North Carolina is gearing up to launch legal sports betting after state lawmakers passed legislation in 2021. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has been reviewing license applications from major sports betting operators, with the goal of approving operators to take the state’s first online sports wagers.
So far, six partnership agreements between sports betting operators and North Carolina sports teams or venues have been announced. These deals will give the operators market access if their license applications are approved. More deals may still be finalized before launch day.
Major Industry Players Secure Deals
On Friday morning, two more North Carolina sports betting partnership deals were revealed, bringing the total number announced so far to six.
DraftKings announced it has secured an agreement with NASCAR to become the stock car racing organization’s exclusive daily fantasy sports partner in the U.S. and Canada. DraftKings will also serve as an authorized gaming operator for NASCAR.
“DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports,” said Joe Solosky, NASCAR’s managing director of sports betting. “We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver NASCAR fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.”
Meanwhile, BetMGM reached a deal with Charlotte Motor Speedway. The agreement gives BetMGM market access and branding presence at Charlotte’s two annual NASCAR race weekends – the Coca-Cola 600 in May and the Bank of America ROVAL 400 in October.
“With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter.
Competition Remains Strong
While major players like DraftKings and BetMGM move to solidify deals, competition for North Carolina’s upcoming sports betting market remains high.
Previous partnership deals announced include bet365 with the Charlotte Hornets, FanDuel with the PGA Tour, Fanatics with the Carolina Panthers, and ESPN BET with Quail Hollow Club, which hosts the annual Wells Fargo Championship PGA Tour event.
Caesars also remains in the running through its existing partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Underdog Sports is the lone applicant so far that has not announced its intended North Carolina sports betting partner.
Additional Access Points Up for Grabs
Besides the partners already claimed, several teams, tracks and golf courses remain eligible as potential sports betting partners in the state:
- Carolina Panthers (NFL)
- Charlotte FC (MLS)
- NC Courage (NWSL)
- North Wilkesboro Speedway
- Sedgefield Country Club
Billionaire businessman David Tepper owns both the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. Speedway Motorsports owns Charlotte Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway.
These groups still have the option to partner with sports betting operators who have applied for licenses in North Carolina. However, no additional deals have been announced yet.
Regulatory Approval Still Needed
While partnership deals are falling into place, regulatory approval for each sports betting operator in North Carolina remains pending.
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission continues accepting license applications. But meeting the initial license recommendation deadline on December 27 was key for operators hoping to take the state’s first online sports wagers.
On Thursday, lottery officials released updated guidelines that operators must meet to be approved for a launch date wagering go-live. So far, an exact launch date has not been set.
Operators who applied for a North Carolina sports wagering license but did not have deals secured by the December 27 deadline face uncertainty on when they could begin operations if approved.
Lottery officials have stated they will not guarantee approvals for late applicant submissions to participate in the initial mobile sports betting launch window. This means the market could launch with only a handful of sportsbook options at first.
As launch day approaches, major players are vying for market share in North Carolina’s soon-to-open sports betting market. Deals are being secured, regulatory approvals are pending, and sports fans wait eagerly for their first chance to place legal wagers on games.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Business Empire Extends Far Beyond Racing
After achieving legendary status on the race track, retired NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr. has successfully leveraged his fame, fortune, and business acumen to build an impressive portfolio of real estate, media ventures, and other business interests. His influence now stretches far beyond racing fans and is an embodiment of the North Carolina entrepreneurial spirit.
Luxury Real Estate Investments
Earnhardt Jr.’s 300-acre estate known as Dirty Mo Acres is the crown jewel of his real estate holdings. The sprawling North Carolina property resembles a Hollywood movie set and includes not only an extravagant main house but also facilities catering to his racing activities and personal hobbies.
In addition, Earnhardt Jr. made real estate headlines when he sold his Florida “Pirate Ship” home several years ago for $3 million. The uniquely designed nautical-themed property epitomized his savvy for one-of-a-kind investments.
Thriving Race Team Owner
As co-owner of JR Motorsports, Earnhardt Jr. remains highly invested in the success of up-and-coming NASCAR talent. Under his and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller’s ownership, the team has become a formidable contender in the Xfinity Series, grooming drivers like Sam Mayer and Josh Berry.
JR Motorsports will undoubtedly be a favorite for many bet365 North Carolina bonus code unlockers next year, as North Carolina sportsbooks launch in time for the 2023 racing season.
Expanding Media Presence
While initially known exclusively for his on-track talent behind the wheel, Earnhardt Jr. has also proven himself behind the microphone as a charismatic TV commentator and analyst. His colorful takes and insights into the world of racing have made him a fixture on NASCAR broadcasts in recent years.
Diversified Business Ventures
Never content sticking to just one arena, Earnhardt Jr. has pursued a diverse portfolio of business ventures beyond racing and real estate. He co-owns Whisky River, a chain of Wild West-themed bars and restaurants. He also founded Hammerhead Entertainment, a production company creating films, shows, and other digital media content.
Additionally, Earnhardt Jr. owns a Chevrolet dealership in Florida and has invested in a major mixed-use real estate development project in North Carolina. He even entered the publishing world as the author of the book “Racing to the Finish: My Story” in 2018.
The Face of North Carolina Business
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s mixture of business prowess and celebrity power has earned him the distinction of North Carolina’s richest celebrity. His racing origins provide a foundation that supports his ever-expanding business empire spanning real estate, media productions, niche hospitality brands, and more.
As Earnhardt Jr. continues pursuing new ventures, his enduring legacy as both a NASCAR legend and savvy businessman cements his place as the face of North Carolina business for years to come. Whether grabbing drinks at a Whisky River location, catching one of his media appearances, or seeing the iconic No. 88 car race, Earnhardt Jr.’s business influence touches many aspects of the state he calls home.
This story originally appeared on Upscalelivingmag
