GREENSBORO, N.C. — Sports betting is just around the corner in North Carolina, and fans are getting ready to get in on the action.
What you need to know
- Eight companies win sports betting licenses in North Carolina
- Brick-and-mortar stores and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian casinos will also be able to offer sports betting
- Fans are excited to bet on North Carolina and out-of-state teams
- Sports betting begins at noon on March 11 ahead of the Men's ACC Tournament
Fans from all over the country and abroad traveled to the Women's ACC Tournament to see their favorite teams win.
“My brother and I try to go to every game that is played at Kassel (Coliseum) on the weekends. So we know the team to some extent and have been up to date with them for the past few years.” said Ethan Chavez, a Virginia Tech Hokies fan who drove from Virginia.
Fans enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of games, but sporting events in North Carolina will soon look different as sports betting begins at noon on March 11th.
“I bet for the team because it makes them more fun. If they win, it's like a bonus. I make a few bucks off of it,” Chavez said.
Ethan Chavez (left) attends the Women's ACC Tournament in Greensboro. (Spectrum News 1/Sydney McCoy)
Even though he could immediately bet on the North Carolina team, he says he still puts his money on the Hokies.
Brittney Lewis, a bartender at the Greensboro Coliseum, said she was ready to bet on her favorite North Carolina team.
“Carolina Tar Heels, no question. Duke Blue Devils. Believe it or not, NC State has a great fan base. They travel the best. Wake Forest has great fans. “There's a demographic,” Lewis said. “I think North Carolinians are very happy with the fact that they're going to be able to bet. I think it's going to be great.”
“The state will definitely benefit tremendously,” Lewis said.
She said she has been betting on sports since she was 21 and has traveled to Virginia to place bets.
“You can bet from your bed. You can bet from your desk while you work. sofa. No need to drive 45 minutes, just place your bet. It’s definitely much more convenient,” she said.
Bettors can bet on teams across the state, including college and professional sports, at eight online agencies, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and Cherokee Casino.
“People bet on the team, the winner, the loser. They might bet on who scores the score, the basket, the next touchdown,” Lewis said. It's a lot, but that's a good thing. ”
“They will definitely bet on the North Carolina team, especially the basketball season,” she said.
Britney Lewis serves as the patron of the Greensboro Coliseum. (Spectrum News 1/Sydney McCoy)
Lewis said he has already downloaded and registered the app to place bets in the state and is hopeful that this push from the sports community will bring back events in the state.
“I hope this brings the ACC Tournament back to North Carolina, and specifically to Greensboro, but I think basketball is going to be a lot more exciting just because you can bet on different aspects of the game, not just the winner or loser. I have no doubt it will be a big hit,” she said. she said.
She believes the bet will generate new interest among sports fans.
“North Carolina State is a great team to bet on,” Lewis said.
Lewis said he believes sports betting not only provides an economic boost for the entire state, but also benefits restaurants and bars.
“It will also help you as a bartender because you will have more customers,” she said. “If people can bet, they'll want to watch the games, they'll want to go to the games.”
“We're definitely going to see an increase in sales for bartenders, sports venues and concession stands,” Lewis said.
She also encourages reformers to be smart with their money and tip bartenders.
Some well-known names issuing North Carolina sports betting licenses include FanDuel, BETMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Underdog Sports, and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
