House in North Carolina turns down raise in tax for sports betting
In the world of sports and education, North Carolina is making strides in the realm of sports betting. As of August 2025, there appears to be no publicly known active dispute among North Carolina lawmakers regarding raising the tax rate on sports betting operators.
The Senate's plan, which has been making headlines, would see UNC and NC State receive over $55 million over two years. However, other schools in the system would receive smaller amounts under a tiered funding model. The House's version, on the other hand, would distribute $26.3 million among all FBS-level schools without changing the current tax rate. Schools such as App State, East Carolina, and Charlotte are among those included in the House's version.
The Senate's plan links a tax increase to funding for state universities, a move that has sparked opposition from industry groups. The Sports Betting Alliance, consisting of BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook, is campaigning against the Senate's plan. The group claims a 100% increase in tax could drive players to the illegal market, risking funds and consumer protections.
It's important to note that North Carolina legalized online and retail sports betting in June 2023, with mobile betting launching in March 2024. However, retail sports betting windows have not materialized, and no significant changes or disputes over tax rates are reported as of mid-2025. The focus, it seems, is on resolving the tax rate issue before the full budget is finalized.
Interestingly, retail sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering are not yet available in North Carolina. With the current operational focus on mobile betting, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming months.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the future of sports betting in North Carolina is shaping up to be an interesting chapter in the state's history. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.
- The Sports Betting Alliance, which includes major players like BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook, are actively campaigning against the Senate's plan in North Carolina, asserting that a potential 100% increase in tax could push gamblers towards the illegal market.
- While North Carolina has legalized online and retail sports betting, the focus of the ongoing debate seems to be on the tax rate, as the Senate's plan proposes linking a potential increase in tax to funding for state universities, a move that is generating opposition from industry groups.
