North Carolina Sports Betting Handle Exceeds $500 Million for 12th Consecutive Month
North Carolina recorded $520.5 million in sports betting handle for August 2026, marking the 12th straight month above $500 million. The total grew nearly 9% from 2025 and over 40% from 2024 despite the tax rate rising to 23%. Cumulative tax revenue has reached $308 million since the March 2024 launch.
SCCG Take — Sustained handle growth after the tax hike shows the rate change has not disrupted market expansion or revenue generation for the jurisdiction.
North Carolina’s sports betting handle has now surpassed $500 million for the 12th month in a row. In August 2026, the jurisdiction recorded $520.5 million in wagers. That total stands nearly 9% above the prior year and more than 40% above August 2024.
The figures come from the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. They arrive after the state raised its tax on sportsbook gross wagering revenue from 18% to 23% in July. The market has maintained momentum through the change.
Handle and Revenue Accumulation
Since the regulated online market launched in March 2024, bettors have placed $15.7 billion in paid wagers. Promotional wagers added $780 million. Operators returned $14.7 billion in winnings to bettors.
Tax collections now exceed $300 million, reaching an estimated $308 million. The 2025 full-year handle totaled $7.2 billion. The 2026 cumulative handle passed $4.8 billion by the end of August. Revenue has been directed to collegiate and youth sports, the General Fund, and problem gambling programs.
Tax Rate Positioning
North Carolina’s 23% rate sits above the 19.75% levied in New Jersey, the 20% rate in Massachusetts, and the 20% rate in Ohio. It remains below the 51% rate in New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The adjustment followed extended debate among lawmakers over revenue collection from a strongly performing market, as reported by GamblingNews.
The numbers reflect rapid adoption of sports betting in the state.
Reporting: GamblingNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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