Best Real Money North Carolina Online Casinos 2024 – Compare Trusted NC Online Gambling Sites

The state of North Carolina has had a tumultuous and unpredictable relationship with gambling. North Carolina law states that its residents are not allowed to play nor operate real money casino games associated with winning real money. But is there a catch? You bet.

The law does not mention anything about playing on overseas gambling sites and their illegality, so you can give these sites a go and enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Here, we’ll cover the best North Carolina online casinos, including detailed overviews of the state laws to keep you in the loop and ahead of things.

Latest News on Casino Legislation in North Carolina

Gambling with real money in North Carolina has been a debated topic for centuries. If you are wondering if gambling is legal in North Carolina in 2024, well, not yet. Except for indigenous Indian casinos, no other type of gambling activity is legalized under state law.

But the good thing is that offshore online casinos like the ones on our list are not limited by North Carolina’s state gambling laws. Take a look at the latest news on casino legislation in North Carolina via the timeline below:

• 2023: Hopes for an increase in gambling opportunities seem to have faded as legislators dropped the idea of including casinos in the state budget.
• 2021: The Catawba Nation signs a gaming compact with North Carolina.
• 2015: A new Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River tribal casino opened in Murphy, North Carolina.
• 2013: New gaming compact was signed with the Cherokee Indians to allow them live table games.
• 2007: North Carolina banned all video poker machines since many gaming parlors were abusing the limits of how many machines they could have.
• 2006: The North Carolina Educational Lottery was launched, together with scratch cards and multi-jurisdictional games. The proceeds are used to fund prizes and education.
• 1997: The first land-based casino in North Carolina opened.
• 1994: The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians signed a gaming compact with North Carolina to build tribal casinos.

Best North Carolina Online Casinos in 2024

After searching every nook and cranny of the iGaming industry in the state, our experts have compiled a list of the best online casinos in North Carolina. All aspects of the following casinos have been examined to ensure the sites meet our stringent requirements that refer to the choice of games, payment methods, user experience, bonuses, and others.

1. Wild Casino — Top-rated North Carolina online casino in 2024
2. TG Casino — Best Telegram casino in North Carolina
3. Bovada — The most varied bonus choices for new North Carolina players
4. Everygame — A reputable casino in North Carolina with a massive welcome bonus
5. BetOnline — The widest selection of table games among online casinos in North Carolina
6. Super Slots — The leading North Carolina online casino for slots
7. Lucky Block — Quick registration, no KYC hassle
8. BetUS — The best slots welcome a bonus
9. Lucky Creek — The best live poker tournaments in North Carolina
10. Ignition Casino — Best casino in North Carolina for live blackjack

Top 5 North Carolina Online Casinos Reviewed

We have managed to narrow down the list of the best online casinos in North Carolina to just five. Make sure to check out the list below to see how we’ve selected our top contenders.

1. Wild Casino — Overall Best Real Money Online Casino in North Carolina

Wild Casino emerged on North Carolina’s gambling scene in 2017. It is run and owned by industry professionals with more than 20 years of experience under their belts.

The casino holds a gaming license from the Panama gambling jurisdiction, clearly indicating a fair and safe casino, especially when factoring in that all games are RNG-certified.

Speaking of games, there are several hundred slots, table games, and live dealer versions. Moreover, exclusive titles like the Buffalo Bounty slot game with 10 fixed pay lines and 96.03% RTP are available only in Wild Casino.

The games stem from renowned providers such as Betsoft and some lesser-known ones in North Carolina, such as Nucleus Gaming, Dragon Gaming, Fresh Deck Studios, and Platipus. The table limits in most blackjack, poker, and roulette games are set between $1 and $10,000, making them perfect for high rollers and small-time bettors as well.

Wild Casino is also home to an exciting welcome bonus package worth up to $5,000 for the initial five deposits when the Wild Casino promo code WILD250 is used. The max win from the bonus is 10x times its size, while the wagering requirements you need to clear are 35x times the bonus amount.

You can use various credit/debit cards such as American Express, Discover, Visa, and Mastercard to fund your account. The minimum deposit is $25, while the maximum deposit from a single transaction can climb up to $5,000. If you opt for cryptocurrencies instead, like Bitcoin, you can be looking at a max deposit limit of $500,000.

Payout limits are particularly favorable for cryptocurrency players and are within the $100–$100,000 mark.

 

2. TG Casino — Best Telegram casino in North Carolina

Lengthy know-your-customer processes are a reality of life at many online casinos. They are usually thorough, tedious, and as some may argue, intrusive. If this resonates with you, TG Casino is an excellent choice.

Players at TG Casino can expect anonymity. The site supports a massive range of crypto currencies. You can also use TG Casino tokens to fund your account.

Another fantastic feature at TG Casino is the welcome offer. Available in crypto, the bonus rewards new players with up to 10 ETH when they deposit. That said, make sure you familiarize yourself with the full terms and conditions before you claim.

 

3. Bovada — North Carolina Online Casino with the Most Versatile Choice of Bonuses

 

Bovada first opened its doors to North Carolina users in 2011, and its popularity has only continued to grow. A casino famous for its security, Bovada holds a Curacao gaming license and incorporates the latest SSL encryption methods and reCAPTCHA.

Bovada’s portfolio of games is a thing of beauty with hundreds of online slots, blackjack, roulette, and video poker games from RTG, Betsoft, and many other providers. The catalog is updated almost daily, especially when progressive jackpot slots are concerned, which is the case with the latest additions 10 Times Vegas, Fury of Zeus, and others where jackpots are measured in tens of thousands.

Table games like blackjack and roulette usually have a betting limit set between $1–$500 and $1–$1,000, depending on the game. Some of the live casino variants of these classic real money games have max bet limits that reach $3,000.

When it comes to showering its customers with gifts, Bovada is in a league of its own. There is a general 100% deposit match welcome bonus worth up to $3,000 for North Carolinians who play in dollars.

There is another sign-up promotion for Bitcoin online casino users when they use the right Bovada bonus codes when making their first deposit. Either way, to turn the bonus into real money and withdraw it, you must meet the 25x wagering requirement, a limit that helps Bovada rank among the more lenient casinos in North Carolina in that regard.

To top up your Bovada account, you can count on Bitcoin, credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and other useful methods. The limits range between $10 and $15,000 per transaction, depending on the method.

Most of them are fee-free, except the credit cards, which charge 15.9% or higher fees for all deposits except the first one. The minimum payouts start at $10 and reach $3,000 for most withdrawal methods.

 

4. Everygame — A Reputable North Carolina Online Casino With a Massive Welcome Bonus

Everygame is the ideal destination if you are looking for an immersive gaming experience. The site has a sleek design which perfectly compliments its top notch software. Furthermore, new players can claim up to $5,555 on the welcome bonus.

Check the latest Everygame promo codes.

Looking at the games lobby, it’s understandable that the inexperienced eye might feel somewhat underwhelmed. Everygame plays host to only 200+ games, when other sites tout more than 10x this number.

But what Everygame lacks in numbers, they make up for with quality and variety. They have put forward a condensed offering filled with the best slots, blackjack, roulette baccarat, and poker variants. popular options for most players include American Roulette, European Blackjack, European Roulette, Super 21, and other table games.

To top things off, new and regular players on Everygame have a myriad of payment choices at their disposal. From bitcoin, fiat, to e-wallets, you would be hard-pressed to find a reliable payment method not supported here.

 

5. BetOnline — North Carolina Online Casino with the Widest Selection of Classic Table Games

BetOnline is one of the oldest and best North Carolina online casinos, established in 2001 when online gambling was still up-and-coming. The site shares both founders and licensing with its sister site, Wild Casino, so there’s no doubt we are talking about another of North Carolina’s online casinos that count among the safest out there.

BetOnline’s assortment of online casino games packs a mean punch, largely thanks to a superb selection of blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and video poker games it offers. Some proprietary games have been created just for BetOnline’s players, such as BetOnline Blackjack.

The game catalog features A-list casino content creators, such as Microgaming, Digital Gaming Solutions, Betsoft, Dragon Gaming, and others. While most RNG-powered table games at BetOnline have a betting limit between $1 – $250, like baccarat or Tri Card Poker, there are some versions of European Roulette and Single Deck Blackjack where that limit climbs up to $10,000.

The moment you complete the registration procedure from North Carolina, you will be in for a proper surprise. Leveraging the Betonline promo codes will prolong your time using the casino at no extra charge. There is a welcome bonus offer where your first three deposits will get matched 100% up to $1,000 each, leading to $3,000 in total.

You can wire as low as $10 to the casino to fund your account, and if you opt for BTC payments, the maximum limit can go up to half a million dollars. As for cashouts, you will be looking at a withdrawal limit between $20–$100,000 for most payment methods.

 

North Carolina Online Casinos FAQs

Are online casinos legal in North Carolina?

Online casinos are not legal in North Carolina, and there’s no telling when they will become legal. If you are asking if it is legal to gamble in North Carolina online casinos registered offshore, then the answer is yes.

Will I face trouble for playing at online casinos in North Carolina?

No, you won’t. The ALE special agents are more focused on the people running illegal gambling businesses than individuals who play in offshore gambling sites.

How do I stay safe playing casino games online in North Carolina?

To stay safe while playing in online casinos, choose the vetted gambling platforms with all the security measures in place. Then, it is up to you to protect your password username, and other personal account details.

Which online casino has the best payouts in North Carolina?

The payouts differ in every game and depend on the RTP percentages, the variance or volatility, and many other factors, so there is no singular value you can attach to North Carolina’s casinos.

What is the best online casino in North Carolina?

It is difficult to pinpoint which casino is the best because it all depends on your gambling preferences and style of play. However, if you consider the main strengths of any good casino, you’ll find that Wild Casino has more than a few of those.

Are online casinos in North Carolina safe?

Online casinos in North Carolina are protected by the latest SSL encryption, firewalls, and anti-malware systems that guarantee your safety at all times. All of our online casinos have military-grade encryption to protect all sensitive data.

Can I win real money at online casinos in North Carolina?

Absolutely. All casinos and betting sites in North Carolina pay the winnings fair and square, even those big progressive jackpot slots.

Top Real Money North Carolina Online Casinos: Bonus & Games Comparison

To determine which leading online casinos in North Carolina have the best bonuses and games, we have squared them off in the following table.

Key Things You Need to Know

• No online casino gambling is legal in North Carolina.
• Offshore gambling sites are legal to use and you can sign up for them in North Carolina.
• You must be over the age of 21 to participate in online gambling on these sites in North Carolina.

How to Compare the Best NC Online Casinos and Online Gambling Sites

North Carolina is home to many online casinos. It’s not hard to find the best online casino that offers real money, but it might be challenging to find one that matches your needs in terms of both price and quality. Here is a list of the best online casinos nowadays, out of the more than 100 available. These are features to consider before selecting the best real money online casino.

• Mobile Experience – The mobile experience concerns how optimized a casino site is for viewing and playing. We also consider how versatile the site is, and the ease with which it can be used across different platforms.
• Range Of Games – There are casino sites with over 300 online casino games and some with about 200 games or less. An online casino with a broad range of games available allows bettors to choose from a wide range of options. An online casino that offers players the opportunity to win real money should have the most basic casino games like slots, poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps, and keno.
• Betting Limits – This refers to the maximum/minimum amount an online casino allows you to wager per betting round. The use of betting limits by online casinos encourages different types of spenders.
• VIP Tables – Earning real money using online casinos gets interesting with the VIP Status. This exclusive betting table is limited to certain people who have met established requirements per gambling site.
• Software – Just like when building a house, you need to consider the type of brick and mortar you use; when choosing an online casino, knowing the software providers for the casino is often advised. There are different software providers worldwide, but the most common ones we know are Real Time Gaming, Betsoft, Concept Gaming, and Visionary i-Gaming, to mention but a few are providers of some of the top online casino games.
• Casino Bonuses – People often put this at the top of the list when comparing online casinos. But bear in mind that casino bonuses come with wagering requirements.
• Payout Time – Paying out real money to players after a game is won takes time, depending on the mode of withdrawal. We have discovered that people who withdraw with cryptocurrency are often paid on time (24hrs), while those who use bank wire often get their payments between 7 to 16 days.

Is Online Gambling Legal in North Carolina?

The simple answer to this question is: no. Online gambling is not permitted in North Carolina in most forms, making both online sportsbooks and casinos illegal in the state. This is in contrast to the neighboring states of Tennessee and Virginia, where forms of online gambling are permitted legally.

As with all other states where online gambling is illegal, there are still various offshore gambling sites open to those in North Carolina, including the ones listed on this page.

Online Sports Gambling Sites in North Carolina

We’ve already mentioned that the answer to the question “Is online gambling legal in NC?” is no, it isn’t. This unfortunately includes sports betting.

While many other states have legalized sports betting and made names like FanDuel and DraftKings available to their residents, North Carolina has resisted all attempts to introduce sports betting. However, it is legal to play DFS online in North Carolina, meaning that NC sports fans at least have something to enjoy online.

While sports betting is illegal online, it is possible to bet in two land-based venues in the state – Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River. It has not yet been introduced in the state’s third casino, Catawba Two Kings Casino. So, when it comes to sports betting North Carolina only has land-based options currently.

Offshore Gambling

So, when it comes to online casinos, poker, and sports betting North Carolina seems to have very few options. However, there is a solution: offshore gambling sites. These are based abroad and can therefore operate outside of North Carolina online gambling laws.

If you do choose to play at offshore casino sites, you have very little chance of being prosecuted, which is why so many people from the state choose to play at offshore gambling sites every day.

Online Gambling Laws in North Carolina

This is going to be a quick section, as there are not currently any laws specifically concerning online gambling in North Carolina. Quite simply, it is regarded as illegal in pretty much all forms, including sports betting, casino, and poker.

This means that there’s no North Carolina legal gambling age for online gambling, as nobody is permitted to play. Offshore sites will usually allow people to play from the age of 18.

However, there is a sports wagering bill currently working its way through the state legislature. SB 688 is a bipartisan bill that has already been approved by the North Carolina Senate and the House Commerce Committee, but there is still a long way to go before online sports gambling becomes legal in the state.

How to Play at NC Online Casinos Legally with Real Money

Registering your account in North Carolina casinos and embarking on a gambling adventure is a breeze. The entire process is described in the next few steps, so follow them and you’re all set. We used the registration procedure for Wild Casino, but note that it is fairly identical in all North Carolina casinos.

Step 1: Fill in the Registration Form

The initial step is to head to Wild Casino’s main page and click on the orange “Join Now” button in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Insert the Necessary Details

Next, you should insert your personal details and information to set up an account.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

The next step is topping up your account. Once you log in, head to the “Banking” section and select the deposit method. Input the amount you wish to deposit and follow the on-screen prompts. Don’t forget to type in the WILD1 promo code to trigger the initial 250% first deposit match bonus up to $1,000.

Step 4: Choose the Games to Play

The remaining thing is to choose the games you like and hope luck is on your side.

When will Online Casinos be Legal in North Carolina?

A bill was passed in June 2022 to legalize gambling in the state of North Carolina. Things looked promising at first when the bill was combined with the latest version of Senate Bill 688 to raise the state’s tax rate from 8% to 14%, and double licensing fees for sportsbooks.

However, the bill that was passed to legalize sports betting in NC was later shot down by one vote (51 votes were passed against the bill while 50 votes supported the bill).

Previous Online Casino Bills In North Carolina

Online gambling is not yet legal in the state of North Carolina but 2023 looks like a promising year. SB 38 was amended this year in preparation for SB 388 but the vote to instate this legislation was overturned by one vote.

2022

• Senate Bill 38: This bill was passed to raise the fee to be paid by sports operators in the state of North Carolina. This bill was tied to SB 388.
• Senate Bill 388: Gov. Roy Cooper supported this bill being passed. This bill was passed to legalize sports betting online and on mobile devices.

North Carolina Legislative Resources

If you want to keep up with all the latest news surrounding the current legal status of gambling in North Carolina, then using the following resources will allow you to do just that.

North Carolina Government Portal

North Carolina State Legislature

Tax on Online Casino Winnings in North Carolina

Gambling in North Carolina is illegal. Like any other taxable income, you’re required by federal law to withhold 24% of your winnings if your W-2G reports your winnings, and 24% if you don’t give the payer your tax ID number.

North Carolina Gambling Age

To bet in North Carolina at offshore online casinos, or in any form, you must be over the age of 21. If you are buying tickets for a lottery or raffle though, then you must be 18 or over.

The Future of Online Casinos in North Carolina

While sports betting is legal in North Carolina, online casinos have had to wait a bit longer to be launched within the state. As yet, no legislation is being proffered to attempt to legalize it, but as sports betting usually comes first, North Carolina has at least proceeded to the next step in this instance. For now, though, 2024 is the earliest we will see online casinos in North Carolina.

Payment Methods at the Best NC Online Casinos

Digital banking operations have altered in contrast to the traditional payment method we are used to, which has stayed stable throughout time. The allowed forms of payment across the many betting sites have changed, just as the financial sector is evolving. The majority of betting sites now accept Bitcoin as a form of payment; some have even gone so far as to allow 4 different types of cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals. By lowering the minimum deposit amount utilizing cryptocurrency to $25, real money online casinos have demonstrated their support.

Crypto Payment at North Carolina Online Casinos

The NC online casinos that made it to our top 10 list all have crypto deposit mode activated. They all accept Bitcoin and some go further to accept Litecoin, Bitcoin cash, Ethereum, and the fiat currency, Tether. Crypto has become the most reliable and fastest payment method for most online casinos.

The crypto online casino in our list that we want to highlight is the Wild Casino offering because of the $9000 bonus attached to every deposit made. Other online casinos offer $200 and some $500; it is entirely dependent on the casino. This payment method attracts no deposit fee.

eWallet Payment at North Carolina Online Casinos

eWallet online casinos are everywhere and some casinos have gone as far as integrating the API of every eWallet directly into their systems. This integration makes deposits using Neteller, Paypal, or Cashapp almost instantaneous; as long as you are already logged in on your device. This payment method attracts no deposit fee.

Traditional Payment Method at North Carolina Online Casinos

As we all know online casinos are businesses led by individuals, meaning they run just like traditional businesses do. The traditional payment method involves the use of bank wires and physical cash deposits. Most online casinos have a unified account number attached to the business that players interested can opt for to make deposits into their accounts. For traceability purposes, depositors are given unique codes/numbers that are attached to their accounts and must be referenced by their tellers so every payment can be traced to them.

North Carolina Online Casinos Comparison — Payment Methods

The banking section is extremely important when determining the true worth of Online Casinos in North Carolina. In our analysis, we focused on the fees, processing times, and other key factors.

Bonuses at North Carolina Online Casinos

The most attractive offers online casinos have to offer bettors are usually bonuses, promos, and tournaments. Online gamblers see it as an opportunity to scale up their earnings.

• Free Spins at North Carolina Online Casinos – There are some free spins with no deposit betting sites available to players while others require deposits to get some free spins. A free spin is an opportunity for you to play casino games like slots without money in your account. Some North Carolina casinos offer players as many as 100 free spins while others as low as 10 free spins.
• Deposit Bonus – Deposit bonus casinos differ from one another. This is essentially extra money that online casinos offer to players based on the deposit they make. This deposit bonus can be attached to the first payment made by a new user or payments made on some betting days.
• No Deposit Bonus – No deposit bonus casinos allow you to gamble without making a deposit. Casinos like this are quite rare to find.

Would Promo Codes be Available at Online Casinos in NC?

Though nothing can be certain in a projection of an industry that remains far off, it is almost guaranteed that NC online casinos would offer an array of the above bonuses. This would be due to the competition of offshore sites, but also to try and differentiate each site from each other as well.

What Real Money Games Can You Play at Online North Carolina Casinos?

One undeniable thing about all North Carolina online gambling sites is their outstanding gaming offer. Many popular online casino games out there grace the portfolio of at least one of the casinos.

Naturally, not all casinos have the same games, but slots, table games, live dealer games, and specialty games like keno and scratchcards are the most dominant categories.

Here are the North Carolina online casinos with the best gaming offers for the major gaming niches we mentioned above.

Online Slots at North Carolina Casino Sites

The choice of slot games can either make or break a casino. Plain and simple. Luckily, casinos such as Wild Casino have no reason to fear. There’s nothing to fear with over 300+ titles from Betsoft, Nucleus Gaming, and other providers. Famous 5-reelers like Dragon Kings, Play with Cleo, Stacked, and Stampede with 1,024 paylines and a maximum possible payout of 769,500 coins bring tons of fun. Join one of the many $200,000 slots tournaments Wild Casino hosts, and you’ll get why slots rule the gaming portfolio.

Online Poker at North Carolina Casino Sites

His majesty poker is particularly popular among North Carolina’s players, especially Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and Tri Card Poker. For the best poker experience and a chance for a showdown with top players, you should head out to Bovada’s poker room and enjoy the most diverse choice of games, including the No-Limit Hold’em varieties. This North Carolina online casino offers plenty of Sit-n-Go, Turbo, Knockout, and Guaranteed tournaments with guaranteed cumulative weekly payouts of $1.5 million.

Online Blackjack at North Carolina Casino Sites

If you think of blackjack, think of BetUS. There are over two dozen different blackjack versions to choose from. It all starts with beginner-friendly games such as Single Hand Blackjack and Multi-Hand Blackjack with a minimum $1 bet. On the other hand, high rollers can enjoy Double Exposure, Switch Blackjack, and Double Deck blackjack versions, where the bet limits per round can climb to $500.

Playing Live Dealer Games at North Carolina Casinos Online

North Carolina casinos are no strangers to state-of-the-art live dealer games that bridge the gap between online and land-based casinos. These online casino games are streamed in HD quality from multiple angles to deliver players one of the most immersive gaming experiences imaginable. The sounds and the visuals combine to create a playing atmosphere much like the one in actual brick-and-mortar casinos.

These are the best North Carolina real money online casinos and their live casino offerings:

Mobile Casinos in NC

Until North Carolina launches its own local, regulated online gambling industry including NC casino sites, mobile casino gaming can be done on the mobile-optimized versions of all of our favorite casino sites. These fit perfectly onto your smartphone screen and contain all of the same options you get on desktop. You will lose out on none of the casino games or benefits from the traditional site, while you will be able to play casino games from anywhere.

For the time being, no offshore casino site has launched an app downloadable from either the App Store or Google Play. These could be a work in progress though, so check back to this page for any updates on NC mobile casino apps.

How North Carolina Online Casino Compares to the Neighboring States

Gambling operations in the United States differ according to state. The gambling legislation in different states creates a distinction on how casinos operate within state lines.

Ohio

The gambling laws in the state of Ohio are quite flexible. The state of Ohio is the 33rd state that legally permits sports betting both online and offline. The bill was passed into law in 2021 thereby permitting wagers to be placed on professional, college, and esports activities.

Florida

Gambling laws in the state of Florida are quite flexible. Most forms of gambling aside from sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and greyhound betting, are legal in the state of Florida. There is no law explicitly forbidding online gambling, and there is no law explicitly permitting it in Florida.

Virginia

The gambling laws in Virginia permit domestic gaming in private residents. The laws of the state prohibit casino and greyhound race betting. The exceptions to the gambling laws are the state lottery, pari-mutuel racing, and charitable games. Breaking any of these laws is punishable by law, but the good thing is that offshore betting sites are not subjected to these laws.

South Carolina

North Carolina has more flexible gambling laws than South Carolina. This state has one of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States. Gambling laws in the state of South Carolina forbid any type of gambling. There are no casinos – tribal or commercial, existing within the state. These laws restrict charitable games and social gambling as well. Offshore betting sites like BetOnline, Bovada, Xbet, and a host of others are not restricted by these laws.

Georgia

Gambling laws in Georgia are a bit flexible when compared with North Carolina’s gambling laws. The only types of gambling/betting legally permitted in the state of Georgia are lottery betting, bingo, and raffles. Over the years, bills have been passed to legalize gambling and make it a source of revenue for the state but it has never reached the final stages. Online gamblers use offshore betting sites like the ones that made it to our top 10 list to wager.

Land-Based Casinos in North Carolina

There are currently only three land-based casinos in North Carolina, all of which are in the west of the state. All are tribal casinos, with two owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the other by the Catawba Indian Nation. You can find out about them all below.

Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino

Address: 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719

Phone: (828) 497-7777

Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee

Harrah’s Cherokee is the largest casino in North Carolina, boasting 20 poker tables, around 100 table games, and over 3,000 slots. It also has a great sportsbook, as well as regular entertainment often featuring major stars. In addition, there’s loads of shopping, plus a 21-story hotel with over 1,100 rooms, two pools, and a fitness room.

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel

Address: 777 Casino Parkway, Murphy, NC 28906

Phone: (828) 422-7777

Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river

The other casino from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is smaller than the previous entry on this list but still has around 70 gaming tables and 1,000 slots to enjoy. It also has a 300-room hotel, as well as five different places to eat and drink.

Catawba Two Kings Casino

Address: 538 Kings Mountain Boulevard, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Phone: (704) 750-7777

Website: https://www.twokingscasino.com

Currently, this casino is located in a temporary facility, as the main facility is still being constructed. However, you’ll still be able to find around 500 slots to play, along with food and drink options. Once the completed casino is opened, it is expected to contain around 1,800 slots.

Gambling Laws in Charlotte – Is Gambling Legal in Charlotte?

As mentioned above, there are only three legal casinos in North Carolina.

In August 2021, the North Carolina Senate passed sports betting legislation that included online sports betting in North Carolina. The bill was finally cleared in September 2023, and online sportsbooks should finally launch in mid-2024.

The state lottery is legal in Charlotte, and there is also Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) betting.

The minimum gambling age in Charlotte is 18 for the lottery and 21 for casinos. There is no minimum for bingo and raffles.

The History of Gambling in Charlotte

Gambling in Charlotte has historically always been somewhat frowned upon, with North Carolina being a very conservative state. However, there has been a definite improvement over the past few decades that looks to be gaining momentum.

• 1753: Gambling in public is banned, with all gaming debts erased and daily gambling losses limited to 40 shillings
• 1784: The above laws were repealed, as North Carolina officials wanted to tax gambling to raise revenue
• 1939: North Carolina legalizes greyhound racing
• 1945: Laws permitting bingo first start to appear
• 1954: North Carolina bans greyhound racing
• 1979: The state legalizes bingo and raffles for non-profit organizations
• 1994: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reached a compact with Governor Jim Hunt under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, allowing the construction of a casino with electronic games requiring “skill or dexterity”
• 1997: A tribal casino managed by Harrah’s Entertainment opens
• 2006: The North Carolina Education Lottery begins
• 2021: First physical sportsbooks open up in North Carolina
• 2023: Bill passes permitting up to 12 online sportsbooks to launch in North Carolina

Charlotte Gambling Revenues

The estimated Tax Revenue from gambling in North Carolina is $506 million, with the estimated gambling revenue being $1.85 billion.

Projections by the independent Spectrum Gaming, include $2.5 billion from statewide video poker, $367 million in sports betting, $300 million from internet casino games and $15 million on horses were the gambling markets in the state to open up.

List of Casinos near Charlotte NC

Here is a rather short list of North Carolina casinos near Charlotte.

Charlotte Casinos Map

There are no casinos close to Charlotte NC. The nearest tribal casino is the Catawba Two Kings which is about a half hour drive (35 miles) from central Charlotte. Beyond that you are looking at a 163 miles journey west to reach the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort North Carolina.

The Future of Charlotte NC Casinos

Charlotte has yet to legalize online casinos, but with legal movement elsewhere on gambling in North Carolina, there have to realistic hopes of positive changes ahead.

Sports Betting in Charlotte

Two of the three land-based tribal casinos in North Carolina also offer sports betting, and there is also Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) betting on offer.

The North Carolina Senate also recently passed sports betting legislation that included online sports betting. This means online sports betting should be available by mid-2024.

Land Based Casinos vs North Carolina Online Casino Sites

The clash between land-based and online casinos in North Carolina is a fierce one. On the one hand, you have the camaraderie and playing atmosphere in land-based casinos that you can’t really experience online, not even in live dealer games. Complimentary drinks, loyalty points, and other incentives have their perks.

On the other hand, online casinos offer massive bonuses, a bigger choice of games, and the ability to play wherever you are and whenever you want. Online casinos in North Carolina also have the upper hand in terms of betting limits. All the more, blackjack deals like the BetUS max bet cap of up to $10,000 are a sum land-based casinos have a tough time competing with.

Moreover, the sheer number of brick-and-mortar venues in North Carolina is not enough. With only three casinos, two of which are owned by the same company, you can expect to see much of the same games, limits, and playing experience.

That feeling can be really tiring, so for more diversity, adrenaline rushes, and greater control of how you play, what you play, and where you play it, you need to opt for top North Carolina casino sites like Wild Casino, Bovada, BetUS, Ignition, and Betonline, and relish in thousands of casino games.

Advantages of NC Online Gambling Sites

As already mentioned, it is legal to gamble at a few land-based locations in North Carolina. But why should those looking to bet on sports, play poker, or enjoy casino games head online, instead of heading to one of the state’s three gambling venues? Well, there are a few advantages online gambling has over land-based gambling, and we’ve looked at them below.

• Many More Venues – There are only three places to choose from if you’re looking to bet offline in North Carolina, meaning the choice really isn’t particularly great. However, if you choose to play online, you’ll find that there are loads of sites for online gambling in NC available, from fantastic online casinos to great online sportsbooks. This means that every gambling fan in North Carolina should find something that suits them when they head online.
• Far More Gambling Options – When you head to one of the land-based casinos in North Carolina, you’ll find slots and a few other games. On the other hand, at a North Carolina gambling site, you’ll find a wide range of options, including slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, and live casino games. What’s more, many online gambling North Carolina sites also offer sports betting and poker. If you enjoy gambling, you’ll almost certainly find what you’re looking for at one of the online casinos we recommend. For the best choice, head to BetOnline, our number-one gambling site in North Carolina.
• Wider Variety of Stakes – If you head to a land-based casino, such as one of the Cherokee Carolina casinos, you’re unlikely to be able to play table games for just a few cents. Instead, you’ll need to put down at least a few dollars each time, which simply isn’t affordable to many. However, this isn’t the case online. All sites we recommend allow you to play games for just a few cents a turn. The only places where minimum bet sizes are usually higher are live casinos, but you can still often play for as little as 50¢ a turn. Some slots, including many at MyBookie, can even be played for 10¢ a spin or less!
• Grab Big Bonuses – Head to a land-based casino and you’ll rarely find yourself getting anything for free, aside from the occasional comped drink. That’s not the case at the sites for online gambling in North Carolina. You’ll find that online sites – including all those we recommend – offer boosts to first deposits, plus they’ll also often boost following deposits. You can also find free spins, cashback, free bets, and more. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, online is the place to be.
• Fewer Expenses – Going to a casino can be an expensive business, even before you hit the tables. There are cab costs, babysitters to pay, the cost of a meal out, drinks – it soon adds up to a lot of money. However, play at an online gambling NC site and all you’ll need is a beer from the refrigerator and a takeaway pizza, making for a much more affordable evening of entertainment. The result? More money to spend on the tables and at the slots!

History of Gambling in North Carolina

North Carolina’s punitive gambling laws have been around since before the state was founded. In 1749, North Carolina was rife with gambling, so the authorities decided to invalidate all gambling debts over £100 (approximately $138) to dissuade people from gambling. A couple of years later, they invalidated all gambling debts, and losses were capped at 40 shillings (around $9.6).

In 1939, outside Morehead City, the first horse or dog track started hosting races and pari-mutuel wagering. However, the racing law was deemed to violate the state constitution and was terminated in 1954. Decades later, in 1994, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians signed a gaming compact with the NC government and opened its first Harrah’s Cherokee casino in 1997.

In 2013, a new compact allowed tribal casinos to host live dealer games. Another update happened in 2019 when they were allowed to offer sports betting on the premises.

Responsible Gambling in North Carolina

It is a legal requirement for all online gambling sites, whether based offshore or locally, to advertise and strongly advise responsible gambling on their platforms. Gambling can become an addiction and spiral out of control, so if you show any of the signs of gambling irresponsibly, it is important to take a step back and seek support.

The following resources can be used for players in North Carolina who want to know more about gambling responsibly:

• (1-877-718-5543) – The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP)
• (1-336-681-8516) – North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling (NCCPG)
• (877-718-5543) – More Than A Game
• (855-222-5542) – Gamblers Anonymous

Conclusion: Gambling in North Carolina

On a broader scale, all forms of gambling in North Carolina are forbidden, except for tribal casinos. However, it seems online gambling has fallen through the cracks somehow since accessing offshore online casinos is not illegal.

This means you can head straight to Wild Casino, register an account, use the bonus code to trigger the 250% deposit match bonus, and start playing at a real money online casino in North Carolina without having to worry about legal persecution.