RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Mobile sports betting in North Carolina begins at noon today, and Gov. Roy Cooper is ready.
A video released by the governor's office shows Cooper walking from the Executive Mansion to PNC Arena, walking through the concourse and locker rooms and emerging at center ice. He then reveals his first bet.
“Now that sports betting is legal in North Carolina, I’m going to take the Canes to win the Stanley Cup,” Cooper said, looking down at his phone as if he was making a bet.
The video ends with the words “Bet Responsibly, North Carolina” in large letters in the center of the screen, with resources to help gambling addicts in small letters at the bottom.
Cooper said in a statement released by his office that the stakes will be donated to charity.
“Legalizing sports betting will provide a significant boost to North Carolina's economy and enable further growth of our thriving sports industry,” the governor said. “For my first bet in North Carolina, I'm betting on the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup. Prizes will be donated to the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, which supports children's charities.”
So far, eight vendors have been licensed to operate online sportsbooks in the state: FanDuel, BETMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Underdog Sports and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission is responsible for regulating sports betting. The legal gambling age is 21 years old.
People seeking help with gambling addiction can access free resources online at morethanagamen.nc.gov, by phone at (877) 718-5543, or by texting “morethanagamenc” (53342). are available.
