The North Carolina Lottery Commission on Thursday approved the first set of rules for the state’s mobile sports betting market. The rules had been discussed Tuesday by the commission’s sports betting committee.
Removing a definition of fantasy sports contests from the proposed rules was among the commission’s most meaningful actions. The definition would have jeopardized the ability of fantasy sports operators like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks to offer pick’em-style fantasy games in North Carolina.
Lottery commissioners have determined they’d rather not weigh in on the debate over whether those games are legal fantasy games or unregulated sports betting, which has been a point of contention in other states, so they’re aiming to avoid the conversation altogether for now.
“We have decided … that we want to take the time right now to focus on our main goal, which is getting licensees up, operating, and running so we can start having sports wagering in the state,” said the lottery’s chief legal officer, Billy Traurig. “To focus on this would be a distraction.”
Wagering on esports allowed
The state’s initial sports betting catalog was approved, and it includes sports you’d expect to be included based on other states. North Carolina residents will be able to wager on major sports like football, basketball, and baseball, with multiple leagues for each of those sports approved as legal betting markets.
Sterl Carpenter, the lottery’s deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports betting, clarified that esports wagering will be allowed once mobile wagering is up and running, which had seemed in question following Tuesday’s meeting.
“Esports is allowed in the state of North Carolina, but currently at this time we are waiting for operators to present their petition for which leagues they wish to offer in this type of event,” Carpenter said.
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Next steps
Public comment remains open for a second set of North Carolina mobile sports wagering rules. A public comment hearing will be held Monday, and the written public comment period ends on Nov. 27.
The sports betting committee is expected to discuss the rules again on Dec. 6, factoring in public feedback.
The launch of legal sports betting apps will occur sometime after Jan. 8, which is the earliest date the market could launch under state legislation. Mobile wagering is mandated to begin by mid-June at the latest.
No timeline has been given for when operators can apply for licenses.
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Author: John Sommers
John Sommers is a distinguished figure in the world of gambling expertise, known for his deep knowledge and insightful analysis of the gaming industry. As a seasoned author, he has contributed extensively to the reputable gambling news site, TwinCasinos, focusing on providing valuable insights to English-speaking gamblers worldwide. With a career spanning over a decade, John has honed his expertise in various aspects of gambling, from strategic gameplay to industry trends and regulatory developments. His articles are revered for their blend of comprehensive research, astute observations, and a knack for demystifying complex concepts for both novice and seasoned players. Beyond his writing prowess, John has established himself as a trusted authority, often sought after for his expert commentary on the ever-evolving landscape of the casino and betting industry. His passion for responsible gambling and commitment to ensuring players make informed choices are evident in his work, making him a beacon of integrity in an industry that demands such values. Whether you’re a casual gambler or a dedicated enthusiast, John Sommers’ contributions to TwinCasinos promise to be an invaluable resource for navigating the dynamic world of gambling.
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