North Carolina’s online sports betting market recorded its biggest year-over-year wagering increase in June, with the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup championship run helping generate significant activity across the state’s regulated sportsbooks.
According to figures released by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, the state’s seven online sportsbooks accepted $589.6 million in wagers during June. That total represented a 36.1% increase from the $433.2 million wagered during the same month in 2025, making it one of the strongest annual growth performances since online betting launched in March 2024.
The handle growth arrived during a month packed with major sporting events. While the Hurricanes’ successful pursuit of the Stanley Cup attracted local attention, bettors also had opportunities to wager on the NBA Finals and the FIFA World Cup, helping keep betting volume elevated throughout the month.
June also marked the 10th consecutive month in which North Carolina sportsbooks generated more than $500 million in wagering handle, demonstrating the market’s continued stability even after its initial launch period.
The Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup victory was particularly notable because it represented the first major professional or collegiate championship won by a North Carolina team since legal online sports betting became available in the state.
All six games of the Stanley Cup Final were played during June, providing sportsbooks with a sustained stream of betting opportunities. Successful local teams often attract increased consumer engagement, and the Hurricanes’ postseason run likely contributed to stronger wagering activity among North Carolina bettors throughout the month.
The championship series concluded with Carolina defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. While wagering volume increased substantially, the impact on sportsbook profitability was more limited as bettors enjoyed a comparatively strong month.
Despite the sharp rise in betting handle, sportsbook revenue moved in the opposite direction. Operators reported $54.1 million in revenue during June, a decline of 6.8% compared with the same period a year earlier. It was also the market’s lowest monthly revenue total since July 2025.
One factor was bettor success. North Carolina customers collected approximately $530.3 million in winnings during the month, substantially higher than the amount won during June 2025. At the same time, sportsbooks recorded more than $5.2 million in canceled or voided wagers, one of the largest such totals seen in the state.
Promotional spending remained elevated as well. Operators distributed $18.8 million in promotional credits and incentives, which was 50% higher than the level recorded in June 2025. Although those promotions fell below March Madness levels, they still represented a significant investment in customer acquisition and retention efforts.
Even with softer revenue results, North Carolina continued to benefit from growing tax collections tied to legal sports betting. Operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, Caesars, theScore Bet, and bet365 contributed a combined $9.7 million to the state during June.
Year-to-date tax revenue reached $71.7 million, nearly $11 million higher than the amount generated through the first six months of 2025. State revenue could continue climbing in the future following recently approved legislation that increases the online sportsbook tax rate from 18% to 23%.
While the Hurricanes’ championship helped create an unusually active betting environment in June, the latest figures also highlight the broader maturity of North Carolina’s market. Strong wagering volume, sustained consumer participation, and rising tax collections suggest the state remains one of the more active regulated sports betting jurisdictions in the United States.
