North Carolina’s Sports Betting Revenue Hits Record Low in July
Last month, North Carolina reported a significant decline in its sports betting revenue, reaching just $22.7 million. This marks the lowest revenue figure the state has recorded for any month since sports betting was legalized.
According to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, July’s earnings fell short of the prior record low of $33.8 million set in August of the previous year. The year-over-year difference is striking, with July’s total down 46.2% compared to the same month in 2024 and a massive 60.9% dip from the figures reported in June.
In conjunction with this decline, the total amount wagered during July, known as the handle, stood at $370.4 million. This represents the second lowest amount ever recorded, just above the $340.4 million from July 2024, but still reflects an 8.8% year-on-year increase.
Drilling down into the details, the state reported that out of the total wagering handle, $361.5 million came from regular bets while $8.8 million was attributed to promotional offers. Additionally, $3.1 million worth of bets were voided or canceled during the month. The calculated hold percentage, which indicates the amount kept by operators, was reported at 6.13%. North Carolina’s treasury benefited from this decline in activity, collecting $4.1 million in taxes from sports betting.
What Contributed to July’s Low Revenue?
July is typically a slow month for sports betting across the United States, dominated by Major League Baseball—an event that holds little significance in North Carolina since the state lacks a professional baseball team. Besides baseball, only a few notable sports events grabbed attention, including Wimbledon and various golf tournaments, as well as early matches from the FIFA Club World Cup hosted in part by the U.S. at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.
Looking ahead, there’s potential for revitalized betting enthusiasm in the coming years, particularly as the U.S. gears up to host a significant portion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While North Carolina may not host any matches at its venue, the national interest will likely surge as American fans back their home team in the tournament.