As North Carolina is getting ready to expand its sports betting market, the North Carolina Lottery Commission (NCLC) has hired a deputy executive director of gaming compliance and sports betting.
Sterl Carpenter, who worked for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) for the past eight years, will oversee a new department within the NCLC to lead its sports betting program.
North Carolina sports betting has recently announced expansion beyond retail betting at the state’s three tribal casinos. Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law, a bill that made online sports betting and horse-race betting legal in the state.
The bill’s signing started a one-year window from Jan. 8 to June 14 to launch the new industry.
Veteran gaming professional joins NCLC
Sterl Carpenter has more than 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. Carpenter has worked for the MGC, serving most recently as sports betting operations manager and previously as regulatory compliance manager.
Mark Michalko, executive director of the NC. Education Lottery said in a news release:
“After an extensive search, we have selected an experienced professional to serve in the newly created role of Deputy Executive Director of Gaming Compliance & Sports Betting. Carpenter has experience in all aspects of regulations and licensing as well as compliance. We’re pleased to have someone with Carpenter’s experience and expertise leading this new gaming program in our state.”
The new role will establish a new department within the commission to lead its sports betting program. Carpenter will join the commission on Aug. 2.
North Carolina sports betting launch window opens in less than six months
Online sports betting in North Carolina is expected to go live in the first half of 2024.
According to HB347, the earliest launch date for North Carolina sports betting would be Jan. 8. The bill also gives the commission a year after becoming law to work out the regulations and licensure.
Besides overseeing the NC lottery, the NCLC will regulate all new gaming in the state. The bill allows up to 14 online sportsbook operators, including two tribal online sportsbook partners. It also imposes an 18% tax on gross gaming wagers with no deductions for promotional credits.
The Tar Heel State projects the North Carolina sports betting market to reach $100 million annually.