(The Center Square) – Gamblers wagered more and won less than a month earlier on the way to delivering a new second-highest month of tax proceeds through legal sports wagering in North Carolina.
In its report Thursday, the State Lottery Commission said more than $16.7 million went to state coffers – topping the $14,066,124 from October that was previously second best. The rate of $557,617 per day was third highest all-time and pushed the total since inception past $222.6 million ($353,346 per day).
The first five months of fiscal year 2026 has generated $56.6 million, or about $370,000 per day.
The calculation for state coffers is 18% of the gross wagering revenue. That sum is the amounts received by interactive sports wagering operators from sports wagers as authorized under state law, less the amounts paid as winnings before any deductions for expenses, fees or taxes.
Total gambled exceeded $791.6 million in November and total won by bettors topped $717.5 million. The gross wagering revenue was $92,936,199 factoring in adjustments. Promotional revenue was $22.2 million.
The best months for the state’s total take are April 2024 ($18,945,301), last month ($16,728,516), October ($14,066,214), November 2024 ($14,057,587) and January ($13,415,424).
The fiscal year 2025 take for the state was $116.5 million and this year’s 12-month pace, at $135.9 million, is 16.6% higher. Year over year for the first five months, 2026 is 15.3% higher – with football season figuring to weigh into that equation.
Five things, per Session Law 2023-42, can happen with the proceeds. There’s $2 million annually to the Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction education and treatment programs; and there’s $1 million annually to the North Carolina Amateur Sports to expand youth sports opportunities.
Also annually, a third element is $300,000 to each of 13 state public school collegiate athletic departments. Fourth is $1 million annually to the N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission, which awards grants.
About 30% goes to help North Carolina attract major sporting events.
