(The Center Square) – High volume in activity during September yielded the fifth highest month of tax proceeds through legal sports wagering in North Carolina.
NFL football and full schedules for the collegiate teams – similar to a year ago – shook off the lower numbers of summer. In its report Wednesday, the State Lottery Commission said gamblers and their sportsbooks provided more than $12 million to state coffers.
The month ranks only behind April 2024 (more than $18.9 million), November ($14 million), January ($13.4 million) and September 2024 ($12.6 million). The first three months of fiscal year 2026 generated $25.8 million, or about $280,866 per day.
Since beginning play in time for March Madness in 2024, sports wagering in the state has brought in $198.8 million on an average of $337,106 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 $654 million in September and total won by bettors topped $615.1 million. The gross wagering revenue was $66,763,867 factoring in adjustments. Promotional revenue was $31.9 million, more than double the previous month coinciding with football’s return.
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.
