North Carolina’s online sports betting market rebounded strongly in August, recording over $463 million in paid wagers—a 29.2% increase from the same month in 2024. According to data released by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, this marks a significant turnaround from a sluggish July, with gross wagering revenue reaching $54.1 million, up 60.1% year over year.
The state’s online sports betting industry, which launched in March 2024, has now seen more than $9.7 billion in combined paid and promotional wagers, generating nearly $180 million in tax revenue for North Carolina.
“The money North Carolina has raised from this growing industry has made a positive impact in so many ways,” said Rep. Zack Hawkins, D-Durham, who sponsored the bill that legalized sports betting in the state. “These grants have provided athletics equipment, fields and facilities, and leagues to get our children playing and competing.”
Hold Rate Climbs as Bettors Dive into Parlay Wagers
August’s total handle, which includes $14.8 million in promotional credits, reached $478.7 million. With $420.6 million returned to players and $4 million in voided or cancelled wagers, the statewide hold rate stood at 12.86%. That’s a notable increase over both August 2024’s 9.1% and July 2025’s 6.13%, showing a boost in operator margins.
This uptick in hold may be partially attributed to a rising preference for parlay bets, which combine multiple outcomes for bigger payouts.
Despite growing concerns about problem gambling, the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences noted that gambling behaviors have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 8% of U.S. adults showing signs of problematic behavior “many times” over the past year.
Youth Sports, Addiction Programs Benefit from Betting Revenue
Proceeds from sports betting in North Carolina are distributed across several sectors. These include 13 UNC System schools’ athletic programs (excluding UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State), the Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction services, a major event attraction fund, two youth sports and outdoor organizations, and the state’s general fund.
One of the direct beneficiaries is North Carolina Amateur Sports, which announced it will allocate $2 million in youth sports grants to support equipment upgrades and facility improvements in all 100 counties.
“We know opinions on sports wagering may differ, but everyone can agree that expanding opportunities for youth sports in every North Carolina county is a very positive outcome of the sports wagering legislation,” said Chuck Hobgood, President of North Carolina Amateur Sports.
The grant application window for the 2025-26 cycle is scheduled to open on October 1.
College Football Drives August Betting Boom
August’s surge in activity was also fueled by the kickoff of the 2025 college football season, which began on August 23. The first full week included high-profile games such as Texas vs. Ohio State, LSU vs. Clemson, and Alabama vs. Florida State, alongside in-state matchups involving NC State and ECU on August 28.
While individual operator breakdowns remain confidential, industry giants like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, and Bet365 are actively competing in the state.
Source:
“North Carolina sports betting in August grows by 30% year over year”, wral.com, Sep 16, 2025.
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