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North Carolina sports betting GGR rises 7.8% to $80.3m for January

Sports betting operators currently active in North Carolina accepted just over $666.7m of handle during January 2026, representing an increase of 7% from the prior year period.

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North Carolina sports betting GGR rises 7.8% to $80.3m for January
Key Points
Operators paid out more than $603m in winnings to North Carolina bettors for the monthly period, as well as generated $14.5m in tax proceeds
The $80.3m GGR figure for January 2026 is the lowest reported by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission since October 2025

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has reported the Tar Heel State’s total sports betting activity for January 2026, as operators managed to generate $80.3m in gross gaming revenue (GGR), equating to growth of 7.8%. 

While the GGR figure for January 2026 increased year-over-year, the total also reflects the lowest revenue produced by sports betting operators in North Carolina since October 2025.

During November and December 2025, North Carolina sports betting operators reported GGRs of $92.9m and $81.5m, respectively. 

Sports betting operators currently active in North Carolina accepted just over $666.7m of handle during January 2026, representing an increase of 7% from the prior year period.

Operators also paid out more than $603m in winnings to North Carolina bettors for the monthly period, as well as generated $14.5m in tax proceeds. 

In late 2025, Underdog Fantasy chose to discontinue its sports wagering operations in North Carolina as of December 16, but continued offering fantasy games to residents of the Tar Heel State.

As part of a Regulated Gaming Committee meeting on December 10, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission confirmed Underdog reached out "before Thanksgiving" to claim it was making a "business decision" by ceasing sports wagering operations.

In an email addressed to North Carolina customers, Underdog stated "we're grateful to have you as part of the Underdog community and can't wait to keep delivering great experiences your way."

Following Underdog's exit, North Carolina now hosts seven licensed operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, bet365 and theScore Bet.

Good to know

Beter secured regulatory approval to add its Setka Cup table tennis tournaments to North Carolina’s sports wagering catalog on January 13, marking the supplier’s sixth regulated US state launch

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