NC Sports Betting Revenue Jumps 178% in July 2026

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Aug 31, 2026, 11:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

NC Sports Betting Revenue Jumps 178% in July 2026

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North Carolina's sports betting market delivered a major revenue increase in July 2026. According to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission report, operators generated $63.22 million in gross wagering revenue. This number is up 178% year over year.

Bettors also wagered $566.35 million during the month. That marked roughly 53% growth compared with July 2025.

July 2026 North Carolina Sports Betting Highlights

Metric July 2026
Total wagers $566.35 million
Gross wagering revenue $63.22 million
Revenue growth 178% year over year
Bettor payouts $498.7 million
Promotional wagers $14.7 million
Operator hold 11.2%
Sports betting tax rate 23%
Estimated tax proceeds $14.04 million

The results show continued growth for North Carolina gambling, even during a traditionally quieter betting period.

North Carolina Sports Betting Handle Surges in July

North Carolina sportsbooks accepted $566.35 million in wagers throughout July. This figure included both paid and promotional wagering across the state's regulated operators.

Promotional wagering accounted for approximately $14.7 million of the month's total activity. That figure provides additional context when assessing the market's overall handle and operator performance.

The market also recorded its 11th consecutive month above $500 million in wagers. This consistency highlights the continued strength of regulated betting activity across the state.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup also supported betting demand during July. Its knockout rounds continued through July 19, giving bettors another major sporting event.

Meanwhile, operators paid approximately $498.7 million back to bettors during the month. The payout figure provides useful context for the market's $63.22 million gross revenue total.

The results followed a bettor-heavy June, which created a more challenging environment for operators. July's stronger hold therefore helped operators recover some of that lost revenue momentum.

Revenue Jumps 178% as Operator Hold Strengthens

Operators generated $63.22 million in gross wagering revenue during July. That figure increased sharply from the $22.75 million recorded in July 2025.

The market also produced an 11.2% operator hold during the month. In other words, sportsbooks retained roughly 11 cents for every dollar wagered before applicable deductions.

The stronger hold played a major role in July's revenue growth. It allowed operators to generate substantially more revenue despite the market's seasonal slowdown.

This performance also strengthens the position of US online sportsbooks operating in North Carolina. Major operators continue to benefit from established consumer demand and a growing sports calendar.

New Tax Rate Boosts State Revenue

North Carolina increased its sports betting tax rate from 18% to 23% on July 1, 2026. July therefore represented the first full month under the higher rate.

The state collected approximately $14.04 million in estimated tax proceeds from sports betting activity. That figure nearly doubled the amount collected during July 2025.

The increase is particularly notable because July was not among North Carolina's strongest revenue months. The higher tax rate nevertheless helped deliver a substantial contribution to state coffers.

Football season could produce even stronger results in the coming months. NFL and college football betting typically generate significantly more wagering activity than the summer sports calendar.

Where North Carolina Sports Betting Taxes Go

North Carolina distributes sports betting tax revenue across several state programs and institutions. The framework includes funding for responsible gambling education and treatment.

The state also provides annual allocations to North Carolina Amateur Sports and youth outdoor programs. In addition, designated university athletic departments receive funding from sports betting tax collections.

The revised distribution system includes NC State and UNC athletic departments. This change expands the number of university programs benefiting directly from sports betting revenue.

Remaining funds support other state priorities, including the General Fund. Consequently, stronger sportsbook performance can generate broader fiscal benefits across North Carolina.

What July's Results Mean for North Carolina Gambling

July's results demonstrate continued expansion across North Carolina's regulated betting market. The $566.35 million handle shows that demand remains strong outside the football season.

The 178% revenue increase also highlights how operator hold can influence monthly financial results. Meanwhile, promotional wagers and bettor payouts provide additional context behind the headline figures.

The market now enters a potentially stronger period with NFL and college football underway. Major sporting events could push wagering volume substantially higher in the coming months.

At the same time, the 23% tax rate should increase the state's share of future sportsbook revenue. North Carolina could therefore see significantly higher tax collections if operators maintain strong revenue performance.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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