Sports Betting Is Delivering REAL REVENUE for North Carolina
Legal sports wagering companies are proud to play by the rules and pay a reasonable tax to responsibly serve North Carolina customers — generating revenue that supports public universities and major events across the state.
Less than two years after legalization, more than $41 million in tax revenue has been reinvested in North Carolina’s public universities — strengthening athletics programs across the state and giving them the ability to withstand unexpected challenges.
This consistent, multi-million-dollar funding stream has bolstered small- and mid-size athletics departments throughout the state, relieving budget pressures and strengthening services schools can provide to students.
From youth sports to public university athletics, the revenue generated by a reasonable sports wagering tax rate benefits organizations across the state. It’s made possible because of a well-regulated sports wagering industry that plays by the rules.
GOVERNOR STEIN: NORTH CAROLINA ANNOUNCES ACTION-PACKED 2026 LINEUP OF MAJOR EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE
Supported by sports betting revenue, the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund is committing $13.5 million to host major sporting and cultural events that drive tourism, support local businesses, and create jobs across North Carolina.
“The importance of using these (sports betting) funds is to help ensure our athletic programs are not operating in a deficit. And to improve the financial sustainability of the athletic programs, which for many of our institutions is a financial Achilles’ heel.”
“I can’t express enough how much help we’ve gotten just off of taking care of expenses … We don’t have to cut scholarship opportunities for student athletes. All sorts of things … that to be honest, we couldn’t afford to fund if it wasn’t for the gaming receipts.”
— Western Carolina University Director of Athletics Alex Gary
“It’s an absolute blessing from a timing standpoint to help us get back whole.”
“It will allow us to fund different types of activities, to get kids outdoors. Our original goal of trying to get kids outdoors now will include athletic activities. It’s better than being attached to a screen 24/7.”
— NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission Executive Director Justin Burr
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One aspect that should not go overlooked is the impact of North Carolina’s online sports betting legalization, leaders said. It’s not hard to see why
According to the N.C. Department of Revenue, 13 public universities collectively received $21,597,004 after sports betting went live in March to December of last year
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"North Carolina’s sports betting initiative has far exceeded initial financial forecasts, accumulating over $62 million in tax revenue since its inception on March 13.