(The Center Square) – Lower than any of 16 previous months, gamblers and their sportsbooks generated only $4 million for North Carolina coffers in July, the State Lottery Commission said Thursday.
At $131,690 per day average, the Department of Revenue’s estimated take is just 39% of the average per day (more than $334,000) since inception. The first full fiscal year ending June 30 generated $116,584,835.
The previous low month was August of last year at just more than $6 million. Last year’s July was also slower than most months at $7.6 million. Nine months have generated $10 million or more.
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 $361.5 million in July and total won by bettors topped $344.6 million. The gross wagering revenue was $22,679,993 factoring in adjustments. Promotional wagering revenue was $8.8 million.
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.
