NEWSLETTER
The state of North Carolina continues to push towards getting sports betting off the ground. Yesterday, the North Carolina Sports Betting Committee voted and unanimously approved a second notice of rules. Here are the details.
Sports Betting Committee Unanimously Approves Notice
It was a unanimous vote by the North Carolina Lottery Commission’s sports betting committee at Tuesday’s meeting. The vote was for a second rules notice dealing with amended language along with regulations for licensing, responsible gambling, and advertising.
Sportsbooks Cannot Purchase Naming Rights at Sports Facilities
The committee has put in the regulation that sportsbooks cannot purchase any naming rights at sports facilities they are partnered or associated with. This includes lounges or seating areas.
Last month, the North Carolina Sports Betting Committee approved a rule that calls for sportsbooks to partner with professional teams, leagues, or facilities to get a license.
“Risk-Free” and “Free” Language Banned in NC
The committee also banned any terminology using the words “risk-free” and “free.” This means operators cannot use these terms while promoting their sportsbooks. It’s common for sportsbooks to have promo codes and offers when launching in a new state. This means phrases like “risk-free bets” or “free bets” can be common when promoting the latest offer.
This will not be allowed in North Carolina so bettors will see the top sportsbooks likely use other terms like “second chance bets” or “bonus bets” to attract new users to their platforms.
No Advertising or Association with Universities
Next up, sportsbooks cannot be associated with universities or colleges in any shape or form. They cannot advertise with these institutions or use any sort of marketing tools to target them. This includes radio, television, and other platforms at the schools.
Operators Must Have Problem Gaming Plan
The North Carolina Lottery Commission also is requiring operators to submit a responsible or problem gambling plan. These must include how the sportsbooks plan to handle voluntary and involuntary exclusions programs. Also, how operators plan to support players with resources.
Sportsbooks in legal states across the country are legally required to participate in responsible gambling campaigns to ensure sports bettors are protected and given proper resources to help with gambling addiction.
Still No Decision on North Carolina Sports Betting Launch Date
The committee didn’t provide an update on a specific launch date for North Carolina Sports Betting. The state is required by law to launch between January 8, 2024, and June 8, 2024. This was part of the sports betting legislation signed by Governor Roy Cooper in June 2023.
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