North Carolina July Sports Betting Revenue Jumps 178%

In July, North Carolina experienced significant growth in its sports wagering market, marked by substantial increases in both operator revenue and state tax proceeds. According to the monthly revenue report released by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, licensed online sportsbooks generated $63.2 million in gross wagering revenue. This figure represents a 178 percent year-over-year increase. Concurrently, a recently implemented tax hike propelled the state’s estimated tax proceeds to $14 million, which nearly doubles the tax revenue collected during the same period last year.

The total betting handle for the month reached $566.3 million. This marks the eleventh consecutive month that sports wagering volume in the state exceeded the $500 million threshold. Out of the total wagers placed, bettors won $498.7 million, and operators reported approximately $4.4 million in cancelled or voided bets. Consequently, the state’s seven active online sports betting operators achieved a collective win rate, or hold, of 11.2 percent. This strong operator performance was partly driven by favourable sportsbook outcomes in major international sporting events, which helped offset bettor successes from preceding months.

The surge in tax revenue is directly linked to legislative changes that took effect at the beginning of the fiscal year. Effective July 1, 2026, North Carolina increased the state tax on gross wagering revenue from 18 percent to 23 percent. While this statutory adjustment increases the financial obligation for sports betting operators, it significantly enhances revenue for the state. The $14 million in estimated tax proceeds will be collected by the North Carolina Department of Revenue. These funds are designated for various state initiatives, including major event incentives and collegiate athletic departments.