The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has set Monday, March 11 as the date that legal sports gambling can begin in the state. The state had previously set a deadline of June 15 for legal gambling when it was originally authorized last year.

Under rules approved by the commission, anyone 21 or older who has an established account with a licensed operator can use their phone or electronic device as of noon on March 11 to place wagers. Licensed operators can begin registering accounts for new players and accepting account deposits on Friday, March 1.

Though the college basketball regular season will conclude the weekend before March 11, the 2024 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament begins on Tuesday, March 12.

“The plan approved today means that North Carolinians will be able to place bets on their favorite teams in many of this year’s college basketball conference tournaments,” said commission chair Ripley Rand. “Bets on sporting events have been made for as long as those events have taken place, but this time they will be legal, they will be done securely and fairly, and they will be made under rules designed to encourage responsible gaming.”

According the North Carolina Education Lottery, no licenses or certificates of compliance have been approved yet, but the commission is reviewing nine applications from different operators. The commission urges applicants to submit material for review by Friday, January 26, to ensure they are ready to offer services by March 11.

“In-person sports wagering will follow on a case-by-case basis as interested operators meet standard requirements,” read a release from the lottery.

Featured image via Todd Melet

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