North Carolina sports betting entered its second week, and fans can’t wait to place their March Madness bets. As someone from NC and a big basketball enthusiast, I dove right into betting on ACC Tournament and March Madness games. I opened accounts with all eight NC sports betting apps and want to share my thoughts.
Sign-Up Hiccups
I’m new to most NC sportsbooks, so I went through the sign-up process. I already had accounts with FanDuel and DraftKings from other states. Interestingly, a BetMGM poker account I made years ago in another state linked to my new BetMGM Sportsbook NC account. Even without depositing there, I couldn’t get welcome offers in NC.
ESPN Bet made me sign up through the app, not on my laptop. They wanted a driver’s license photo and a selfie. Underdog Sports asked for the same. Although it took extra time, I didn’t mind the security steps.
Fanatics and Underdog Sports are mobile-only. I sometimes struggle with geolocation on my laptop on other sites. Some needed a plug-in for proper location tracking. ESPN Bet still gives me trouble, but using my iPhone smooths things out. The web is great for browsing games and bets, but the apps often work better.
User Experience Matters
FanDuel Sportsbook NC and DraftKings Sportsbook NC saw the most downloads in their first week. They set a high usability standard. Bet365 NC‘s design and interface stand out too. They clearly show cash and bonuses, avoiding confusion over promos.
BetMGM and ESPN Bet sometimes freeze, forcing me to restart the app. Caesars and Fanatics also glitch occasionally. My older iPhone might be part of the problem.
Underdog Sportsbook’s app works fine, though it has fewer options.
The cashier pages on all eight apps are user-friendly. DraftKings offers many withdrawal methods, while Underdog Sports has only ACH or check.
Bonuses and Promos
NC sportsbook promos have been plentiful. Despite missing out on some top welcome bonuses, my experience has been positive.
FanDuel didn’t offer me a welcome bonus since I had an account. But I won $25 bonus bets and some cash from “profit boosts” on their fantasy site.
I also couldn’t get the DraftKings welcome offer. However, I still benefited from their early promos.
Bet365’s welcome offer was generous. They gave me $100 in bonus bets pre-launch. I then chose their “Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets” offer.
Caesars Sportsbook NC’s $10 bet gets you $250 in bonus bets, a deal worth checking. Their same-game parlay boosts are also strong.
Underdog Sportsbook NC’s “First Bet Mulligan” refunds up to $1,000 if your first wager loses. I haven’t deposited there yet.
I’ve stayed away from BetMGM due to my old poker account affecting my eligibility for a welcome offer.
Avoiding Pitfalls
Underdog Sports defaults to “multiplier odds,” which you can change to American odds in settings.
Expect emails from every NC sportsbook you sign up with. Adjust your preferences if needed, but some emails have new offers.
Don’t let your bonus bets expire. With so many sites and offers, it’s easy to lose track.
Final Notes
DraftKings keeps offering “no-brainer” odds boosts. This week, I got a +100 bet on Duke or UNC to score in their NCAA game.
Fanatics had a deal to bet on Duke or UNC to win the ACC tourney at +10000, with a $1 max bet.
ESPN Bet is giving me 5% cash back on every wager until I earn $20.
All eight apps promote responsible gambling, offering tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion.
In summary, North Carolina sports betting is off to an exciting start. Each app offers a unique experience, from sign-up quirks to user interfaces and promotions. Whether you’re in it for the promos, the user experience, or the variety of bets, there’s something for every NC bettor to explore.
✅ Fact Checked on March 28, 2024 by Oliver
Ken Weaver, a journalist since 2003, has specialized in online gambling and sports betting since 2009. Renowned for his insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage, Ken has become an influential figure in the industry. His work, marked by integrity and depth, has significantly contributed to public understanding and shaped the narrative in the dynamic world of online betting and sports journalism.
