(The Center Square) – High volume in activity during October yielded the second highest month of tax proceeds through legal sports wagering in North Carolina.
In its report Wednesday, the State Lottery Commission said gamblers and their sportsbooks provided more than $14 million to state coffers, second only to April 2024 – the second month of legalized gambling. Raking in more than $450,000 per day in the month, the state’s take since inception for 600 days is more than $205 million – a rate of $343,133 per day.
The first four months of fiscal year 2026 generated $39.9 million, or about $324,000 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 $784 million in October and total won by bettors topped $728.9 million. The gross wagering revenue was $78,145,630 factoring in adjustments. Promotional revenue was $27.1 million, down 15.1% from the previous month.
The best months for the state’s total take are April 2024 ($18,945,301), last month ($14,066,214), November ($14,057,587), January ($13,415,424) and September 2024 ($12,611,330).
The fiscal year 2025 take for the state was $116.5 million and this year’s 12-month pace, at $118.4 million, is similar at 1.6% higher. Year over year for the first four months, 2026 is 13.9% 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.
