(The Center Square) – Legal sports wagering in North Carolina’s second full fiscal year is on pace for a 22.3% increase to better than $142 million for state coffers.
December books closed the first six months with another $14.6 million in tax proceeds, pushing total thus far to $71,307,052. The average per day is better than $387,000, and the month was third best since inception in March 2024, according to the State Lottery Commission.
The fiscal year 2025 take for the state was $116.5 million.
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 $651.1 million in December and total won by bettors topped $581.3 million. The gross wagering revenue was $81,514,515 factoring in adjustments. Promotional revenue was $14.7 million.
The best months for the state’s total take are April 2024 ($18,945,301), November ($16,728,516), this past month ($14,672,613), October ($14,066,214) and November 2024 ($14,057,587).
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.
