(The Center Square) – Nearly identical to the average for 18 months since inception, just under $10 million was captured in August for North Carolina through gamblers and their sportsbooks, the State Lottery Commission said Tuesday.
Coming off a record-low month of $4 million to begin the fiscal year, the state took in $9,739,814 – a tick below the $9,988,674 average. Sports wagering continues to yield more than a quarter-million daily, though the August average of $314,187 does pull down the initial burst that finished the fiscal year 2025 ending June 30 at $319,410 per day.
Since beginning play in time for March Madness in 2024, sports wagering in the state has brought in $179.7 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 $463.8 million in August and total won by bettors topped $420.6 million. The gross wagering revenue was $54,110,076 factoring in adjustments. Promotional wagering revenue was $14.8 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.
