DraftKings Preparing for North Carolina Launch With NASCAR Partnership
NASCAR and DraftKings have recently collaborated on a written agreement that would allow the sports betting operator to expand into North Carolina. There have been plenty of agreements struck in anticipation of North Carolina sports betting launching, such as Fanatics Sportsbook reaching a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.
DraftKings also just officially entered a new state with the launch of DraftKings Sportsbook Vermont.
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DraftKings Preparing for North Carolina Launch With NASCAR Partnership
A written agreement has just been finalized between the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and DraftKings. Pending regulatory approval and licensure, the deal will allow DraftKings Sportsbook to roll out in North Carolina once online sports betting is permitted. Plus, DraftKings is now NASCAR’s exclusive daily fantasy sports partner in both the U.S. and Canada.
NASCAR managing director of sports betting Joe Solosky explained his excitement over the deal in the official press release: “DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports… We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver NASCAR fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.”
North Carolina sports betting will go live at some point before June 14, 2024, with the current expectation that online sportsbooks will launch around March Madness. With its expansion into North Carolina, DraftKings Sportsbook will be fully available in 27 states across the U.S.
According to DraftKings North America President Matt Kalish, this partnership will continue the cooperation between both sides. Kalish said, “DraftKings and NASCAR have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a like-minded commitment to enhancing the fan experience… We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.
It’s a race to the finish in the #NationalChampionship. pic.twitter.com/rWb9aEkPLT
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 8, 2024
Other Betting Operators Make North Carolina Deals
The betting partnership between DraftKings and NASCAR is one of many deals that sports betting operators have struck in the state. Recently, BetMGM Sportsbook partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway to gain access to the NC sports betting market. Meanwhile, international sportsbook Bet365 has teamed up with the Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina.
Two of the newest mobile sportsbooks on the market also have sights set on the Tar Heel State, with Fanatics partnering with the Carolina Hurricanes and ESPN Bet making deals with Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte and the Wells Fargo Championship in the PGA. Speaking of which, FanDuel finalized an agreement with the PGA Tour to enter the North Carolina market. Interestingly, a few popular organizations haven’t yet reached a written agreement in the state, such as the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC of the MLS.
72% of the handle is on the Chiefs -4.5 for Saturday night's Wild Card matchup against the Dolphins 🏈 pic.twitter.com/a4ImqfsnWA
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) January 11, 2024
DraftKings Sportsbook Debuts In Vermont
While many bettors await the launch of North Carolina sports betting, another state just got access to legal sports wagering. Vermont sports betting went live at 12 am EST on January 11, 2024.
Alongside this launch, three sports betting apps went live: DraftKings Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook. The DraftKings daily fantasy sports platform was already available in the area, so this launch will be an easy transition for some new bettors in the area. Other sports betting sites like BetMGM Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbook are expected to expand into the state soon.
