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Caesars Sportsbook became the first mobile sportsbook in North Carolina to accept wagers when it launched Friday exclusively on Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal lands.
NC’s other sportsbooks can accept registrations now but cannot take wagers until March 11. Caesars gets a head start because federal regulations allow it to offer sports betting on tribal land.
How to sign up for a North Carolina sports betting account with Caesars
The Caesars Sportsbook registration process is pretty simple. Most users can do it in less than five minutes. In general, users need to provide their name and other personal information that may include their Social Security number and a photo of an ID car.
Once approved, Caesars Sportsbook (NASDAQ: CZR) users can deposit money and place bets.
The Caesars app’s bet types include same-game parlays, prop bets, and traditional bets like the spread and moneyline. Additionally, users can live stream notable games.
Caesars has worked with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for several years through Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel & Casino Resort.
Michell Hicks, the tribe’s principal chief, said it’s that existing relationship that gives the tribe confidence in its online sports betting launch. “We eagerly anticipate the chance to introduce mobile sports betting to North Carolina, offering a fresh and new experience to all sports fans,” Hicks said.
Online sports betting should provide revenue boost for Caesars’ tribal partner
Online sports betting is a gold mine for major sportsbook operators. DraftKings and FanDuel take the biggest share of the markets they’re in, but Caesars and BetMGM typically carry the next biggest share of the market.
After that, smaller outfits like Bet365 and Fanatics battle for the remaining 5% or 6% of bets placed.
Also, working in Caesars’ favor? North Carolina is a sports-crazed state and it has the sixth-biggest population of states with legal online sports betting. Because of that, we should see North Carolina move into the top five or six states for handle (total amount bet) over the next year.
However, it’s going to be a tough climb. Eight other NC sportsbooks will likely be licensed by March 11, including heavy hitters such as DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as formidable foes like BetMGM and ESPN Bet.
Caesars Digital President Eric Hession said his company is “thankful” to provide online sports betting through its tribal partner. In a Caesars Entertainment press release, Hession said:
“We’re thankful to be able to offer wagering at the Harrah’s Cherokee properties as part of our longstanding relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and with the sports calendar heating up, there is a lot to be excited about. Thank you to the National Indian Gaming Commission, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, and its Sports Betting Committee for making this day a possibility.”
