North Carolina Sports Betting Soars in August

Although all eyes are on Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels, sports betting got a boost thanks to a late August football game played by neighboring NC State. When the dust settled, North Carolina’s sports betting revenue reemerged just in time for the football season.

Betting Makes a Comeback in North Carolina

North Carolina’s year-over-year revenues were up more than 60% in August 2025, which saw the state’s eight online sportsbooks generate a total of $54.1 million. It was also reported that August’s handle topped $478.7 million, a 29.2% increase from August 2024.

This was the sixth time this year that the handle eclipsed $400 million.

The 11.3% hold, or win rate, marked the fifth time in 2025 that the hold rate hit double digits, and it was 1.6% higher than last August, resulting in over $54 million in revenues. The state also benefited, receiving over $9.7 million in taxes, which brings the yearly total to nearly $70 million.

The impressive August numbers portend a robust upcoming football season, which runs from September through January, culminating in the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026.

Betting Excitement

Although North Carolina is normally thought of as a basketball school led by the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels, there are plenty of FBS football programs, including Duke, NC State, North Carolina, and Wake Forest, as founding members of the ACC.

East Carolina and Charlotte also reside in the American Athletic Conference. And Appalachian State is often a title contender in the Sun Belt Conference.

The plethora of football programs is certain to spur betting action while the teams are in season, and the spotlight has been turned up several notches now that former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is the top man at UNC.

Although Belichick’s Tar Heels got off to a slow start, courtesy of a 48-14 loss to TCU, they have rattled off two consecutive wins since then, a 20-3 win over Charlotte and a 41-6 decimation of Richmond.

Sports Betting Taxes Put to Good Use

The tax revenue generated by the sportsbooks in North Carolina benefits athletic departments of 13 state schools, excluding big-budget schools, the University of North Carolina, and NC State.

We should also note that the Department of Health and Human Services receives a portion of the revenue for its gambling addiction education and treatment program, while two youth sports and outdoor organizations also financially benefit.

A fund to attract major events to the state and the general fund also receive money.

“The money North Carolina has raised from this growing industry has made a positive impact in so many ways,” said Rep. Zack Hawkins, D-Durham, sponsor of the legislation that legalized online sports betting in the state. “These grants have provided athletics equipment, fields and facilities, and leagues to get our children playing and competing.”