Online Gambling in
North Carolina
Unlike most states on the East Coast who have been open to online gambling, North Carolina has been resistant. There are currently no regulated online casinos in the Heel State. North Carolina has been reluctant to introduce any form of legalized gambling; until 2012, slot machines and electric poker were the only sanctioned games.
However, there was a softening of the laws in the state of North Carolina in 2012, as the government allowed more types of casino games, live dealers, and two land based casinos. These two tribal casinos have done well since opening their doors. There has recently been an announcement of a $200 million expansion to the original casino.
Sports betting is currently permitted at the two tribal casinos. The introduction of online sports betting would see a considerable increase in revenue and broaden online gambling in North Carolina. However, there is still a long way to go before legal online gambling becomes a reality in the state. Some players may want to play some games so much that they try a casino site that isn’t regulated. However, it is not worth the risk of playing at an offshore online casino for numerous reasons.
As these casinos are unregulated, the fairness of the casino games is not guaranteed. Furthermore, trying to withdraw funds can become a complicated process as offshore casinos don’t have to abide by any regulatory body or state law. There is no care for the casino player with offshore sites, so if you are looking for any online gambling in North Carolina, stick to regulated sites.
Is It Legal In North Carolina?
There is currently no law that allows online gambling in North Carolina. You cannot play for real money online legally in the state, and it is not now a priority from lawmakers to authorize games. Apart from the two land based casinos on Eastern Band of Cherokee lands, there are no physical gaming locations in North Carolina.
In fact, North Carolina is one of the only states with no commercial casinos, slot parlors, race tracks, or other similar gaming options. Legalizing online casino games has been a struggle in states that have embraced other forms of gambling, so getting to that stage in the state of North Carolina may take some time.
Social Casinos In North Carolina
There isn’t a complete lack of gaming action in North Carolina. Online social casinos are legal and active throughout the state. Both land based casinos in the Heel State are operated by Harrah’s. Harrah’s is part of Caesars Entertainment and offers players who visit their website the chance to play several of their games for free money.
The social casino sites feature classic table games and the usual slot machines you would find at most online or brick and mortar casinos. As players don’t risk losing real cash to play games on these sites, it is not considered actual gambling. This is the primary reason why North Carolina residents can legally visit social casinos and play games.
One of the most popular online social casino sites is Chumba casino, which offers gold coins and sweeps coins once you register. These gold coins can then be used to play table games such as blackjack or slot machines for fun. Alternatively, the sweeps can be used on games that give players the opportunity to win prizes, including real money.
Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel & Casino
This casino is operated by Caesars and is one of two tribal casinos in North Carolina. There is a large gaming floor at this Harrah’s Cherokee casino featuring thousands of slots and electronic games, as well as numerous table games such as roulette, blackjack, and craps. The casino also has an Asian-themed gaming area with blackjack and a complimentary noddle bar.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
The other tribal casino in North Carolina can be found next to the imposing Great Smoky Mountains. It offers all of the traditional table games such as blackjack, craps, Let it Ride, and roulette. There are over a thousand slot machines that suit all players with stakes ranging from penny slots to $100 credits. Moreover, a sportsbook will open up here soon for legal retail sports betting in North Carolina.
State Lottery
The state lottery was introduced in North Carolina in 2005 via the North Carolina State Lottery Act. Soon after this was legalized, scratch lottery tickets and jackpots such as Powerball were also made legal. North Carolina has eased its gambling laws on the lottery recently, which may be due to the fact it is generating more than $6.6 billion for education.
Online Poker
Online poker in North Carolina is not legal, and there is no hint that it will be legalized in the state anytime soon. North Carolina has been against all forms of online gambling for a long time, including physical casino poker rooms. This is in contrast to other states on the East Coast that have shown interest in legalizing both online and physical poker rooms. North Carolina remains resistant to doing this.
As online casinos and online gambling, in general, continues to grow across the United States, North Carolina remains slow to adopt the industry. With this in mind, online poker remains some time away from being legalized in the state.
Online Slots
It is illegal to play for real money online in North Carolina; however, social casinos such as Chumba are allowed. These casinos offer slot games that are almost identical to the ones you would find at a brick and mortar casino. Players have the chance to win real prizes through sweepstakes. The two tribal casinos in North Carolina offer several different slots that cover numerous themes. While iGaming enthusiasts wait with bated breath to see if North Carolina will legalize online casino play, they can enjoy these social casinos in the meantime.
Bonuses & Promotions at North Carolina Casinos
There are no regulated online casinos in North Carolina; however, players should be aware of the typical bonuses on offer if that position changes. A generous welcome package or a free wager can get your online gambling experience off to a positive start. An online casino bonus is given to players to play for free. Competition in a regulated casino market is fierce, so casinos need to ensure they offer decent bonuses to encourage players to sign up at their platform.
Bonuses traditionally come in various formats, with the most common featuring below.
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus can take up different offers, such as offering free spins on specific slots or free money. They are provided as an incentive for players to create an online casino account. When a player has completed their registration, their account will be credited with bonus funds.
No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is beneficial for new players as they can test out the site without committing any cash. The only requirement for players is to sign up at the online casino. The bonus amount is usually around $20, and the casino will choose the games you can use those funds on. If and when online gambling is legalized in North Carolina, new players should be on the lookout for this bonus!
Banking
Although online gambling is not yet legal in North Carolina, it is important players are familiar with the payment methods typically offered by online casinos. With the introduction of e-wallets, players can now access their funds instantly and without hassle. The most common online casino deposit and withdrawal methods include:
- Visa/Mastercard
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- ACH/E-check
- Online Bank transfer
- PayNearMe at 7-Eleven
Withdrawal processing times will vary depending on which payment option you choose. Always read the casino terms and conditions around financial transactions. Once online casinos are legal and regulated in North Carolina, all financial transactions will be safe and secure.
North Carolina Gambling News
TeamGamblers will bring you all of the latest gambling news and stories in North Carolina. Check back to this page for updates on new commercial casinos, online legislation updates, casino games, new launches, and more.
