While online poker is one of the most exciting live dealer games, it’s not one that is currently legal in North Carolina. However, just like social casinos, social poker sites allow you to play poker for free! These social poker sites don’t require real money gambling and instead allow players to participate in tournaments and events for free. From Stud to Omaha, you can find tons of variations on these social poker sites.
The Best Online Gambling Sites in North Carolina
Updated:
6 min read
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Today, there are no legal online casino sites in the state. It’s illegal to bet real money with online casino games and win real cash prizes based on chance. However, this might soon change, seeing as on March 11, 2024, the state legalized online sports betting. The legalization of online sports betting might be the first step in this state’s journey toward legalizing online casinos, so you can play games and win money from home! For now, however, you can explore popular online casino games with the help of sweepstakes casinos. For more information on whether or not North Carolina casinos will be legalized online, ways to play, and rules for this state, read on.
The Best North Carolina Casino Sites
North Carolina, United States
- 1Best CasinoBonus1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Number of games:1200+
- Min. deposit:$9.99
Benefits- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $0.49
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 2Highly RecommendedBonus1 Million GC + 2.5 FREE SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:650+
Benefits- Impressive sign up bonus
- Regular hourly tournaments with SC prizes
- Games updated monthly with new drops
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit no
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 3RecommendedBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$4.99
- Number of games:150+
Benefits- High-quality games by top developers
- Mobile app available
- Excellent bonuses and promotions
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $4.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 4RecommendedBonusNo deposit 100 000 Coins +400 000 GC & free 1000 SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$1.99
- Number of games:140+
Benefits- High-quality selection of games
- Daily bonuses and tournaments available
- User-friendly website design
- 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
- Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $1.99
- No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 5Top BonusesBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
- Payout speed:1-3 days
- Number of games:100+
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit $6.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 6Bonus25 Free Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins250,000 Gold Coins
- Payout speed:up to 72 hours
- Number of games:3000+
Benefits- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Accepts various cryptocurrencies for easy deposits and withdrawals
- Live chat support available
- Varied bonuses and promotions
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $20
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Unique game types include scratchers and arcade games
- Use of cryptocurrency for banking
- Good amount of bonuses
- Expansive VIP Rewards
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $9,99
- No Deposit Bonus 10 Free Spins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- 500+ slots, bingo, and table games
- Chance of redeeming your sweeps coins for real prizes
- Credit cards and e-wallet payments
- Intuitive mobile design perfect for both Android and iOS players
Overview- Website
- Established 2020
- Min deposit $10
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
Reviews of Our Choice of the Best Online Casinos in North Carolina
Looking for the best online casinos in North Carolina? Our team has carefully evaluated and selected the top platforms available to players in North Carolina. These casinos excel with their extensive game selections, generous bonus offers, secure payment methods, and exceptional customer support. Discover the ultimate online gaming experiences tailored specifically for players in North Carolina today.
Stake.us
With sponsors like Drake and the UFC, it’s no wonder Stake.us Casino is quickly becoming a household name for casino lovers. Stake.us Casino is a top contender among social casinos, thanks to its large selection of games, cryptocurrency accepted, and fun community. Our Stake.us review tells you everything you need to know about this massively successful platform. Stake.us social casino is here to stay, find out why!
- Website
- Bonus 25 Free Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins
- Established 2022
- Games 871
- Legal in States All exept WA, NY, NV, ID, KY, MI, VT
- Live Dealer Yes
Pros
- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Accepts various cryptocurrencies for easy deposits and withdrawals
- Live chat support available
- Varied bonuses and promotions
Cons
- No mobile app available
- Limited payment options compared to other casinos
- Smaller daily bonuses don't offer much free stake cash or gold coins
Stackr
As America’s first owned and operated social gaming casino, Stackr Casino now operates as one of the most popular crypto social casinos in the industry! This review highlights some of the key features that make this platform stand out from other online casinos. We’ve reviewed their social media sites, customer support pages, games, and more to get a better understanding of their overall gaming experience and bring you the most comprehensive Stackr social casino review online!
- Website
- Bonus 10,000 Gold Coins+ 5 Sweepstakes Coins
- Established 2023
- Games 297
- Legal in States all states except for MI, ID, WA, NV
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Unique game types include scratchers and arcade games
- Use of cryptocurrency for banking
- Good amount of bonuses
- Expansive VIP Rewards
Cons
- No other forms of currency accepted except virtual credits and cryptocurrency
- Customer support is not available 24/7
- No mobile app is available
Golden Hearts
If you’d like to play social casino games for free fun and support a noble cause by donating to charity in the same manner, Golden Hearts Casino is your best pick. You get to play exhilarating online slots from top providers, get 5,000 free coins for referring a friend, and pick up captivating sign-up deals for up to 250,000 free Gold Coins off the bat. See what LuckyGambler experts have to say before you join in on the action.
- Website
- Bonus 250k GC + 500 SC
- Established 2020
- Games 500
- Legal in States All exept Idaho and Michigan
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- 500+ slots, bingo, and table games
- Chance of redeeming your sweeps coins for real prizes
- Credit cards and e-wallet payments
- Intuitive mobile design perfect for both Android and iOS players
Cons
- Lacks live chat
- There's no dedicated app
- Could use an addition of more bonus-buy slots
North Carolina Online Gambling Laws
Laws are rapidly changing for the better. For the longest time, there were virtually no forms of legal online casinos and gambling in the state. However, this has quickly changed, with Governor Roy Cooper signing House Bill 347 into law on June 14, 2023. While this law was signed into effect last year, it was only recently in 2024 that sports betting and horse betting were finally introduced into North Carolina.While laws allowing sports betting and horse betting are continuing to develop, the same can’t be said of legalized online casino gambling. Instead, North Carolina laws continue to ban online casinos from operating in the state.
It’s important to abide by the laws of Chapter 14-292. If you’re found guilty of operating or participating in a game of chance for anything of value (i.e., gambling) that isn’t explicitly authorized, you’ll be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. This means you could face a fine of $1,000 and spend as many as 60 days in jail! It’s best to stick with legal North Carolina online casinos, such as sweepstakes and social casinos.
How Does North Carolina Regulate Gambling?
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission is responsible for overseeing all things related to the lottery, the state’s new sports betting, and horse betting laws. Interestingly enough, the Commission did not have any responsibilities related to these new sports betting and horse betting laws until recently, since the passage of the 2023 Bill. However, they now have the responsibility of overseeing both the state lottery and drafting new laws for sports and horse betting.
In addition, the Commission will also be responsible for issuing licenses to operators interested in running sports and horse racing. For those in need of responsible gaming resources, visit their website for more information.
There are also different agencies that enforce laws at in-person casinos in North Carolina. The Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians regulates the games at the two Cherokee North Carolina gaming facilities. The Catawba Nation Gaming Commission regulates the Catawba Two Kings casino.
Lastly, the state also has Alcohol Law Enforcement, or ALE, special agents that conduct checks at all in-person North Carolina lottery, bingo, and gambling facilities. From illegal lotteries to racing pools and video poker, ALE agents enforce laws in all of these areas.
NC Online Casinos and Gambling
If you’re wondering, “Is online gambling legal in the Tar State,” the answer is a resounding “No.” It’s important to know that, while you might not be able to wager real money with online casinos in North Carolina, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or win prizes! The best North Carolina casinos for players who want to play their favorite table games, online slots, and even poker are social casinos.
They don’t require you to wager real money to play casino games. Instead, you can play slots and other table games for free and have access to casino bonuses in the form of free gold coins. These coins can then be used to extend gameplay and enter sweepstakes contests. These contests make it possible to win great prizes. Even if you don’t win, players can still have fun playing for free and refine their skills.
Online Poker
Daily Fantasy Sports
Fantasy Sports are neither legal nor illegal in the state. Unlike sports betting, choosing a Fantasy Sports team takes skill, since players bet on the chances of their favorite athletes winning, as well as on various scoreboards. Because of this, the Supreme Court deemed DFS to be legal and not in violation of any gambling laws. You can bet on DFS through sites like DraftKings and Fan Duel.
Sports Betting
Sports betting has only recently been made legal in the Tar State. While licenses are still in the process of being handed out until June of 2024, many sports betting retailers are now open for business online! Giants like BetMGM are already digging their heels into the state.
Horse Betting
In addition to sports betting online, the new Bill also legalized horse betting in the state. Players can bet on races on a racetrack or off-track betting site. They can only do so at an approved ADW site, where players must fund their account ahead of time before placing a pari-mutuel bet.
Lottery
The North Carolina Education Lottery brings in tons of revenue for the state’s education department. North Carolina is one of few states that allow players to gamble online on a lottery website. Players can buy lottery tickets online or at retail locations, and enjoy games similar to slots like Shamrock Winnings and The Lamp.
History of Gambling Legislation in North Carolina
The history of NC gambling is quite short, seeing as the state rallied hard against making all forms of gambling illegal in the state (and keeping it that way). In fact, it wasn’t until 2005 that the state voted to legalize a lottery, and tickets weren’t even sold until the following year in 2006!
Surprisingly, the first legal land-based casino didn’t open its doors until 1997. This was the year Harrah’s Cherokee Casino became the most popular NC casino, owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe opened a temporary casino in 1995 that had been closed, and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino opened its doors in 1997.
The newest forms of gambling to be legalized are horse betting and online sports betting, which were legalized by House Bill 347 in 2023. As of March 2024, there are eight sports betting sites with more to come on the way. There are also horse betting sites waiting to receive licenses.
North Carolina Land Based Casinos
The State’s tribes currently operate several NC casinos. From Live casino games to slot machines, drinks, and food, North Carolina casinos offer a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and bet on real money games! Here are the top North Carolina casinos to look out for on your next vacation to the Tar Heel State.
States with legal online gambling
North Carolina Online Casino FAQ
What is the legal gambling age in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you must be 21 years old to gamble in retail casinos, and only 18 years old to play the state lottery.
Who regulates gambling in North Carolina?
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission now oversees online sports and horse betting in addition to the state lottery. The state’s Department of Public Safety and tribes also regulate NC casinos.
Are online casinos legal in North Carolina?
No, there are currently no legal NC online casinos. If you really want to have fun and play, online casinos worth exploring include social and sweepstakes casinos.
Can I win real money at online casinos in North Carolina?
No, you cannot bet or win with real money casino games online. This means you can’t wager money from a credit card, cash, or wager anything of value to win online. However, you can still have a chance to win prizes with social casinos. These are the best online casinos that allow you to legally play for free and gather coins, which you can use to enter contests for prizes.
Are online gambling North Carolina winnings taxable?
Yes, North Carolina players must pay a flat rate of 4.75% on winnings. You must also pay a federal income tax. It’s best to keep track of your losses so you can offset your tax liability.
When will online casinos be legal in North Carolina?
As for when online casinos launch in the state, that answer remains up in the air. While online sports betting and horse betting are now legal, laws for online casinos still haven’t budged, and might not do so for quite some time. While you wait, consider signing up for social casino or social poker sites to have fun for free!
I’m a seasoned gambler with a decade of experience in games like blackjack and roulette, and a particular fondness for slot machines. Now, as a writer for iGaming IQ Inc and Lucky Gambler, I use my expertise to educate others on smart, responsible betting, winning strategies, and choosing the best online casinos.
