuel wagering.
Online Horse Racing Betting in North Carolina
While legal since 2023 and implemented in 2024, online horse racing betting in North Carolina is still in its early stages. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission is tasked with regulating the industry and issuing licenses to advance deposit wagering (ADW) operators. However, as of July 29, 2024, no national legal ADW operators have applied for licenses due to the high fees. The state law mandates a hefty $1,000,000 licensing fee and a 1% tax on all wagers accepted from North Carolina residents, making it the highest in the nation. The Commission plans to publish additional rules and begin accepting applications in 2024 but acknowledges the challenges in attracting operators due to the cost. Once operational, licensed online horse racing betting sites will be subject to strict consumer protection and responsible gambling regulations to safeguard customer funds and information.
North Carolina Horse Racing Laws and Regulations
North Carolina’s horse racing laws underwent significant changes in 2019 and 2023, shaping the current legal landscape. The 2019 legislation, while brief, authorized tribal casinos to offer simulcasting and pari-mutuel betting on horse races, leaving regulatory decisions largely to the operators. However, none have implemented these options yet. In 2023, HB 347 further expanded the industry by legalizing online horse race betting and tasking the North Carolina Lottery Commission with its regulation. This includes issuing licenses, promoting responsible gambling, and establishing comprehensive rules. The law mandates a $1,000,000 licensing fee and a 1% tax on all wagers from state residents for online operators, a significant financial barrier. While the Commission plans to release further regulations and start issuing licenses in 2024, attracting operators remains a challenge due to the high costs.
Future of Horse Racing in North Carolina
The future of horse racing in North Carolina hangs in the balance, caught between recent legalization and significant hurdles. While legal avenues exist for both in-person and online wagering, their implementation faces uncertainty. Tribal casinos, authorized to offer simulcasting and betting, haven’t yet embraced the opportunity; Similarly, the high licensing fees and taxes for online operators pose a major challenge to launching platforms, potentially deterring participation and delaying the industry’s growth.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission’s upcoming regulations and licensing processes will be crucial. Striking a balance between generating revenue and attracting operators is essential for success. Furthermore, the lack of a robust horse racing tradition in the state, with no dedicated tracks and limited public engagement, adds another layer of complexity. The future hinges on navigating these challenges, potentially involving legislative adjustments and a concerted effort to cultivate interest and investment in the sport.