A mobile sports betting bill passed through the North Carolina Senate but was narrowly shot down in the House in June, but sports wagering supporters aren't giving up on the push to bring widespread sports betting to the state. Among those hoping for legalized online sports betting is Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Don Waddell, who cites the potential revenue stream from an in-stadium sportsbook as a positive for his franchise.'
“[Not having legal mobile sports betting] just puts us behind,” Waddell told WRAL. “We're behind because of ticket prices and sponsorship dollars and all that. It just puts us further behind from a revenue standpoint.”'
Several professional sports franchises in North Carolina, including the Hurricanes and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, have voiced their support for legal mobile sports betting and retail wagering in or near their respective arenas. Currently, two casinos offer legal retail sports betting in North Carolina.'
Other supporters
There is notable support within the state legislature for legal betting. Rep. Jason Saine tried to usher bills through the House during the most recent legislative session, and while the effort came up short, there were fellow legislators who supported the bills.'