DraftKings and BetMGM secure market access in North Carolina

Both arrangements cover sports wagering in North Carolina. DraftKings will part with stock-car racing series Nascar and BetMGM the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the state.

Under DraftKings’ deal with Nascar, the operator becomes the series’ exclusive daily fantasy sports partner in the US and Canada. DraftKings will also be an authorised gaming operator of NASCAR and secure additional sponsorship benefits across Nascar.

Subject to regulatory and licence approvals, North Carolina will become the 27^th US state in which DraftKings is active. This comes after it also secured approval in Vermont last month.

“DraftKings and Nascar have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a like-minded commitment to enhancing the fan experience,” DraftKings North America president Matt Kalish said. “We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.”

Nascar’s managing director for sports betting, Joe Solosky, added: “DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports. We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver Nascar fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.” 

Local partner for BetMGM 

As for BetMGM, the MGM Resorts-Entain joint venture will work with the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Located in Concord, North Carolina, the complex regularly hosts Nascar racing.

BetMGM also said its planned launch hinges on regulatory and licence approval in the state. The operator added that it expects North Carolina market to open before the end of Q1.

“BetMGM’s partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway meets a great demand for entertainment from North Carolinians,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said. “Together. we will deliver a premier and responsible gaming product that benefits many state agencies.”

Charlotte Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Greg Walter also welcomed the partnership. He said: “With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook. 

“This partnership with BetMGM will bring sports fans new ways to enjoy their favourite events while expanding North Carolina’s tax base, supporting colleges and facilitating recruitment of major events for the future.”

North Carolina edges closer to legal sports betting launch

As stated by BetMGM, it is hoped that North Carolina could commence legal sports betting within the next few months. However, an official launch date has not yet been announced, despite governor Roy Cooper signing House Bill 347 into law in June, officially legalising wagering.

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