August Wagering Activity Exceeds Half-Billion Mark
Sports bettors in North Carolina wagered $520.5 million during August 2026, according to figures released by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. The total handle marks the 12th consecutive month that the state’s regulated sports betting market has surpassed the $500 million threshold.
The August figure represents a nearly 9% increase compared to the same month in 2025 and stands more than 40% above the handle recorded in August 2024. This growth in wagering volume occurred despite the state implementing a higher tax rate on operators earlier in the year.
North Carolina officially launched its regulated online sports betting market in March 2024. Since that launch, bettors have placed no less than $15.7 billion in paid wagers. Promotional wagers added approximately $780 million to that total figure.
Operators have returned around $14.7 billion to bettors in winnings since the market began operations. The state has directed revenue generated from regulated betting toward collegiate and youth sports programs, the General Fund, and problem gambling initiatives.
Tax Revenue and Regulatory Framework
Total sports betting tax collections have exceeded $300 million since the regulated online market launched. The state has collected an estimated $308 million in taxes to date.
In July, North Carolina increased the tax on sportsbook gross wagering revenue from 18% to 23%. This rate is higher than those in neighboring or comparable markets such as New Jersey, which imposes a 19.75% tax, and Massachusetts and Ohio, both of which apply a 20% rate.
The North Carolina tax rate remains well below the 51% tax applied in New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The increase in the state's tax burden did not appear to halt the growth in wagering activity, as the August handle continued its upward trajectory compared to previous years.
Annual Handle Totals
Bettors wagered $7.2 billion during the full year of 2025. The total handle for 2026 passed $4.8 billion by the end of August, indicating continued activity levels consistent with the previous year's performance.