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With online sports betting on its way to North Carolina, Caesars Entertainment announces it is ready for the market launch. The US gambling giant is expanding its partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
As the news release states, the agreement “furthers the partnership.” It will grant Caesars access to the online sports betting market via the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise license. The license is subject to all required regulatory approvals.
Caesars Sportsbook to accept deposits in North Carolina as early as March 1
If everything goes according to plan, Caesars will go live statewide as soon as North Carolina online sports betting rolls out on March 11. As the North Carolina Lottery Commission voted on Jan. 22, Caesars Sportsbook, alongside other sportsbook apps, will start accepting sign-ups and deposits as early as March 1.
There are two Caesars Sportsbook locations for retail sports betting:
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee.
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy.
Caesars Sportsbook will also have exclusive rights to offer online sports betting on Eastern Band of Cherokee tribal lands in western North Carolina.
Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said in the company’s news release:
“Our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has spanned more than two decades. Expanding this longstanding partnership allows us to build on the premier sports wagering experience enjoyed at our in-person sportsbooks by bringing a responsible way to enjoy sports at a deeper level to the hands of North Carolinians 21 and older across the state.”
Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, added:
“We are excited for this new venture with Caesars Entertainment and the enhancements it provides to our Tribal enterprise. We look forward to the continued opportunities that will benefit the future of our membership.”
Multiple gambling companies ready for North Carolina’s launch
The North Carolina Lottery Commission will now be busy issuing licenses to all the qualified US operators.
So far, nine companies have submitted complete applications for operator licenses in the Tar Heel State.
Apart from Caesars and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, other applicants include:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- Catawba Two Kings
- DraftKings
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- Underdog Sports
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has worked with Caesars Entertainment for two decades. Meanwhile, the Catawba Indian Nation’s gaming enterprise just north of Charlotte hasn’t partnered with any online gambling company. It could be planning to launch its online sportsbook brand.
What is certain, however, is that the market will be available for players 21+ and in time for March Madness. And if the launch of online sports betting goes well, could North Carolina online casinos be far behind?
