The race to be the big winner is on for eight North Carolina sportsbooks this weekend as the state readies for the start of legal online sports wagering next week.
On Monday, March 11, DraftKings North Carolina and other industry players will begin taking bets from in-state sports fans on everything from the NBA and NHL to next week’s ACC Tournament.
Top sports betting brands have approached the state’s official rollout of mobile wagering with great enthusiasm, approaching the start with aggressive marketing schemes across radio, television, and internet platforms.
As the state’s pre-registration window remains open through Sunday night, one compelling question has emerged as sports betting nears -- what, exactly, will DraftKings North Carolina and its counterparts bring to sports fans next week.
DraftKings will look to continue success in North Carolina
To date, DraftKings, along with FanDuel, have been the two biggest winners in the U.S. legal online sports betting space. As expansion continues into 2024 with DraftKings North Carolina the latest entity to go live, the former fantasy powerhouses have parlayed their success in that space into success sports betting operations.
Name recognition and brand familiarity have helped draw significant attention as many casual sports bettors have sought out the brand. Once there, an app that feels more like a tech-first product that happens to offer sports betting odds, as well as a strong portfolio of player rewards, has helped produce strong customer retention numbers.
While market share varies in individual states, an overarching trend that shows FanDuel and DraftKings dominate competitors has emerged. That is likely to continue in North Carolina, although the established leaders do face some unique challenges this time around.
Which brands will challenge DraftKings North Carolina?
DraftKings North Carolina figures to receive a stiff test from the usual suspects like the aforementioned FanDuel app along with BetMGM Sportsbook, which typically runs in that next market share tier. However, some new players in the space will look to make a mark.
Namely, ESPN BET will go live in North Carolina, making it the 18th state in which the brand runs. Formerly Barstool Sportsbook, ESPN BET will have its first opportunity to go live with other operations on an even playing field, rather than trying to make a dent into established share.
Certainly, the PENN product will be looking to make a splash as it looks to signal that its potential trumps that of its predecesssor.
Another interesting name to keep an eye on is bet365. Its launch in the Tar Heel state will give the globally-popular brand equal footing, much like ESPN BET, and marks the 10th such market in which it will take action. In recent months, bet365 has gained momentum, particularly thanks to recent expansion in Indiana and Arizona and strong performance in Ohio.
What to look for next week
With the scene set, here are a few key things to expect from the DraftKings North Carolina launch:
- The go-live target is currently set for 12 p.m. ET this Monday, March 11.
- Users will have access to games across over a dozen sports. The popular leagues for wagering in March include NBA, NHL, and, of course, NCAA basketball. With the ACC Tournament and March Madness looking, expect a significant bump in activity around those events.
- Like other operators, DraftKings will offer North Carolina sports fans a variety of bonuses upon registration, including $300 in bonus bets.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is not an online gambling operator or gambling site. We provide this information about sports betting for entertainment purposes only.
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