The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has reported sports wagering activity for September 2026, as revenue generated by operators reached $65.2m, representing a decrease of 2.4%.
North Carolina’s gaming regulator reported $691.3m in handle for the monthly period, as well as $647.9m in amounts paid as winnings. During September, operators currently licensed in North Carolina submitted nearly $15m in estimated tax proceeds.
The State Lottery Commission reported a decrease in sports betting revenue even while total handle increased 5.7% to $691.3m. The return of the National Football League (NFL) most likely boosted September results, as well as the opening weeks of college athletics.
While revenue for September decreased year-over-year, the total also represents a 33% increase from August 2026. Month-over-month, North Carolina’s sports wagering handle increased 36%.
September also marks the 13th consecutive month in which North Carolina bettors have generated a total handle of at least $500m, having last failed to do so in August 2025 when the state reported $464.7m.
North Carolina Sports Betting Revenue - 2026
How has the state's sports betting operations fared during 2026?
The $65.2m of sports betting revenue represents the highest figure generated during the fiscal year 2027 period in North Carolina as well.
In June, North Carolina Senator Jim Burgin confirmed plans for the state to increase its tax rate on sports betting revenue from 18% to 23%, projected to generate an additional $37m in tax revenue.
Speaking with local reporters, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall shared that lawmakers “want to be on the average of what other states are doing on a lot of these rates,” despite previously showing hesitance to “tweak too much a program that’s worked pretty well.”
The new rate places North Carolina ahead of states such as New Jersey, Ohio and Massachusetts, and was finalized prior to the government’s new fiscal year beginning on July 1.
Some legislators looked to implement a rate as high as 30%, while Burgin sought a rate of 50%, which would have rivaled that of states such as New York, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Following Governor Josh Stein’s signing of the new state budget into law on July 7, North Carolina became the first state to recognize the CFTC’s ‘exclusive’ authority over prediction markets
