FanDuel has been designated as the official sports wagering collaborator of the Carolina Panthers, a National Football League team, just a few days before the commencement of the lawful mobile sports betting marketplace in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Education Lottery Commission verified in January that the state’s mobile sports betting marketplace would commence on March 11. Gamblers can begin registering and funding accounts starting March 1.
The new partnership between FanDuel and the Carolina Panthers NFL team permits enthusiasts to pre-register on the FanDuel Sportsbook application before the market becomes operational. FanDuel will also cooperate with the team to produce social media content and display digital signage at the Carolina Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium.
North Carolina is the 22nd state where FanDuel provides mobile sports betting services. It joins states like Arizona, Colorado, and New Jersey.
Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel’s Chief Commercial Officer, declared that bringing the operator to North Carolina is a noteworthy achievement.
“Bringing FanDuel to sports fans in North Carolina is a significant moment for our business, and we are thrilled to partner with the Carolina Panthers to introduce their fans to America’s No. 1 sportsbook,” Raffensperger stated.
The Carolina Panthers are thrilled to have FanDuel as their official sports betting partner. The team is eager to support the squad next season and connect with North Carolina’s passionate sports enthusiasts through their products.
Carolina Panthers President Kristi Coleman stated that the collaboration will present new opportunities for the team. “We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will bring, offering unique and engaging experiences for our fans in North Carolina,” Coleman shared.
North Carolina is emerging as a popular destination for betting companies. The state has become a hub for operators seeking a share of the action. Numerous companies are competing for market dominance before the official launch date.
The market will officially open just a few days before the commencement of the NCAA’s annual college basketball tournament, March Madness.
The state commission recently approved eight interactive sports betting licenses. It confirmed that FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, Bet365, ESPN Bet, and Underdog were granted licenses prior to the official launch date.
This week, Caesars Entertainment became the first company to enter the market, due to a tribal partnership agreement reached in January with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe was also among the entities that received interactive sports betting licenses last week.
How is the state preparing for the launch?
The sports betting industry in North Carolina officially began on June 14, 2023. Governor Roy Cooper signed a bill that day, establishing a schedule for the market’s start. The legislation required North Carolina to issue rules by January 8, 2024, and demanded that betting companies must accept wagers by June 14, 2024.
Prior to March 11, the North Carolina commission granted vendor licenses to GeoComply and SBTech.
Furthermore, the commission approved a voluntary program for residents to exclude themselves from betting as part of the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program. The program will receive an extra $2 million annually under the bill to expand its services.
Gamblers can select a self-exclusion period, including one year, three years, five years, or a lifetime.
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