North Carolina sports betting revenue down despite September handle growth

Revenue was lower year-on-year but increased from August’s total.

Gross wagering revenue from sports betting in North Carolina reached $66.8 million during September, the highest total in eight months but short of the same month in 2024 despite an increase in player spending.

Revenue for the month was 4.7% behind the $70.1 million posted last September. However, it surpassed the $54.1 million generated in August this year by 23.5%, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission reported.

It was also the second straight month of growth following record-low figures in July.

In terms of player spending, paid wagering handle for September hit $654.1 million, which was 21.5% more than last year. This also beat the $463.8 million wagered in August 2025 by 41%.

After also including $32 million in promotional wagers, total handle amounted to $686.1 million. This was 19.2% ahead of September 2024 and 43.3% up from August.

Based on total handle, the state’s hold for the month stood at 9.74%.

Monthly tax revenue of $12 million

North Carolina’s regulator does not publish a full breakdown for each operator active in the state. However, it did offer further insight into financial performance for September.

This included that players received back a total of $615.1 million from sport betting during the month. In addition, some $4.2 million worth of wagers were either voided or cancelled.

Tax-wise, estimated proceeds from sports betting amounted to $12 million. This was just short of the $12.6 million reported last year but ahead of August’s $9.7 million total.

FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, Bet365 and BetMGM are among the operators that are active in the state. North Carolina launched its legal online sports betting market in March 2024.